Amtrak Vacations
Heart of Texas Roundtrip from Chicago
Independent roundtrip rail vacation from Chicago through Texas via Texas Eagle
9 daysfrom $1,019
44% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Riverwalk to the French Quarter Roundtrip from Chicago
Round-trip rail journey from Chicago to San Antonio and New Orleans
Amtrak Vacations sells this 9-day, 8-night independent rail vacation, a round trip from Chicago through San Antonio and New Orleans and back. The journey uses three named trains: an overnight ride on the Texas Eagle from Chicago to San Antonio, the Sunset Limited across the desert to New Orleans, and an overnight return on the City of New Orleans. Three nights in San Antonio are spent on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass that takes in the Alamo, the Buckhorn Saloon, the Texas Ranger Museum, the Riverwalk and Mission San Jose. Three nights in New Orleans bring a guided city tour of the French Quarter, Jackson Square and the above-ground cemeteries known as the 'Cities of the Dead,' plus a free day that opens with a brunch. This suits travellers who want a long rail loop touching two very different Southern cities, planned independently rather than led by a tour manager.
What to know before you look closer
- The trip includes a choice from 12 hotels across San Antonio and New Orleans, ranging from standard options like the DoubleTree by Hilton to more upscale ones like The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, so which one you get depends on what you book.
- Only 1 meal, a brunch in New Orleans, is included across the 6 hotel 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: Onboard Amtrak
Chicago to San Antonio
Depart Chicago today on Amtrak's Texas Eagle on an overnight journey to San Antonio.
- Day 2overnight: San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
Arrive in San Antonio this evening and check in at your hotel for a three-night stay.
- Day 3overnight: 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 4overnight: San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
Continue using your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to see the Alamo, Riverwalk, Mission San Jose, and the Market Square.
- Day 5overnight: 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 6overnight: 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 7overnight: 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 8railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Spend the morning taking in more New Orleans sights and sounds before boarding the train this afternoon for your return overnight trip to Chicago.
- Day 9
Your Journey Ends in Chicago
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The Texas Eagle departs Chicago on an overnight journey to San Antonio.
- Day 3A guided tour of San Antonio stops at the Alamo historic site, the Buckhorn Saloon and the Texas Ranger Museum.
- Day 4The hop-on hop-off pass continues to the Riverwalk, Mission San Jose and the Market Square.
- Day 5The Sunset Limited crosses the southwestern desert landscape from San Antonio to New Orleans.
- Day 6A city tour of New Orleans visits the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the above-ground cemeteries known locally as the 'Cities of the Dead.'
Included
- One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Chicago to San Antonio on the Texas Eagle; from San Antonio to New Orleans on the Sunset Limited; and from New Orleans to Chicago on the City of New Orleans
- 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 Texas Eagle from Chicago to San Antonio, the Sunset Limited from San Antonio to New Orleans, and the City of New Orleans from New Orleans back to Chicago.
- Which trains are used?
- The Texas Eagle, the Sunset Limited, and the City of New Orleans.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- The evidence labels it an independent rail vacation.
- What hotels are used?
- A choice from 12 hotels across San Antonio and New Orleans, for example the DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Downtown or The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
- 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.
