Amtrak Vacations Logo
1-800-268-7252
(1-800-AMTRAK-2)
9AM - 7:30PM ET
9AM - 5:30PM ET
MON-FRI
SATURDAY

Jazz, Blues and Rock 'N Roll By Rail

Ride the Rails through the Heartland of Uniquely American Music

  • Chicago>
  • Memphis>
  • New Orleans

Celebrate American rhythm on a nine-day rail journey through three cities pulsing with legendary music. Launch your vacation in Muddy Waters’ Chicago. Sample the city’s sounds and the fare at Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush. Then move on to Memphis, the birthplace of Rock ‘N’ Roll. While there, tour Graceland®, and visit the world-famous Sun Studio. Rejoin Amtrak, and ride to New Orleans. Savor a jazz brunch at Court of Two Sisters, and feel the beat of Bourbon Street. Trace the story of three musical genres rooted to three heartland cities.

For more information or to make a reservation,
call our rail vacation experts at 1-800-AMTRAK-2

Package Includes:

  • Seven nights' hotel accommodations
  • One Way Amtrak from Chicago to Memphis in Roomette accomodations; meals included in dining car
  • One Way Amtrak from Memphis to New Orleans in Coach accommodations
  • Chicago City Tour
  • Dinner at Choice of Restaurant in Chicago
  • Dinner at Alfred's on Beale Street, Memphis
  • Memphis Tour including Graceland
  • Admission to Sun Studio
  • Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch in New Orleans
  • New Orleans Area tour
  • Admission to Mardi Gras World
  • Travel Portfolio
  • All Taxes
Map of Jazz, Blues and Rock 'N Roll By Rail train vacation Click to Zoom The Map

*Sample price does not include transportation to Chicago or New Orleans to start your rail journey. Price may vary based on availability and time of travel.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY**

DAY 1 Arrive in Chicago
Welcome to Chicago, known as the Windy City or the Second City. Take a walk down the magnificent mile for world-class shopping, dinner and attractions or check out one of the many famous blues clubs like Buddy Guy’s Legends or Rosa’s 
Lounge. (Overnight in Chicago) 

DAY 2 Enjoy Chicago
Enjoy your choice of tour for Chicago.We suggest seeing the city by boat. Take in a Broadway show or go see Sue at the Field Museum. Sue is the world’s largest, most complete t-rex. A dinner at your choice of restaurants is included. (Overnight in Chicago) 

DAY 3 Chicago to Memphis
Transfer to Chicago’s Union Station and board the“City of New Orleans” train in roomette accommodations. While onboard, enjoy the new Cross Country Café serving regional cuisine. (Overnight on train) 

DAY 4 Arrive in Memphis
Your arrival in Memphis will be very early in the morning. Transfer to your hotel and check your luggage with the bell desk. A Memphis area tour is included and may be taken on this day. See where Rock ’N Roll was born. (Overnight in Memphis) 

DAY 5 Explore Memphis
Wake up refreshed and get ready to see Graceland, Elvis’s home. During your stay in Memphis you will also experience world-famous Beale Street with a dinner at Alfred’s on Beale. (Overnight in Memphis) 

DAY 6 Memphis to New Orleans
Transfer to the Memphis Amtrak Station and board your train in coach accommodations. You will travel about 400 miles to New Orleans. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your New Orleans hotel. Welcome to the birthplace of jazz. 
(Overnight in New Orleans) 

DAY 7 Enjoy New Orleans
Jazz it up in New Orleans! Start the day with the famous Brunch at the Court of Two Sisters Restaurant. Walk down Bourbon Street and take in the atmosphere. Visit Mardi Gras World, where New Orleans’ famous party comes to life. 
(Overnight in New Orleans) 

DAY 8 Tour New Orleans
Take a complete tour of New Orleans and see such sites as the Garden District, French Latin Quarter and even some remnants of Hurricane Katrina to never let us forget this tragic occurrence. (Overnight in New Orleans) 

DAY 9 Vacation Ends in New Orleans
Bid farewell to the birthplace of jazz. At this point you will have the following options: 
• Return to Chicago on Amtrak 
• Extend another night in New Orleans 
• Rent a car and explore Biloxi Mississippi Casinos

Map of Jazz, Blues and Rock 'N Roll By Rail rail trip Click to Zoom The Map
Not Included:

*Sample price does not include transportation to Chicago or New Orleans to start your rail journey. Price may vary based on availability and time of travel.

