Experience New Orleans your way on this 5-day independent train vacation. Beginning in Chicago, travel 1800 miles aboard Amtrak’s City of New Orleans to the Big Easy where you can uncover Old World European traditions and Caribbean flair in this magical city. Explore the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and Jackson Square. Embark on a plantation tour. Sample the Cajun and Creole cuisine. Delight in a beignet and coffee from the famous Café du Monde. Shop along Royal Street. You set your pace on this Express Tour, filling your days with as few or as many activities as you’d like.

View Dates and Prices Images & Route Map Tour Highlights and Inclusions View Itinerary

• Roundtrip rail transportation from Chicago aboard Amtrak’s City of New Orleans (2 nights on train)
• Hotel accommodations for 2 nights
• 5 meals
• Sightseeing and scenic excursions per itinerary
• Services of a professional tour manager

Scenic highlights of your trip include:

• Mississippi Delta
• Bourbon Street
• French Quarter
• Jackson Square

Day 1 – Depart Chicago
Meet your tour manager in Chicago’s Union Station this evening, where you will board Amtrak’s City of New Orleans and prepare for your 8:00 pm departure. As the train makes its way south through Illinois, enjoy dinner in the dining car and relax in the Sightseer Lounge. Overnight train. (D)

Day 2 – New Orleans
Breakfast and lunch are included as the train rolls through the Mississippi Delta toward the Crescent City. The City of New Orleans is scheduled to arrive at 3:30 pm. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour of the city. Our centrally-located hotel is near the French Quarter. Take the rest of the day to explore one of the fascinating cities in the world. Overnight New Orleans. (B, L)

Day 3 – New Orleans at Leisure
New Orleans is said to be a magical place with a balance of Old World and New, where European traditions blend with Caribbean flair. The history is as colorful as the local culture and architecture and the food is legendary. The Haitian and African Creole people have developed a unique, exotic cuisine and were instrumental in the creation of the jazz music that streams into the street. Today you may wish to embark on any number of sightseeing tours, a plantation or swamp tour, or a steamboat cruise. Overnight New Orleans.

Day 4 – New Orleans
The morning is free to further explore this magical city. Early this afternoon we’ll transfer to the train station in time for the 1:45 pm departure of the City of New Orleans bound for Chicago. Enjoy the same on-board amenities and accommodations as our southbound trip. You’ll want to spend time in the Sightseer Lounge and share your New Orleans experiences with fellow travelers. Overnight train. (D)

Day 5 – En Route to Chicago
After a full-course dining car breakfast, we’ll arrive in Chicago’s Union Station at 9:00 am where your New Orleans Express vacation comes to an end. (B)

Hotel is the Courtyard by Marriott. Amtrak accommodations are in Coach class and include a reclining seat with leg rest and access to the Sightseer Lounge car. Upgrades to Roomette and Bedroom sleeping accommodations are available for an additional fee.

Hotel accommodations are based on availability; substitutes will be similar in quality and amenities.