Great for couples! - “The third most scenic railroad”. They didn’t say if that was third most scenic in the world, in the US, or just in AZ, but it was certainly scenic. A geologic layer cake of sandstone & limestone, a cliff dwelling, a lush river valley, and both extant and abandoned homesteads. Incredible stargazing once the sun set! 3.5 hours for a 40 mile round trip. We did the evening wine tasting ride. Would only do the wine tasting again if it were the evening for Arizona wineries. Overall, a great way to spend an evening together.

Fun Adventure for Couples - What a fun experience! My husband booked us on the evening "wine train" in mid-May, and not only was the weather perfection, the entire evening was splendid. Tim, our history guide on the outside car was knowledgeable and funny while pointing out places of interest and unusual rock formations. Nate, our bartender and inside car guide was great, also. The train ride took about 4 hours and what a relaxing ride it was. My husband and I opted in for the dinner upgrade (which you pick up before boarding the train) and the snack tray on the train. The dinner (I had the chicken salad, husband had the turkey sandwich) was a large serving size and very fresh. The limited menu items (burger, sandwich, chicken straps, salad, wrap) are all made as you order, so you are able to customize your selection. Make sure to bring a jacket if traveling in the evening; the outside car gets chilly but the views of the stars unmarred by city lights is magical.

Stargazing and Wine Tasting - It was great! The train is awesome. We were in the Jerome car but spent most of our time outside on the open air car. Byron, our guide outside, had great info about the train, railroad and canyon. Lots of fun antidotes too! The wine tasting was well done. Each cars bartender brought around a wine to taste and told us about the wine and where it came from. There were six total wines to taste. There is also a full bar available and a prepackaged snack that was nice to nibble on. The scenery is amazing. The train well cared for. The employees all seem to enjoy their jobs and serving customers. After dark the stars come out and the stargazing was beautiful. All around a great way to spend an evening.

Superb train ride. - The train ride was memorable. The wine was excellent. The staff was great, Might want to do it again. Kudos to all.

Lovely evening train ride with great wine! - The Verde Valley Railway staff are exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable of the history of the region, and fun. We enjoyed tasting 5 different wines, and they were available for sale at reasonable rates. Other beverages were available for sale. The charcuterie board was delicious and filling and that's just the train experience. The scenery traveling through the gorge was magnificent as we rode right above the Verde River. Sunset on the canyon walls made for great photo opportunities. At nightfall moon and star gazing was just as beautiful. Highly recommend this experience and it's worth the cost!

Great train ride. - What a fun trip. A 3.5 hour train ride through the Verde Canyon and back. We followed the Verde River the whole way. Beautiful scenery and comfortable riding. This was a wine tasting trip and very enjoyable. Friend guides and attendants serving the wine and relating some of the history of the area. We spent most of the trip on the outside open railroad car viewing the scenery but the inside seating and tables are very comfortable Bars are available for drink purchase and I think food also but we didn't eat on the train. The guide was informative but music was playing the whole time and often, (depending on where he was standing) prevented it from being audible. Stopping the music during the trip would have been preferable.

Wine, scenery and a mighty good time. - A very comfortable train ride through beautiful and awe inspiring scenery. The staff are thoughtful, cheerful and seem to be having as much fun as we were. The choice of wines, of course, are limited, but they came with delightful snacks. There was also a full bar for those who want other drinks.

Great experience - It was a wonderful evening but they really need microphones on the people talking about all the history of the canyon that is piped into the closed cabins also because we only got one 16th of what he was saying

Fun and disappointing at the same time. - Beautiful views of the Verde Valley! The gentleman sharing information about the valley was interesting. It was a fun trip BUT it was disappointing to return to the station in the dark. It would of been better to return in the sunset. The wine taste was disappointing. I would of enjoyed more commentary talking about the wines and what they pair with. Also riding on the open car to see the view was impossible to hold the box with the crackers etc . We drank the wine and then went in to eat the snacks after dark. It would of been much better to have the wine taste and pairing after dark. If I decide to do the ride again I will not do the wine taste.

Scenic Train Ride & Good Wine Tasting - Nice selection of wines for tasting and scenic train ride but there is nothing at end of train route. In addition, did not see anyplace during booking that allowed friends who booked separately to sit together. The staff were wonderful and rearranged seating to accommodate us but would be better if it could be done before Checkin.