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Heart of Texas & New Orleans

From $1599 (was $1849)

per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare

11 Days

Passport Not Required View Dates and Prices

This program is currently sold out but new dates are coming soon! Call 877-332-6185 for more details.

Introduction

Experience the charm of New Orleans and the Lone Star State’s 4 largest cities on this incredible tour up the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the heart of Texas. Experience a more gracious way of life as you learn about the region’s history and culture over 11 wonderful days!

Trip includes

  • Hotel Accommodations: 10-night hotel accommodations based on twin/double accommodations in moderate hotels.

  • Sightseeing: Entrance fees and special events as listed in tour itinerary.

  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner included.

  • Baggage Handling: To and from your hotel room throughout your tour for one piece of checked baggage per person.

  • Service: A professionally trained tour director who is knowledgeable on the local area and will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.

Activity Level

Activity Level Moderate Active

Click here for full details.

Trip Highlights

  • City tours of New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas
  • Jazz Brunch featuring traditional New Orleans cuisine and a live jazz trio at the Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter of New Orleans
  • Guided tours of historic landmarks including the Alamo, Oak Alley Plantation, and Mardi Gras World
  • Visit Space Center Houston, the LBJ Presidential Library, and the 6th Floor Museum, dedicated to President Kennedy’s life, death, and impact on history
  • Explore the famed Southfork Ranch—home to the infamous Ewing family from the hit TV show Dallas, and enjoy a BBQ lunch

Step 1

Airfare to tour:

Step 2

Number of travelers:

(Click the map to enlarge)

The 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 two of New Orleans’ most celebrated specialties—delicious food and Mardi Gras! 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, numerous hot and cold dishes, and an array of exquisite desserts as a jazz trio plays. From there, take a tour of Mardi Gras World—where every day is Mardi Gras! Explore the fabulous facility and learn all about the history of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration. You'll even get to walk through the float den, the year-round studio where Mardi Gras’ most spectacular floats are built. (B)

Wyndham French Quarter or similar

Day 3

Lake Charles

Your day in Lake Charles includes 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.

Best Western Prien Lake Road or similar

Day 4

Houston City Tour

Bid a fond adieu to Louisiana, and say howdy to Texas! After an included breakfast at the hotel, take a luxury coach ride into Houston, Texas’ most populous city. Enjoy a 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, D)

Home 2 Suites by Hilton or similar

Day 5

Houston Space Center

Enjoy another breakfast at the hotel, then take your own giant leap for mankind at the Houston Space Center. Take a tour of Houston’s top attraction, where you will learn about the history and the future of America’s space program. Experience over 400 space artifacts, traveling and permanent exhibits, attractions and theaters. Includes the NASA Johnson Space Center and astronaut training center. (B)

Home 2 Suites by Hilton or similar

Day 6

San Antonio City Tour

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 history.

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.

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

Day 8

Austin City Tour and 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.

Doubletree Austin or similar

Day 9

Dallas City Tour and 6th Floor Museum

Step into your luxury coach and prepare for a fun day in charming 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 morning tour. From there, visit the 6th Floor Museum, the Dealey Plaza museum devoted to the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The museum overlooks the spot where President Kennedy was shot in 1963.

Hilton Garden Inn or 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. (L)

Hilton Garden Inn or similar

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.

YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

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