Cox & Kings
Icons of the East: A Stylish Journey by Train
12 daysfrom $5,015
Cox & Kings · Tailor-Made Journey
The Soul Train: From Chicago to the Big Easy
12-day tailor-made rail journey from Chicago to New Orleans via Memphis
Cox & Kings puts together this 12-day tailor-made journey through the American South, starting in Chicago and ending in New Orleans, with a stop in Memphis along the way. Days in each city are mostly left free to explore at your own pace: in Chicago, a Chicago Explorer Pass opens up museums and skyline views; in Memphis, a VIP Graceland tour gives front-of-the-line access to Elvis Presley's mansion; in New Orleans, a three-hour French Quarter food walking tour works through tastings of gumbo, jambalaya and pralines. Between the cities, the journey moves by train: an overnight sleeper aboard the Amtrak Superliner City of New Orleans carries travelers from Chicago to Memphis, and a further rail leg continues on to New Orleans. It suits travelers who want a mix of city sightseeing, American music history and Southern food, with practical planning, flights and key tours already arranged, but plenty of unscheduled time to explore each city independently.
What to know before you look closer
- Only two of the twelve days involve rail travel: an overnight sleeper train from Chicago to Memphis on day 4 and a daytime train from Memphis to New Orleans on day 8. The rest of the itinerary is spent in the three cities.
- Most days in Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans are left free to explore at your own pace; only the Graceland VIP tour, a Memphis city tour and the French Quarter food walking tour are guided and included.
- The Memphis City Tour includes Sun Studio admission, but a separate guided tour of Sun Studio is listed as a paid optional extra, not included in the price.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Arrive Chicago
Touch down in the Windy City, its bold architecture rising from the lakeshore. After a taxi ride to your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore. Our local expert suggests a visit to the mirrored curves of Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, or a stroll along the riverfront promenade, then perhaps tucking into a deep-dish pizza at a local eatery. End the evening with skyline views and a nightcap at one of the city’s rooftop bars.
- Day 2overnight: LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Chicago
Today is yours to explore at leisure with the included Chicago Explorer Pass, offering entry to a curated selection of top attractions. You might start at the Art Institute, home to a world-renowned collection, before an amble through the wide lawns and fountains of Grant Park. In the afternoon, you can admire the city from the water on an architecture-focused river cruise, or head north to the Museum of Science and Industry or Lincoln Park Zoo. This evening, consider a sharp-witted set at The Second City comedy venue or jazz at the iconic Green Mill Lounge.
- Day 3overnight: LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Chicago
Another full day in the Windy City invites further exploration with your Chicago Explorer Pass in hand. You could start with a sky-high perspective from either the Skydeck at Willis Tower or 360 Chicago, each offering views across the skyline and lake. In the afternoon, perhaps head to Museum Campus to explore the Field Museum’s natural history collections or the aquatic wonders of the Shedd Aquarium. Come evening, make your way to the West Loop for dinner amid one of the city’s most vibrant culinary hubs, followed by a relaxed evening stroll along Navy Pier.
- Day 4railovernight: Amtrak Superliner, City of New Orleans (overnight aboard train)
Overnight Train
Enjoy a final morning at leisure in Chicago. This afternoon, make your way to Union Station to board the overnight Amtrak service to Memphis. Settle into your sleeper cabin as the train rolls southward through the vast heartland, trading city skylines for open landscapes on your journey towards the home of the blues.
- Day 5overnight: The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton
Arrive Memphis
Arriving in Memphis, get settled into your hotel before setting out to explore at your own pace. Our local expert suggests a walk along the Mississippi Riverfront at Tom Lee Park, where wide paths trace the water’s edge. As evening approaches, head to Beale Street to hear live music filtering from open doorways, as the city’s musical legacy comes to life in clubs, bars and late-night venues.
- Day 6overnight: The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton
Memphis
With a full day at leisure, delve deeper into Memphis’ rich musical heritage. You might begin at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum for a powerful introduction to the city’s role in shaping modern sound. In the afternoon, you could visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, or join a guided tour of Sun Studio (not included), where Elvis and Johnny Cash once recorded. As evening falls, return to Beale Street for live music or tuck into local fare at favourites spots like Central BBQ or Gus’s Fried Chicken.
