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New Railbookers collection celebrates America’s 250th with epic train trips

The Stars and Stripes Collection features 23 coast-to-coast routes highlighting historic cities, iconic landscapes and classic Amtrak journeys

Railbookers
Railbookers

With America’s 250th anniversary fast approaching, Railbookers is rolling out a patriotic new way to explore the country. The company has launched the Stars and Stripes Collection, a series of curated rail itineraries designed to take travelers through some of the nation’s most iconic landscapes, cities, and historic sites. The collection is offered in partnership with Amtrak Vacations and appears as part of Railbookers’ Travel Tuesday deals.

Showcasing the United States from coast to coast, the new collection includes 23 itineraries that span everything from East Coast colonial capitals to the majestic Rockies and the scenic Pacific shoreline. It’s a fitting tribute ahead of the country’s 250th birthday, offering travelers a chance to experience the story of America through its legendary rail routes.

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“Our company’s roots are deeply tied to showcasing the United States, and that makes it especially meaningful to share our new Stars and Stripes Collection with the world,” said Frank Marini, President and CEO of Railbookers Group. “From coast to coast, every part of America has a story worth celebrating, and with Amtrak Vacations, travelers can appreciate them seamlessly.”

Rail adventures from sea to shining sea

Amtrak echoed the excitement behind the new launch. “As America’s Railroad, Amtrak connects more people with more places, offering our guests unrivaled views of rural towns, city landscapes, and beautiful terrain across the country,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch. “We’re excited to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday, with The Stars and Stripes Collection as the premier way to travel and honor the occasion.”

More than three dozen destinations appear across the collection, from major cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles to historic touchstones like Boston, Philadelphia, Williamsburg and St. Augustine. Music hubs such as Memphis, Austin and New Orleans also make the list, along with at least seven national parks.

The itineraries feature Amtrak’s most iconic routes including the California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, City of New Orleans and Southwest Chief. Each trip includes rail travel, hotels, sightseeing and curated activities, with departures available immediately and up to two years out.

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word… Read Full Bio
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