Embark on a Melodic Voyage: Unveiling America's Hidden Rhythms by Rail!

An Epic Musical Odyssey Across America's Soulful Landscape

Amtrak Vacations presents an exceptional nine-day itinerary, aptly named the 'Jazz, Blues, and Rock 'n' Roll' tour, designed for those eager to delve into the legendary musical epicenters of the United States. This immersive journey commences in the Windy City, Chicago, traversing approximately 925 miles southward. It includes a two-night stay in Memphis before culminating in a three-night exploration of the Big Easy, New Orleans. This rail adventure promises an unparalleled immersion into centuries of American musical heritage.

Tailored Travel and Cultural Immersion on the Rails

This comprehensive package from Amtrak Vacations includes seven nights of hotel accommodation, with two nights in Chicago, two in Memphis, and three in New Orleans, complemented by an overnight stay aboard the train. The itinerary also features two delectable meals: a dinner in Chicago and a lively jazz brunch at the historic Court of Two Sisters in New Orleans. Curated sightseeing opportunities are integrated, such as multi-day hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Chicago, a city tour with Graceland admission in Memphis, and a city tour culminating in a paddlewheel cruise in New Orleans.

Chicago's Harmonic Landscape: A Deep Dive into Blues and Jazz

In Chicago, travelers are granted two full days to leisurely explore the city's highlights via a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, covering over thirteen miles of urban wonders. For music enthusiasts, essential stops include Millennium Park, renowned for hosting the Chicago Blues Festival in June and the Chicago Jazz Festival in August. Outside of festival season, a visit to Buddy Guy's Legends is a must. This downtown club, owned by the blues legend himself, offers live performances from Wednesday to Sunday and is adorned with blues memorabilia. Conclude your Chicago musical journey at the Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, the city's sole blues museum, housed in the historic Chess Records building. Reservations for tours are recommended, available Tuesday through Saturday. An evening at the Green Mill Lounge in Uptown Chicago provides a perfect finale, with live jazz in a speakeasy-style ambiance.

Memphis and New Orleans: Echoes of Rock and Jazz

Following a restful night on the Amtrak, the journey continues to Memphis, the iconic birthplace of rock and roll. Travelers will have ample free time to discover the city's rich musical tapestry. A ride on the historic trolleys offers a charming introduction to Memphis. Delve deeper into the city's musical roots at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, home to over 2,000 music-related artifacts. The downtown area also boasts the Rock 'n' Soul Museum and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. As night falls, Beale Street comes alive with neon lights and live music venues like B.B. King's Blues Club and the Rum Boogie Cafe. The final day in Memphis includes a narrated tour, a visit to the legendary Sun Studios, and admission to Graceland. The adventure culminates in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, where music permeates every facet of culture. The included city sightseeing tour covers key attractions like Jackson Square. A visit to Preservation Hall, offering nightly acoustic sets, is highly recommended. The included Court of Two Sisters jazz brunch, featuring Creole delicacies and live jazz, is a delightful highlight. The musical journey concludes with a picturesque paddlewheel river cruise on the Mississippi, offering serene views and a reflective end to an unparalleled cultural experience.