As you sip the last of your extra dry martini, the gleaming cliffs of the Palisades, the cascading mountains of Glacier Park, or the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean glide effortlessly past the picture windows of your private railcar. It is quiet and cool in the car as it rides along like glass on a brilliant summer day. A uniformed steward catches your attention, and you opt to replace your martini with a classic Manhattan as you’re escorted to a nearby table for dinner service. Three other passengers are already seated; pleasantries exchanged over robust cheese plates and wedge salads give way to discussions of occupations, loved ones, and hobbies.

Your drink again runs dry, replaced quickly and wordlessly before your double lamb chop dinner is placed before you, still gently sizzling from its time under the broiler not a minute before. Your newfound friends at the table raise a toast over their maple-glazed salmon and chicken fricassee entrees, celebrating the quality and history of the food before you. All too soon, you’ve cleaned your plate, the last taste of fresh vegetables lingering on your tongue. An exquisite fresh-cut pie is served, the tart cherries mingling with the unique milk dough from a hundred-year-old railroad recipe. You watch the sunset as you finish your drink amongst lively conversation, before retiring to the plush seats of the lounge with your table companions to discuss the finer points of rail travel.

As the glimmering lights of American cities offer the only passing light outside the window, you indicate to a passing steward that you wish to retire. You are escorted to your private roomette, with a freshly turned down bed and lightly fluffed pillow. The original cast glass reading lamp above your head provides the soft glow in the room as you immerse yourself in silk linens. You close the window shade and switch off the light, letting the darkness envelop you as the gentle rocking of the train eases you into restful sleep.

The above is just a short example of a typical travel experience aboard a SRE excursion. A private railcar can be attached to an Amtrak train nearly anywhere in the country; click on the below map for a comprehensive view of SRE travel routes and destinations (highlighted in blue)!