• 7 Days
  • From $4,399
  • Airfare Included

San Antonio & New Orleans Cuisine & Culture - TMTC

Tour Style:
Land
Activity Level:
Moderate
Highest Elevation:
651 feet
11 Meals:
5 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Realtor & Former Missoula Broadcaster

Bob Hermes

Realtor & Former Missoula Broadcaster

Bob Hermes

For over 40 years I enjoyed the broadcasting profession with 33 years in management at KPAX Communications in Missoula/Kalispell, retiring as General Manager in January of 2021. While building my team at KPAX I believed in helping the community…

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Experience cultural splendor and cuisine in two of America’s most colorful cities. Arrive in San Antonio and enjoy staying near the renowned River Walk, where charming eateries and shops dot the pathways. Visit the city’s well-preserved missions, witness cultural performances, hear about the Alamo’s famous siege, and float the Paseo del Rio canal on a flatboat excursion. On our way to New Orleans, we make stops at Space Center Houston, the TABASCO® factory, and Nottoway Resort. Our journey concludes with three days in New Orleans that are spent learning expert cooking tips, cruising the Mississippi on the Steamboat Natchez, enjoying a jazz brunch, and touring the National World War II Museum.

Trip overview may vary by departure.

  • Day 1: Fly to Texas
    Upon arriving in San Antonio, we settle in for a comfortable two-night stay near the iconic River Walk.
  • Day 2: San Antonio Missions & The Alamo
    Each morning of our vacation begins with an included breakfast. Today’s adventure kicks off by visiting two of San Antonio's largest and best-preserved missions, San Jose and San Juan. Get to know some of the area’s Indigenous Americans and discover their way of life through immersive cultural experiences, including music, dance, art, and cuisine. We indulge in a delightful lunch at the elegantly restored Guenther House, then history comes to life during our viewing of Alamo: The Price of Freedom at the IMAX® Theatre. After seeing the 13-day siege unfold on the big screen, we’re transported back to 1836 while exploring the famous grounds of The Alamo to marvel at the incredible history of this landmark firsthand. Our day concludes with an entertaining flatboat cruise on the Paseo del Rio canal, where we gain a unique perspective of the River Walk and listen to our captain’s fascinating stories of San Antonio’s past.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Day 3: Space Center Houston
    Today, we travel to Louisiana and stop at Space Center Houston along the way. As a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, it boasts over 400 things to see and do! Browse intriguing exhibits, watch two films, attend one of the live shows, admire several artifact galleries, explore Independence Plaza, take a NASA tram tour, and more. Later, we check in to our accommodations in Lake Charles and enjoy dinner together.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 4: Houmas House
    We begin our day with a visit to Avery Island to explore the only TABASCO® pepper sauce production facility in the world. Afterwards, feel the spirit of yesteryear during our stop at the historic Houmas House Estate and Gardens in Darrow, nestled along a bend in the Mississippi River. We first savor traditional Louisiana cuisine, crafted with locally grown produce for a farm-to-table experience. Next, enjoy a tour of the early 1800s Greek-revival mansion while learning the significant past of this estate. Hear stories from period-dressed guides, admire the intricate architecture, browse centuries-old artifacts, and stroll through 38 acres of exquisitely landscaped gardens. Later, our journey continues to “The Big Easy,” New Orleans, where accommodations in the historic French Quarter await.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Day 5: New Orleans School of Cooking
    An expert local guide boards our motorcoach to provide a city tour this morning. Discover the charm of New Orleans as we view its most iconic sights, like Chalmette Battlefield, and neighborhoods, such as Faubourg Marigny. Afterwards, we set sail on the mighty Mississippi with a delightful two-hour Harbor Jazz cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax at the hotel or pursue personal interests. Tonight, we regroup for an interactive dinner experience at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Discover time-honored traditions and feel the nostalgia of the French Quarter as a chef skilled in Cajun and Creole cuisine teaches us about the area’s famous cooking style in a renovated warehouse. Our tastebuds enjoy a variety of the colorful and distinct dishes before retiring to our hotel room for the evening.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 6: WWII Museum & Jazz Brunch
    After breakfast at the hotel, we explore the National WWII Museum to better understand the American experience and stories behind the war. View a variety of detailed exhibits, then attend a showing of Beyond All Boundaries, a 4D cinematic journey through this life-altering war. Next, we enjoy a jazz brunch at the world-renowned Court of Two Sisters. Dine on a wide selection of savory local dishes with an all-you-can-eat buffet while listening to the lively sounds of a talented jazz trio. Later, soak up one more afternoon of leisure time before our celebratory Farewell Dinner with fellow travelers this evening.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 7: Fly Home
    Today, we return home with incredible memories of our San Antonio and New Orleans getaway.

What's Included

All Accommodations

  • 2 nights at Holiday Inn San Antonio - Riverwalk
  • 1 night at Staybridge Suites Lake Charles
  • 3 nights at Bienville House in New Orleans

Attractions & Highlights

  • Mission San Jose & San Juan
  • San Antonio River Walk flatboat cruise
  • The Alamo tour & IMAX® film Alamo: The Price of Freedom
  • Space Center Houston feat. NASA tram tour
  • Avery Island TABASCO® tour
  • Houmas House Estate & Gardens guided tour
  • New Orleans guided city tour & time at leisure
  • New Orleans School of Cooking
  • Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz cruise
  • National WWII Museum & 4D film Beyond All Boundaries

11 Excellent Meals

  • Daily breakfast
  • Welcome Lunch at the Guenther House
  • Creole-inspired lunch at Houmas House Estate & Gardens
  • Farewell Dinner in New Orleans
  • Jazz Brunch at Court of Two Sisters

Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.