Sights & Sounds: Memphis & New Orleans
Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans are each steeped in deep music history, each playing important roles in the jazz, blues, and rock 'n roll scenes. Each city has a vibrancy and electricity like no other. Enjoy city stays in each location, drinking in the music scene and unique history. Connect each city with travel aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans, traveling south along the storied rail route through the Mississippi Delta.
Day 1 - Arrive in Chicago
Welcome to Chicago! Upon arrival today, check into your centrally-located hotel and take time to explore the city. Visit the Art Institute, shop along the Magnificent Mile, or go to the top of the Willis Tower for expansive views of the city and its outlying areas. Tonight you may wish to dine at one of Chicago's famous chop houses or enjoy some live music at a local Blues club. Overnight Chicago.
Day 2 - Chicago Sightseeing / Train to Memphis
The entire day is yours to explore the Windy City on a Hop On Hop Off sightseeing tour of Chicago's famous landmarks, top attractions, and popular neighborhoods. Take time to indulge in some deep dish pizza or a Chicago-style hot dog, stroll along the lakefront, or visit one of the city's renowned museums. This evening, transfer on your own to historic Union Station and board the City of New Orleans for your 8:00 pm journey to Memphis. As you leave the glistening lights of the city behind and travel south past the cornfields of Illinois, enjoy a restful evening in your onboard accommodations or meet fellow travelers in the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge. Overnight train.
Day 3 - Arrival in Memphis
The City of New Orleans is scheduled to arrive in Memphis a little before 6:30 am. Disembark the train and transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel. Memphis is alive with culture and history. Spend the day exploring the city, visiting its most prominent landmarks. Be sure to make time to indulge in some tangy treats at one of Memphis' barbecue restaurants. There are more than 100 of them! Memphis is also the birthplace of rock 'n roll and home to the blues and soul movements. Don't miss a visit to Beale Street to listen to the live music putting the city on the map today. Overnight Memphis.
Day 4 - Memphis Sightseeing
With your Memphis Music Attractions Pass in hand, visit four of the city's top music landmarks: Graceland, where you can tour Elvis Presley's mansion and see his collection of gold records, stage costumes and jewelry as well as Meditation Garden where Elvis and members of his family are buried; Rock 'n Soul, which examines the history of Memphis music and its impact on cultural change and showcases instruments, recording equipment, rare film footage, photographs, and vintage jukeboxes; the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, a multimedia museum celebrating the birth and life of soul music; and, Sun Studio, the birthplace of Rock 'n Roll where the likes of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, B. B. King, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and others launched their careers. Overnight Memphis.
Day 5 - City of New Orleans to the Big Easy
Transfer to the Amtrak station early this morning to board your train bound for New Orleans. Enjoy the scenery as you travel through Mississippi and into Louisiana, arriving in the Big Easy around 3:30 pm. Check into your centrally-located hotel with your evening at leisure to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the entertainment of the French Quarter including live music at many venues. Overnight New Orleans.
Day 6 - New Orleans Sightseeing
Today see all the sights of New Orleans on your hop on hop off sightseeing tour. Beginning in Jackson Square, see the city's famous landmarks and admire the French Creole architecture. Popular attractions along the route include the National WWI Museum, the French Market, St. Louis Cemetery, Mardi Gras World, and more. Overnight New Orleans.
Day 7 - Vacation Ends
Your train vacation through the Mississippi Delta ends today.
Hotels include the Palmer House Hilton, Grand Marriott Memphis, and JW Marriott New Orleans. 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 and include all meals aboard the train.
Hotel accommodations are based on availability; substitutes will be similar in quality and amenities.
Prices are land-only, per person. Prices are correct at the time of this web page going live, however are subject to change. Limited availability during the Superbowl and Mardi Gras.
