The Lone Star State to the French Quarter
The Lone Star State to the French Quarter
The Lone Star State to the French Quarter
12 Days Starting in Dallas, USA and ending in New Orleans, USA
Visiting: Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Lafayette, New Orleans
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8090-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from the heart of Texas to the vibrant French Quarter of New Orleans. Begin in Dallas, exploring historic sites like Pioneer Plaza and The Sixth Floor Museum. Experience the cowboy culture of Fort Worth, then head to Austin for a taste of Texas history and a tour of the state capital. Discover the charm of Fredericksburg and the legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson. In San Antonio, visit the Alamo and enjoy a scenic River Walk cruise. Continue to Houston for a tour of its renowned medical center and space exploration at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Finally, traverse the bayous to Lafayette and conclude in New Orleans, where jazz and creole cuisine await.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Dallas
Location: Dallas
Accommodation Name: Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown
Welcome to Dallas! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
DALLAS Welcome to Dallas! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2: Dallas
Location: Dallas
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown
Today’s sightseeing features Pioneer Plaza, commemorating the trails that brought settlers to Dallas and cattle to market; the Historic West End; and The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, where history buffs can learn all about that moment in history when alleged killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, fired the lethal shots that killed President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.
DALLAS Today’s sightseeing features Pioneer Plaza, commemorating the trails that brought settlers to Dallas and cattle to market; the Historic West End; and The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, where history buffs can learn all about that moment in history when alleged killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, fired the lethal shots that killed President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.
Day 3: Dallas,Fort Worth
Location: Fort Worth
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Fort Worth Cityview
This morning, journey to Fort Worth, a Texas city famous for its unmistakable combination of “cowboys and culture.” Visit the Stockyards National Historic District and get a taste of the true American West. Afterward, meet the drovers/cowboys of the Fort Worth Herd and see a Longhorn cattle drive before visiting the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. It’s here that the museum pays tribute to more than 70 cowboys and cowgirls who have excelled in the sport of rodeo, and the Western lifestyle. This evening, you may choose to enjoy Sundance Square, or visit Billy Bob’s, known as “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk”.
DALLAS–FORT WORTH This morning, journey to Fort Worth, a Texas city famous for its unmistakable combination of “cowboys and culture.” Visit the Stockyards National Historic District and get a taste of the true American West. Afterward, meet the drovers/cowboys of the Fort Worth Herd and see a Longhorn cattle drive before visiting the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. It’s here that the museum pays tribute to more than 70 cowboys and cowgirls who have excelled in the sport of rodeo, and the Western lifestyle. This evening, you may choose to enjoy Sundance Square, or visit Billy Bob’s, known as “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk”.
Day 4: Fort Worth,Austin
Location: Austin
Accommodation Name: Drury Inn and Suites Austin North
Meals Included: Breakfast
In Austin, visit the Bob Bullock State History Museum that tells the “Story of Texas.” Afterward, enjoy a city sightseeing tour that features Austin’s downtown, including historic Sixth Street, the Texas Capitol complex, Governor’s Mansion, and the University of Texas.
FORT WORTH–AUSTIN In Austin, visit the Bob Bullock State History Museum that tells the “Story of Texas.” Afterward, enjoy a city sightseeing tour that features Austin’s downtown, including historic Sixth Street, the Texas Capitol complex, Governor’s Mansion, and the University of Texas. (B)
Day 5: Austin,Fredericksburg
Location: Austin
Accommodation Name: Fredericksburg Inn & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast
A short drive from Austin is Texas Hill Country, home to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park. Discover the story of the 36th president, from his ancestors to his final resting place, at the LBJ Ranch. See and learn about President and Mrs. Johnson’s lives on the ranch during a tour of the grounds that includes the Junction School, President Johnson’s reconstructed birthplace, Johnson Family cemetery and the hangar visitor center that features exhibits and artifacts. Next, on to Fredericksburg, and time on your own to enjoy this historic town. Spend the afternoon leisurely strolling the historic district shopping, perusing one-of-a-kind, eclectic shops, art galleries, and museums.
