Amtrak Vacations
Southern Appeal
11-day rail journey through New Orleans, Washington DC, Charleston, and Savannah
11 daysfrom $1,379
27% rail
Amtrak Vacations
Rhythms of Liberty: Philadelphia to New Orleans
11-day rail journey from Philadelphia to New Orleans via Washington and Atlanta
Amtrak Vacations runs this 11-day, 10-night rail journey from Philadelphia to New Orleans, with stops in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta along the way. The trip moves by train three times: the Northeast Regional from Philadelphia to Washington, then the Crescent overnight from Washington to Atlanta, and again by day from Atlanta to New Orleans through the Deep South. Days in each city mix guided experiences, a culinary tour of Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market and Chinatown, an evening Monuments by Moonlight tour in Washington, visits to Atlanta's Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, with free time to explore at your own pace, including a full day of self-guided sightseeing in Washington and a leisurely last day wandering New Orleans' French Quarter. It ends with a Steamboat Natchez cruise on the Mississippi and a jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters. This suits travellers who want American history, food and music woven through one long rail itinerary.
What to know before you look closer
- The trip includes a choice from 23 accommodation options across the 4 cities, for example the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia or the Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House, so which hotels you get depends on what you book.
- Only 1 meal, a jazz brunch in New Orleans, is included across the trip; other meals are on your own.
- The evidence does not list specific departure dates; confirm current availability with Amtrak Vacations.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Philadelphia
Your Journey Begins in Philadelphia
Arrive in Philadelphia and check into your hotel. Enjoy the cobblestone charm of the Old City and get your first glimpse of this historic destination.
- Day 2overnight: Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Today, embark on a mouth-watering urban gastronomy adventure through the heart of Philadelphia. From the bustling culinary haven of Reading Terminal Market, where you'll savor everything from a warm Amish-crafted donut to a creatively spiced sourdough soft pretzel, to the vibrant streets of Chinatown, where layers of flaky Malaysian roti canai await. Explore a historic Irish tavern still serving a classic recipe from the 1860s, and indulge in a mysterious "secret dish" that's uniquely revealed on the tour.
- Day 3overnight: Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Travel by Amtrak to Washington, DC. Spend the evening exploring the National Mall or trying a local restaurant.
- Day 4overnight: Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Explore Washington, D.C.'s top landmarks at your own pace. The Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture all await. In the evening, enjoy a guided tour of the city with the monuments illuminated beautifully against the night sky.
- Day 5railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Depart the Capitol today for an overnight train journey to Atlanta. Take in the charming countryside as the train follows the foothills of the Appalachians on its journey south.
- Day 6railovernight: Atlanta
Atlanta
Wake and enjoy breakfast aboard the train. Arrive in Atlanta and visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Sweet Auburn Historic District.
- Day 7overnight: Atlanta
Atlanta
A number of attractions and sites are yours to explore today. A visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights takes you back to the history of the fight for civil liberties in America and beyond.
- Day 8railovernight: New Orleans
New Orleans
Take in a scenic daytime rail journey aboard the Crescent® through the Deep South, arriving in New Orleans in the evening.
- Day 9overnight: New Orleans
New Orleans
Explore the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and more on a guided walking tour. Afterwards, board the Steamboat Natchez to cruise the mighty Mississippi River.
- Day 10overnight: New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans' cuisine is world famous, as is its vibrant musical contributions. Enjoy both with a jazz brunch at the classic Court of the Two Sisters, a true taste of the Crescent City. Afterwards, wander the French Quarter and beyond as you explore New Orleans at your leisure.
- Day 11
Your Journey Ends in New Orleans
Check out of your hotel and continue your travels.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2A culinary tour through Philadelphia moves from Reading Terminal Market to the roti canai of Chinatown and a historic Irish tavern.
- Day 4After a day of self-guided sightseeing, an evening Monuments by Moonlight tour shows Washington's monuments illuminated at night.
- Day 5The overnight train to Atlanta follows the countryside at the foothills of the Appalachians.
- Day 9A guided walking tour of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street and Jackson Square is followed by a Steamboat Natchez cruise on the Mississippi River.
- Day 10A jazz brunch at the historic Court of Two Sisters precedes a leisurely last day exploring the French Quarter.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Philadelphia to Washington, DC on the Northeast Regional®; Washington to Atlanta and Atlanta to New Orleans on the Crescent®
- 11 nights' hotel accommodations; 1 night onboard Amtrak
- 1 meal included (1 brunch)
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Amtrak Vacations includes one-way Coach travel on the Northeast Regional from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and on the Crescent from Washington to Atlanta and Atlanta to New Orleans, with 1 night onboard Amtrak.
- Which trains are used?
- The Northeast Regional and the Crescent.
- What hotels are used?
- A choice from 23 accommodation options across the 4 cities, for example the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia or the Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House.
- How much walking is involved?
- Guided walking tours in Philadelphia, an evening Monuments by Moonlight tour in Washington, D.C., and a guided walking tour of the French Quarter in New Orleans, plus self-paced sightseeing of Washington's landmarks; no hikes or high-altitude activity are described.
- What meals are included?
- 1 meal: a jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters in New Orleans.
