Amtrak Vacations
Cowboy Country
Independent rail trip through Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Houston, Texas
8 daysfrom $779
25% rail
Amtrak Vacations
Riverwalk to the French Quarter
Rail trip from San Antonio's Riverwalk to New Orleans' French Quarter
Amtrak Vacations runs this 7-day, 6-night rail vacation from San Antonio to New Orleans, using the Sunset Limited for the one rail leg between the two cities. The first three days are spent in San Antonio, exploring the Riverwalk and using a multi-day hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass that includes the Alamo historic site, the Buckhorn Saloon and the Texas Ranger Museum. On Day 4, the train crosses the southwestern desert landscape to New Orleans, arriving into the French Quarter that evening. The next two days bring a guided city tour of Jackson Square and the above-ground cemeteries known as the 'Cities of the Dead,' followed by a free day that opens with a brunch in the French Quarter. This suits travellers who want two distinct Southern cities, each explored at length, connected by a single scenic train ride rather than a series of short hops.
What to know before you look closer
- The trip includes a choice from 12 accommodation options across San Antonio and New Orleans, for example the Hilton Palacio del Rio or the Hotel Monteleone, so which hotels you get depends on what you book.
- Only 1 meal, a brunch in New Orleans, is included across the 6 nights; 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: San Antonio
Your Journey Begins in San Antonio
Welcome to San Antonio! the evening is yours to explore this beautiful and culturally-rich city. If you are looking for something to do, perhaps take a stroll down the gorgeous Riverwalk, which is lined with restaurants, patios, art galleries and shops. Enjoy the scenic, yet festive atmosphere of this amazing city!
- Day 2overnight: San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
Enjoy your guided tour of the city while hopping off to explore numerous attractions, including the famous Alamo historic site. Learn about the legendary battle that played a pivotal role in the Texas Revolution. Visit the historic Buckhorn Saloon and discover its Wild West past, or delve deeper into Texas history at the Texas Ranger Museum. With its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks, there's so much to see and do in San Antonio!
- Day 3overnight: San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
Continue using your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour. Hoping to scope out a site your tour didn't include yesterday? Go for it! Go ahead and explore the fascinating city of San Antonio!
- Day 4overnight: New Orleans
San Antonio to New Orleans
Today, travel to the Amtrak station and board the Sunset Limited to New Orleans. Kick back and relax as you watch the gorgeous southwestern desert landscape pass by your window. Upon your arrival into the "Crescent City," you will travel to your downtown hotel. After you are all settled in, go ahead and start exploring the exciting streets of the French Quarter. Let the festive jazz music serenade you as you get to know New Orleans.
- Day 5overnight: New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Today you will discover all the "Big Easy" has to offer on an exciting city tour. Spend the day absorbing the sights and sounds of the world-famous French Quarter and historic Jackson Square. Visit NOLA's remarkable cemeteries, or "Cities of the Dead," as the locals call them. Marvel at stories of voodoo and piracy on Bayou St. John, the waterway used by Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates. Make your way to the serene shores of Lake Pontchartrain. View the longest bridge over water in the world, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.
- Day 6overnight: New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
The entire day is yours to spend exploring more of New Orleans. Enjoy a festive brunch in the French Quarter before you begin to explore! Go back to any sites you want to explore more, like Jackson Square or the "Cities of the Dead." Or, venture to an area you didn't get a chance to see yesterday. There is so much to do and see in this fascinating city.
- Day 7
Your Journey Ends in New Orleans
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2A guided hop-on hop-off tour of San Antonio stops at the Alamo historic site, the Buckhorn Saloon and the Texas Ranger Museum.
- Day 4The Sunset Limited crosses the southwestern desert landscape from San Antonio to New Orleans, arriving in the French Quarter that evening.
- Day 5A city tour of New Orleans visits the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the above-ground cemeteries known locally as the 'Cities of the Dead.'
- Day 6A festive brunch in the French Quarter opens a free day to revisit favorite sights.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from San Antonio to New Orleans on the Sunset Limited®
- 6 nights' hotel accommodations
- 1 meal included (brunch)
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Amtrak Vacations includes one-way Coach travel on the Sunset Limited from San Antonio to New Orleans.
- Which train is used?
- The Sunset Limited.
- What hotels are used?
- A choice from 12 accommodation options across San Antonio and New Orleans, for example the Hilton Palacio del Rio or the Hotel Monteleone.
- How much walking is involved?
- The trip uses a hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass in San Antonio and a guided city tour in New Orleans; no hikes or high-altitude activity are described.
- What meals are included?
- 1 meal: a brunch in the French Quarter in New Orleans.
