From the heart of cowboy country to the mysterious lure of the bayou, this rail journey will give you a full immersion in all the best of the American south. Your trip begins in Fort Worth, Texas, where you will discover the city’s intoxicating blend of classic pioneer roots and modern cultural wonders. From Fort Worth, take the scenic train journey to south to Austin for an authentic experience of the city, then off to San Antonio and enjoy seeing all the best of the diverse city on a fun hop-on, hop-off tour and included admission to some of the top attractions. Finally, take the train to ‘The Big Easy’ for three days of festivities, food and fun including a wildlife-filled swamp and bayou tour, and the opportunity to make your very own Louisiana-style meal from scratch.
⭐ Fort Worth Stockyards Adventure Pass
⭐ Sightseeing city tour of Austin
⭐ Multi-day hop-on, hop-off pass w/ River Walk boat cruise in San Antonio
⭐ Sightseeing city tour of New Orleans OR Swamp and Bayou Tour
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Welcome to Fort Worth! While a thoroughly modern city, Fort Worth also stays true to its original trading post roots. During your time in the city, use your included Stockyards Adventure Pass to visit the Stockyards Museum and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame for a real taste of what life was like for the pioneers who settled in the city and the cowboys who made Fort Worth their home in the late 19th century. (Overnight in Fort Worth)
Spend another day discovering the culture-rich city is also considered the “museum capital of the Southwest,” with several renowned museums located in the beautiful Fort Worth Cultural District. And foodies won't be disappointed in Fort Worth - the eclectic cuisine features Texas' best ingredients and rich Western Heritage combined with a unique mix of flavors from around the world. Enjoy all the best of Fort Wort! (Overnight in Fort Worth)
In the afternoon, you'll board the Texas Eagle and head toward Austin! When you arrive in the “Live Music Capital of the World,” check into your hotel. The evening is free for you to enjoy as you please as you continue embracing all things Texas. Stroll through downtown and marvel at the growing skyline's gorgeous architecture, or enjoy some world-class barbeque and an avocado margarita in one of the city's many incredible restaurants. (Overnight in Austin)
Climb aboard a comfortable Mercedes van for your included Real Austin Tour! Discover the exciting landmarks, hidden gems, local favorites, historic neighborhoods, and all the delicious food that make this place so amazing. You'll learn about its culture, music, famous people, and everything in between that makes people want to “Keep Austin Weird” from the passion and informative guides. Stop at the capital, the Welcome to Austin mural, food trucks, downtown, and the west, south, and east sides of the city. After this fun tour, you'll understand why Austin is such a popular destination. The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. In August, head to the grassy banks of Lady Bird Lake around sunset and watch swarms of Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge, which cross the Colorado River at the southern end of downtown. These bats are the largest urban bat colony in North America! (Overnight in Austin)
Spend the morning on your own partaking in some traditional breakfast tacos and the afternoon continuing to get to know the city of Austin before boarding the Texas Eagle to San Antonio in the evening. A great option, especially if it's warm out that day, is to spend the afternoon at Barton Springs, a year-round natural spring pool in Zilker Park. When you arrive in San Antonio, check into your hotel for a three-night stay and then step out and enjoy the rest of the day exploring this big city with a small-town vibe on your own. Maybe head over to a local favorite for an authentic Texas-style dinner and Tejano music. (Overnight in San Antonio)
Today, begin using your multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of San Antonio. Prepare to take in all the crowd-pleasing, popular sights and attractions that brought you to this incredible city. During this tour, you'll have the chance to experience the city's distinctive heritage, art, culture, and preeminent landmarks. Visit the Alamo (famous for the 1836 Battle for Texas Independence), take a relaxing cruise along the San Antonio River, see the oldest stone church in America (the Mission Concepcion), stroll through the Japanese Sunken Gardens and El Mercado's quintessential Mexican shops, and get a glimpse of Mission San Jose's exquisite Rose Window stone carving. The evening is all yours to enjoy at your leisure. Make a stop at the pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined Pearl District for some of the best tacos in Texas or catch a captivating play at the Majestic Theatre. (Overnight in San Antonio)
Continue using your hop-on, hop-off pass and spend the remainder of your time in San Antonio discovering anything you may have missed the day before. (Overnight in San Antonio)
Travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the Sunset Limited to New Orleans. Take in the stunning western landscapes and sultry bayou as you glide by. Upon your arrival in the “Big Easy,” travel on your own to your hotel and check in for a three-night stay. The rest of the day is yours to start exploring this festive city. If you are looking for something to do, why not head to the exciting French Quarter, where there is always something to see, and of course, eat! (Overnight in New Orleans)
Today, choose between experiencing the timeless beauty of Southern Louisiana in a custom-built swamp boat as you travel through part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park or seeing all New Orleans has to offer on a sightseeing city tour taking you to all the hot spots you'd want to see! (Overnight in New Orleans)
Your independent rail tour ends today.
Speak with a Discover North America Travel Specialist about extending your trip.