Texas - the Lone Star State - NEW
From cowboys, ranches and the Alamo to ground-breaking space exploration, learn about the history of Texas - a state of pioneers, bravery and heroism.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK – Dallas.
Fly to Dallas where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for three nights.
DAY 2: Dallas - Fort Worth - Dallas.
This morning journey south to Fort Worth to visit legendary Stockyards National Historic District. After a short film which introduces you to Western culture, meet the cowboys of the Fort Worth herd and see a longhorn cattle drive. Next, visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to over seventy cowboys and cowgirls. Return to Dallas where the evening is free.
DAY 3: Dallas.
Today is dedicated to the sights of Dallas beginning with a visit to Pioneer Plaza, which features a spectacular sculpture commemorating the nineteenth century longhorn cattle drives which took place along the Shawnee Trail. Continue to the Historic West End and Dealy Plaza to learn about the historic moment when Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot President John F Kennedy on 22nd November 1963. Next visit the legendary Southfork Ranch, the internationally renowned filming location of the 'Dallas' television series.
DAY 4: Dallas – Austin.
This morning travel to Austin, the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’. On arrival visit the Bob Bullock State History Museum which tells the ‘Story of Texas’, before taking a sightseeing tour around the city that includes Historic Sixth Street, the Texas Capitol complex, Governor’s Mansion and the University of Texas.
DAY 5: Austin - San Antonio.
After breakfast drive to San Antonio, home of the Alamo and the historic River Walk. A sightseeing tour includes a guided visit to San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest in the United States. This evening enjoy an atmospheric private guided tour of the iconic Alamo. It was here in 1836 that a small band of Texans defended their liberty against the Mexican Army, and although the Alamo fell, it remains hallowed ground and symbolises courage and sacrifice for the cause of liberty.
DAY 6: San Antonio.
Begin today with a private narrated cruise down the San Antonio River, through the picturesque River Walk area. Afterwards experience downtown's authentic Mexican marketplace, El Mercado. End your day at the San Antonio Riverwalk, where Spanish colonial architecture, fountains and plazas make it one of the city's most picturesque areas.
DAY 7: San Antonio - Fredericksburg - San Antonio.
A short drive from San Antonio takes you to the Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park, where you will spend the morning learning the story of the 36th President and visit his final resting place on the LBJ Ranch. Also visit the Texas White House, restored to its 1963-1968 appearance. Next visit one of the largest working wildflower farms in the US before travelling to Fredericksburg to enjoy a wine tasting, then return to San Antonio.
DAY 8: San Antonio - Houston.
Arrive into Houston in the late morning, and begin a sightseeing tour of 'Bayou City' which includes the Theatre District and a visit to the highest sky lobby in Texas - the 60th floor of the JP Morgan Chase Tower. Then visit downtown Houston's tunnel system, an interconnected series of restaurants, shops and world class architecture.
DAY 9: Houston.
Today's highlight is a visit to the Johnson Space Centre, home of NASA and the US Space Programme. Here you will have the opportunity to view the interactive NASA displays before taking a guided tram tour past some of the Space Centre's most iconic facilities - visit the Historic Mission Control Centre, Hangar X and the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility.
DAY 10: Houston - Lake Charles - Lafayette.
A beautiful drive past fertile prairies, delicate marshes and abundant wildlife takes you to Lafayette in Louisiana. Enjoy a cruise through the winding, swampy waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin before visiting Vermilionville on the banks of the bayou, which recreates Acadian life in the 19th century. Next visit Avery Island. Surrounded by swamps and marshes, the island is inhabited by exotic plants and animal species, and is also home to the Tabasco pepper sauce. During your guided tour you will learn how the peppers are grown, harvested, turned into sauce and bottled. Tonight join an optional dinner of authentic Cajun food and music.
DAY 11: Lafayette - New Orleans.
Begin your day with a guided visit to the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, a former sugar plantation which survived the American Civil War. The history of the mansion is reflected in its beautiful antique furnishings and works of art which adorn the walls. In 1963 it was used as the location for the defining Bette Davis film 'Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte', and one of the rooms used is still preserved today. Continue your journey across Bayou Country into New Orleans, the capital of Dixieland. Upon arrival a guided sightseeing tour will show you the best of the 'City Care Forgot', featuring the French Quarter landmarks of the St Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square and an above ground cemetery.
