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The Lone Star State to the French Quarter 2025
12 days from Dallas to New Orleans
Tour Description:
Everything is bigger in Texas! With its spacious size and cultural diversity, Texas is described by locals as “a whole other country.” On this tour through the Lone Star State, you’ll discover its major cities—Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston—and some of its historic landmarks, museums, and must-see sights. Take a city tour of the ‘Big D’, including Pioneer Plaza with its bronze sculpture recreating a cattle drive that commemorates the trails that brought settlers to Dallas. In Austin, visit the Bob Bullock State History Museum that tells the “Story of Texas.” See the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park in Texas Hill Country and hear the story of President Johnson’s life. In nearby Fredericksburg, stroll the historic district with its one-of-a-kind, eclectic shops, art galleries, and museums. In San Antonio visit the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States and take a self-guided tour of the famous Alamo. Enjoy a private, narrated cruise down the San Antonio River through the picturesque River Walk area. Highlights in Houston include a behind-the-scenes tram tour of the Johnson Space Center, home to NASA and the U.S. Space Program. See flown spacecraft, learn how astronauts live aboard the International Space Station, and discover what it takes to travel to Mars! Leave the Lone Star State and travel to the Louisiana city of Lafayette to take a cruise through moss-draped cypress trees in the Atchafalaya Basin—keeping an eye out for alligators! That evening, get a true taste of Louisiana on a casual optional outing with Cajun & Creole music and food. Then travel across Bayou Country to New Orleans, the Big Easy, and take a sightseeing tour with a Local Guide that includes viewing famous French Quarter landmarks and other sites. All of this and much more await you on this value-minded Texas and Louisiana vacation!
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Dates & Pricing
| Thursday 24 Apr 25 — Monday 05 May 25 | Starting at $2,569 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 01 May 25 — Monday 12 May 25 | Starting at $2,439 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 29 May 25 — Monday 09 Jun 25 | Starting at $2,569 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 18 Sep 25 — Monday 29 Sep 25 | Starting at $2,669 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 25 Sep 25 — Monday 06 Oct 25 | Starting at $2,599 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 09 Oct 25 — Monday 20 Oct 25 | Starting at $2,699 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingThe world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available). Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!Travel on the October 9 departure and be in Dallas during the annual Texas State Fair!
Notes:
Travel on the October 9 departure and be in Dallas during the annual Texas State Fair!
Travel on the October 9 departure and be in Dallas during the annual Texas State Fair!
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
Welcome to Dallas! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions
Day 2
Today’s sightseeing features the Historic West End and Pioneer Plaza, commemorating the trails that brought settlers to Dallas featuring the re-creation of a cattle drive sculpted in bronze. The afternoon is free to explore all this cosmopolitan city has to offer. Consider an optional excursion to The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the lethal shots that killed President John F. Kennedy
Day 3
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. Enjoy free time to stroll the weathered brick streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, shops, and saloons. This evening is at your leisure to enjoy Sundance Square, attend the rodeo, or visit Billy Bob’s, known as “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk”
Day 4
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. Then go a little ‘batty’ on the optional Bat Watching Sunset Cruise and witness hundreds of thousands of bats emerge at dusk from their home under the Congress Avenue Bridge
Day 5
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 driving tour of the grounds that includes stops at the Junction School, President Johnson’s reconstructed birthplace, and the Johnson Family cemetery. Next, on to Fredericksburg, and time on your own to enjoy this charming town. Spend the afternoon leisurely strolling the historic district with its one-of-a-kind, eclectic shops, art galleries, wineries, and museums
Day 6
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
Day 7
This morning, discover more of the city’s history and cultural gems on a private narrated cruise down the San Antonio River through the vibrant River Walk area. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the artisan shops at La Villita Historic Arts Village or enjoy a beer at the oldest running saloon in Texas, the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
Day 8
Houston is a city of firsts. The first word spoken on the moon was heard here, the first successful human heart transplant was performed here, and the first public television station to go on the air was launched here. 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, marvel at the world-famous Texas Medical Center, whose 675 acres and 42 nonprofit institutions make it the largest medical complex in the world, and visit one of Houston’s most expensive neighborhoods, River Oaks
Day 9
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
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. This evening, spice up your visit with a true taste of Louisiana on a casual optional outing with Cajun & Creole food and music. Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll!)
Day 11
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 where you’ll view historic parts of the city including French Quarter landmarks St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, St. Charles Avenue, and pay a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy listening to some New Orleans Jazz on an optional Jazz Dinner Cruise on the Mighty Mississippi
Day 12
Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation in New Orleans with extra nights and explore further.
Accommodations
Accommodations| Dallas | Fort Worth | Austin | Fredericksburg | San Antonio | Houston | Lafayette | New Orleans |
Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown
Moderate First-Class
Moderate First-Class
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