- Day 7overnight: The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton
Memphis
Today offers an intimate glimpse into the world of Elvis Presley. With your included Graceland Elvis Entourage VIP Tour and Airplanes ticket, enjoy front-of-the-line access to the mansion, an audio-guided tour with orientation film, and time to explore a VIP-only exhibit. You’ll also have self-guided access to displays on his recording career, stage wardrobe, car collection and custom jets. A commemorative backstage pass completes the experience. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, perhaps return to Beale Street for another taste of Memphis’ signature sounds and flavours.
- Day 8railovernight: Hotel Monteleone
Arrive New Orleans
An early departure sees you boarding the train south to New Orleans, tracing a route through the changing landscapes of the Deep South. Arriving early afternoon, take a taxi to your hotel in the atmospheric French Quarter. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure. You could wander through the old quarter, hear live jazz at the legendary Preservation Hall, or dine in the Marigny neighbourhood or along Frenchmen Street, where music and aromas fill the air.
- Day 9overnight: Hotel Monteleone
New Orleans
This morning is free to explore at your own pace, before joining your included New Orleans Food Walking Tour, a three-hour culinary journey through the French Quarter. With around six to seven tastings across celebrated restaurants, shops and market stalls, sample local specialities such as gumbo, jambalaya, pralines and char-grilled oysters, all while learning about the city’s distinctive food culture. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.
- Day 10overnight: Hotel Monteleone
New Orleans
Today invites further discovery of New Orleans. You could begin in Jackson Square, where artists set up beneath the spires of St. Louis Cathedral, a landmark that has shaped the city’s skyline for centuries. Later, maybe take the streetcar to the Garden District to walk among its 19th-century mansions and the weathered tombs of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. This evening, consider dining at one of the city’s most respected restaurants, such as the refined Commander’s Palace or the warmly lit Coquette.
- Day 11overnight: Hotel Monteleone
New Orleans
Another free day to shape as you wish, with time to explore corners of the city that may have escaped notice. Art enthusiasts might head to the New Orleans Museum of Art, set within the leafy expanse of City Park, while others may choose to explore the musical roots and cultural richness of the Treme neighbourhood. For a shift in pace, consider a half-day swamp or plantation tour beyond the city limits. This evening, board the Steamboat Natchez for an included atmospheric jazz cruise along the Mississippi, with the option to dine on board as the sun sets.
- Day 12
Fly home
Today your adventure comes to a close. Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps enjoying the facilities at the hotel, before taking a taxi to New Orleans Airport to prepare for your overnight flight home.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 4Travelers board the overnight Amtrak service to Memphis at Union Station and settle into a sleeper cabin as the train rolls south through the heartland.
- Day 7The included Graceland Elvis Entourage VIP Tour and Airplanes ticket give front-of-the-line access to the mansion, an audio-guided tour and a VIP-only exhibit, plus a commemorative backstage pass.
- Day 8An early train carries travelers from Memphis to New Orleans, arriving in the French Quarter by early afternoon.
- Day 9The included French Quarter Food Walking Tour works through six to seven tastings across celebrated restaurants, shops and market stalls.
- Day 10A streetcar ride to the Garden District passes 19th-century mansions and the weathered tombs of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
Included
- Scheduled international flights
- Superior accommodation
- Rail travel on the "City of New Orleans" in a Private Bedroom
- Chicago Explorer Pass
- Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio Admission
- VIP Graceland Mansion Tour in Memphis
- French Quarter Food Walking Tour in New Orleans
- Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner in New Orleans
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Rail travel is included aboard the Amtrak Superliner 'City of New Orleans' in a Private Bedroom, covering an overnight sleeper leg from Chicago to Memphis and a further leg on to New Orleans.
- Is this trip guided or independent?
- It is a Cox & Kings tailor-made journey. Most days in each city are free to explore at your own pace, with included guided experiences such as the Graceland VIP tour and the French Quarter food walking tour.
- Which hotels are used?
- LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton (3 nights); The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton (3 nights); and Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans (4 nights, rated 4-star).
- When does it depart?
- The evidence lists three departure windows: March to May, June to August, and September to November, priced from GBP 3,165 to GBP 3,755.
- What is not included?
- International flights, accommodation, rail travel and the listed tours and passes are included; a separate guided tour of Sun Studio in Memphis is a paid optional extra.
- How much walking is involved?
- The trip includes a three-hour French Quarter food walking tour and self-guided city sightseeing with the Chicago Explorer Pass. Activity level is listed as 'Leisurely.'
