Day 1 Fly to Chicago / Chicago City Tour / Art Institute of Chicago / Chicago River Cruise / Millennium Park (D)
Board the train that’s become an American icon – “The City of New Orleans.” This Amtrak route takes you through the heart of the Mississippi Delta down to one of the most exciting cities in the U.S. – New Orleans. First, your journey starts in the Windy City where you’ll spend all day visiting many popular sites. Your local expert guide will take you on a narrated driving tour of Chicago pointing out its famous landmarks, architecture and breathtaking views of the skyline and Lake Michigan. Stop at the Art Institute of Chicago, the second largest art museum in the country. This afternoon, cruise the Chicago River for a unique look at Chicago’s skyline from a different perspective. This afternoon, tour world-class Millennium Park, Chicago’s newest attraction before enjoying a delicious Italian dinner at one of Chicago’s local restaurants. Then, head to Chicago’s Union Station for your Amtrak adventure. Sleep in your own private compartment as you make your way through the heart of Illinois and into Tennessee.

Day 2 Amtrak through the Mississippi Delta / French Quarter Hotel / Evening at Leisure (B, L)
“Good Morning America, how are you? Don’t you know me, I’m your native son, I’m the train they call the City of New Orleans, I’ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done.” The lyrics from Arlo Guthrie’s classic song will ring true when you wake up in Memphis, TN. Sit back, relax and let the scenery of the Mississippi Delta pass by your private compartment on your Amtrak sleeper car. Enjoy breakfast and lunch in the diner as part of your tour, and just relax as you “feel the wheels rumblin’ neath the floor.” By mid-afternoon, arrive in New Orleans, otherwise known as The Big Easy. Transfer to your French Quarter hotel where you’ll spend 4 nights in the heart of the excitement of New Orleans. This evening is yours at leisure to explore the waterfront, have dinner in the French Quarter, or just do as you please.

Day 3 Day 3 New Orleans City Tour / Creole Queen Lunch Cruise / National World War II Museum / New Orleans Nightlife Tour (B, L, D)
This morning your local guide will take you on a narrated historical city tour to

include the above ground cemetery that’s very unusual and interesting. Step back in time when you board an authentic steam sternwheeler – The Natchez – for a cruise on the Mississippi River with a delicious lunch. This afternoon is reserved for the National World War II Museum. The Solemn & Victory Theater presents “Beyond All Boundaries,” a cinematic experience featuring 4-D special effects and narration by Tom Hanks. Take a little time to “R & R” at your hotel before a fun evening with your travel mates. Tonight will be an exciting evening when you Laissex Les Bons Temps Rouler – “Let the good times roll,” when you get a spicy taste of New Orleans nightlife. You’ll hear great Dixieland jazz music, dine in an authentic Cajun restaurant, and really experience the sights and sounds of New Orleans nightlife in person.

Day 4 Plantation Tour / Swamp Tour / Aquarium of the Americas / Mardi Gras World / Café du Monde/Evening at Leisure (B, L, D)
An exciting day awaits as you head out of town to get a feel for “life on the bayou.” Explore the swamps with your local guide, alligator hunter, and fur trapper as he leads you down the bayou to marvel at the swamp’s natural beauty. Next, visit a very different way of life at a plantation. Visit Destrahan Plantation on the Great River Road. Destrahan is the oldest documented home that remains intact to this day. Head back to New Orleans for more sightseeing to include the Aquarium of the Americas. Also, visit Mardi Gras World where you can get a firsthand peek at what it is like during Mardi Gras. Finally, you can’t visit New Orleans without trying a beignet at worldfamous Café du Monde. Enjoy Dinner “on the town” with your travel mates at the restaurant of your choice in the French Quarter.

Day 5 Konrico Rice Mill / Shadows-On- The-Teche Antebellum Home / Rip Van Winkle Gardens / Tabasco Factory Tour (B, L)
Another great day of sightseeing is ahead with a very different feel when you travel to Cajun country for the day. Your first stop is the Konrico Rice Mill, the oldest working rice mill in America. Then visit Shadows-On-The-Teche, a pre-civil war (antebellum) home. Enjoy a delicious home-style Cajun buffet lunch before heading over to Rip Van Winkle Gardens, the site of an oil rig, salt dome drilling disaster.