The Wall Street Journal

June 16, 2004

MONEY'S WORTH
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Trains
June 16, 2004; Page D12

Some travelers could argue there's no better way to see the countryside than by train. A look at three weeklong trips Oct. 31-Nov. 7 from Los Angeles to Seattle with "breathtaking" views of the Pacific coastline.

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SERVICE/PRICE: Amtrak/$1,201 round trip for two, with deluxe bedroom. Doesn't include five-night stay in Seattle.

ROOMS: The deluxe room has two single fold-down beds, with private toilet (trust us, you'll want this) and shower.

DESCRIPTION: This Coast Starlight is considered to be Amtrak's top long-distance train, and is the only one that has both a "kiddie car," and a 22-seat movie theater on board. Includes all meals.

NOTABLE: Between Seattle and Portland, National Park Service docents describe the scenery. There are also daily wine tastings.

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SERVICE/PRICE: American Orient Express / $9,980 one way for two with 90-day advance purchase. Doesn't include return flight.

ROOMS: The Presidential Suite is a double-sized room with two beds, and private toilet, sink and shower. Mahogany walls with brass fixtures.

DESCRIPTION: Vintage railcars, with period furnishings right out of Merchant Ivory. The trip includes stopover trips and hotel accommodations on two of the seven nights at the Ritz Carltons in Marina Del Rey and in San Francisco.

NOTABLE: Given its Halloween departure date, this particular trip is themed "Murder on the American Orient Express."

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SERVICE/PRICE: Scottish Thistle Private Rail Car/Approximately $22,400 round trip for up to six people.

ROOMS: Each of the two bedrooms has a Queen-sized bed and a fold-down bed. Two showers and bathrooms on the car.

DESCRIPTION: Private rail car with personal gourmet chef. You can tailor your trip in advance to stopover wherever you like for however many nights you want. Includes an attendant who will clean and bartend.

NOTABLE: The Thistle has played host to such luminaries as Tom Clancy and Hugh Hefner.

--Rob Turner

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