FOR 21 years, the California Zephyr train and its renowned "vista domes" carried travellers across the US - until the jet age put the much-loved "silver lady" into retirement in 1970.
However in June next year, rail and cruise-loving Australians can once again ride aboard one of the original Zephyr carriages as part of a new cruise tour to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
The never-before-offered food and wine journey will see travellers cruise through Alaska for a week before touring the wineries of Oregon and joining a privately chartered heritage rail journey south to San Francisco to explore California's Napa Valley wine region by a century-old heritage train.
Including return flights, the Alaskan cruise aboard Celebrity Millennium and 37 meals, the escorted 18-night tour is available from $10,990 per person twin share, in an inside cabin.
The cruise-tour in an ocean-view cabin is available from $11,790 per person twin share.
Bookings made before July 31 for ocean-view cabins and above will receive a bonus drinks package.
1300-764-509, www.cruiseexpress.com.au
