Sights & Sounds of Chicago, Memphis & New Orleans

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Sights & Sounds of Chicago, Memphis & New Orleans



Tour Description:

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.

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. Begin in the Windy City, where you have the opportunity to visit popular destinations such as the Willis Tower, Navy Pier and the Shedd Aquarium. The city is full of classic Blues clubs for you to spend your night enjoying.

After your stay in Chicago head to the famous Union Station where you will board Amtrak's renowned City of New Orleans bound for Memphis. Some of rock and roll's greatest came from Memphis, and you have the opportunity to visit where The King himself resided, when you tour famous Graceland! Don't forget to try Memphis' famous barbeque, or take a stroll down the illustrious Beale Street.

After your rock and roll stay in Memphis, head south to the heart of Jazz. Travel along the storied rail route through the Mississippi Delta as you arrive in New Orleans for your two-day conclusion of the tour. Spend your final days drinking in the music scene and visiting legendary attractions such as the French Market, the St. Louis Cemetery and Bourbon Street.

This vacation is also available from New Orleans to Chicago based on your travel preference.

Highlights:
* Transportation aboard Amtrak (1 night on train)
* Meals on board the train when upgrading to Roomette or Bedroom sleeping accommodations
* Hotel accommodations for 5 nights
* Chicago Hop On/Hop Off tour
* Memphis music attractions pass including Graceland
* New Orleans Hop On/Hop Off tour

Map for Sights & Sounds of Chicago, Memphis & New Orleans
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Dates & Pricing



Destination & Sightseeing

ITINERARY

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 WWII 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.