Air

The event you came for is about to begin. You have reserved bleacher seats along Colorado Boulevard and after breakfast you depart for the Tournament of Roses Parade. View the animated floats, the precision of the marching bands and the equestrian teams as you become part of an event that is seen throughout the world by millions.

Later, travel north up the coast to the pretty town of Santa Monica. Here, there is time to explore the exciting Santa Monica Pier. Delight in the wide array of shops, arcades and lively entertainment. Tonight, your farewell dinner is in Santa Monica hosted by your Tour Manager. Meals: B, D

Your transfer from the hotel to the airport is included for your flight home. Your Tour Manager will help you with arrangements to Los Angeles International Airport. Meal: B

Welcome to New Orleans, Louisiana, America’s jazz capital. Meet your Tour Manager in the hotel Lobby at 6:00 p.m. for a transfer to your welcome dinner and cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Learn the basics of Louisiana cooking from well-known local chefs. Creole/Cajun experts teach New Orleans specialties such as Gumbo, Jambalaya and Pralines, and season them with history, trivia and tall tales. After dinner, feel free to enjoy the French Quarter on your own. Meal: D

Begin with a narrated tour of New Orleans. See the sights you’ve heard about for years such as the historic French Quarter, the beautiful Garden District, the colorful River Walk along the Mississippi and famous Bourbon Street. See New Orleans as the city prepares for the biggest celebration of the year, Mardi Gras, with its colorful costumes, parades and parties.

In the afternoon, visit the National WWII Museum. Designated by Congress as the country’s official World War II Museum, this remarkable attraction illuminates the American experience during the WWII era. Celebrate the American Spirit as you experience moving personal stories, historic artifacts and powerful interactive displays. The Museum salutes the optimism, courage and sacrifice of those who won the war and changed the world. Meal: B

This morning learn what goes into the making of the Mardi Gras parade floats. Since 1947, the artists of Blaine Kern Studios have been bringing Mardi Gras to life, creating many of the parade floats, from concept through completion. Later, experience the fun and festivities of a Mardi Gras parade from reserved bleacher seats and cheer on the “Krewes” who sponsor the floats. Delight in their ornate costumes and royal courts and try to catch some of the gold, purple and green beads thrown at you from the floats. Be sure to sample King Cake, a traditional Mardi Gras treat. Meals: B, D

Day 4  Canjun Swamps & Mighty Oaks

Travel from New Orleans today and embark on a narrated journey through the Louisiana swamp to see the vast wetlands, exotic wildlife, brilliant flora and the king of the swamp, the alligator. Then, venture into “plantation country.” A stop at majestic Oak Alley Plantation, the impressive mansion whose twenty five acres of history and romance is dominated by the “alley” of 300-year-old live oak trees. Enjoy a tasty Mint Julep before coming to Laura Plantation. Step into the past as you explore the museum, visit the Big House and stand in an authentic 1840s slave cabin. Meal: B

Day 5  Avery Island, Evangeline Oak and Jean Lafite

In the quaint town of St Martinville lives a love story so compelling that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow based his epic poem Evangeline on it. Visit the museum and see the majestic “Evangeline Oak.”

On Avery Island sits the TABASCO Pepper Sauce Factory. TABASCO is one of the most popular sauces of its kind. Take a behind-the-scenes tour and have an on own lunch. Next stop at the Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center. The center relates the story of the Acadians who settled Louisiana’s Mississippi delta and covers their history, customs, language and contemporary culture. Dinner is at Prejean’s Cajun Restaurant where the ambience is pure Cajun-French. Enjoy live Cajun music, great Cajun cuisine in a fun, casual atmosphere. Meals: B, D

After breakfast, a group transfer to the New Orleans Airport is available for flights out after 12:00 p.m. Meal: B

Welcome to exciting Las Vegas, Nevada. Transfer to your hotel and meet your Tour Manager and traveling companions at 6:00 p.m. for a welcome dinner. Meal: D

Today a local guide conducts a narrated tour of the glittering Las Vegas Strip, the heart and soul of the city. See Sin City’s top hotels and largest casinos including the Venetian, Mirage, Treasure Island and famed Caesars Palace. Also see the over-the-top architecture of New York, New York, the Paris Eiffel Tower and the Fountains of the Bellagio.

In the afternoon, tour the impressive Hoover Dam. This 726 foot tall engineering marvel is the tallest dam in the world and stretches 1,244 feet across Black Canyon. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985 and took five years to construct. Return to Las Vegas to enjoy the many dining venues available or take in a show. Meal: B

Depart Las Vegas today bound for historic Route 66 and Kingman, Arizona. Here, stop at the Route 66 Museum located in Kingman’s Historic Powerhouse. The museum celebrates the history of the “Mother Road” and lets you experience and learn about the American culture of years gone by along Route 66.

Then, stop at Desert Diamond Distillery for a guided tour and sampling of the award-winning agave rum and vodka spirits before continuing on to Laughlin, your home for the next three nights. Meals: B, D

This morning, climb aboard a Jet Boat for an exciting journey down the Colorado River for 58 miles through beautiful Topock Gorge, en route to the world-famous. London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. See the volcanic rock faces, emerald waters and ancient Indian petroglyphs of Topock Gorge.
Meals: B, L

Cross into Arizona this morning for a visit to historic Oatman. This one-time mining town features a shop-lined main street and is home to burros, the last descendants of the miner’s beasts of burden. Return to Laughlin for an afternoon free to enjoy this lively town nestled along the Colorado River.

Tonight, climb aboard your sailing vessel for a leisurely cruise along the Colorado River complete with a delicious dinner. Meals: B, D

Your holiday ends with a group transfer to Harry Reid International Airport at 9:00 a.m. for flights out after 1:00 p.m Meal: B