To My Chicago Readers

American Rail Excursions is offering a New Orleans New Year's Sunshine Special Tour departing from Chicago's Union Station at 8 p.m. Dec. 29.

Your private room on board will be your hotel for the four-night trip, which costs $1,599 per person (double occupancy). Single bedrooms are $2,999. The price includes en-route meal service, beverages and snacks as well as a guided tour of New Orleans and a Mississippi Riverboat cruise, with lunch. The train arrives back in Chicago at 9 a.m. Jan. 2.

Get details at American rail.com or call (708) 758-6680.