Holiday Overview
Embark on a journey through the heart and soul of American music, travelling by train through three of the USA’s most iconic music cities. Begin in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, where the spirit of Louis Armstrong still echoes through the French Quarter. Continue to Memphis, home of the legendary Beale Street and the recording roots of Elvis Presley. Then on to Chicago, where the sounds of electric blues and the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra continue to define a city steeped in musical greatness.
Your adventure continues aboard Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady with a breathtaking Alaska cruise from Seattle where towering glaciers, dramatic coastlines, and unforgettable scenery await.
USA Music Cities Rail Tour and Alaska Cruise includes:
- Return Flights from the UK
- 10 Nights Hotel Accommodation
- Amtrak - New Orleans to Memphis in a Sleeper Cabin
- Amtrak - Memphis to Chicago in a Sleeper Premium Cabin (overnight)
- Seattle Hop on Hop off Bus
Day 1 - UK to New Orleans
Arrive in New Orleans and make your way to your choosen hotel spending the remainder of your day at leisure.
Featured accommodation
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Enhance your experience
Holiday Inn French Quarter-Chateau LeMoyne
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Day 2 - New Orleans
Known as the city on the bayou, New Orleans is one of the world’s most captivating destinations renowned for its iconic riverboats, vibrant jazz scene, rich Creole cuisine, and an endless calendar of lively festivals. Tonight, soak up the city’s one of a kind atmosphere as the bold flavours of Cajun cooking awaken your senses and the soulful sounds of blues and jazz fill the air, bringing the legendary French Quarter to life.
Featured accommodation
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Enhance your experience
Holiday Inn French Quarter-Chateau LeMoyne
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Day 3 - New Orleans
Another day at leisure to explore New Orleans, speak to your sales consultant about what New Orleans experiences we have available.
Featured accommodation
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Enhance your experience
Holiday Inn French Quarter-Chateau LeMoyne
Maison Dupuy
Day 4 - New Orleans to Memphis
Today check out of your New Orleans hotel and transfer to the train station for your journey to Memphis. Upon arrival in Memphis check into your hotel spending the remainder of your day at leisure.
Featured accommodation
Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Memphis
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel
Peabody
Day 5 - Explore Memphis
Spend the day immersing yourself in the musical heartbeat of Memphis. Stroll down the legendary Beale Street, alive with rhythm and history, and step inside the iconic Sun Studio where music legends like Elvis Presley recorded some of their greatest hits.
Featured accommodation
Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Memphis
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel
Peabody
Day 6 - Memphis to Chicago
Today take the overnight train to Chicago.
Day 7 - Arrive Chicago
Arrive in Chicago and transfer to your chosen hotel, then enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Take time to explore Chicago's vibrant streets, and as evening falls, head to one of its iconic blues bars to experience the unmistakable sound that defines Chicago’s musical soul.
Featured accommodation
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago
Day 8 - Explore Chicago
Enjoy a day at leisure exploring Chicago speak to your consultant about adding on our Chicago experiences.
Featured accommodation
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago
Unmissable Experiences
Chicago Experiences
Day 9 - Chicago
Your final day to explore Chicago.
Featured accommodation
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago
Day 10 - Chicago to Seattle
Make your way to the airport for your flight to Seattle, upon arrival transfer to your choosen hotel for your 2-night stay.
Featured accommodation
The Edgewater Hotel
Enhance your experience
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle
Mayflower Park
Day 11 - Explore Seattle
Today explore the sights of Seattle, we have included the Hop on Hop off Bus.
Featured accommodation
The Edgewater Hotel
Enhance your experience
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle
Mayflower Park
Day 12 - Virgin Voyages Alaska Cruise
Today transfer from your hotel to the cruise port to board your spectacular 7-night Alaska Cruise with Virgin Voyages onboard the Brillant Lady.
Day 13 - Cruising the Inside Passage
Today, cruise through one of the world’s most scenic sea routes the Inside Passage where ships glide near towering mountain walls, offering breathtaking views of everything from lush forests to charming, picturesque towns.
Unmissable Experiences
Inside Passage
Day 14 - Ketchikan, Alaska
You’ve never tasted salmon this fresh. Welcome to Ketchikan the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ and the ancestral home of the Tlingit people, famed for carving the world’s largest collection of totem poles. For those seeking adventure, paddle a canoe through the lush rainforest or embark on a wilderness exploration, capped off with a memorable crab feast you won’t soon forget.
Unmissable Experiences
Ketchikan
Day 15 - Sitka, Alaska
Nestled on Baranof Island along Alaska’s scenic Inside Passage, Sitka is a charming coastal town rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Once the capital of Russian America, Sitka blends Russian, Tlingit, and American influences, evident in its historic buildings, totem poles, and local traditions. Surrounded by lush rainforest and dramatic mountain scenery, Sitka offers stunning views, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can explore landmarks such as St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Sitka National Historical Park, and the Alaska Raptor Center. With its unique blend of history, culture, and wilderness, Sitka is a captivating destination for any Alaskan journey.
