Louisiana Series - Cajun Cultural Experience
MOTORCOACH DEPARTURE
02/04/2027
MOTORCOACH RETURN
02/08/2027
5 Days / 4 Nights
MOTORCOACH DEPARTURE LOCATIONS
Alabama
Houma, LA
Join us on a tour to Acadiana, located in the southwestern part of Louisiana, this area is rich in Cajun culture and tradition. During this tour you’ll be able to experience not only some delicious Cajun meals and listen to toe-tapping music but also what makes some of these little Louisiana towns self-titled capitals all served with true Cajun hospitality. Also, with this tour being held during carnival season you’ll also get a once-a-year experience of Mardi Gras in Cajun country which is like no other Mardi Gras.
DAY ONE We make our way along the coast of south Alabama and Mississippi stopping in Louisiana for an included group lunch getting our first taste of some Louisiana dishes. We continue this afternoon driving through the most southern part of Louisiana watching as the landscape changes to swampy marsh areas then the vast fields of sugarcane as we get closer to the Lafayette area. After checking into our hotel we’ll take a short drive for our Welcome to Acadiana Dinner at a local favorite. (L,D)
After a restful night, DAY TWO we board the coach for a full but exciting day beginning with an exclusive visit to the Float Den for Lafayette’s most prestigious Mardi Gras Krewes. We’ll learn about all the behind the scenes work that not only goes into putting on Lafayette’s largest Mardi Gras parade but also what it’s like to be part of the Krewe which host activities throughout the year. This krewe’s entire collection of 28 floats are all painted differently with each depicting a different part of the cajun culture. In summary its like 28 different cajun murals all in one place.
For lunch we make the drive over to a local favorite lunch spot for some good down-home cooking. After lunch we sit back and relax on the drive to our next stop which during which we’ll explain the rural Mardi Gras known as the “Couir de Mardi Gras” or as some call it the “Chicken Chase”. This rural celebration is very different from the popular city styled Mardi Gras of kings, queens, krewes and floats. With this next stop at one of the most popular Traditional Mardi Gras costume shops, you will hopefully be able to see hundreds of different costumes, however it’s the peak of Mardi Gras season so this shop is extremely busy with guests not only picking new costumes from the racks but also participants picking up custom ordered costumes. During our visit there is also a small gift shop for local inspired gifts so for the shoppers this will be a great stop to find a great unique souvenir.
Since we are staying in the “Boudin Capital of the World” we return to Scott to visit one of the five Boudin markets. This uniquely Cajun treat made of rice, meat, vegetables and secret seasonings creates the perfect blend of taste and aroma. Learn of the process from start to finish and also how the mixture has evolved into other products to be enjoyed by not only the locals but also shipped around the world for all to enjoy. Of course, while here after smelling the delicious, we’ll be treated to a tasting of a few of the products and maybe you may want to purchase some to take home yourself. The day isn’t done yet as we take the short five-minute drive back to the hotel for a short break with a quick dinner reception at the hotel before heading to downtown Lafayette to attend the Friday evening Kickoff Parade titled at the Allons Parade which means “Let’s Go”. For tonight’s parade viewing we have coordinated for a special viewing area which is on a covered platform putting you up above the rest of the crowds putting you the same height as the float riders. This private area is also equipped with restrooms and seating making it so much easier to attend and enjoy. After being entertained we return to the hotel to rest up a bit for another full day tomorrow. (B,L,D)
DAY THREE we begin with an extended drive west allowing you to rest up a bit from the first day and also to be ready for the day ahead. We start it off right with a tour of Bayou Rum distillery. As seen on our drive in this part of Louisiana is very much an agricultural state so this morning, we’ll see how some of that sugarcane is turned into Rum. After the explanation of the process, you’ve guessed it tasting and shopping time. Besides sugarcane we also grow lots of rice so enroute to our next stop we’ll do a driving tour through the “Rice Capital of America” the city Crowley. During our drive we’ll pass several notable rice processing mills and learn more about this town which was not typical of French Acadian settlement but is very much of the current cajun culture.
From rice being used in boudin, sugarcane being used in rum our next crop to learn about is of a diAerent kind but still considered a crop raised in area fields. Passing such fields we arrive at one of these farms of a diAerent kind, a crawfish farm. This farm tour will explain the whole process of farming crawfish which is very interesting in itself of the amount of manual labor involved in getting the crawfish from field to table. Speaking of tables, after the tour grab a seat as the family of this farm will prepare a true cajun country crawfish boil for us to enjoy.
So after Rum, Rice, Crawfish now onto some spice with a tour of Tabasco. Surrounded by acres of the famous little pepper that makes Tabasco so famous around the world and even in space we see how this sauce has evolved into what it is today. Tour the fascinating museum which shows years of its marketing and branding, then take the self-guided walk through several of the processing buildings but be sure to save time to browse the gift shop of everything Tabasco.
