March, April, May, October, November

Day 1:  Arrive New Orleans
Fly this morning to New Orleans. Upon arrival at the “Crescent City”, our tour director and chartered motorcoach are waiting to transfer us to our home for the next two nights in the heart of the world-renowned French Quarter, the excellent Ramada Plaza Inn on Bourbon.  Our sightseeing begins later this afternoon with a guided French Quarter walking tour . . . we’ll explore the St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, Pirate’s Alley, the French Market, Bourbon and Royal Streets, plus much more.  Our welcome dinner in the quaint “Vieux Carre” has been scheduled at the exceptional “Court of Two Sisters,” a New Orleans landmark, and will be followed by a popular French Quarter nightclub show.  (D)

Day 2:  New Orleans City Tour 
Our morning features a guided tour of this colorful and magnetic city, including such sights as the gracious old homes of the Garden District, Tulane University, the old French Cemeteries, the Louisiana Superdome Sports Palace, Lake Ponchartrain, and numerous other points of interest.  After free time for lunch (on your own) and browsing along the New Orleans Riverwalk, we’ll embark on a delightful afternoon cruise of the Mississippi River and New Orleans harbor aboard the historic sternwheeler, “Natchez”.  We’ll conclude the day in the French Quarter at the Jax Brewery Festival Marketplace with a delicious dinner and fascinating demonstration of Creole cooking secrets at the New Orleans School of Cooking.  (B, D)

Day 3:  Alabama, Mississippi Gulf Coast Resort
This morning we head east through Southern Mississippi and enter Alabama, where our itinerary features the extraordinary Bellingrath Gardens and Home, some of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in the world, which were copies from the formal gardens of Italy, France, and England, surrounding an elegant mansion in a blaze of color.  Our final destination today is the popular Mississippi Gulf Coast resort area, where our overnight home will be the Isle of Capri Casino Crowne Plaza Resort in Biloxi.  After dinner, you’ll have the evening to test your chances with Lady Luck at slot machines or gaming tables in the exciting, Las Vegas-style casinos.  (B, D)

Day 4:  Natchez, Cock of the Walk
Crossing the Magnolia State, we make our way to the storied city of Natchez, known worldwide for its beautiful antebellum homes.  Here are found fine examples of the French, Greek, Revival and Colonial styles of architecture, which reflect the splendor of the Old South.  Longwood, Cherokee, Stanton Hall, Fair Oaks and Rosalie are just a few of the enchanting names attached to the mansions of this historic city . . . we’ll enjoy a guided tour, including visits to several of the loveliest homes.  Nearby, we’ll be guests of the friendly Radisson Natchez Eola Hotel and enjoy a fun-filled dinner at the popular Cock of the Walk, on the Natchez riverfront.  (B, D)

Day 5:  St. Francisville, Baton Rouge
Tracing the Great River Road this morning, we soon arrive in St. Francisville, Louisiana, at Greenwood Plantation and Gardens, a restoration of an 1830 Greek Revival mansion.  Next is a stop in Baton Rouge at the towering Louisiana State Capitol, where we’ll take in the view from the observation deck of this 34-story, art deco structure.  Late this afternoon we’ll check in for a two-night stay at the fine Holiday Inn-Central Holidome in Lafayette, gateway to Louisiana’s Cajun Country.  Dinner tonight has been arranged at Mulate’s, “The World’s Most Famous Cajun Restaurant,” known for its genuine Cajun charm, authentic cuisine, and the best in live Cajun music.  (B, D)

Day 6:  Lafayette, St. Martinville
Our full-day Cajun country tour begins with the sights of Lafayette  . . . St. John’s Cathedral and the 450-year-old Cathedral Oak, Cypress Lake, the University of Southwestern Louisiana, and elegant residential areas.  A stop at the restored Acadian Village reveals the proud culture of the French Acadian people as well as the 19^th-century lifestyle of a typical Louisiana bayou community.  In St. Martinville, we’ll visit beautiful St. Martin de Tours Church, plus the Evangeline Oak and Evangeline Monument.  Our exploration of lovely Avery Island begins with a tour of the Tabasco Factory, home of the fiery hot peppers sauce since 1868.  Nearby are the lush Jungle Gardens and “Bird City” wildlife sanctuary, filled with tropical plants and home to as many as 20,000 herons and snowy egrets, plus deer and alligators.  A delicious “farewell” dinner at the Old Castillo Hotel rounds out the day in style.  (CB, D)

Day 7:  Atchafalaya River Basin, New Orleans
Bidding Lafayette adieu, this morning we’ll cruise through the wild swamplands of the Atchafalaya River Basin, one of America’s great semi-wilderness areas.  Here thousands of species of animals and plants live amid thick moss-covered woods, countless swamps, lakes and streams.  Returning to New Orleans this afternoon, we’ll board our homeward-bound flight with new-found friends and great memories.  (CB)

Includes: 
Land transportation via late-model touring coach,  six nights lodging at quality AAA-rated motor hotels, 12 meals:  six breakfasts and six full-course dinners with choice of entrée,  full-time services of an experienced, tour director,  all admissions and fees for complete sightseeing and entertainment program indicated, gratuities for handling of one large suitcase per each guest member, pre-trip itinerary and information packet, name badge and baggage tag for each guest, all applicable taxes and tips on tour inclusions, all gratuities for coach driver and tour director. 

Not Included:
Air transportation, meals not indicated, items of a personal nature, travel insurance and any air transportation fuel and/or security surcharges that may be in effect at time of ticketing.