Amtrak Vacations
Rhythms of Liberty: Philadelphia to New Orleans
11-day rail journey from Philadelphia to New Orleans via Washington and Atlanta
11 daysfrom $1,409
36% rail
Amtrak Vacations
Southern Appeal
11-day rail journey through New Orleans, Washington DC, Charleston, and Savannah
Amtrak Vacations runs this 11-day rail journey from New Orleans to Savannah, using the Crescent to Washington, DC and the Palmetto on to Charleston and Savannah, with one night spent overnight onboard the train. The trip opens with three nights in New Orleans, including a jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters, a citywide tour of the French Quarter and Jackson Square, and a scenic boat trip through the Louisiana swamp and bayou. After the overnight train ride, two nights in Washington, DC bring a hop-on, hop-off tour and an evening Monuments by Moonlight tour past the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Memorial. The Palmetto train continues to Charleston for a guided city tour taking in Rainbow Row, then on to Savannah by way of a Magnolia Plantation tour along the Ashley River. The final two nights in Savannah include a hop-on, hop-off tour and a harbor cruise. With guided tours built into most days, this suits travelers who want Southern history and culture without planning each stop themselves.
What to know before you look closer
- The 24 listed hotels are accommodation options across price tiers and cities, not a fixed run of consecutive stays; the hotel you actually get depends on the tier and city option you choose.
- Only 1 meal, a brunch or dinner, is included across the 11-day trip; other meals are on your own.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: New Orleans
Your Journey Begins in New Orleans
Welcome to New Orleans and the start of your adventure down South! Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay and set out to discover the intoxicating sights and sounds of 'The Big Easy.'
- Day 2overnight: New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Start the day with a jazz brunch at the famous Court of Two Sisters restaurant (dinner at a popular restaurant is included when brunch is unavailable). After your brunch serenade, you'll get to see all New Orleans has to offer on a citywide tour. Absorb the sights and sounds of the world famous French Quarter and historic Jackson Square. Explore the city's remarkable cemeteries or "Cities of the Dead." Hear fascinating tales of voodoo and piracy on Bayou St. John, the waterway used by Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates, as you make your way to the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. View the longest bridge over water in the world, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and much more.
- Day 3overnight: New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Experience the timeless beauty of Southern Louisiana like no other on a scenic boat trip through the serene swamp and bayou. Hear all about the fascinating mysteries of the swamps, bayous, and the Cajun "joie de vivre." Observe the distinct beauty of the Louisiana bayous, the home to many species of animals and plant-life.
- Day 4overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Board Amtrak's Crescent line this morning for your overnight journey to Washington, DC. Enjoy the comfortable accommodations onboard and the scenic views out the window as you journey northeast to Washington, DC.
- Day 5overnight: Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Welcome to the nation's capital! Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Set out to discover the fascinating history of our nation on a hop-on, hop-off tour though Washington, DC. Stops include the Jefferson Memorial, the National Cathedral, and the Smithsonian, which contains 15 separate museums, and the National Zoo. You will also have your choice of admission to some of the best museums in the country.
- Day 6overnight: Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Enjoy another day touring Washington, DC. Come the evening, tour the most popular attractions by moonlight on your included Monuments by Moonlight tour, including Georgetown and the Waterfront, the Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Memorial. Also make sure to leave time for those under-the-radar gems as well. Visit President Lincoln's cottage, Hillwood Estate, eat (and drink) at Logan Circle's 14th Street corridor, or explore Dupont Circle's art galleries, shops, and coffeehouses.
- Day 7overnight: Charleston
Washington, DC to Charleston
This morning, make your way to Washington, DC's Union Station and board Amtrak's Palmetto to Charleston. Enjoy the comfortable ride and the scenic views along the day. Arrive in Charleston this evening and check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay.
- Day 8overnight: Charleston
Charleston, SC
Today you will explore Charleston on a guided tour of the city! Your tour will bring you to some of Charleston's top attractions, including the Joseph Manigault Mansion, the very popular Rainbow Row where you will see many historic houses painted in festive, pastel colors, and the city's military college, the Citadel. Your full day of historic sightseeing will explore the best of what Charleston has to offer.
- Day 9overnight: Savannah
Charleston to Savannah
This morning you will depart for a comprehensive tour of one of the oldest Southern plantations, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Your guided tour will take you to the historic Magnolia Plantation House that rests along the Ashley River. Along with the tour of the house, you will enjoy a ride past the Audubon Swamp inhabited by alligators, egrets, and other native wildlife. Between the Magnolia Plantation House and the swamps, this tour will give you a unique blend of history and nature! In the evening, board the Palmetto for the short journey to Savannah. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay.
- Day 10overnight: Savannah
Savannah, GA
Today, get to know Savannah today on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing city tour and a harbor cruise. Explore the extraordinary architecture, lush botanicals, impressive plantations and history of this gorgeous coastal city. Your tours promise a delightful combination of sightseeing and entertainment.
- Day 11
Your Journey Ends in Savannah
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2Start with a jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters restaurant, then take a citywide tour of the French Quarter and Jackson Square.
- Day 3Take a scenic boat trip through the Louisiana swamp and bayou, learning about the wildlife and Cajun culture.
- Day 6Take the included Monuments by Moonlight tour past Georgetown, the Kennedy Center, and the Lincoln Memorial.
- Day 8Take a guided tour of Charleston, including the Joseph Manigault Mansion, Rainbow Row, and the Citadel.
- Day 9Tour the historic Magnolia Plantation House along the Ashley River, with a ride past the Audubon Swamp.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from New Orleans to Washington, DC; Washington, DC to Charleston; Charleston to Savannah on the Crescent® and Palmetto®
- 9 nights' hotel accommodations
- 1 meal included (1 brunch or dinner)
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. One-way Amtrak Coach travel is included: New Orleans to Washington, DC on the Crescent, then Washington, DC to Charleston and Charleston to Savannah on the Palmetto.
- Which trains are used?
- The Crescent between New Orleans and Washington, DC, and the Palmetto between Washington, DC, Charleston, and Savannah.
- Is there an overnight train?
- Yes. Day 4 is spent overnight onboard Amtrak's Crescent, traveling from New Orleans to Washington, DC.
- What hotels are used?
- The package offers 24 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including Hotel Monteleone, Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans, Bienville House, The Roosevelt New Orleans (A Waldorf Astoria Hotel), Canopy by Hilton New Orleans Downtown, DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC, and Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House.
- How many meals are included?
- One meal, a brunch or dinner, is included across the 11-day trip.
- What are the main included tours?
- A New Orleans city tour, a swamp and bayou boat tour, the Monuments by Moonlight tour and a hop-on, hop-off tour of Washington, DC, a Charleston city tour, a Magnolia Plantation tour, and a Savannah hop-on, hop-off tour with a harbor cruise.
