New Orleans 2025

Cemetery Tour, Mardi Gras World, National WWII Museum, Swamp Boat Tour, French Markets, & More!

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New Orleans 2025

March 9-16, 8 Days, 13 Meals
New Orleans, LA
Mardi Gras World, National WWII Museum, French Markets, Swamp Tour, and More!

Who 'dat? Put a little color and flavor in your life with a slice of N'Awlins!

Day 1

Ramp up the excitement with new friends as you journey through Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas, where the group will stop for the evening.

Day 2

The adventure continues as the coach reaches our home for the next five nights, the Drury Plaza Hotel, just a few blocks away from Canal Street and the French Quarter.

Day 3

NEW ORLEANS CITY & CEMETERY TOUR: A local step-on guide highlights the history of the city, shares a bit of Mardi Gras history, and tells stories of voodoo practices and piracy. Also, visit one of New Orleans' historic cemeteries, referred to as Cities of the Dead, and learn about the unique above-ground burial system.

HARBOR JAZZ CRUISE: Voyage back to a time when riverboats reigned as king of the river and major source of transportation. See up close one of the world's busiest ports while enjoying the steam calliope, live narration, and live local music of the Steamboat Stompers.

MARDI GRAS WORLD: See where the spectacular floats of Mardi Gras are created while learning the history of this time-honored tradition.

COURT OF TWO SISTERS: More than a restaurant, it's a legend! Enjoy a luscious Creole and Cajun cuisine, make a wish in the Devil's Wishing Well, and hear the story of Emma and Bertha, the two sisters who ran a notions shop here once upon a time in the French Quarter.

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Day 4

SWAMP TOUR: Alligators anyone? Homegrown in the Bayous of Southern Louisiana, your captain narrates as you journey through a privately owned wildlife refuge. Learn about the Louisiana Wetlands, the inhabitants of the swamp, and the unique history of the Cajun town of Frenier within the Manchac Swamp.

OAK ALLEY PLANTATION: Explore the home and walk the grounds of the most photographed plantation in the south.

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Day 5

NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM: Explore interactive exhibits that tell the emotional story of the war that changed the world at this attraction ranked #1 in NOLA by Trip Advisor.

FRENCH MARKETS: The shops at the French Markets are a great place for a quick bite and souvenirs.

NEW FOR 2025! VUE ORLEANS: Positioned atop the iconic Four Seasons Hotel, Vue Orleans offers world-class 360-degree panormaic views of one of the most storied cities in the world. Experience touchless interactive exhibits, enjoy a thrilling ride 33 stories high, and take in all the sights of the Big Easy!

NEW ORLEANS SCHOOL OF COOKING: Join one of the area's well-known chefs for dinner, laughter, and a bit of the city's rich culinary history.

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Day 6

NEW ORLEANS STREETCAR JAZZY PASS: Dive into New Orleans however you want! With unlimited rides, discover more of the Crescent City than ever before by way of the oldest operating streetcar system in the United States.

Day 7

TWO MISSISSIPPI MUSEUMS: The Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum are places where Mississippians tell their own stories of the state’s rich and complex history. These aren't exhibits trapped behind glass, but immersive stories of Mississippi's first people, epic battles, great floods, potent protests, and powerful music.

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Day 8

The journey comes to an end, but the memories of good food, good times, and good friends will live on forever.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

DEPOSIT: $50 per person due at time of reservation; final payment due January 23, 2025.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Comfort Inn & Suites, Blytheville, AR (2 nights); Drury Plaza Hotel, New Orleans, LA (5 nights).

TOUR INCLUSIONS: Professional tour director, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, luggage handling, admissions, and 13 meals, including 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Optional, but highly recommended.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 3 / HEAVY WALKING: Physical stamina required. Stair climbing, longer periods of walking and/or standing may be involved, along with higher elevations and longer days. Participants must be able to keep up with group.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Contact Details	Distance
Janesville, WI	Van Galder Terminal 3120 N. Pontiac Dr., Janesville WI
Madison, WI	Dutch Mill Park & Ride 4545 East Broadway, Madison WI
Rockford, IL	Van Galder Terminal 7559 Walton St., Rockford IL
South Beloit, IL	Fas Mart/McDonald's ($3 per day) Hwy 75 and I90, South Beloit IL