Day 16 - Cruising Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska
The narrow Tracy Arm Fjord winds its way through the breathtaking Tongass National Forest, flanked by towering granite cliffs rising 300 feet high. Meltwater from snow-capped peaks spills down as waterfalls, lining the shores alongside trees that cling at unlikely angles to the rugged rock. Keep watch for the diverse wildlife that calls this icy haven home from black and brown bears to wolves, deer, moose, seals, and even whales. At the fjord’s end, take in the awe-inspiring sight of the Sawyer Glaciers, dramatically framed by majestic mountains.
Unmissable Experiences
Tracy Arm
Day 17 - Prince Rupert, Canada
The City of Prince Rupert is situated in a sheltered inner harbour and protected by a rim of islands along the famed Inside Passage. The city enjoys both a strategic and scenic location that has long made it an important maritime gateway. This unique setting not only shields the harbour from harsh weather but also provides a dramatic backdrop of forested isles and misty horizons. As a key port and cultural hub in northern British Columbia, Prince Rupert blends stunning natural beauty with rich Indigenous heritage and a vibrant waterfront atmosphere.
Day 18 - At Sea
Enjoy a day at leisure enjoying the facilities onboard the Brillant Lady as you make your way back to Seattle.
Day 19 - Disembark in Seattle
Your Alaska cruise comes to an end today, after disembarking make your way to Seattle Airport for your onward flight home.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
It's all about location in New Orleans and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside places you at the centre of it all. Nestled against the banks of the Mississippi, guests can watch the ships come sailing in or dive into the city life just steps away. Grab a beignet, listen to live jazz, ride a streetcar, or hop into a parade, you never know what you’ll experience in the vibrant culture and excitement of New Orleans just outside the front door.
Holiday Inn French Quarter-Chateau LeMoyne
The Holiday Inn French Quarter-Chateau LeMoyne, offering the best location near Jackson Square and Bourbon Street, makes us the ideal hotel for exploring New Orleans by walking or street car.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
The AAA Four Diamond-rated Royal Sonesta New Orleans effortlessly combines timeless elegance and southern refinement, setting itself apart from other French Quarter hotels. Traditional gabled windows, rich colours and linens accented with fresh flowers, wrought-iron balconies, and a lush courtyard create an experience unlike any other.
Maison Dupuy
The Maison Dupuy is ideally located in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans, only two blocks from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street, nestled in a charming, residential section of the French Quarter. Our newly renovated courtyard features of the one of the largest heated swimming pools in the French Quarter, along with cabana beds and upscale pool furniture for your relaxation. Enjoy a cocktail poolside or relax in our casual Bistreaux Restaurant and Bar.
Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Memphis
Stay in the heart of Memphis at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown. The hotel is within walking distance to many downtown Memphis attractions, including Beale Street Entertainment District, Rock 'n Soul Museum, Sun Studios, National Civil Rights Museum and FedEx Forum and Memphis Cook Convention Centre. Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion and the Memphis International Airport (MEM) are just moments away.
Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel
Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel invites you to experience the best of the city with them. The hotel welcomes you with a terrific location, within walking distance of legendary Beale Street and close to Graceland; also directly connected to Memphis Cook Convention Center via skywalk. Large, intuitively designed rooms and suites boast complimentary Wi-Fi and the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience. Many also offer views of the Mississippi River.
Peabody Hotel
Peabody history dates back to 1869 when the original Peabody Hotel opened on the corner of Main & Monroe and immediately became the social and business hub of Memphis. In 1925 a newer, grander Peabody was built at its present location at Union and 2nd Street continuing the legacy of the "South's Grand Hotel." It was 1933 when ducks were originally placed in the hotel's lobby fountain, setting in motion an 85-year tradition that continues today with the March of the Peabody Ducks. The Peabody name has become synonymous with the 5 North American mallard ducks that are now the living symbol of the Peabody brand..
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel, Chicago
Palmer House® A Hilton Hotel has 140 years of experience, winning over downtown Chicago travelers with award-winning service. Set in the theatre and financial district, this landmark hotel is close to well-known attractions. You’ll find famous frescoes, stylish suites, massive meeting space and artful dining at Lockwood and Potter's Chicago Burger Bar. Relax at The Spa at Palmer House or work out in the sizeable fitness center.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Set along the banks of the Chicago River and just steps from the lively Riverwalk, the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk places you in the heart of the Windy City’s action. Its enviable location provides easy access to top attractions such as Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Magnificent Mile, ensuring you’ll never be short of things to see and do. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of the river or the iconic skyline, setting the scene for an unforgettable Chicago city break.
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago Holidays
Classic style on Magnificent Mile
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago is the epitome of classic Chicago style, located just off Magnificent Mile – a famous stretch that’s home to over 400 retailers and high-end shops.
