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First Class Holidays · Independent rail tour

Memphis & New Orleans by Rail

Memphis to New Orleans by Amtrak through American music cities

Illustration of Memphis & New Orleans by Rail

First Class Holidays' Memphis and New Orleans by Rail is an eight-day independent journey through America's music heartland. The tour begins in Memphis, where you have three days to explore the home of Blues and Rock 'n Roll, with included admission to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and Rock 'n' Soul Museum. On day four, you board Amtrak Standard class for the rail journey to New Orleans. Once there, four days allow you to experience the French Quarter's architectural legacy, listen to live jazz, sample Creole and Cajun cuisine, and use the included 24-hour Hop on, Hop off city tour to navigate the highlights. This trip suits independent travellers and music lovers seeking a self-guided pace through two of the American South's most storied cities, with key cultural attractions and transport taken care of.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights from the UK are not included; airport transfers are also separate costs.
  • Most meals and sightseeing beyond those listed as included are not covered.
  • Amtrak Standard class accommodations and journey duration are not detailed in the package description.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Memphis

    UK - Memphis

    Make your way to your hotel after your arrival into Memphis. The rest of the day and evening are free to explore the city that the King of Rock 'n Roll made home.

  2. Day 2overnight: Memphis

    Memphis

    Memphis is all about the music and you've two days to explore the home of Blues and Rock 'n Roll. Admission to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum is included. Elvis fans shouldn't miss a visit to Graceland, be sure to see the 'Mountain Top' sculpture honouring Dr Martin Luther King, and take in some live music on Beale Street.

  3. Day 3overnight: Memphis

    Memphis

    Memphis is all about the music and you've two days to explore the home of Blues and Rock 'n Roll. Admission to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum is included. Elvis fans shouldn't miss a visit to Graceland, be sure to see the 'Mountain Top' sculpture honouring Dr Martin Luther King, and take in some live music on Beale Street.

  4. Day 4overnight: New Orleans

    Amtrak - New Orleans

    Ride the rails to New Orleans and admire the architectural treasures in the French Quarter.

  5. Day 5overnight: New Orleans

    New Orleans

    Three days to explore this marvellous city which still retains the flavour of French and Spanish culture which founded it. An included 24 hr ticket for the Hop on, Hop off city tour will showcase the highlights. See Jackson Square, Royal Street, perhaps take a cruise on the Mississippi and try the Cajun and Creole cuisine. The 'Big Easy' is home to jazz and Bourbon Street.

  6. Day 6overnight: New Orleans

    New Orleans

    Three days to explore this marvellous city which still retains the flavour of French and Spanish culture which founded it. An included 24 hr ticket for the Hop on, Hop off city tour will showcase the highlights. See Jackson Square, Royal Street, perhaps take a cruise on the Mississippi and try the Cajun and Creole cuisine. The 'Big Easy' is home to jazz and Bourbon Street.

  7. Day 7overnight: New Orleans

    New Orleans

    Three days to explore this marvellous city which still retains the flavour of French and Spanish culture which founded it. An included 24 hr ticket for the Hop on, Hop off city tour will showcase the highlights. See Jackson Square, Royal Street, perhaps take a cruise on the Mississippi and try the Cajun and Creole cuisine. The 'Big Easy' is home to jazz and Bourbon Street.

  8. Day 8

    New Orleans - Departure

    Your deep south music adventure comes to an end today.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Visit the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and Rock 'n' Soul Museum with included admission; optional visits to Graceland and live music on Beale Street.
  • Day 4Ride Amtrak Standard class from Memphis to New Orleans, arriving to explore the French Quarter's architectural treasures.
  • Day 5Use the included 24-hour Hop on, Hop off ticket to see Jackson Square and Royal Street, or take a cruise on the Mississippi River.

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Standard class rail travel Memphis - New Orleans
  • Admission to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame
  • Admission to Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
  • New Orleans half-day city tour

Not included

  • Flights from the UK
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals and sightseeing not shown as included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. First Class Holidays includes Standard class rail travel from Memphis to New Orleans on Amtrak.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is an independent rail tour. You have free time in both cities; a half-day city tour is included in New Orleans.
What is included in the price?
Seven nights accommodation, Amtrak Standard class rail travel, admission to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and Rock 'n' Soul Museum, a half-day New Orleans city tour, and a 24-hour Hop on, Hop off ticket in New Orleans.
What is not included?
Flights from the UK, airport transfers, and meals and sightseeing beyond those listed as included.
How many days in each city?
Three nights in Memphis and four nights in New Orleans.

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