St. Charles, Ill. (July 23, 2013) -- Zephyr Route, a rail tours company based here, is offering two nostalgic rail journeys this fall. One involves a trip to Kansas City for an enjoyable weekend. The other involves a fall foliage trip through the Colorado Rockies.

Kansas City Weekend Tour

The Kansas City Weekend Tour takes place Friday through Sunday, Sept. 13-15. Boarding points are Chicago, Naperville, Princeton and Galesburg, Ill., plus Ft. Madison, Iowa.

A restored, vintage railcar named the Cedar Rapids will provide first-class, individual parlor car seating. Meals will be served at passengers' seats.

A unique glass-enclosed lounge at the end of the car offers spectacular vistas of the passing scenery.

The tour package includes two nights lodging at the Hyatt Hotel across the street from Kansas City's historic Union Station. Breakfast is also included.

On Saturday, passengers are free to select their own activities for the day and evening.

The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to the Hallmark Visitors Center and Shopping Mall and the World War I Memorial. There is easy access by city bus to Country Club Plaza, another famed shopping district.

Zephyr Route is also organizing a short motor coach tour of Kansas City narrated by a local historian.

Passengers also are welcome to join a group dining at Jack Stack's Restaurant, which has been voted the best in Kansas City for barbeque cuisine. This meal is not included in the tour.

The package price for the Kansas City Weekend Tour is $625 per person for both single or double hotel room occupancy.

The reservation and payment must be made by Saturday, Aug. 31, so Zephyr Route can determine if there's adequate interest to proceed.

Colorful Colorado Rockies Tour

The majestic and scenic Colorado Rockies between Denver and Glenwood Springs will be the highlight of the Colorful Colorado Rockies Tour also being offered this fall by Zephyr Route.

The travel dates are Thursday through Monday, Oct. 3-7.

Boarding points include Chicago, Naperville, Princeton and Galesburg, Ill., and Burlington, Iowa.

En route passengers will enjoy first-class rail service like that which was offered by the famed Burlington Route. Dining service will be in the traditional manner, with white linens, fresh flowers, chinaware and sparkling glassware and silverware. Savory dinners and breakfasts will be served both going to and returning from the Rockies.

Overnight rail accommodations are in first-class private rooms with private toilets and sinks. Shower service is available on an individual, scheduled basis.

A gorgeous, restored dome car from the infamous Santa Fe Super Chief will provide lounge and dome seating. Since seats are limited in the dome, guaranteed dome seating times will be scheduled so all passengers will have an opportunity to enjoy the dome views.

This trip has been scheduled to hopefully coincide with the spectacular aspen fall foliage time. While not guaranteed, this is generally the best chance to view the brilliant yellow and gold colors amidst the pine trees' green hues.

Glenwood Springs is the Colorado resort town destination. Lodging will be at the historic Hotel Colorado, once known as President Teddy Roosevelt's Western Whitehouse. The hotel has been restored to provide excellent accommodations and dining service. Breakfasts at the hotel are included.

Nearby is a huge sulfur springs pool for swimmers, which also has enjoyed longtime fame. Lovely shops and restaurants are within walking distance. Arrangements also can be made for golf at the nearby Glenwood Springs Golf Club.

The Colorful Colorado Rockies Tour package price is $1,995 per person, double occupancy. Please inquire regarding single occupancy rates. Reservations and payments must be made by Sept. 15 so Zephyr Route can determine if there's adequate interest to proceed.

Both the Kansas City Weekend Tour and the Colorful Colorado Rockies Tour can be reserved by contacting Zephyr Route. Call (630) 542-3607 or e-mail zephyr360@att.net.

The Zephyr Route website, www.zephyrroute.com, has a for a printable tour brochure. Click on the "Journeys" button.

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