Blues Rails (Chicago – New Orleans)

Welcome to Chicago! Depending on your arrival time, you can already start exploring the city on your own.
Chicago is renowned for its architecture and boasts some of the tallest buildings in the world. In the late afternoon, take the time to stroll down the “Magnificent Mile” and its famous shops.
Overnight at a hotel in Chicago.

In the morning, you join a group for a 3.5-hour guided tour in French of “Downtown Chicago”.
You’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic sites such as the Willis Tower, John Hancock Building, Skydeck Chicago, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, 360 Chicago, and much more. Learn about the city’s history and its importance in the industrialization of the country. During the weekday tour, entry to some iconic buildings is scheduled.
Overnight at a hotel in Chicago (B&B).

Day at leisure, then in the evening, make your own way to Chicago Union Station. Here, your train journey across the USA begins: settle comfortably into a “Superliner Roomette” cabin with two bunk beds (meals included) aboard the “City of New Orleans”, which will take you on an overnight journey to Memphis.
Overnight train, Superliner Roomette category (B&B, Dinner)

After breakfast on board your American night train, you arrive in Memphis early in the morning.
Drop off your luggage at the hotel in downtown Memphis and start your self-guided exploration of the city with its unique atmosphere, the birthplace of blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Explore the heart of Memphis, the “downtown,” passing through Beale Street, Peabody Hotel, and Sun Studio.

Tickets to the Memphis Rock’n’Soul Museum and Music Hall Of Fame Museum complete your day of visits where you discover the origins and pioneers of blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
Overnight at a hotel in Memphis. (B&B)

Free day for personal exploration. Don’t miss the former home of the King, Elvis, at Graceland.
There, you can see, among others, his personal mementos, costumes, gold and platinum records. The Meditation Garden also houses Elvis Presley’s grave, where he is buried next to members of his family.
Overnight in Memphis. (B&B)

Your railway adventure continues. Early in the morning, make your way to the station and board the Amtrak train bound for New Orleans. Breakfast and lunch are available on board (included in the ticket).
The journey through the south of the Mississippi is breathtaking before arriving in Louisiana, where Jazz was born.

Arrival in New Orleans in the mid-afternoon.
Overnight in New Orleans. (B&B, Lunch)

Your day begins with a “Jazz Brunch” at the restaurant “The Court of Two Sisters” (replaced by dinner at a sought-after restaurant when brunch is not possible).
Then, a guided tour of the French Quarter completes your first day in Louisiana. During 3.5 hours you’ll learn about the origins of this vibrant music known as New Orleans Jazz. The streets of Tremé, the oldest neighborhood in the country, are a must-see.

Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in New Orleans. (B&B)

Your immersion in the Deep South continues.
Take a cruise on the Mississippi, with an exceptional view of the Port of New Orleans and other famous sites. The captain narrates the cruise with detailed information about the city and the river. Lunch on board included.

Visit the historic site of the Battle of New Orleans on your own.
Overnight in New Orleans. (B&B, Lunch)