DAY 12: New Orleans.
A full day to enjoy New Orleans at leisure. Roam through the French Quarter, dipping in and out of its boutique shops and cafés, or explore one of the many Victorian mansions and museums. Tonight you may wish to take an optional cruise from the French Quarter on New Orleans' only working steamboat.
DAY 13: New Orleans - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in New Orleans or with a Caribbean cruise.
DAY 14: Home landing in the UK.
Accommodation on Tour
Dallas: Indigo Dallas Downtown; Austin: Drury Inn & Suites North Austin; San Antonio: Drury Inn Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk; Houston: Drury Inn & Suites Galleria; Lafayette: Holiday Inn Hotel; New Orleans: Sheraton New Orleans.
Pioneer Plaza, Dallas
NASA, Houston
Downtown Houston
San Antonio River Walk
New Orleans
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Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
Cajun Sensation & Dancing
Come and enjoy local Cajun cuisine and foot-stomping music at a popular restaurant where the natives dance the night away. A great opportunity to sample the famous seafood from the Louisiana bayous and learn to dance to the Cajun music from an entertaining local couple!
$40 (US Dollar)
Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner
Savor the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline aboard the authentic Steamboat NATCHEZ-New Orleans' only authentic Steamboat! Enjoy casual buffet-style dining and live jazz by the world renowned "Dukes of Dixieland." The Steamboat NATCHEZ decks, engine room, and bars will be open for your enjoyment either before or after dinner.
$70 (US Dollar)
French Quarter Ghosts
With its colorful history and unique traditions, it is no wonder so many New Orleans homes and taverns have been investigated by paranormal investigators. You'll visit several haunted sites and hear about the stories featured on The History Channel and The Discovery Channel. When it rains in the French Quarter, the locals swear a beautiful voice floats out of the mist. After you hear the story of Pere' Dagobert vs. "Bloody" O'Reilly and the "singing rain," you might hear it too. Will you see any of the ghosts that inhabit the famous Bourbon Orleans Hotel-formerly a theater, ballroom, orphanage, and convent? The staff and guests report regular sightings of uninvited guests! We don't promise you will see a ghost, but we will show you where you're most likely to meet one!
$25 (US Dollar)
Garden District Walking Tour
Enjoy a walk through New Orleans' elegant Garden District, once part of the plantation owned by Bienville, the founder of New Orleans. This historic district is known for its marvelous examples of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. The homes of former Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras are located here, as well as the home of the premier family of football-the Mannings-where Archie lives, and Peyton and Eli grew up. View the former residence of celebrated author Anne Rice, the house where Jefferson Davis died in 1889, and Toby's Corner, the oldest house in the area (built in 1838). Visit Lafayette Cemetery, one of our Cities of the Dead, and learn about our unusual above-ground burial system. (Cemetery is closed on Sundays and some holidays.). A short stop for refreshments is included on our stroll through this beautiful section of New Orleans.
$26 (US Dollar)
French Quarter Walking Tour
Follow in the footsteps of historic figures as you stroll along the Mighty Mississippi, through the French Market and Jackson Square, and down the banquettes (sidewalks) of quaint streets named for saints and sinners from our European past. Learn about the Creoles on this tour through the original city, founded in 1718 by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville. See the old Quarter come to life as your guide explains its secrets and helps you understand all it has to offer-architecture, courtyards, gardens, food, music, and art. Tour the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley, the Old Ursuline Convent, constructed by French Colonial Engineers under the auspices of the crown and completed in 1753. Included in this tour is St. Mary's Church, completed in 1845, which has served as a center of worship for the French, Spanish, African Americans, German, Irish, and Italian communities.
$25 (US Dollar)
Jean Lafitte Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation (Anytime Excursion)
Get ready for an exciting adventure! Take a thrilling ride through the swamps and bayous of Louisiana, accessible only by airboat. The captain, a native of the area, offers a colorful history of the Cajun way of life. You'll come face to face with alligators, snakes, and other native creatures while touring their neighborhood. Bring your camera to capture the thrills and chills of this unforgettable swampland journey!
