Cowboys & Cajuns | Mansion & Music

Days 1-2

Houston

Arrive in Houston, the largest city in Texas. As Houston is a spread-out city, we suggest you collect your car at the airport as most hotels will have parking available at or near the hotel.   Spend the evening strolling through the Victorian homes of the historic Heights, exploring The Galleria with over 375 shops to tempt you or just finding a delicious dinner in one of the many award-winning restaurants.  The following day you could spend either at the Johnson NASA Space Centre, the Museum of Fine Arts or the somewhat unusual National Museum of Funeral History.

2 nights Houston

Day 3

Houston to Lafayette

On your way to Lafayette, the French capital of Louisiana, we suggest you stop in Lake Charles to visit the Mardi Gras Museum to see the amazing costumes and the Bayou Rum factory which you can tour and taste the products. The evening is yours to attend a Fais-do-do (Cajun dance and musique) at one of Lafayette’s many Cajun restaurants!

1 night Lafayette

Day 4

Lafayette to Houma

This morning you might like to visit Vermilionville Living History Museum to learn about the history of the Cajuns deportation from Nova Scotia (Canada), the lives of the Native Americans and the various arts and crafts they practised. Afterwards take a short drive to the quaint town of St. Martinville, with its lovely town square and church stopping at the historic Evangeline Oak, made famous by Longfellow’s poem.  Before departing for Houma, stop for a moment in Avery Island and visit the famed Tabasco® factory and its Jungle Gardens. Tonight, you will have a unique opportunity for a homestay with a Cajun family to experience the Cajun culture firsthand.

1 night Houma

Days 5-7

Houma to New Orleans

After breakfast, depart for your bayou / swamp tour. A peaceful float through the swamp looking  for alligators. Later, follow the winding River Road along the mighty Mississippi and discover the numerous plantations that await you before arriving in the birthplace of Jazz. Spend the evening enjoying the vibrant French Quarter nightlife with its numerous Jazz clubs, shops and restaurants.

Discover the typical narrow streets of the French Quarter dotted with laced balconies and private courtyards on your French Quarter Walking Tour. Afterwards, enjoy a Jazz Brunch at the famous Court of Two Sisters and spend the remainder of the day to shop, visit museums or see other historic sites. In the evening, board a steamboat paddlewheel on your Jazz Dinner Cruise on the Mississippi River. You will have two more days to enjoy this wonderful city.

3 nights New Orleans

Days 8-9

New Orleans to Natchez

Leave after breakfast stopping in Baton Rouge, capital of Louisiana, and see the panoramic view from the State Capitol and the interesting Louisiana State Museum, that displays the history, life and culture of Louisiana. Later, depart for a short drive to the picturesque town of St. Francisville and visit the superb gardens of Rosedown, inspired by those of Versailles. Early evening arrival in Natchez, Mississippi, once the wealthiest city in America (prior to the Civil War). Natchez, the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River, is full of glorious historic houses and gardens:  don’t miss the octagonal Longwood House, the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians or the beautiful Stanton Hall.

2 nights Natchez

Day 10

Natchez to Natchitoches

On your way to Natchitoches, the oldest city in Louisiana, stop at Frogmore Plantation, a still-working Cotton Plantation where you can learn about the process of this important cash crop that made many of Louisiana’s millionaires over 150 years ago. You will fall in love with this charming city known for its southern hospitality and French Creole townhouses.

1 night Natchitoches

Days 11-12

Natchitoches to Dallas

Known as the city of cowboys and culture, do visit the fascinating Sixth Floor (JFK) Museum at the site where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and the George W Bush Museum and Library. Don’t miss a truly Americana / Texan nightlife experience – Billy Bob’s Texas, or attend a local rodeo (weekends only). You can also visit the historic Stockyards and see cattle drive firsthand (every morning and afternoon) and enjoy the many restaurants and bars that line the main street.

2 nights Dallas

Day 13

Dallas to Austin

Austin, the state capital and the live music capital of the world! Spend the evening enjoying good music and famous Texas BBQ at one of the many clubs or restaurants in the Warehouse District.  The city’s musical crown jewel is the Continental Club, featuring a solid lineup of rock, blues and country performers. You will also have fun eating:  Austin has over 1,000 mobile food trucks serving everything from Korean tacos to oversized desserts.

1 night Austin

Day 14

Austin to San Antonio

Depart in the morning for one of the largest outlet malls in the USA, San Marcos, with over 130 luxury and brand name stores! Continue on to San Antonio – Texas most popular vacation city! Pass the afternoon by relaxing at San Antonio’s famous Riverwalk, with its numerous restaurant and shops!

1 night San Antonio

Days 15-17

San Antonio to Mayan Dude Ranch

Spend the morning visiting one of the many Spanish Missions in the area, including the historic Alamo, where 189 defenders held the old mission against some 4,000 Mexican troops for 13 days! Later, enjoy a short drive through the beautiful Texan Hill Country to the Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera, where your true ranch experience awaits you.  Arrive in time for an afternoon ride before dinner or dip in the pool This is your time to rest and relax and soak in the ranch experience before returning home.  Your stay will include all meals, riding, skeet shooting and other ranch activities. After a very generous dinner (steaks and BBQ) expect to be entertained by a country dance, some music or perhaps a play.

3 nights Mayan Dude Ranch

Day 18

Mayan Dude Ranch to Houston

As it is 250 miles from the ranch to Houston, we suggest you spend one last night in the city before your overnight flight to the UK.

1 night Houston