Craving a European vacation but lack the time (and maybe the money) to cross the pond? Want to feel like you're getting away from it all without going too far?
Montreal, with its European charm and French-speaking population, might just be the closest to Europe you can come without actually boarding a plane headed across the Atlantic. And thanks to Amtrak's Adirondack, getting there is even easier and doable at a fraction of the cost. Tickets are only $77 each way-what's not to love?
Each morning at 8:15, the Adirondack, often called the most scenic train ride in the world, sets out on a 11-hour journey through some of the Northeast's most picturesque countryside, traveling up the Hudson Valley past Saratoga Springs, Lake George and Lake Placid before heading into Canada for Montreal's Gare Central.
Heading out of the city through the wine country of the Hudson Valley offers spectacular scenery (sit on the left side on your ride up for the best views of the Hudson), especially in the Fall when on the return trip (Montreal to Albany) Amtrak adds a dome car to the front of the train affording passengers a stunning 360-degree view of New England's colorful Fall foliage. Even without Fall's color, passengers will have plenty of scenic vistas to take in, from rolling hills and quaint New England farms to mountains and rivers and, finally, the cityscape of Montreal.
No amount of striking scenery will keep the hunger pangs away, however. Not on an 11-hour journey. Thankfully, Amtrak's Café Car has partnered with Panache Creative Cuisine to offer passengers savory artisan sandwiches, burgers, fresh salads and wraps, and toasty paninis, along with variety of snacks and premium spirits, beer and wine.
Even those who are more interested in their laptops than what's outside their window will enjoy the ride as Amtrak offers complimentary Wi-Fi in every car. Be forewarned, if you're planning on Instagramming your journey into Canada, service gets spotty as you move further north.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Dunkin' Donuts comes to the Acela Express trains. /READMORE]
Internet connection notwithstanding, you will want to have your phone handy (or camera if you're doing this trip old school) as you pass Lake Champlain lest you catch a glimpse of Champ, the closest thing to the Loch Ness Monster that Americans have. All told there have been more than 300 sightings of Champ, or Champy as he's known by those who love him, dating back as far as 1609.
Regardless of whether you snap a prize-winning shot of Champy, you can sit back and enjoy your journey. Train cars offer passengers plenty of leg room, ample space for carry-on luggage, and a little something that's fondly referred to as the bar car.
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