Amtrak Vacations
Cowboy Country
Independent rail trip through Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Houston, Texas
8 daysfrom $779
25% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Cowboys and Cajuns
Independent rail trip from Fort Worth to New Orleans via San Antonio
Amtrak Vacations runs Cowboys and Cajuns as an 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation from Fort Worth, Texas to New Orleans, with a stop in San Antonio. The trip opens with two nights in Fort Worth's Stockyards district, taking in its cowboy culture and cultural district museums. The Texas Eagle then carries travellers south through what the itinerary describes as colorful desert landscapes to San Antonio for a two-night stay, with a hop-on, hop-off tour covering the Alamo, Mission San Jose, and Market Square. From San Antonio, the Sunset Limited continues past western landscapes and bayou scenery to New Orleans for three nights, including a guided swamp and bayou tour through part of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and a hands-on class at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Travel between cities is independent, with guided tours included at each stop. It suits travellers who want Texas cowboy culture paired with New Orleans food and culture on one rail trip.
What to know before you look closer
- Hotel accommodation in Fort Worth and San Antonio is chosen from 16 options across tiers (a sample includes the Hilton Fort Worth, Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Hilton Palacio del Rio, and Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk); the evidence does not name specific New Orleans hotel options.
- Only 2 meals are included across the 8 days (1 lunch, 1 dinner); other meals, including additional New Orleans dining, are on your own.
- No current departure dates are listed for this package; confirm availability directly with Amtrak Vacations.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Fort Worth
Your Journey Begins in Fort Worth
Welcome to Fort Worth! While a thoroughly modern city, Fort Worth also stays true to its original trading post roots. When you arrive, check into your hotel and step out to start exploring this laid-back southern city. On Main Street, meet a Texas Longhorn and capture memories with your camera and visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame to see the latest exhibits. Twice a day, watch as the cattle drive goes down Exchange Avenue led by Texas cowhands. Walk to the back of the Livestock Exchange Building and meet the drovers of the Fort Worth Herd, who are always dressed in late 1800s attire. At Billy Bob's Texas, enjoy live music in a genuine Texas atmosphere, take a line dancing lesson, dine on a delicious Texas-sized meal at the Honky Tonk Kitchen and see the handprints of famous musicians, including Tim McGraw, BB King, Willie Nelson, and REO Speedwagon.
- Day 2overnight: Fort Worth
Fort Worth, TX
Spend another day discovering the culture-rich city, also considered the "museum capital of the Southwest," with several renowned museums located in the beautiful Fort Worth Cultural District. Foodies won't be disappointed in Fort Worth - the eclectic cuisine features Texas' best ingredients and rich Western Heritage combined with a unique mix of flavors from around the world.
- Day 3railovernight: San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
Take the morning to see more of the sights of Fort Worth before boarding the train for a relaxing journey down south to San Antonio. Enjoy the colorful desert landscapes as you wind south through the great state of Texas. Upon arrival in San Antonio, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay.
- Day 4overnight: San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
Get to know San Antonio on a hop-on, hop-off tour that gives you a chance to explore the most popular destinations in this city at your own pace. Uncover the mysteries of the Alamo, explore Mission San Jose and spend time in historic Market Square. Also enjoy admission to both the Buckhorn Saloon and the Texas Ranger Museums.
- Day 5overnight: New Orleans
San Antonio to New Orleans
Travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the Sunset Limited to New Orleans. Take in the stunning western landscapes and sultry bayou as you glide by. Upon your arrival in the "Big Easy," travel on your own to your hotel and check in for a three-night stay. The rest of the day is yours to start exploring this festive city, including the French Quarter.
- Day 6overnight: New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Today you will experience the timeless beauty of Southern Louisiana in a custom-built swamp boat as you travel through part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. During your bayou tour, native guides will reveal the mysteries of the swamps, bayous, and the Cajun "joie de vivre." You will also get a chance to observe the nesting grounds of local Louisiana wildlife, like alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and many species of snakes. Come the evening, get ready for some classic Creole cuisine at Tujague's, the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans.
- Day 7overnight: New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Cook and eat an authentic Louisiana meal today at New Orleans School of Cooking! Take an interactive class with an expert chef who will guide you in seasoning and preparing a mouth-watering feast of New Orleans-inspired cuisine.
- Day 8
Your Journey Ends in New Orleans
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1In the Fort Worth Stockyards, meeting a Texas Longhorn and visiting the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
- Day 3A ride on the Texas Eagle from Fort Worth to San Antonio, passing what the itinerary calls 'colorful desert landscapes.'
- Day 4A hop-on, hop-off tour of San Antonio taking in the Alamo, Mission San Jose, and historic Market Square.
- Day 5A ride on the Sunset Limited from San Antonio to New Orleans, passing 'stunning western landscapes and sultry bayou.'
- Day 6A swamp and bayou tour by custom-built swamp boat through part of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, spotting wildlife such as alligators and egrets.
Included
- One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Fort Worth to San Antonio; San Antonio to New Orleans on the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited
- 7 nights' hotel stay
- 2 meals included (1 lunch, 1 dinner)
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Fort Worth to San Antonio on the Texas Eagle, and from San Antonio to New Orleans on the Sunset Limited.
- Is it escorted or independent?
- It's an independent rail vacation with an included hop-on, hop-off tour of San Antonio and a guided swamp and bayou tour in New Orleans; there is no tour manager for the rest of the trip.
- Which trains are used?
- The Texas Eagle (Fort Worth to San Antonio) and the Sunset Limited (San Antonio to New Orleans), both in Coach class.
- What hotels are included?
- 7 nights of hotel accommodations. In Fort Worth and San Antonio these are chosen from 16 options across tiers, including the Hilton Fort Worth, Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Hilton Palacio del Rio, and Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk.
- What sightseeing is included?
- A 24-hour hop-on, hop-off tour of San Antonio, admission to the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museums, a swamp and bayou tour in New Orleans, and a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking.
- How much does it cost?
- Prices start from $909 per person.
