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Chicago, New Orleans, Washington DC, New York City

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Combine travel aboard 3 renowned rail routes with visits to Chicago, New Orleans, Washington DC, and New York City for a memorable vacation through the Midwest, South, and East Coast.

You are viewing the 2021 itinerary. Select your departure year
20212022
11 days From $2,315 per person

2021 Tour code: EC-CNWE-21

About the tour

Combine three fantastic rail journeys with visits to four of America's top cities for an excellent train vacation in the Midwest, Deep South, and east coast. Begin in Chicago where highlights include the picture-perfect lakefront, great cultural activities, and towering skyscrapers. Travel by overnight train to New Orleans where the lively French Quarter, swamps and bayous add extra spice to your travels. Continue by train to the nation's capital and explore famous monuments and museums before hopping on a day train to the "city that never sleeps," New York City, with visits to the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial and Empire State Building.

Itinerary is available Westbound, from New York City to Chicago, based on your travel preference.

Highlights

View Dates & Pricing

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Chicago

Arrive in the "Second City" and enjoy the sights with a hop-on/hop-off tour of Chicago's top sights and attractions. Tease your taste buds with a five-star meal at one of the many world-class restaurants or try a local favorite, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Enjoy a night at the Opera or a Broadway play at one of Chicago's historic theaters. Overnight Chicago.

Day 2 - Explore Chicago

You have the entire day to explore the city. Visit the museums, stroll along Navy Pier, take a ride down Lake Shore Drive, shop the Magnificent Mile, and experience the art and architecture of the birthplace of the skyscraper. Overnight Chicago.

Day 3 - Train to New Orleans

Take your last day in Chicago to explore new aspects of the city, revisit your favorite sights from your stay, sample delicious cuisine, or shop for souvenirs. This evening transfer on your own to historic Union Station and board Amtrak's City of New Orleans for your southbound journey to the Big Easy. Relax on the train and take in the evening views. Overnight train.

Day 4 - New Orleans

Spend the day enjoying the changing landscape from the train. You are scheduled to arrive in New Orleans mid-afternoon. Make your way to your French Quarter hotel and take the remainder of the day to marvel at the historic architecture, take a stroll down Bourbon Street, or enjoy some Dixieland Jazz. Overnight New Orleans.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch (sleeping car passengers only)
Day 5 - New Orleans Walking Tour / Swamp & Bayou Excursion

The day starts with an up-close look at Louisiana's wildlife on a guided boat ride through the swamps and bayous*. Keep an eye out for alligators, raccoons, snakes, turtles and more as you learn about the local Cajun culture and mysteries of the swamps and bayous. This afternoon take a guided walking tour of the French Quarter. Your knowledgeable guide will introduce you to the history, mysteries, and architecture that surround one of America's oldest cities as you stroll through the quaint streets of the French Quarter, the French Market and Jackson Square. Overnight New Orleans.

*Swamp and Bayou tour in New Orleans is seasonal operating from March 1-October 31.

Day 6 - Train to Washington DC

The morning starts off early as you transfer to the train station for you departure on Amtrak's Crescent to Washington, D.C. Rejoice in all of your New Orleans experiences during your full day onboard. Overnight train.

Includes
  • Lunch, Dinner (Sleeping Car passengers only)
Day 7 - Washington, DC

You're scheduled to arrive in the nation's capital mid-morning. You will have the day and night to experience the city. Visit the White House, Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall, the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, and Lincoln's Memorial among many sights to see in Washington, D.C. Overnight Washington, D.C.

Includes
  • Breakfast (Sleeping Car passengers only)
Day 8 - Explore Washington, DC

Take a trip on the Old Town Trolley and see all of the best sights in the city including a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. Spend the rest of the day admiring the Beaux Arts Architecture of DC and enjoying some of the finest restaurants DC has to offer. Overnight Washington, DC.

Day 9 - Train to New York

Transfer on your own to Union Station for your journey to New York City. Arrive this afternoon at Penn Station. The remainder of your day in the "Big Apple" is yours to take a bicycle ride through Central Park, visit the Museum of Modern Art, or enjoy a musical at the theater. There are so many things to do in New York! Overnight New York City.

Day 10 - New York Sightseeing

Spend the day visiting more than 30 of Manhattan's must-see sights on a Hop On/Hop Off double-decker bus tour. Highlights include Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Greenwich Village, Battery Park and more. Overnight New York City.

Day 11 - New York

Your adventure ends with an independent departure home.

Additional information

Pricing Plans

Amtrak accommodations are available in Coach class, Roomette and Bedroom.

Coach accommodations include a reclining seat with leg rest.

Roomette accommodations include a private cabin that features two comfortable seats beside a picture window during the day, which converts to an upper and lower berth at night.

Bedroom accommodations feature a sofa and chair by day and upper and lower berth by night. Bedroom accommodations also include a sink and self-enclosed toilet and shower.

Please Note

During Festival time such as Mardi Gras and Jazz festivals, certain sightseeing is not available.

Please be aware Amtrak may experience occasional schedule changes and service disruptions.  Vacations By Rail recommends visiting the Amtrak web site prior to your departure for the latest information.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Palmer House Hilton, Chicago

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Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans

Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans

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Sheraton Times Square, New York

Sheraton Times Square, New York

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Sheraton, Washington

Sheraton, Washington

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Trains

Amtrak's Crescent
Amtrak's City of New Orleans
Amtrak's Northeast Regional

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