Heart of Texas & New Orleans

Heart of Texas & New Orleans

Tours Starts: New Orleans, LA

Tours Ends: Dallas, TX

Day 1

Arrive in New Orleans

Welcome to New Orleans! If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a friendly YMT representative will greet you at the airport and transport you to your centrally located hotel. Tonight is yours to enjoy—take a balmy evening stroll through the famously lively city that takes its French motto, “laissez les bon temps rouler,” which means “let the good times roll,” very seriously.

Wyndham French Quarter or similar

Day 2

New Orleans

Today is devoted to the exciting and unique city of New Orleans! The morning starts with a spectacular meal—the Jazz Brunch at The Court of Two Sisters, a stunning courtyard restaurant in the middle of the French Quarter. Enjoy authentic Cajun and Creole specialties as a jazz trio plays. Enjoy time on your own or join us for a tour of Mardi Gras world (additional cost). (B)

Wyndham French Quarter or similar

OPTION: MARDI GRAS WORLD FACILITY TOUR & MASK MAKING:

Learn all about the history of the New Orleans celebration and walk through the float den, the year-round studio where Mardi Gras’ spectacular floats are built. You'll also take part in a fun mask-making experience, all for just $55 p/p. Please add this option at time of booking.

Day 3

Oak Alley Plantation

Begin your day with a tour of Oak Alley Plantation, an historic 25-acre plantation built in the 1830’s. Your tour will take you through the grounds, including the “Big House,” Civil War Tent, Sugarcane Theatre, and the People of Oak Valley Exhibit. Continue to Lake Charles for your overnight stay.

Best Western Plus Prien Lake Inn & Suites or similar

Day 4

Houston Space Center

Bid a fond adieu to Louisiana, and say howdy to Texas! After an included breakfast at the hotel, take a ride into Houston, Texas’ most populous city. Tour Houston’s top attraction, the Houston Space Center, where you will learn about the history and the future of America’s space program. Experience over 400 space artifacts, traveling and permanent exhibits, and attractions. Your tour includes the NASA Johnson Space Center and astronaut training center. (B)

Home2 Suites by Hilton Houston/Webster or similar

Day 5

Houston

Enjoy a guided city tour of this exciting Gulf Coast metropolis founded in 1837, and named the capital of the seceded Republic of Texas that same year. Houston’s towering skyline, numerous historic buildings, and green spaces (it’s home to 337 parks) make this city a delight to explore. (B)

Home2 Suites by Hilton Houston/Webster or similar

Day 6

San Antonio

San Antonio, which locals insist should never be called “San Antone,” was founded in 1718 and is home to five Catholic missions that were built through 1731. On top of its vibrant history, this quintessentially Texan city is renowned for its amazing Tex-Mex food, lively downtown, and the clean San Antonio River that slowly flows through its center. Today, you’ll enjoy a city tour highlighting San Antonio’s amazing culture and histor y. (B)

Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio-Live Oak Conference Center or similar

Day 7

The Alamo

The Alamo is known throughout the world as a symbol of bravery in the face of impossible odds, and the call of “Remember the Alamo!” still stands as one of the most stirring rallying cries in history. Take a tour of San Antonio’s first mission, which stood for over a century before it was used as a fort for the badly outnumbered Texian Army, who defended the Alamo for a full 13 days until the last men fell on March 6, 1836. You’ll always remember this fascinating experience. (B)

Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio-Live Oak

Day 8

Austin and the LBJ Library

Today starts with a tour of “The Live Music Capital of the World,” stunning Austin. The capital of Texas is frequently named the best big American city to live in—and with its unique beauty, many small businesses, and quirky culture, you’re sure to see why. Next, enjoy a tour of the LBJ Presidential Library. Lyndon Baines Johnson’s 30-acre presidential library on the University of Texas at Austin campus will take you through the life and tumultuous presidency of LBJ, who held the office from 1963-1969. Learn about the chaotic first days after President Kennedy’s assassination, and LBJ’s complicated relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (B)

Crowne Plaza Austin or similar

Day 9

Dallas

Prepare for a fun day in the charming city of Dallas. This historically important city has long been a hub for the transportation and oil industries, among others, which you’ll learn about on your guided morning tour. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to enjoy

Courtyard Dallas Central Expresswayor similar

Day 10

Southfork Ranch

Your final full day in Texas will be a fun one at "The World’s Most Famous Ranch!" Southfork Ranch is the real-life location of the Ewing Mansion, rodeo arena, and ranch from Dallas,one of the most successful TV shows ever produced. Enjoy a guided tour of the Ewing Mansion, learn about the history of the ranch and the region, and stroll past horses and Texas longhorns, before sitting down for an included exceptional barbecue lunch. (B, L)

Courtyard Dallas Central Expressway or similar

Fort Worth Stockyard Cowtown Coliseum:

Visit the Fort Worth Stockyard’s Cowtown Coliseum, home of the world’s first indoor rodeo. Experience bands, real cowboys and cowgirls, and food for purchase. $39 p/p. Please add this option at time of booking.

Day 11

Depart for Home

Wake up to one final Texas sunrise, before you depart for home with a suitcase full of memories

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.