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Cosmos Arrow 2010: North America Vacations Arrow 2010: SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF LOUISIANA (8020)
2010: SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF LOUISIANA (8020)
11 days from New Orleans to New Orleans
On this vacation through Louisiana, experience the charm and beauty that only Louisiana can offer. Your trip starts in New Orleans before heading to Lafayette in the heart of Cajun Country. Watch for alligators basking on the banks of the swampy waterways as you cruise through the Atchafalaya Basin. Journey along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road through wilderness unique to Louisiana and explore Louisiana's Outback, a living testament to South Louisiana's natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. Visit Natchitoches, Louisiana's oldest town, and experience the Creole architecture on a trolley tour. Then head to Shreveport and learn about the city's history and natural wildlife on your boat tour on the Red River. On your way to Mississippi, visit the Delta Music Museum, which focuses on the history, music, and culture of the Louisiana-Mississippi Delta region. In Natchez, Mississippi, enjoy a sightseeing tour including a visit to a historic antebellum home. Then cross back into Louisiana and explore the capital, Baton Rouge, before your guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation-built in 1839. Finally, arrive in New Orleans and enjoy a tour of the city's major sights. Free time to explore New Orleans on your own offers a perfect ending to your Louisiana vacation.

HOTELS
New Orleans Holiday Inn French Quarter (MF); Lafayette Comfort Inn (ST); Lake Charles La Quinta Inn & Suites (ST); Shreveport Holiday Inn Downtown (F); Natchez Isle of Capri (F)
Call (888) 283-1985 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8658235
Tour OperatorCosmos
OfferOffer valid through 12/31/2009
Duration
11 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
Itinerary
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1New OrleansEnjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day 2LafayetteSurrounded by swamps and marshes, Avery Island is a mysteriously beautiful place inhabited by exotic plant and animal species from around the world. It's also the home of world-famous TABASCO Sauce. Tour the VISITOR CENTER and learn how peppers are grown, harvested, and turned into sauce. Visit the Tabasco Country Store, then enjoy a visit to VERMILLIONVILLE situated on the banks of the Bayou. This Cajun/Creole heritage and Folklife Park recreates life in the Acadiana area between 1765 and 1890. Overnight in the heart of Cajun Country, Lafayette.

SPECIAL EVENT: If you have selected to travel on the April 23 departure you will be in Lafayette during the Festival International de Louisiane. You may choose to independently join the event and enjoy historic downtown Lafayette as it is transformed into an entertainment complex featuring music, food, and street musicians.

If you have selected to travel on the October 8 departure you will be in Lafayette during the Festivals Acadiens et Creoles. You may choose to independently join the event and celebrate the rhythm of Cajun and Creole life in the heart of French Louisiana.
Day 3LafayetteThis morning, board your boat for a CRUISE through the winding, swampy waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin. If you are lucky, you might spot alligators basking on the banks. On to St. Martinville to see the famous oak tree of Longfellow's poem, 'Evangeline.' Time on your own for lunch and independent sightseeing. This evening, consider a visit to the world-famous honky-tonk, Blue Moon Saloon. Sit back to enjoy the atmosphere and live music.
Day 4Lake CharlesEmbark on a journey along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road through one of our nation's last great wildernesses-a lush realm of fertile prairies, delicate marshes, and abundant wildlife. Explore Louisiana's Outback, a living testament to South Louisiana's natural beauty and unique cultural heritage, a natural haven vital to our entire nation's ecosystem. Maybe enjoy dining at one of Louisiana's award-winning restaurants, listen to local musicians, or try your luck in one of the many casinos.
Day 5ShreveportStep back in time, see the sights, and hear the history of the oldest settlement in Louisiana-by TROLLEY. Experience this historic town, the Creole architecture, and historic homes. Afterward, time on your own for additional sightseeing and shopping. An orientation tour of Shreveport gives you a true feel for the history of Louisiana's 'other side.' Your Tour Director will have suggestions for dining and sightseeing.
Day 6ShreveportThis morning, embark on a guided tour of SHREVEPORT'S MUNICIPAL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM. Stand on the stage where Elvis performed and have your photo taken. Sit awhile and imagine some of the other great notables to stand on stage-from James Brown, the 'Godfather of Soul,' and Little Stevie Wonder to Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, B.B. King, Hank Williams Sr., and many more. Step outside and explore the mighty Red River on the hour-long Spirit of the Red River cruise adventure. Learn about the city's history and natural wildlife as you drift down the Red River on this GUIDED BOAT TOUR. Your afternoon and evening are at leisure to enjoy the Louisiana Boardwalk and experience the largest outlet shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Louisiana.
Day 7NatchezBefore crossing into Mississippi, visit the FROGMORE COTTON PLANTATION and tour an 1800-acre modern-day working cotton plantation. Your guided tour takes you on a journey of the South. After refreshments in the plantation store, an included visit to the DELTA MUSIC MUSEUM focuses on the history, music, and culture of the Louisiana-Mississippi Delta region. During your visit, learn about local entertainers Jerry Lee Lewis, Aaron Neville, and Conway Twitty, evangelist Jimmy Swaggart, and blues trombonist Pee Wee Whittaker. Natchez adorns the banks of the mighty Mississippi with her magnificent antebellum homes and fascinating history.
Day 8New OrleansNatchez is noted among America's historic cities for its wealth of architecturally and historically significant antebellum structures. This morning's city sightseeing includes an inside visit to a historic ANTEBELLUM HOME. Continue your journey to Baton Rouge, representing the best of Louisiana's vibrant culture. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour showing the Governor's Mansion and State Capitol. This afternoon a guided tour of OAK ALLEY PLANTATION. The 'Grande Dame of the Great River Road,' built in 1839, is famous for its 28 evenly spaced oak trees believed to be at least 100 years older than the house. Afterward, enjoy the well-manicured grounds at leisure. Tonight, join the optional dinner cruise and savor the beauty of the New Orleans skyline aboard the authentic Steamboat Natchez.

