Deep South Texas & Louisiana

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Houston to Lafayette

Saturday. Welcome to Louisiana, a land of churning paddlewheelers, simmering gumbos and mysterious swamps.  Travel to Lafayette, the heart of Cajun Country and the town immortalized in Longfellow’s epic poem “Evangeline”.  Join your travelling companions on a sightseeing boat for an adventurous SWAMP TOUR through moss-draped trees.  Your guide will take you into the interior of one of America’s greatest river swamps pointing out the local indigenous plants and wildlife.  Settle into your spacious suite with a kitchen at the Homewood Suites by Hilton.

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Lafayette to New Orleans

(3 nights) Sunday. Head to Avery Island for a TABASCO FACTORY TOUR, followed by a delightful experience of a CAJUN MEAL. Continue your travels through the state and visit beautiful OAK ALLEY PLANTATION. Arrive in New Orleans, the birthplace of Dixieland Jazz.  Stay at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter located in the historic neighbourhood dubbed the “Crown Jewel of New Orleans”.

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New Orleans

Monday. A CITY TOUR details the landmarks, legends and architecture that made the “Crescent City” famous.  In the afternoon enjoy a narrated cruise on the STERNWHEELER STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ.  You will have an opportunity to explore the charm of the French Quarter’s narrow streets, quaint courtyards and sidewalk cafes.

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New Orleans

Tuesday. Enjoy a free day in the fabulous Crescent City.  Will you explore the French Quarter?  Book a cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking?  Visit the unequalled National World War II Museum?  Stroll along the Mississippi, stopping to pick up a coffee and beignets?  There’s so much for you to do, so choose carefully and enjoy New Orleans on your own.

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New Orleans to Memphis

(2 nights) Wednesday. Depart from the “Jazz Capital of the World” and continue to Memphis, Tennessee, home of Graceland and “the Blues”.   Wind down your day at The Guest House at Graceland, where you will be steps from shopping and dining, or have a quiet night in your suite. 

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Memphis

Thursday. Enjoy a GUIDED CITY TOUR that includes downtown Memphis, the Mississippi River, Cotton Row, Sun Studio, The Lorraine Motel and a stroll along Beale Street, famous for the blues.  The highlight of this day is the GRACELAND ELVIS EXPERIENCE TOUR, including Graceland Mansion with audio guide. 

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Memphis to Kansas City

Friday. Depart Tennessee and head north to Kansas City, Missouri.

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Kansas City to Mitchell

 Saturday. Continue your travels northward into South Dakota to Sioux Falls and then west to Mitchell for overnight.

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Mitchell to Deadwood

Sunday. After a stop at the unique WALL DRUGS visit two of the world’s greatest mountain carvings.  MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL depicts four presidents’ faces and is the world’s largest mountain carving.  It was sculpted from the granite of the Black Hills from 1929 to 1941.  Then visit CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL, an ongoing sculpture being carved in tribute to the North American Indian.  Continue to DEADWOOD to relive the history of Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane.  Enjoy your time in a town that is reminiscent of the wild frontier and mining days.  Overnight at The Mineral Palace in the heart of this historic town.

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Deadwood to Williston

Monday. Leave Deadwood mid-morning and travel through the lonesome plains of South Dakota.  Enter North Dakota, continuing your travels through the North Dakota Badlands to Williston for overnight.  Share tour memories tonight with your fellow travellers at a HOSTED FAREWELL DINNER.

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Williston to Medicine Hat

Tuesday. Depart Williston and travel northward to re-enter Canada.  Bid farewell to your fellow travellers from Saskatchewan.  Overnight in Medicine Hat on your last evening.

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Medicine Hat to Calgary to Edmonton

Wednesday. Today is “Going Home” day with many memories of your travels through ten American states and two Canadian provinces.