Sights & Sounds of Chicago, Memphis & New Orleans

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.

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 overnight journey to Memphis. As you leave the glistening lights of the city behind and travel south past the cornfields of Illinois, enjoy a restful night in your onboard accommodations or meet fellow travelers in the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge. Overnight train.

The City of New Orleans is scheduled to arrive in Memphis early this morning. 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.

Your morning sightseeing begins on Beale Street, voted the most iconic street in America by USA Today. Beale Street runs from the Mississippi River to East Street, nearly two miles of blues clubs and restaurants that make it one of the top tourist attractions in Memphis. Drive through Victorian Village, a historic neighborhood with homes that were built in the 1800s. Pass by the statues of B.B. King and Elvis Presley as well as the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel, where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Stop at A. Schwab, a Memphis institution that sells all things Memphis-from regional arts and crafts, to dry goods, magic potions, candies, books, magazines and more-and the Peabody Memphis, a landmark, 13-story downtown hotel.

Stop at Sun Studio, where Elvis Pressley recorded his first song. Hear the voices of musicians that still haunt this studio, as you listen to outtakes from recording sessions and feel the energy of the music created here.

After your city tour, enjoy views of Memphis from a new vantage point on a leisurely cruise along the Mississippi River. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Memphis independently. Overnight Memphis.

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 mid-afternoon. 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.

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 WWII Museum, the French Market, St. Louis Cemetery, Mardi Gras World, and more. Overnight New Orleans.

Your train vacation through the Mississippi Delta ends today.