Deals on North American Rail and on the Old Sod

by James Ruggia
Last updated: 4:49 PM ET, Fri January 17, 2014

PHOTO: The classic age of American trains is back on track with Pullman Rail Journeys. (courtesy Pullman Rail Journeys.

Pullman Rail Journeys Offers Early Bird Savings

Pullman Rail Journeys, which connects Chicago and New Orleans by first-class passenger service on historic restored Pullman cars, brought out its inaugural Early Booking Savings program. The offer includes a limited number of inclusive fares offered at values up to 60 percent off published rates on each departure.

The interior of each rail car is fully restored in the original Pullman style with open sections, compartments and drawing rooms with double windows. Each bedroom features a large window to watch the passing landscape. Meals are served in the Lounge and Dining cars with the option for room service upon request. Guests can socialize with fellow passengers in the Club, Observation or Dining car and enjoy entertainment on select departures.

Trains depart weekly from Chicago's Union Station at 8 p.m. every Thursday and arrive in New Orleans' Union Station the following day at 3:45 p.m. Northbound departures from New Orleans are every Sunday at 1:45 p.m. with arrivals into Chicago the following day at 9 a.m.

Fares with savings begin at $240 per person each way featuring overnight sleeping accommodations onboard, fine food and beverages including wine and spirits, served with impeccable Pullman style. Hotel packages at iconic New Orleans and Chicago properties are also available.

Rocky Mountaineer Offers Stay and Play Value Add

The Rocky Mountaineer's Stay and Play offer, valid through Feb. 28, entitles guests booking packages of four nights or more up to $600 per couple in added value, which can be used to further customize their Rocky Mountaineer vacations. Extra hotel nights, additional activities, and Alaskan cruises are just a few options for guests to choose from when taking advantage of this offer.

This year Rocky Mountaineer will run 24 departures of the new Coastal Passage route, and the recently introduced Norwegian Cruise Line partnership. The Canadian Rockies Highlights & Coastal Passage holiday is one of the many vacation packages that are eligible for the Stay and Play offer.

The eight-day, seven-night holiday is exclusively available in GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Service. Guests travel between Seattle and the Canadian Rockies onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, overnighting in Vancouver, Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary.

The maximum added value of $600 is applicable to new bookings of seven nights or more in GoldLeaf Service. Bookings in SilverLeaf and RedLeaf Service are also eligible for the Stay and Play offer at a reduced value. Further restrictions may apply.

Ancestral Home of O'Briens Offers Deals to Come Home

Ireland's Dromoland Castle is celebrating a millennium of its royal history in 2014 with a group of packages. The ancestral home of the O'Briens, Barons of Inchiquin, the castle and demesne once were home to one of the few native Gaelic Irish families of royal blood. The O'Briens were direct descendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru), the high king of Ireland in the 10th century who died in the Battle of Clontarf in 1014.

In recognition of this illustrious history, Dromoland will offer several castle experiences to all O'Briens visiting Ireland in 2014. This opportunity results from the castle's association with Grania O'Brien, daughter of the 16th Baron Inchiquin. O'Brien, who was the last family member to reside in the castle when it remained in private hands, served as secretary to a member of Parliament in London before being posted as Social Secretary to diplomatic missions in Spain, Japan, Britain, and Peru.

She has also conducted considerable research of clan records, such as those held by the National Library of Ireland, Trinity College, Dublin; the Clare Champion; and the Northern Ireland and London Public Record Offices, in addition to primary sources.

Dromoland will offer the following packages to celebrate this heritage. The Overnight at the Castle Package, for instance, offers O'Briens a night in their ancestral home. The package includes accommodations, a full Irish breakfast, and access to the 450 acre estate.

In addition, guest parties will join Ms. O'Brien in the drawing room for morning coffee, where she will recount the many facets of life at the castle, followed by lunch as well as a presentation of parchments and signed copies of her book, These My Friends and Forebears. The package is available from March 1 to May 31 at a cost of €195 per person sharing. There are several other O'Brien packages as well.

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