We are considering taking a train trip on the American Orient Express in September. It leaves from Albuquerque and goes to the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and ends up in Salt Lake City. Has anyone done this trip or has anyone taken a similar trip on the American Orient Express?

We have done two of the American Orient Express trips - including the one you are considering and they are wonderful. We had a great time, saw lots of neat sights and met wonderful people. You'll love it!!

alphie, we are thinking about this trip now, too - after we saw the special on Travel Channel about it last night. A pleasant diversion from poker and Vegas.

So how does this work? Do they take you off the train at the cities and bus you to the parks?

Apparently so. You don't spend all your time on the train - they showed passengers staying at Jackson Lake Lodge and other park hotels. On the train, you are served 5-course meals (which looked absolutely incredible). They didn't show the sleeping accomodations. I don't think they came out and said it, but it appeared to be all-inclusive, including meals inside the parks. Cali, please tell us more!

Now that I think about it, maybe they didn't stay at Jackson Lake Lodge...I think that was the "Inns and Lodges in National Parks" show I watched right after the Orient Express show. But it did appear they stayed inside the parks.

Yes, you do get off the train in different spots and go to differernt places to see the scenery, have a special dinner, etc. We also did the trip down from Seattle to LA and stopped at wineries, etc. and it was tons of fun. You are treated very well and the food is wonderful and special as is the scenery. We stayed in hotels at a couple spots. Truly a wonderful and magical trip. Hope you love it.

Thanks, Cali--sounds great! I have the brochure and am trying to decide about the accommodations. We definitely want one with a private bath--which would you recommend--parlor suite, classic presidential suite, or grand suite? Also did you do any of the side trips? And, if so, which would you recommend--Exploring Yellowstone Hike and/or Snake River Scenic Float Trip? Did you use the add on flight option or make your own travel arrangements?

Hi Alphie, sorry I am late getting back to you. We have been out of town and I just got back on my computer. We did the Parlor Suite for one trip and the Presidential Suite for the other and preferred the Presidential but either would be fine. We did so side trips and enjoyed the snake river float trip. We aren't big on hiking due to some joint problems but the float trip was fine and fun. We planned our own flights as we wanted to stay some places after the trip but you can do either. I am not sure if you can find better prices for your destination or not. Friends we met on the trips had purchased the flight options and they were satisfied. You will have a great trip no matter what you decide to do. It is a wonderful experience. We are planning another trip with some friends we met on the trip and some other long-time friends. It will be fun.