AUSTIN–FREDERICKSBURG A short drive from Austin is Texas Hill Country, home to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park. Discover the story of the 36th president, from his ancestors to his final resting place, at the LBJ Ranch. See and learn about President and Mrs. Johnson’s lives on the ranch during a tour of the grounds that includes the Junction School, President Johnson’s reconstructed birthplace, Johnson Family cemetery and the hangar visitor center that features exhibits and artifacts. Next, on to Fredericksburg, and time on your own to enjoy this historic town. Spend the afternoon leisurely strolling the historic district shopping, perusing one-of-a-kind, eclectic shops, art galleries, and museums. (B)
Day 6: Fredericksburg,San Antonio
Location: San Antonio
Accommodation Name: Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, journey to the most visited city in Texas: San Antonio, home of the Alamo and the historic River Walk. Upon arrival, sightseeing includes visits to the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest in the U.S., and downtown’s authentic Mexican marketplace, El Mercado. Afterward, visit the historic Alamo. It was here in 1836 that a small band of Texans defended themselves against the Mexican army, and although the Alamo fell, it remains hallowed ground and symbolizes courage and sacrifice for the cause of liberty. End your day back at the River Walk, where Spanish colonial architecture, fountains, and plazas make it one of the city’s most picturesque areas.
FREDERICKSBURG–SAN ANTONIO This morning, journey to the most visited city in Texas: San Antonio, home of the Alamo and the historic River Walk. Upon arrival, sightseeing includes visits to the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest in the U.S., and downtown’s authentic Mexican marketplace, El Mercado. Afterward, visit the historic Alamo. It was here in 1836 that a small band of Texans defended themselves against the Mexican army, and although the Alamo fell, it remains hallowed ground and symbolizes courage and sacrifice for the cause of liberty. End your day back at the River Walk, where Spanish colonial architecture, fountains, and plazas make it one of the city’s most picturesque areas. (B)
Day 7: San Antonio
Location: San Antonio
Accommodation Name: Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, a private narrated cruise down the San Antonio River through the picturesque River Walk area. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
SAN ANTONIO This morning, a private narrated cruise down the San Antonio River through the picturesque River Walk area. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 8: San Antonio,Houston
Location: Houston
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Houston Galleria Area
Meals Included: Breakfast
Houston is a city of firsts. The first word spoken on the moon was heard here, and it is home to the first successful human heart transplant and America’s first public television station. Appreciate all that Houston has to offer on a sightseeing tour of America’s fourth-largest city. See the Theatre District, which is second only to New York City, and marvel at the world-famous Texas Medical Center, whose 675 acres and 42 nonprofit institutions make it the largest medical complex in the world. Last, but not least, is a visit to one of Houston’s most expensive neighborhoods, River Oaks.
SAN ANTONIO–HOUSTON Houston is a city of firsts. The first word spoken on the moon was heard here, and it is home to the first successful human heart transplant and America’s first public television station. Appreciate all that Houston has to offer on a sightseeing tour of America’s fourth-largest city. See the Theatre District, which is second only to New York City, and marvel at the world-famous Texas Medical Center, whose 675 acres and 42 nonprofit institutions make it the largest medical complex in the world. Last, but not least, is a visit to one of Houston’s most expensive neighborhoods, River Oaks. (B)
Day 9: Houston
Location: Houston
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Houston Galleria Area
A special highlight today is a visit to Johnson Space Center, home of NASA and the U.S. Space Program. Be inspired by the wonders of space exploration and go behind the scenes of America’s exciting space program. View flown spacecraft, spacesuits, and get an up-close look at some of the most amazing artifacts that trace the progression of human space exploration including a look inside the International Space Station!NOTE: The buildings visited on the tram tour are real working areas of Johnson Space Center and are subject to closure without notice.
HOUSTON A special highlight today is a visit to Johnson Space Center, home of NASA and the U.S. Space Program. Be inspired by the wonders of space exploration and go behind the scenes of America’s exciting space program. View flown spacecraft, spacesuits, and get an up-close look at some of the most amazing artifacts that trace the progression of human space exploration including a look inside the International Space Station!NOTE: The buildings visited on the tram tour are real working areas of Johnson Space Center and are subject to closure without notice.
Day 10: Houston,Lafayette
Location: Lafayette
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn & Suites Lafayette North
A beautiful drive past fertile prairies, delicate marshes, and abundant wildlife takes you to Lafayette, Louisiana. Cruise through moss-draped cypress trees and winding waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin swamp lands. Keep an eye out for lurking alligators as you experience one of the most unique wildernesses on earth.
