Tour in the Spotlight

New Orleans and Mardi Gras Parade
(Pre-Fat Tuesday) Tour
February 9 - 13, 2012

Have you ever wanted to go to New Orleans to attend a parade but did not want to hassle with the crowds and complicated logistics? Here is your chance to take in all of the sights and sounds of this annual Carnival event while we handle all of the arrangements!

We fly, our first morning to New Orleans, via American Airlines. After our arrival in “America’s Most Unique City” we will transfer to the Embassy Suites located downtown. This evening we will enjoy a get acquainted dinner with your fellow travelers.

Our second day we start out with a visit to Mardi Gras World. This place is truly magical as it is the location of the building and storing of many of the floats, props and sculptures used by the many krewes who participate in the various parades. Then we board a carriage for a ride through the French Quarter as you are leisurely led past many landmarks of New Orleans’ heritage. Free time to wander on your own to explore the shops, restaurants, unique streets and courtyards that make up the Quarter and Jackson Square. This evening we embark on a delightful dinner and jazz cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez.

The morning of day three we take in the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. The exhibits here contain penguins, sharks and other deep sea creatures from all over the world. Then we take position on St. Charles Avenue for the Mardi Gras parade that starts in the afternoon and stretches into the evening. And yes, the traditional beads will fly! (These parades are pre-Fat Tuesday events)

Day 4 we enjoy a visit to the National World War II Museum. The exhibits here recognize the significance of World War II and the men and women who led us to victory in this war that changed the world. We then treat ourselves to a delicious meal at the Court of Two Sisters Restaurant located in the French Quarter. Afternoon finds us taking part in a walking tour of the lovely Garden District. Enjoy the architectural splendor of this live oak-tree lined neighborhood as our guide shares the legend and lore of this sector of New Orleans. Our final day we travel to Houmas House Plantation and Gardens which is located along Louisiana’s Great River Road. This restored antebellum mansion and the gardens are a delight to visit.

We catch our afternoon flight back to Tucson.

Price:
$1,898.00 per person double
$2,218.00 per person single
($150.00 per person deposit) - $100 per person for early booking if booked and deposited by September 2, 2011

Includes: Roundtrip air via American Airlines, 4 nights lodging, 8 meals (4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners), all transfers and motorcoach transportation, reserved parade viewing area on St. Charles Ave, admissions as described above, services of a tour director, baggage handling, driver tips, and pickup/livery service.

All information subject to change