The Edgewater Hotel
Seattle’s only over-water hotel: where rock’n’roll history meets Pacific Northwest luxury.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle
The “it factor” is just one of those things you know when you see, and Kimpton Hotel Monaco, an exceptional choice of Seattle hotels downtown is one of the lucky ones. It all starts outside with the valet guys, who take having fun as seriously as they do parking your car. Once inside this alluring choice of Seattle boutique hotels, you may be tempted to hang out in the lobby all day — the gorgeous chandeliers dripping with crystals, stately columns, cozy sitting areas, and whimsical dolphin mural really do set the stage for a fun stay. The spacious rooms are no different, offering bursts of color and artful details that make for an inviting home away from home. And whether you’re here for business or pleasure (or a little of both), our Seattle hotel’s downtown location is unparalleled, just steps from major shopping spots, cultural institutions, and sports stadiums. Hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it — and Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle’s got it.
Mayflower Park
Mayflower Park Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Seattle, is a charming and historic hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1927. Blending timeless elegance with modern amenities, the hotel offers a sophisticated atmosphere with its beautifully restored architecture, crystal chandeliers, and classic European-style decor. Just steps away from top attractions like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and Seattle Art Museum, Mayflower Park provides guests with an ideal base for exploring the city.
Image Gallery
Virgin Voyages, Brillant Lady
Alaska
Beale Street, Memphis
Chicago
New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans, Bourbon Street
Beale Street, Memphis
Sun Studios, Memphis
Chicago
Chicago, Millenium Park
Seattle
Virgin Voyages, Sea Terrace Cabin
Virgin Voyages, Onboard Experience
Virgin Voyages, Brilliant Lady
Virgin Voyages, Life Onboard
Tracy Arm Fjord
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2025, 2026 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0009 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Canada Holiday Offers
Rockies & Alaska Experience
- 15 Nights
- Banff
- Lake Louise
- Jasper
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Spectacular Rail Journeys
The Rockies, Alaska & Toronto
- 17 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Banff
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Inside Passage
- Skagway
- Glacier Bay
- Ketchikan
Canadian Rocky Mountains
The Splendour of Canada & Alaska
- 17 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Banff
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Ontario & Quebec
Canada & Alaska Sojourn
- 19 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Banff
- Jasper
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Canadian Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Cruise in Style
- 16 Nights
- Banff
- Jasper
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Anchorage
Canada Holidays 2025
Grizzlies and Alaska Cruise
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Knight Inlet
- Alaska Cruise
Rockies & Alaska Explorer
- 19 Nights
- Banff
- Jasper
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Whitehorse
- Dawson City
- Fairbanks
- Denali National Park
- Anchorage
Denali Explorer & Glaciers
- 13 Nights
- Anchorage
- McKinley Wilderness Lodge
- Denali Wilderness Lodge
- Whittier
- Hubbard Glacier
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Skagway
- Juneau
- Ketchikan
- At Sea
- Vancouver Port
- Vancouver
Canada Holiday Offers
Bears, Whales & Glaciers
- 15 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Tofino
- Alaska Cruise
Yukon & Alaska
Vancouver & Alaska Adventure
- 15 Nights
- Vancouver
- The Inside Passage
- Ketchikan
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Glacier Bay
- The Gulf of Alaska
- Denali National Park
- Anchorage
Rockies & Alaska Grand Discovery
- 17 Nights
- Calgary
- Banff
- Jasper
- Sun Peaks
- Vancouver
- Inside Passage
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Glacier Bay
- Ketchikan
Canada Holidays 2025
Pacific Coast & Alaska Cruise & Fly Drive
- 20 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Tofino
- Campbell River
- Whistler
- Alaska Cruise
Majestic Alaska & Rocky Mountains
- 14 Nights
- Calgary
- Banff
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Canadian Rockies & Grand Alaska
- 13 Nights
- Calgary
- Banff
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Anchorage
Vancouver, Alaska & the Rockies
- 18 Nights
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Jasper
- Banff
Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Cruise
Rockies Alaska Experience Eastbound
- 16 Nights
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Jasper
- Banff
Yukon & Alaska
Alaskan Wilderness Discovery
- 21 Nights
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Alyeska
- Anchorage
- Talkeenta
- Denali National Park
- Fairbanks
- Seattle
Canadian Rocky Mountains
Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Explorer
- 15 Nights
- Canmore
- Banff
- Rocky Mountaineer
- Kamloops
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
Canadian Rocky Mountains
Mighty Rockies & Eastern Maritimes
- 20 Nights
- Vancouver
- Kamloops
- Jasper
- Banff
- Montreal
- Quebec City
- Charlottetown
- Sydney NS
- Bar Harbor
- Boston
Canada Wildlife Holidays
Grizzly Bears & Alaska Odyssey
- 16 Nights
- Vancouver
- Knight Inlet
- Whistler
- Alaska Cruise
