February 7 - 12, 1997
Begin New Orleans Friday February 7dinner
Get ready for the party of the year! Your travel agent will arrange transportation to New Orleans. Transfer services are available at nominal cost. The party begins at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel where you'll spend five nights in the heart of the French Quarter. Meet your tour manager and fellow tour members at this evening's 7:00 pm get-aquainted reception at your hotel.
River Road Saturday February 8 breakfast, lunch
Antebellum history awaits outside New Orleans this morningas you enjoy a drive along the picturesque River Road. Visit san Francisco Plantation and see Houmas House Plantation. After lunch, return to New Orleans for a free afternoon. The city is buzzing with festivities... street parades, marching bands, jazz combos, colorful costumes and dancing. At 5:30 pm, enjoy the Endymion Parade. You'll have an unobstructed view from your reserved bleacher seat.
Bacchus Parade Sunday February 9 breakfast
Explore the city on your morning tour of New Orleans. During your free time this afternoon, you may wish to go back to places you saw earlier. If you'd like to learn more about Mardi Gras, there are several museums you can visit on your own. An entire wing of the Louisiana State Museum traces the history of Mardi Gras and is decorated with masks, costumes, tiaras, sceptors and throws. Get ready for another parade. You have a reserved seat in an excellent viewing location to see the extraordinary costumes and floats of tonight's Bacchus Parade.
Tableau Ball Monday February 10 breakfast, dinner
Have breakfast at Brennan's, a New Orleans tradition. The remainder of the day is free for you to induldge in the sprit of Carnival. At 6:30 pm, attend a Mardi Gras Tableau Ball, a masked ball, presented by one of the Krewes, or Carnival organizations. The ball is an elaborate exhibition presented in a mysterious, romantic setting. Enjoy an evening of dining, music and dancing. This is the true spirit of Mardi Gras! Please note: Required attire includes coats and ties for gentlemen and cocktail dresses for ladies.
Mardi Gras Tuesday February 11 breakfast
Hurray, it's Tuesday! Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday, is the last day to celebrate before the fasting and penitence of Lent. You'll have even more fun when your participate, so bring a costume or buy one here. See the festivities from your bleacher seat. The two most flamboyant parades are the Rex and Zulu. Costumes, music and dancing continue until midnight when the celebration ends, all masks are removed and the Lenten season begins.
Conclude Wednesday February 12 breakfast
You have celebrated Mardi Gras and explored New Orleans and its surroundings. Return home with your memories and perhaps a throw or two to remind you of Mardi Gras with Maupintour. Join us again soon.
Land Tour Rate per person is $1,330 twin, $1,860 single and $1,200 triple (twin with roll-away) basis.
Airfare is additional
Reservation Deposit is $250 per person plus (optional) $75 per person fee for Tour Cancellation Protection. Full refund when you participate in the Tour Cancellation Protection Plan.
Included meals: 8 meals - 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners.
Note: Le Meridien Hotel package same as above available for same pricing.