New Orleans and Lafayette for Mardi Gras

Day One

Travel to Cincinnati, Ohio for the night.

Day Two

A scenic drive through Kentucky and Tennessee brings us to Memphis, the Birthplace of the Blues.

Day Three

Visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, before continuing to Louisiana. We stay in Baton Rouge for the night.

Day Four

Lafayette is the heart and soul of Cajun country, and homes to a grand Mardi Gras celebration. The event is known for being both full of revelry and family-friendly. Enjoy the day from our VIP area, featuring covered seating with prime parade viewing. Sample some king cake and other Louisiana specialties, and be sure to catch some beads while watching the parades, floats, and music.

Day Five

Visit nearby Avery Island today, home to the one and only Tabasco hot sauce. All Tabasco in the world is made right here, and a tour of the factory and greenhouse will show us how it's done. Then, visit Jungle Gardens, a semi-tropical garden that stretches along the bayou. This afternoon, we travel to our home for the next three nights, New Orleans. "The Big Easy" is vibrant and fascinating, with its spectacular French Quarter, historic buildings, and bustling waterfront. The loud, busy atmosphere of yesterday's Mardi Gras festivities will hae now given way to a calmer, more relaxed vibe for exploring the city. A fun night of delicious local food with live music and dancing awaits at our favourite Cajun restaurant.

Days Six and Seven

Spend two days exploring New Orleans, beginning with a guided tour. Then, spend the rest of your time as you wish! Explore the French Quarter, wander the Riverwalk, do some shopping, take a swamp tour, cruise aboard an historic paddlewheeler, or experiece the incredible World War II Museum. Your tour director will help with all the details and the coach will offer shuttles to some of the most popular attractions.

Day Eight

Travel the short distance to Mobile, Alabama, home to the original Mardi Gras tradition. Visit the Mardi Gras Carnival Museum, which brings the local Mardi Gras tradition to life, while enjoying the lovely downtown. We travel to Birmingham, Alabama for the night.

Day Nine

Arrive in Nashville in time to enjoy a full afternoon of sightseeing, including a guided city tour and time to explore downtown. Live music pours out of every door along Broadway, with atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.

Day Ten

This morning we take a guided tour of Studio B, the famed studio where Elvis recorded more than 200 times. Still used today by Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, and others, this is hallowed ground for any country music fan. Then, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, showcasing country music from its roots to today. We spend the night in Cincinnati.

Day Eleven

Cross the border and return home.