Day 1: Depart Chicago
Transfer to Chicago Union Station to board your Amtrak train for a 2 day rail adventure to New Orleans. Tonight will be spent onboard the train.
Overnight: Onboard Train
Day 2: Arrive New Orleans
This afternoon arrive in New Orleans, meet your Tour Director and transfer to your hotel for a three night stay in the exciting French Quarter. Tonight be sure to enjoy the “The Quarter” filled with fabulous restaurants and jazz clubs.
Overnight: New Orleans
Day 3: New Orleans – French Quarter
This morning enjoy a French Quarter Walking Tour featuring the St. Louis Cathedral with adjoining Cabildo and rectory, Bourbon Street, Pirates Alley and the French Marketplace. Next visit the famous Café du Monde to enjoy café au lait and beignets. Later board the Steamboat Natchez for a relaxing cruise on the Mississippi River. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the Court of Two Sisters, one of the French Quarter’s most famous restaurants.
Meals: (B,D) Overnight: New Orleans
Day 4: New Orleans
Today enjoy a New Orleans City Tour. Visit the Garden District which features one of the best preserved collections of historic southern mansions in the United States. Visit the Longue Vue Gardens & House, a National Historic Landmark. The ever changing gardens provide an inspiring destination year-round. Also visit a district to see some of the devastation left from Hurricane Katrina. Later an optional excursion will be available to the Oak Alley Plantation, one of the state’s most visited antebellum homes. This evening enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers at the famous New Orleans School of Cooking.
Meals: (B,D) Overnight: New Orleans
Day 5: New Orleans – Baton Rouge – Natchez
This morning travel to the capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge. Stop at the New State Capitol Building to view the Art Deco architecture and hear stories about the state’s most famous politician Huey Long. Then visit the Louisiana State Museum featuring thematic exhibits on the diverse aspects of Louisiana history and culture. Later arrive in Natchez, Mississippi, a beautiful town that captures the charm and elegance of the historic south with its Antebellum Mansions. Spend the evening in Natchez.
Meals: (B,D) Overnight: Natchez
Day 6: Natchez – Lafayette, Louisiana
This morning enjoy a Natchez Area Tour to learn about the area’s amazing pre-Civil War history. Then visit two beautiful Natchez Antebellum Mansions. Later cross into Louisiana to explore fascinating Cajun Country, founded in the 18th century by French-speaking exiles from Canada. Today, the region features a unique blend of French, Creole and Caribbean influences. This afternoon enjoy an eerie Bayou Cruise, a true Louisiana experience.
Meal: (B) Overnight: Lafayette
Day 7: Lafayette – Vermillionville
Today discover Cajun country. First visit the Jean Lafitte Cultural Center to learn about the life of the famous pirate and unlikely patriot. Later visit Vermillionville, an entire bayou town which has been restored to depict the authentic vision of Cajun & Creole Society in South Louisiana during the 18th and 19th centuries. Buildings include homes, blacksmith shop, general store and a chapel surrounded by 10 acres of gardens and woodlands. Tonight enjoy a fun evening as your Farewell Dinner is hosted at Pont Breaux’s, famous for its Cajun cuisine and sounds.
Meals: (B,D) Overnight: Lafayette
Day 8: Lafayette – Board Train
Today transfer to board your Amtrak train for your return rail adventure to Chicago. Relax and enjoy the changing landscape from your seat. Overnight onboard the train.
Meals: (B) Overnight: Onboard Train
Day 9: Train – Home
Arrive back in Chicago filled with wonderful memories of your New Orleans & Cajun Country by Rail Tour.