Experience two of America’s most culturally diverse and fascinating cities
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EnquireA division of Great Rail Journeys, UK's leading operator of holidays by rail
Experience two of America's most culturally diverse and fascinating cities and journey across this vast country aboard iconic Amtrak trains on this epic rail holiday. Discover the 24/7 sights, sounds and tastes of the 'Big Apple' before a change of scene as you explore the jazz bars and Creole restaurants of the 'Big Easy'.
Arrive at London Heathrow in good time to board your direct flight to New York City, on the USA's east coast. On arrival transfer to your 4-Star hotel, your base for the next three nights.
Your options for explorations are seemingly endless as New York offers something for everyone. New York's neighbourhoods, including Greenwich Village, Chinatown, Little Italy, East Village, the West Side and Harlem, all take on a unique character of their own, but remain quintessentially 'New York'. Enrich your mind at one of the many museums, such as the Guggenheim, American Museum of Natural History, or the Museum of Modern Art or simply take a break in a New York café where you can sit back and watch the bustling New York street life.
Perhaps venture to the Chelsea neighbourhood in downtown Manhattan. Here you will find the incredible Chelsea Market, as well as a fabulous variety of restaurants, cafés, and food shops all in a charmingly bohemian setting. From here, it is also very easy to get to the High Line Park - a strip of greenery that runs through the west side of New York using disused subway lines. There are a myriad of viewpoints of the city along the route, as well as a number of art installations.
And of course there are still the more well-known attractions to visit; what could be more iconic that a trip up the Empire State Building, a stroll around Central Park, seeing the vivid neon world of Times Square or spending a night at the theatre on Broadway?
After a leisurely morning, make your way to Grand Central Station to join Amtrak's overnight sleeper service - The Crescent Train - to New Orleans. Relax in the bar car and enjoy dinner in the restaurant car before enjoying a night on the rails in your Superliner Roomette.
Following your arrival this morning, make your way to your 4-Star hotel and begin to settle in to your new surroundings. Days 6 and 7 are free for you to explore at your own pace. Perhaps arrange a tour of the renowned French Quarter. Also known as the 'Old Quarter', the layout of this portion of New Orleans is as intended by 18th century French colonists, and offers an excellent example of the wrought iron lamps and elaborate balconies synonymous with the city's architecture. During your time here, we highly recommend you visit Café du Monde to sample their world-famous beignets!
You could also board a traditional paddle steamer, for a delightful sightseeing cruise along the Mississippi River, accompanied by the upbeat strains of talented jazz musicians. Other options include a bayou tour or even a guided visit to one of the old plantation houses in the area, giving you the chance to see the grand lives of Louisiana land owners and how their fortunes were made from the suffering of those they enslaved.
Make your way to the airport today to begin your journey home, via Miami.
Our holidays to the United States typically depart from London between 11am and 2pm.
On the return journey, our USA tours depart between approximately 7.00pm and 9.00pm.
Enhancing your holiday
Experience two of America’s most culturally diverse and fascinating cities
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EnquireGRJ independent is a new range of holidays, created especially for those who prefer to travel independently rather than as part of a group.
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