Texas and The Big Easy

Start the day in the famed Stockyards National Historic District. The area showcases the rich western heritage of the “City of Cowboys and Culture” with offerings such as a year-round rodeo, old-west style saloons, and a twice-daily cattle drive. Walk to the back of the Livestock Exchange Building and meet the drovers of the Fort Worth Herd, who are dressed in authentic period attire from the late 1800’s. During this time, take pictures with the drovers and ask any questions pertaining to the Old West. The drovers will tell you about the cattle drive and why Fort Worth earned the nickname “Cowtown”. Visit the John Wayne Museum and Hall of Fame, dedicated to the life and legacy of the legendary Hollywood star. Featuring over 400 pieces of memorabilia, the museum pays homage to the “Duke” from his childhood through his successful acting career. Enjoy some free time to peruse the western shops and heritage brands at Mule Alley. After watching the morning cattle drive, enjoy an authentic BBQ lunch with line-dancing lessons at Billy Bob’s Texas – the world’s largest honky tonk. This afternoon you will be taken on a guided visit Fort Worth. Highlights include Sundance Square Plaza in downtown, the JFK Tribute – site where the former President gave his last public speech, and the Water Gardens. Optional: attend the evening Championship Rodeo.

Start the day with a visit to Southfork Ranch, home to the Ewing Mansion – the setting of the TV Series Dallas. Continue to Dallas, ranked as the 9^th largest US city. Visit the 6^th Floor Museum, which chronicles the assassination of President John F Kennedy. Photo stop at the nearby Dealey Plaza. This afternoon, you will be taken on a highlights tour of Dallas before returning to Fort Worth. Overnight.

This morning, depart for Austin, the state capital of Texas. You will be taken on a guided tour of town. Starting at the Capitol front door, take a stroll down Congress Avenue, Austin’s main street. Hear about Texas and Austin history and about the deeds of local heroes. Continue with stops on lively 6^th street, the Market District, and central Austin, home to the University of Texas at Austin. End the day at Congress Bridge, where from March to October, 1.5 million bats emerge nightly from crevices in the underside of the bridge. It will be a moment you will not soon forget! Overnight in Austin.

Leave for San Antonio. Arrival late morning to discover the city’s historic center. Visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which is comprised of the four southernmost Spanish colonial missions: Concepción- the oldest unrestored church in the U.S, San José, San Juan and Espada. These missions, along with the Alamo, have been named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO). This afternoon, enjoy a scenic cruise (35m) on the San Antonio River in the charming Riverwalk District. Overnight in San Antonio.

This morning, depart to Houston, the 4^th largest US city. Upon arrival, you will be taken on a guided tour of town to see the downtown with its immense skyscrapers, the trendy Uptown/Galleria district, Chinatown – which boasts the second largest Indochinese population in the US (after Los Angeles), Midtown with its art galleries and finally the Museum District, home to 19 cultural institutions. Overnight.

Today you will visit the official NASA facilities at the Johnson Space Center, home of the astronauts and countless space artifacts. Here it is possible to see a real spacecraft, touch a piece of moon rock, walk though the Skylab space station in Starship Gallery or see a space shuttle mock-up. During the visit, take the NASA Tram Tour*. The tour will take you behind-the-scenes at NASA Johnson Space Center. You will tour Rocket Park, home of the Saturn V rocket, which is the most powerful rocket ever built. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Depart for Lafayette, known as the “heart of cajun country”. Upon arrival, visit the Vermilionville Living History Museum. Containing many unique restored historical items within its collection, the museum preserves the cultural resources of Lafayette Parish and the surrounding region. The park is a picturesque representation of a village from a time period of 1765 to 1890. You will enjoy an up close look at many examples of early building architecture as well as how inhabitants worked in their day to day life. This afternoon, enjoy a presentation of local cajun and and creole music. This evening, enjoy an authentic cajun dinner with live music. Overnight.

Departure to Lafayette, known as the “heart of cajun country”. Upon arrival, visit the Vermilionville Living History Museum. Containing many unique restored historical items within its collection, the museum preserves the cultural resources of Lafayette Parish and the surrounding region. The park is a picturesque representation of a village from a time period of 1765 to 1890. You will enjoy an up close look at many examples of early building architecture as well as how inhabitants worked in their day to day life. This afternoon, enjoy a presentation of local cajun and and creole music. This evening, enjoy an authentic cajun dinner with live music. Overnight.

Start the day with a visit of Oak Alley, a superb plantation lined with a canopy of giant oak trees over two hundred years old. Sample a mint julep, the plantation’s signature drink. Next, boat trip in the nearby swamps, the legendary Louisiana bayous, where you just might meet a few alligators. Arrival in New Orleans, where you will be taken on a walking tour of the French Quarter. You’ll enjoy this stroll in the Vieux Carré part of town where you’ll see the French Market, Saint Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo, a remarkable Spanish building dating from the 18^th century.

This morning, enjoy brunch with live jazz at the iconic Court of Two Sisters restaurant. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in New Orleans. Optional*: This evening, enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the historic Steamboat Natchez.

Time at leisure in the morning. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.