Welcome to Chicago! Make your way to your hotel, where you can relax after your flight or head out to explore the ‘Windy City’.

To help you get around, you will have a two day pass for the Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Bus, which stops by all the top attractions, informative commentary en route. Hop off at Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate (aka The Bean!), at Navy Pier to ride the Ferris wheel or grab a “cheezborger” at Billy Goat Tavern, or at Water Tower, to wander down Magnificent Mile past upmarket shops and trendy restaurants.

Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown Wolf Point or similar

Use your hop-on hop-off pass to continue exploring Chicago today. For spectacular views over the city and Lake Michigan, there are two fabulous observation decks in town; CHICAGO 360 at 875 North Michigan Avenue, and Skydeck at the iconic Willis Tower.

In the evening, check out the city’s famous music scene at Blue Chicago, The Basement, Kingston Mines or another of the city’s blues clubs. Dinner this evening at a popular restaurant in Chicago is included.

Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown Wolf Point or similar

Dinner

After a last leisurely day in Chicago, make your way to the station and board Amtrak’s City of New Orleans train for a relaxing overnight trip south to Memphis. You’ll travel the length of Illinois, before cutting the corner of both Missouri and Arkansas to arrive into Tennessee.

Overnight on board the train

The train rolls into Memphis early in the morning. Make your way to your hotel, then head out to explore the sights and sounds of this musical city. A fun way to get around is by using the city’s historic trollies, recently brought back into service. Head to Sun Studio to see where Elvis, Roy Orbison and Jonny Cash recorded some of their best known records, or the Stax Museum dedicated to American soul. In the evening there is only one place to go; the neon-lit Beale Street, where you should find live music most nights of the week.

Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown or similar

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Memphis and nearby Graceland. With a local expert, you’ll head Downtown, to the Mississippi River, along Beale Street, to the Peabody Hotel (home of the famous duck parade!) and to many more wonderful attractions! At Graceland, you’ll get a glimpse into the the life of ‘The King’, before stopping in the Meditation Garden to see his final resting place, alongside his parents.

Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown or similar

Make your way to the station and board the Amtrak train to New Orleans. Take in the Southern scenery as you travel the history-laden musical roads of Mississippi before crossing into to Louisiana. Upon your arrival, head to your hotel, where you can settle in for the night or start exploring this famous city, the birthplace of jazz.

Wyndham New Orleans – French Quarter or similar

After a leisurely morning, join a city tour of New Orleans. Absorb the sights and sounds of the French Quarter and Jackson Square, and explore the historic cemeteries, often referred to as ‘Cities of the Dead’. Marvel at the fascinating stories of voodoo and piracy on Bayou St. John, the waterway used by Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates, and see one of the world’s longest bridges, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. 

Wyndham New Orleans – French Quarter or similar

Brunch

For your last full day in the South, there’s a special experience in store; a river cruise on a paddle-wheeler on the mighty Mississippi! Take in the amazing views of the French Quarter and the Port of New Orleans, as the boat’s captain entertains you with a detailed narration of the city’s landmarks, history and river lore. Disembark at the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. 

Wyndham New Orleans – French Quarter or similar

Your Chicago to New Orleans rail holiday comes to an end today. You can add extra nights in the ‘Big Easy’ or head to the airport to catch your flight home.