New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana
May 5 - 9, 2009
$1,670
Walking Level: Moderate
Wheelchair Accessible Trip

Jumping jambalaya!!! Join Special Journeys as we travel to New Orleans and explore this famous city and the surrounding area!

Our jazzy New Orleans trip starts out with a tour of Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World where we'll see where the beautiful floats are made for Mardi Gras! You will view the most awesome floats ever built for carnival - the Orpheus 140-foot triple-tandem sea monster "Leviathan" and the 240-foot quintuple-tandem "Captain Eddie's S.S. Endymion," with tens of thousands of fiber optic lights.

Next you'll enter a maze of amazing props of all sizes. In one area, heaps of props await repair, and you'll see artists, painters, and sculptors creating before your very eyes. In another area workers build and decorate sensational floats with brightly-colored themed scenes. Gold and silver foil on the sides of the floats glisten and flutter in the breeze. The floats appear as colorful and animated as any imaginative Hollywood movie, with strings of lights tracing their outlines to illuminate them at night.

Then we'll head on out for a historical tour of New Orleans and see the sights and sounds of this unique city by visiting areas such as the French Quarter and Jackson Square. We will also visit some of the best bakeries you've ever sunk your teeth into (ever tried a King Cake?).

Also, we'll enjoy a dinner cruise on the Steamboat Natchez leaving from the heart of the French Quarter.

Our cruise will include breathtaking view of the city, meals prepared fresh on board and featuring live jazz by the world renowned "Dukes of Dixieland."

Don't forget shopping! We will have plenty of opportunities to shop in some unique venues (such as the Hoi Polloi Boutique!). This vacation will also include some authentic southern cuisine so be sure to pack your hearty appetite!

Your Special Journey adventure includes the opportunity to have tons of fun, see exciting new places and meet new friends! Our Guaranteed Cost™ trips means there are absolutely no hidden costs - your trip includes everything necessary to have a great time including all meals, lodging (in your own, regular bed), airfare with up to two checked bags each weighing under 50 lbs, all transportation including local pickup and drop off in your city, all entertainment and activities, an experienced tour leader and experienced staff care in 1:3 and 1:4 small groups. Travelers only need to bring souvenir and snack money.

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