• 7 Days
  • From $4,799
  • Airfare Included

Savor the South: San Antonio to New Orleans

Tour Style:
Land
Activity Level:
Moderate
Highest Elevation:
651 feet
10 Meals:
5 Breakfasts, 1 Brunch, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

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. Embark on a NASA tram tour during our a stop at Space Center Houston, then stay the night in Lafayette for incredible visits to the local Farmers and Artisan Market, the TABASCO® factory on Avery Island, and the Houmas House Estate to see a Greek-revival mansion. 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. There’s also ample time at leisure to explore the French Quarter, where our comfortable accommodations are located.

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, where we get to know some of the area’s Indigenous Americans. Enjoy immersive cultural experiences and discover their way of life through music, dance, art, and cuisine! Our delightful lunch is at the elegantly restored Guenther House, then we see history come to life while watching Alamo: The Price of Freedom film. After seeing the 13-day siege unfold on the IMAX® Theatre’s big screen, we’re transported back to 1836 while exploring the famous grounds of The Alamo. Our day concludes with an entertaining flatboat cruise on the Paseo del Rio canal for a unique perspective of the River Walk accompanied by 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 a film, attend one of the live shows, admire several artifact galleries, explore Independence Plaza, take a NASA tram tour, and more. Later, we enjoy dinner together before settling into our accommodations in Lafayette.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 4: Houmas House
    We begin our day at the Lafayette Farmers and Artisan Market in beautiful Moncus Park with free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs, taste local cuisine, and enjoy lively Zydeco music at the award-winning Cajun Jam. Next, we’re off to Avery Island to explore the only TABASCO® pepper sauce production facility in the world! This afternoon, feel the spirit of yesteryear at the historic Houmas House Estate and Gardens in Darrow, nestled along a bend in the Mississippi River. We savor a traditional Louisiana dish, crafted with locally grown produce for a farm-to-table experience, before our tour of the early 1800s Greek-revival mansion. 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,” 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 for 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 sail the mighty Mississippi on a delightful 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 gather for an interactive dinner experience at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Discover time-honored traditions within the nostalgia of the French Quarter as a chef skilled in Cajun and Creole cuisine teaches us about the area’s famous cooking style. 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 & The French Quarter at Leisure
    Our morning is spent exploring the National WWII Museum to gain a deeper understanding of 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 celebrate our Southern adventure with a Farewell Jazz Brunch at the world-renowned Court of Two Sisters. Dine on a wide selection of savory dishes with an all-you-can-eat buffet while listening to the smooth sounds of a talented jazz trio. The rest of the day is free to soak up all that the incredible French Quarter, the “Crown Jewel of New Orleans,” has to offer! Your Tour Director can provide great recommendations, such as strolling down Bourbon Street, visiting museums, browsing antique stores or boutiques, watching street performers at Jackson Square, and more.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Brunch

  • 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 Homewood Suites Lafayette Airport
  • 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
  • Lafayette Farmers & Artisan Market
  • Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz cruise
  • New Orleans School of Cooking
  • New Orleans guided city tour & time at leisure in the French Quarter
  • National WWII Museum & 4D film Beyond All Boundaries

10 Excellent Meals

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

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