$74 (US Dollar)
Hurricane Katrina Tour
An eyewitness account of the events surrounding the most devastating natural disaster on American soil. After this tour, you'll have a better understanding of events pre and post Katrina and the "Rebirth of New Orleans." $3.00 will be donated to a non-profit organization (one of five that you choose) directly affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Tour operates daily 1:00pm and duration is approximately 3 hours.
$48 (US Dollar)
New Orleans Original Cocktail Walking Tour
Take this tour on your first day in town to find out the places you must visit! From the Sazerac and Pimm's Cup to the Hurricane and Hand Grenade, you'll enjoy a different view of New Orleans through its history of fine dining and drinking. We'll entertain you with classic stories of the unique concoctions made famous here and the characters that brought them to life. Go behind the scenes at the oldest restaurant in the city to visit the wine cellar and the private dining rooms. You'll be shaken (not stirred) by the recipes of the city's most infamous cocktails along the way.
$29 (US Dollar)
Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour with R/T Transportation
Head down to the swamp on a real life adventure - view fascinating plant life, live alligators and many other wild creatures as you glide down haunting bayous lined with moss-draped cypress trees. Tours at 10:00am, 12:00 noon, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm and last approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Includes return transportation from New Orleans.
$49 (US Dollar)
Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise
When night falls, the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen rises to the occasion. Step on board and cruise into the night and enjoy the sounds of a lively jazz band and a lavish Creole buffet in elegantly appointed dining rooms. Dinner cruise is approximately 3 hours.
$69 (US Dollar)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
Pioneer Plaza, Dallas
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Add a Central American CruiseAfter your tour why not relax on a Caribbean Cruise for 7 nights?
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Texas - the Lone Star State + New OrleansAnother chance to experience this fascinating city. New Orleans' location makes it a perfect spot for seafood. Fresh fish, shrimp, crab, oysters and crayfish abound. Enjoy a wealth of fabulous restaurants and be sure to stop by at the famous Café du Monde to savour a breakfast of beignets and café au lait. To hear traditional jazz at its best visit Bourbon Street or Preservation Hall, where musicians play every evening. On day 13 continue your stay at your New Orleans hotel for the next two nights. On day 15, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Texas State Fair
1 & 15 October
Don't miss this opportunity to visit the Texas State Fair - home of Big Tex and a smorgasbord of fried food! Look out for the pig races, giant pumpkin carving, the Truck Zone, equine demonstrations, acrobats, dance troupes and classic cars, amongst hundreds of other attractions. Note: Tickets ($18 per person) and transfers ($4 per person) for the State Fair are organised locally.
San Antonio River Walk Parade
24 November Departure
On this special departure, you will have the opportunity to see the San Antonio River Walk Parade - a Christmas themed spectacular featuring illuminated floats and lavish costumes. Enjoy a drink under a canopy of twinkling lights and celebrate the start of the holiday season, Texas style!
Please see our website for the full itinerary
New Orleans Jazz Fest
The 16 April departure coincides with the Jazz Festival in New Orleans. Don't miss the food, crafts and music, which make this festival one of the best of its kind and the best Louisiana has to offer. Note: Tickets for the Jazz Festival can be bought at the gate. The Jazz Festival is scheduled for 26-28 April.
Texas - the Lone Star State - NEW 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Texas - the Lone Star State - NEW
Price from £1999
Just the tour £1195
Prices are per person
What's Included
- Start & Style door to door local pick up service to and from the airport (within 50 miles of the airport)
- Flights UK - Dallas; New Orleans - UK
- Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
- Services of a tour director on tour and local representative at other times
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
- Single share option no supplement to pay
Holiday Highlights
- Dallas City sightseeing
- Southfork Ranch
- Fort Worth Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
- Austin City sightseeing
- San Antonio City sightseeing
- Alamo Private evening tour
- Houston Johnson Space Centre
- Lake Charles
- Lafayette Vermilionville, Avery Island
- New Orleans Houmas House Plantation, city sightseeing
Departures from
- London Heathrow
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Aberdeen
Departures on:
- Tuesdays - 2013
- Tuesdays - 2014
Departures between
04 Jun 2013 to 25 Mar 2014
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