Just as yesterday the day continues, making our way back to Lafayette we head back over to the parade viewing area to attend the Krewe of Bonaparte Parade. To save time for dinner tonight we will have Louisiana Po-Boys delivered to the viewing area for a true parade experience. This is the krewe we were able to meet with on Friday so look closely as you may see one of your newly made friends on float. This parade is known for having the best throws from collectible krewe beads, stuff animals, light up throws, beads and so much more. (B,L,D)
With a very busy past two days on DAY FOUR we have a later Sunday morning before heading back into the countryside. After all the fascinating learning of farming and crops today we have a day of fun as we attend an actual Couir de Mardi Gras. As special guests of a local family we arrive ahead of this traveling celebration, from the distance you’ll certainly hear them coming through the countryside. Upon arrival at the host family they will entertain the guest in tradition of earning goods for the community meal later. Dressed in colorful traditional costumes they dance and sing to the sounds of cajun music played on accordions and fiddles. This fun family celebration is part of many cajun families are part of a generational tradition.
Keeping with the capital cities we next make our way to the city of Rayne titled at the “Frog Capital of the World” . This small town has frogs everywhere with numerous murals depicting the city’s history with each mural using frogs as the characters. Not only does the city boast many murals throughout there are also over 80 cement frog statues in front of businesses and homes each dressed or painted in relation to its location. Keeping with the cajun day we begin to wrap up this tour with a private dinner celebration this evening beginning with a private cajun music show. During the show you will learn about the how the instruments of a cajun band work together to create those toe tapping sounds. We will also discuss the diAerences between this area’s most popular music genre of Cajun, Zydeco and Swamp Pop. Feeling the sounds of the music for those who want to try their skills on the floor we will next learn a few simple dance steps. The band will continue through dinner for those that want to continue dancing and enjoying the evening, we may also have a surprise or two also to end the evening. (B,L,D)
DAY FIVE we pack up our luggage along with memories of everything we’ve learned, experienced, tasted and the new friendships made through those we’ve met. (B)
RESERVATION INFORMATION
TOUR COST PER PERSON
Single: $2,986
Double: $2,482
Departure Location(s):
Rayne, LA / Lake Charles, LA / Houma, LA
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST
Motorcoach Transportation
6 Nights of Hotel Accommodations (Inc. All Resort Fees)
All Admissions to Group Activities (Inc. All Gratuities)
6 Hotel Breakfast, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners (Inc. 3 Drury Kickback)
RESERVATION & DEPOSIT POLICY
To reserve your place on a tour, each guest must complete an individual reservation. Couples, partners, family members, and friends traveling together should each submit their own reservation form.
Once your reservation is received, a member of our team will contact you to collect a non-refundable deposit of $250 per person, per reservation. The deposit is due within 30 days of submitting your reservation to secure your spot on the tour.
FINAL DECISION & PAYMENT DUE DATE
All payments for this tour must be made by 09/01/2027 along with decision whether to proceed with the reserved tour allowing the coordination of transportation, hotel accommodations, included meals and activities of which most are prepaid ahead of our arrival.
CANCELLATION POLICY
We understand life changes and personal situations may arise which can prevent planned travel therefore we offer a refund of all payments made towards the tour minus the $250 non-refundable deposit. This is to cover our internal expenses of reservations made along with time to process cancellation with all partners within the tour such as hotels, attractions and restaurants. This offer is available for any cancellation made more than 60 days prior to the departure date of the tour.
Cancellation Deadline: 09/01/2027 Departure Date: 11/01/2027 Any Cancellation after or during will forfeit all payments made. For any reimbursement of funds, we suggest obtaining the insurance so a claim may be made.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
• Tour Cancellation: Up to 100% of the prepaid non-refundable payments towards the registered tour for any covered reason.
• Tour Interruption: Up to 150% of the prepaid non-refundable portion of your tour expenses and the additional transportation cost required to return home, if your tour is interrupted for any covered reason. If your tour is interrupted for any covered reason.
• Emergency Medical & Dental: Up to $50,000 Reimbursement of expenses incurred during the tour due to covered medical and dental emergencies. No deductible. $750 Maximum for emergency dental care.
• Emergency Transportation: Up to $250,000 provides benefits for the cost of medically necessary transportation to the nearest appropriate facility and can also provide benefits for the cost transportation back home following a covered illness or injury.
INDIVIDUAL TRAVELER: $268 per traveler
(For those traveling as a SINGLE or DOUBLE)
COUPLES: $442 per couple
(For couples who reside together and are traveling together)