Southern Comfort Rail-Cruise Holiday - Put a new spin on your 2012 holiday celebration and treat yourself to a Creole Christmas.
From: £1,737
Southern Comfort Rail-Cruise Holiday
Your old-fashioned southern holiday pairs travel aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans from Chicago to Memphis with a journey aboard the fabled American Queen steamboat along the Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans. The fabled steamboat is lavishly decorated with wreaths and a great Christmas tree and offers a special seasonal menu and superb entertainment and music that evoke the holiday spirit.
St Louis Cathedral, New Orleans
Tour Inclusions & Scenic Highlights
Roundtrip coach class rail transportation from Chicago to Memphis and from New Orleans to Chicago aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans (2 nights on train)
7-night American Queen river cruise from Memphis to New Orleans
Meals and entertainment aboard the steamboat American Queen
Hotel accommodations for 2 nights
Sightseeing per itinerary
Services of a professional tour manager
Baggage handling
Taxes and service charges
Scenic highlights of your trip include:
Pink Palace
Mud Island's River Walk
Vicksburg National Military Park
Natchez
St. Francisville
Baton Rouge
Oak Alley
French Quarter
Café Du Monde
Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard the City of New Orleans
Arrive in Chicago today and make your way to historic Union Station for your evening departure to Memphis. If you arrive early enough, explore the city's famous downtown area, perhaps going to the top of Willis Tower for impressive views or grab a slice of famous Chicago-style pizza. Your tour begins this evening with the 8:00 pm departure of Amtrak's City of New Orleans. Overnight train.
Day 2 - Memphis
The City of New Orleans will arrive in Memphis in time for breakfast this morning. Afterward, enjoy a tour of this historic city. You would expect to find reminders of Elvis and B.B. King at every turn in lively Memphis but less-touted attractions, like the Pink Palace or the Mud Island River Walk replicating 1,000 miles of Mississippi River history and geography along a six-block expanse, are just as intriguing. Overnight Westin Beale Street. (B)
Day 3 - Embark on the Steamboat American Queen
This afternoon we depart the hotel and board the grand American Queen. At 6:00 pm, the whistle blows, the calliope plays and the big red paddlewheel turns as we begin our holiday aboard this legendary steamboat. Overnight on-board vessel. (B, D)
Day 4 - Vicksburg
Our first port of call is Vicksburg, Mississippi, where you will discover a unique blend of old and new. Take in the diversity from the Vicksburg National Military Park to the Waterway Experiment Station. Billed as the "Red Carpet City of the South," Southern Hospitality is alive and well, waiting for your arrival. Overnight on-board vessel. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Natchez
Historic Natchez with its impressive collection of more than 200 antebellum homes is our destination today, and you'll want to have your camera handy. Tonight is the Captain's Welcome Party followed by a great evening show in the Grand Saloon. Overnight on-board vessel (B, L, D)
Day 6 - St. Francisville
St. Francisville, Louisiana, is a small town of great charm, the home of James Audubon and today's port of call. A special treat awaits today on the boat with the legendary Southern Picnic luncheon offering up a tempting array of southern specialties like country ham, fried chicken, fresh pecan pie and a host of other regional delicacies. Overnight on-board vessel. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Baton Rouge
Today finds us in Baton Rouge, once the stomping grounds of "The Kingfisher" Huey Long and Louisiana's capital city. Explore this historic city and the State Capitol, or embark on an optional excursion to Cajun Country. Overnight on-board vessel. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Oak Alley
Lovely Oak Alley, with its glorious riverside plantation, is today's port of call. Later tonight is the Captain's Farewell Dinner followed by a special treat-a bonfire lit on the levee to guide Papa Noel, a hallmark of holiday season American Queen voyages and a great Cajun tradition. Overnight on-board vessel. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - New Orleans
After breakfast, disembark the steamboat in the Big Easy and enjoy a sightseeing tour of this amazing city that includes options to visit the beautiful Garden District or the D-day Museum. Later today, we'll tour the French Quarter followed by a visit to the fabled Café du Monde for world-famous beignets and café au lait. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight Westin Canal Place. (B)
Day 10 - City of New Orleans to Chicago
The morning is free to enjoy New Orleans on your own. This afternoon we'll board Amtrak’s City of New Orleans for the overnight journey to Chicago. Relax in the lounge car and enjoy the passing scenery as the train travels north. Overnight train.
Day 11 - Return to Chicago
The City of New Orleans arrives in Chicago's Union Station this morning, where your great southern holiday comes to a close.
CB = Continental Breakfast, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, AT = Afternoon Tea
I Inside Stateroom
H Inside Stateroom
G Inside Stateroom
F Inside Stateroom
£1,737
£2,007
£2,097
£2,427
These comfortable staterooms feature two single beds and a private bathroom with shower. Some also have an additional single upper bunk.
E Outside Stateroom
£2,667
These cozy staterooms feature two lower single beds, a large window, large mirror, storage space, wall-to-wall carpeting and a private bathroom with shower.
D Outside Deluxe
£2,757
Staterooms feature marvelous views of the river from beautiful floor-to-ceiling bay windows. All offer private bathroom with tub and shower and have either two single beds or one queen-size bed.
C Deluxe Verandah
B Deluxe Verandah
A Deluxe Verandah
£2,973
£3,117
£3,417
Staterooms feature a marvelous view of the river from a bay window or windowed French doors that open onto the deck. All feature private bathrooms with tub and shower and offer either two single beds or one queen-size bed.
AA Superior Outside
£4,077
Outstanding staterooms with two single beds or one queen-size bed open onto the deck or verandah by way of windowed French doors and include private bath with tub and shower.
AAA Suite
£4,317
Features a full-size antique bed, sofa bed conversational group, private bathroom with tub and shower and French doors leading to deck or verandah.
£65 per person will be charged at the time of booking for port taxes.
Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to change and all reservations are based upon availability at time of booking.
Valid passport and proper documentation is required for this trip
Transportation
The City of New Orleans comfortable Reserved Coach seat, or make reservations for Sleeper Service accommodations. In the daylight hours, find a spot in the Sightseer Lounge, and enjoy the spectacular scenery roll past.
The American Queen is all about travelling in style.
Accommodations
Westin Canal Place
American Queen
Westin Beale Street
Contact Holidays By Rail online or call a rail specialist at 0800 033 7960
