One of the oldest and most interesting ways to see the Grand Canyon is on the Grand Canyon Railway. This Railway has delivered visitors to the Grand Canyon since 1901 - before it was designated a national park and before there were any hotels, tours or white water rafting! In fact, this was once really the only way to get here and was well-traveled for decades but in the mid-20th century the automobile became the preferred method of transportation to the Grand Canyon and train travel died out.

Luckily, today this Railway has been revived and takes over 230,000 people every year to the Grand Canyon National Park. It's a great way to see the Grand Canyon and you can choose from several different classes while riding in a restored vintage train and taking in the breathtaking views.

The Grand Canyon Railway consists of 65 miles starting at Williams Arizona and traveling to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. It takes about two hours and 15 minutes each way and affords views of different types of landscapes from beautiful forests to open desert to the 1500 foot drop along the canyon.

Tickets range in price depending on the class you purchase. Traveling in Budd coach class will cost you around $65 and you will be traveling in the 1950s vintage stainless steel car which has been totally refurbished and include air conditioning, accommodations for people with disabilities, and complimentary soft drinks.

If you prefer something a little older, for the same price as the Budd coach class, you can travel in the Pullman coach which is a restored 1923 Pullman car that has reversible seats and large windows. The windows open for fresh air, or the ceiling fans can provide some respite in the summer and the train has heat for the winter. Ultimately soft drinks are also available on the Pullman coach.

If you like to have a good drink while taking in the scenery, then you might want to travel club class which will cost you around $95 and will give you access to a great mahogany bar in a refurbished Harriman style Pullman from 1923. Coffee and pastries are available in the morning and complimentary soft drinks can be had throughout the day.

First class will set you back about 130 bucks but it's well worth it for the extra comfort of oversized reclining seats and extra large windows for great viewing. You'll also enjoy pastries and fresh fruit along with coffee and juice during the morning and champagne during the trip back. There are four first-class trains in the Grand Canyon Railroad, every one of them a vintage train that is been restored.

For $160 you can get fabulous views in dome class which affords panoramic views from a glass enclosed dome in a refurbished 1950s dome car. This class offers spirits as well as pastries, prove, coffee and juice on the trip out and snacks and champagne on the journey back.

$470 you can ride in parlor class where you can sit inside a beautifully we restored 1940s parlor car that has an open air platform in the back. Other amenities include a private bar, pastries, fruit, coffee and juice in the morning as well as champagne and appetizers in the afternoon.

If you are interested in taking a trip on the Grand Canyon Railway, look into some of their packages which include accommodations at the GCR Hotel or inside Green Canyon national Park.