Package Prices Start at:

 

Moderate - $1,239

Deluxe - $1,479

 

*Sample prices are based on our highest demand travel period, per person based on double occupancy, tax included. Amtrak travel is for coach accommodations. Prices are subject to change without notice, and all rates are based upon availability at time of reservation. 

**Unless activity is shown as included, all activities described in this itinerary are for suggestion purposes only. 

***Travel dates and pricing may vary. Pricing is to be used as a reference only.

Map of Jazz, Blues and Rock 'N Roll By Rail rail vacation Click to Zoom The Map
Not Included:

*Sample price does not include transportation to Chicago or New Orleans to start your rail journey. Price may vary based on availability and time of travel.

  • Essex Inn Chicago

    After an exciting day in this vibrant city, the rooms and suites at the Essex Inn provide the comfort and relaxation you'll need to unwind and rev up for another day! | More

  • Allegro Hotel Chicago

    Welcome to our Downtown Chicago Hotel near Michigan Avenue. Residentially inspired with a touch of contemporary sophistication, our Chicago hotel welcomes guests with tailored amenities, exemplary service and an experience which embraces the individuality of each guest. | More

  • Palmer House Hilton

    Welcome to The Palmer House®: a Hilton Hotel - an iconic, world-class downtown Chicago hotel and gateway to Chicago's rejuvenated Loop scene. | More

  • Hilton Chicago

    Hilton Chicago is a landmark downtown pet friendly property located on the "Cultural Michigan Avenue Mile" overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, Millennium Park and Museum Campus. | More

  • Conrad Hotel Chicago

    Welcome to our Downtown Chicago Hotel near Michigan Avenue. Residentially inspired with a touch of contemporary sophistication, our Chicago hotel welcomes guests with tailored amenities, exemplary service and an experience which embraces the individuality of each guest. | More

  • Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza Hotel

    Located in the center of downtown Chicago’s exciting River North area and minutes from the Loop – the New Chicago – the contemporary Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza offers exceptional views of the Chicago River and the Chicago skyline. | More

  • Crowne Plaza Hotel Memphis

    Welcome to the Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown Hotel - The Leading Choice for Outstanding Memphis, Tennessee Lodging and your Memphis Convention Center Hotel. Conveniently located just 15 miles from Memphis International Airport (MEM), it's easy to get here! | More

  • Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel

    Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel is a fashionable boutique hotel that takes its cues from the legendary hospitality and personal style for which the King of Rock & Roll was known. It is also a prime location for private parties and events. | More

  • Memphis Marriott Downtown

    Escape to a stunning Memphis, Tennessee hotel located in the heart of the city, boasting exceptional service in a warm & welcoming atmosphere. | More

  • Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

    Welcome to the four-diamond Sheraton New Orleans Hotel | More

  • Holiday Inn French Quarter

    Stay Close to the Excitement with a French Quarter Hotel. | More

  • Hotel Monteleone

    It's been said that the French Quarter begins in the lobby of the Hotel Monteleone. | More

  • Hyatt Regency New Orleans

    Experience the Crescent City like never before when you stay at the revitalized Hyatt Regency New Orleans. | More

  • Holiday Inn Superdome

    The Birthplace of Jazz, warm Southern hospitality and culinary masterpieces await you in the Big Easy. | More

Sleeping & Seating

Sleeping Accommodations

Amtrak trains traveling on long-distance routes typically use either two-level Superliner or one-level Viewliner train car equipment, each of which include bedrooms arranged in various configurations and private and public bathrooms and showers.

Superliner

To learn more about Superliner room amenities and to view room schematics and QuickTime Virtual Tours, click on the links associated with each bedroom type below. Or launch the 3D tour to interactively explore the rooms in greater detail.

 

Superliner 3D Tour

 

Viewliner

To learn more about Viewliner room amenities and to view room schematics and QuickTime Virtual Tours, click on the links associated with each bedroom type below. Or launch the 3D tour to interactively explore the rooms in greater detail.


Viewliner 3D Tour

 

Seating Accommodations

The availability of these options varies depending on your route and the kind of train equipment in use.

Coach Class

Coach class seats are available on all Amtrak trains except Acela Express trains.

On most long-distance trains, we provide extra-spacious Coach Class seating with leg rests designed to enhance your comfort for long or overnight trips.