SPECIAL EVENT: If you have selected to travel on the April 16 or April 23 departures you will be in New Orleans for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. You may choose to independently join the event and enjoy great music and classic New Orleans staples like Creole, Cajun, and international cuisine.
Day 9New OrleansThe morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this Old World city. First, visit the French Quarter, including St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Next, learn about the city's unique burial customs at an above-ground cemetery followed by a leisurely drive down historic St. Charles Avenue to enjoy its stately mansions and clanging streetcars. Continue to Cafe Du Monde for delectable beignets, then visit MARDI GRAS WORLD, a tribute with the largest costume display in the South. It is a world of wonder with towering figures of fantasy, animated mega-floats, colors, lights, music, and plenty of joie de vivre. It's all here in one magical place, where you can peek behind the curtain and see Mardi Gras in the making.
Day 10New OrleansThe day is free to experience more of this charming city. For shoppers, Canal Street and the French Quarter offer an extensive array of unique stores and designer boutiques. Your Tour Director will suggest several optional excursions, including a swamp boat ride through the bayous, as well as advice on the best places to dine out and go shopping.
Day 11New OrleansThe trip ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided to New International Airport.
Dates/Pricing
Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DateDescriptionPrice FromQuote
April 16, 2010Land Only Price$1,499.00 (USD)Quote
April 23, 2010Land Only Price$1,499.00 (USD)Quote
May 14, 2010Land Only Price$1,349.00 (USD)Quote
May 28, 2010Land Only Price$1,289.00 (USD)Quote
June 04, 2010Land Only Price$1,289.00 (USD)Quote
September 10, 2010Land Only Price$1,289.00 (USD)Quote
September 17, 2010Land Only Price$1,289.00 (USD)Quote
October 08, 2010Land Only Price$1,349.00 (USD)Quote
October 22, 2010Land Only Price$1,349.00 (USD)Quote
Disclaimer
US$ Price Details

Single Room Supplement:
$600

Triple Room Reduction per person:
$103

Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available at our low prices.

Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-2009, 2010 & 2011 vacation itineraries and prices are subject to change.

Guaranteed Air-Inclusive Price:
Air-inclusive prices do not include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees of up to $300 depending on your itinerary. Please see the Applicable Airfare Taxes and Fee link above for more information.

Air booked in conjunction with a land vacation is considered an air-inclusive vacation. Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a land package and is only available for passengers traveling from the United States. For vacation departures in 2010, your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your air schedule had been confirmed and your entire vacation package has been paid in full. For vacation departures in 2009, an additional $250 non-refundable deposit (total $500 non-refundable) is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation and your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your flight information is confirmed and Globus has received your full land and air deposit.

Not Included in the Vacation Price:
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $10 per person, Passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure, and other government imposed fees up to $300 per person; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); optional excursions; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; all airline imposed baggage fees (including internal flights); and all other items of a personal nature.
 
 
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