Embarking on an unforgettable journey, the Ales on Rails experience at Verde Canyon Railroad blends the enchantment of scenic rail travel with the delight of craft beer tasting. As passengers savor a champagne toast and first-class comforts, they’ll be whisked away through the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona, all while indulging in a curated selection of local ales. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the experience also includes a tantalizing lunch and cafe voucher, making it a well-rounded exploration of the region’s natural wonders and culinary delights.
Key Points
- Ales on Rails offers a scenic train ride through the Arizona countryside with a beer tasting experience, first-class seating, appetizers, and alcoholic beverages.
- The experience includes a champagne toast, a beer tasting on the patio with four tasting tickets, and a lunch and cafe voucher for the Copper Spike Cafe.
- The meeting and departure point is the Verde Canyon Railroad’s train depot in Clarkdale, Arizona, approximately a 2-hour drive from Phoenix and 35 minutes from Sedona.
- The train ride features stunning views of the Verde Canyon and access to first-class seating, appetizers, and alcoholic beverages throughout the journey.
- The beer tasting on the patio includes four samples of local ales, including a malty amber ale, hoppy IPA, chocolatey stout, and citrusy wheat beer.
Overview of Ales on Rails
The Ales on Rails experience at the Verde Canyon Railroad offers visitors a unique opportunity to indulge in a beer tasting and enjoy a scenic train ride through the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona.
This 11:30 am excursion includes a champagne toast, first-class seating, appetizers, and a selection of alcoholic beverages.
Passengers can also enjoy a beer tasting on the patio prior to departure, with four tasting tickets provided.
The experience also includes lunch and a café voucher for use at the Copper Spike Café at the depot.
With a maximum of 380 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and exclusive experience for those seeking to combine the flavors of craft beer with the beauty of the Verde Canyon.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sedona.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Ales on Rails experience includes a champagne toast, first-class seating, appetizers, and a selection of alcoholic beverages. Visitors can also enjoy a beer tasting on the patio prior to departure, with four tasting tickets provided.
Plus, the package covers lunch and a café voucher for use at the Copper Spike Café at the depot.
The experience doesn’t include:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Pets aren’t allowed on the train
- Alcoholic drinks beyond the provided offerings must be purchased separately
Meeting and Pickup Details
Passengers meet at the Verde Canyon Railroad’s train depot in Clarkdale, Arizona, which serves as both the meeting and departure point for the Ales on Rails experience. From Phoenix, it’s a 2-hour drive, while those coming from Sedona will have a 35-minute commute. The experience ends right back at the depot where it began.
Departure Details | |
---|---|
Meeting Point | Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324 |
Departure Point | Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot in Clarkdale, Arizona |
From Phoenix | 2 hours |
From Sedona | 35 minutes |
End Point | Same as meeting point |
Additional Information
Travelers receive confirmation at the time of booking for the Ales on Rails experience. Wheelchair accessibility and service animal allowance are provided, and most guests can participate. However, guests must be 21 years or older, and the maximum capacity is 380 travelers.
The Verde Canyon Railroad operates this tour, which offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Additional highlights of the Ales on Rails experience include:
- Champagne toast to start the journey
- Access to first-class seating, appetizers, and alcoholic beverages
- Beer tasting on the patio prior to departure with 4 taste tickets
- Lunch and a café voucher for use at the Copper Spike Café.
Train Ride Experience
Aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad, guests typically embark on a scenic journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona, sipping on local ales and savoring gourmet appetizers.
After a champagne toast, they’ll be treated to first-class seating and a beer tasting on the patio before the train departs.
During the ride, they can enjoy a delicious lunch and alcoholic beverages, which are available for purchase.
The experience also includes a cafe voucher for use at the Copper Spike Cafe prior to the departure.
With stunning views and a variety of inclusions, the Ales on Rails adventure offers a unique and memorable experience for all who participate.
Beer Tasting on the Patio
Prior to the train’s departure, guests gather on the patio for a beer tasting experience, where they’re provided with four tasting tickets to sample a variety of local ales.
This pre-departure activity allows visitors to explore the region’s craft beer scene and discover new flavors before embarking on their scenic railway journey.
The tasting includes:
- A smooth, malty amber ale
- A crisp, hoppy IPA
- A rich, chocolatey stout
- A refreshing, citrusy wheat beer
With the scenic backdrop of the Verde Canyon, guests can savor the local brews, mingle with fellow travelers, and prepare for the upcoming Ales on Rails adventure aboard the historic train.
Dining and Refreshments
Once aboard the historic train, passengers enjoy a champagne toast to kick off their Ales on Rails experience. They’re then treated to a selection of appetizers and a hearty lunch, all complemented by the availability of alcoholic beverages throughout the journey.
Prior to departure, passengers can enjoy a beer tasting on the patio, with four tasting tickets provided. The Copper Spike Cafe at the depot also offers a cafe voucher for use before the train departs.
While onboard, passengers can purchase additional alcoholic drinks. With a focus on dining and refreshments, the Ales on Rails experience promises to delight the senses and create a memorable journey through the stunning Verde Canyon.
Accessibility and Policies
The Ales on Rails experience is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are permitted on the train. Travelers must be at least 21 years old to participate, with a maximum capacity of 380 passengers for the event.
The railroad provides a confirmation upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
The accessibility and policies for Ales on Rails include:
- The train ride is wheelchair accessible.
- Service animals are allowed on the train.
- Participants must be 21 years of age or older.
- The maximum capacity for the event is 380 passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on the Train?
No, passengers cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages on the train. The Ales on Rails experience provides a selection of alcoholic drinks, including a beer tasting, as part of the inclusive package. External alcohol is not permitted.
Is There a Dress Code for the Ales on Rails Experience?
There is no formal dress code for this experience. Passengers should dress comfortably in casual attire appropriate for riding on a train and spending time outdoors. The focus is on enjoying the scenery and beverages, not strict dress requirements.
Can I Purchase Additional Beer Tasting Tickets on the Day?
Yes, passengers can purchase additional beer tasting tickets on the day of the experience. The details state that 4 beer tasting tickets are provided, but more can be purchased to sample additional beers during the pre-departure patio beer tasting.
Is There a Designated Smoking Area on the Train or Patio?
The Verde Canyon Railroad does not have a designated smoking area on the train or patio. Smoking is not permitted on the train or its premises in order to comply with local laws and ensure a comfortable experience for all passengers.
Can I Disembark the Train at a Different Station Along the Route?
Passengers are not able to disembark the train at different stations along the route. The tour operates as a round-trip experience, with the train departing from and returning to the same station in Clarkdale, Arizona.
Recap
The Ales on Rails experience at Verde Canyon Railroad offers a unique opportunity to enjoy scenic train travel and craft beer tasting in Arizona.
With first-class amenities, a beer tasting, and a delightful lunch, it’s a well-rounded adventure through the stunning landscapes of the region.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable journey, the Ales on Rails experience is sure to delight.
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