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New Orleans Express

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You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
20262027
5 days From $1,095 $995 per person
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Explore two iconic cities on an express tour of Chicago and New Orleans.

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
New Season Savings

Save up to $1,000 per couple on select 2026 & 2027 escorted and independent vacations when you book before January 31, 2026.

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2026 Tour code: GC-NOER-26

About the tour

Embrace the Windy City and learn a bit of what makes it unique with an architecture tour on the Chicago River. The following day, travel 1800 miles aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans to the Big Easy where you can discover the amazing architecture, culture, and cuisine in this vibrant city. Enjoy some folkore and sample the Cajun and Creole cuisine during a cooking demontstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Indulge in a beignet and coffee from the famous Café du Monde. Follow your ear on Frenchmen St, shop along Royal Street, and take in the sights as you explore the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and Jackson Square.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Chicago

Arrive in Chicago and transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel. Opt to add a Hop-On/Hop-Off sightseeing tour to see Chicago's most popular sights and attractions including Willis Tower for incredible views from the Skydeck, Navy Pier for lakeside entertainment and dining, the Magnificent Mile for extensive shopping opportunities, world-class museums and more! Overnight Chicago.

*There's so much to see and do in this iconic city. Speak to your rail specialist about adding additional nights or activities in Chicago.

Day 2 - Train to New Orleans

Explore the city on the Chicago River with an architecture tour full of storytelling and little known facts about this iconic city. The rest the day is yours to go to Millenium Park, check out a museum, walk along Lake Michigan, or add Food & Walking Tour. This evening transfer on your own to historic Union Station, where you will board Amtrak's City of New Orleans. As the train makes its way south through Illinois, opt to enjoy dinner in the dining car and relax in the Sightseer Lounge. Overnight train.

Day 3 - New Orleans

Spend the day relaxing aboard the train as it rolls through the Mississippi Delta toward the Crescent City. The City of New Orleans train is scheduled to arrive mid-afternoon. Upon arrival, transfer to your centrally-located hotel with the remainder of the day at your leisure to take in the music, sights, and flavors of New Orleans. Overnight New Orleans.

Day 4 - New Orleans Sightseeing

New Orleans is a vibrant city where European traditions blend with Caribbean flair. The history is as colorful as the local culture and architecture, and the food and music are legendary. Enjoy a cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Sample local dishes as you learn some of the history and traditions that make New Orleans unlike any other city in the US.

With the rest of your day, opt to add a Jazz Tour, a Swamp and Bayou Sightseeing Boat Tour, a Hop-On/Hop-Off sightseeing tour, or explore the city at your leisure. For a sweet treat or an afternoon pick-me-up, stop by Café du Monde for a café au laits and world famous beignets. In the evening, watch the city come to life from a jazz bar or on Bourbon St. Overnight New Orleans.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 5 - Tour Conclusion

Your tour ends upon check out of your hotel.

*There's so much to see and do in this virbrant city. Speak to your rail specialist about adding additional nights or activities in New Orleans. Or opt to make this tour round trip with rail back to Chicago.

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 featuring two comfortable seats beside a picture window during the day, converting 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. All travelers have access to the Sightseer Lounge.

Roomette and Bedroom accommodations include all meals aboard the train. 

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. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Palmer House Hilton, Chicago

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Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans

Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans

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Train

Amtrak's City of New Orleans
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