HOUSTON–LAFAYETTE A beautiful drive past fertile prairies, delicate marshes, and abundant wildlife takes you to Lafayette, Louisiana. Cruise through moss-draped cypress trees and winding waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin swamp lands. Keep an eye out for lurking alligators as you experience one of the most unique wildernesses on earth.
Day 11: Lafayette,New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation Name: La Quinta Inn & Suites
This morning, journey across Bayou Country to The Big Easy, New Orleans, birthplace of jazz and home of creole cuisine. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour featuring French Quarter landmarks, including St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. Afternoon and evening are at leisure.
LAFAYETTE–NEW ORLEANS This morning, journey across Bayou Country to The Big Easy, New Orleans, birthplace of jazz and home of creole cuisine. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour featuring French Quarter landmarks, including St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. Afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Day 12: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation Name: La Quinta Inn & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation in New Orleans with extra nights to explore further.
NEW ORLEANS Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation in New Orleans with extra nights to explore further. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown, Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown, Hyatt Place Fort Worth Cityview, Drury Inn and Suites Austin North, Fredericksburg Inn & Suites, Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk, Crowne Plaza Houston Galleria Area, Holiday Inn & Suites Lafayette North, and La Quinta Inn & Suites.
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Meals
7 breakfasts are included during the tour.
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Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing tours in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Fredericksburg, San Antonio, Houston, Lafayette, and New Orleans.
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Special Experiences
Private narrated cruise down the San Antonio River and a visit to Johnson Space Center in Houston.
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Transportation
Transportation between cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Fredericksburg, San Antonio, Houston, Lafayette, and New Orleans.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as visiting Sundance Square or Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Airfare
International and domestic airfare to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Meals
7 breakfasts
Notes
TEXAS STATE FAIR: Travel on the October 2 or 9 departures and be in Dallas for the annual Texas State Fair.
Accommodation
Stay at the Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown with its traditional European style, the Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown offering contemporary decor, and the Hyatt Place Fort Worth Cityview with spacious rooms. Enjoy the Drury Inn and Suites Austin North, Fredericksburg Inn & Suites, Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk, Crowne Plaza Houston Galleria Area, Holiday Inn & Suites Lafayette North, and La Quinta Inn & Suites in New Orleans.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Texas and Louisiana with comfortable coach transportation, ensuring a smooth journey from Dallas to New Orleans. Enjoy scenic drives and guided tours, including a private narrated cruise on the San Antonio River.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to see in Dallas on the second day of the tour?
On the second day in Dallas, the sightseeing includes visits to Pioneer Plaza, the Historic West End, and The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, where you can learn about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
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What activities are planned in Fort Worth?
In Fort Worth, you will visit the Stockyards National Historic District, meet the drovers/cowboys of the Fort Worth Herd, see a Longhorn cattle drive, and visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. In the evening, you can enjoy Sundance Square or visit Billy Bob’s, known as 'The World’s Largest Honky Tonk.'
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What will we do in Austin?
In Austin, you will visit the Bob Bullock State History Museum and enjoy a city sightseeing tour that includes historic Sixth Street, the Texas Capitol complex, Governor’s Mansion, and the University of Texas.
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What is included in the visit to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park?
At the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, you will learn about the 36th president, visit the LBJ Ranch, see President Johnson’s reconstructed birthplace, the Johnson Family cemetery, and the hangar visitor center with exhibits and artifacts.
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What are the highlights of the San Antonio visit?
In San Antonio, you will visit the San Fernando Cathedral, El Mercado, and the historic Alamo. You will also enjoy a private narrated cruise down the San Antonio River through the picturesque River Walk area.
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What can I expect during the Houston city tour?
The Houston city tour includes visits to the Theatre District, the Texas Medical Center, and the upscale River Oaks neighborhood. You will also visit the Johnson Space Center to learn about space exploration and see artifacts related to the U.S. Space Program.
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What will we do in Lafayette, Louisiana?
In Lafayette, you will cruise through the Atchafalaya Basin swamp lands, experiencing the unique wilderness and keeping an eye out for alligators.
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What are the main attractions in New Orleans?
In New Orleans, you will enjoy a guided sightseeing tour featuring French Quarter landmarks such as St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and a unique above-ground cemetery. The afternoon and evening are at leisure for you to explore further.
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Are there any special events during the tour?
If you travel on the October 2 or 9 departures, you will be in Dallas for the annual Texas State Fair.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.