9 AM - 6 PM IST - Mon-Fri

10 AM - 1 PM IST - Sat

The Lone Star State to the French Quarter ( 8090)

12 days from Dallas to New Orleans

2025 Tour Details

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!

To know more about the visas for this vacation, click here

 Tour Highlights

Notes:

Travel on the October 9 departure and be in Dallas during the annual Texas State Fair!

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

8 Breakfasts

 Itinerary

Day 1

DALLAS Welcome to Dallas! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2

DALLAS 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

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. 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

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. 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.
Breakfast Breakfast

Day 5

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 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.
Breakfast Breakfast

Day 6

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.
Continental Breakfast Continental Breakfast

Day 7

SAN ANTONIO 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.
Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8

SAN ANTONIO–HOUSTON 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.
Breakfast Breakfast

Day 9

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!
Breakfast Breakfast

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 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!)
Breakfast Breakfast

Day 11

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 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

NEW ORLEANS Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation in New Orleans with extra nights and explore further.
Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

CLINTON DUNN

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

" After graduating from Fordham University, I lived in New York City until I inherited a small inn that my grandmother had owned in my hometown of Daytona Beach, Florida. I became immersed in restoring and running it, but after working 24 hour days for 10 years, I was ready for a change. I told a friend I wanted a job where I could travel. He said, "You should do what my ex-wife is doing. She's a Tour Director." That began my wonderful new career over 20 years ago."

Tour Director -  CLINTON DUNN

PHILIP WALKER

Escorting tours for more than 10 years

" Philip has been a Tour Director with the Globus Family of Brands since 2008. His tour focus includes National Parks of the Western US as well as Texas and Louisiana. Philip has also done extensive summer work in Alaska as well as extended travels to Belize and Costa Rica. Philip's background includes Sales, Event/Artist Management, Cruise Ship Emcee/Activity Coordinator and Cruise Directing. His education includes a BBA in Business Management from Ole Miss, International Tour Management Institute Certification, Fire Behavior 130-S90 (prescribed fire training) and LEED, Green Associate Certification. When off the road, he enjoys helping manage the family conservation ranch in far West Texas. Hobbies include range restoration, Scuba, kayaking and wildlife conservation."

Tour Director -  PHILIP WALKER

MARY SYRDAHL

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

" I must have been born under a wandering star! I started life in South Carolina but moved to Brazil when I was just 18 months old. From that point on, I've just kept on going. While I've lived mostly on the East Coast and Texas in the US, it's the West and Southwest, along with the magnificent National Parks in that area that I specialize in. I love the history, the culture and the stories of the people who settled these areas, from the Native Americans to the melting pot of nationalities who make up the landscape today. And most especially, I love the stunning beauty and variety of our National Parks which have been so fortunately preserved for us to enjoy. When I'm not traveling, I serve on the Board of Directors of the New School in the Heights, a school for emotionally challenged children in Houston, and visit with my own children and grandchildren. And to make sure they continue the wandering tradition, I've already started taking my grandchildren on tours in the National Parks!"

Tour Director -  MARY SYRDAHL

PATRICK NEILSON

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

" An educator by trade, I hold post-graduate degrees in English Emersion and Tourism & Marketing. I speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I use my training and experience to bring the history and culture of each place alive. I love to share my passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge with guests while providing a unique local perspective."

Tour Director -  PATRICK NEILSON

SUSANNAH JONES

" Travel, food, music, and laughter bring people together. There is nothing like seeing faces with bright smiles when they taste a local delicacy, hear live regional music, and make lifelong friends while traveling together. I was raised in the South, lived in Germany, and taught Middle School all before beginning my second career as a Tour Director. I love the joy of making unforgettable experiences for guests from East to West. There are the majestic sights of national parks in Yosemite, the surreal landscape of Yellowstone, the haunting beauty of our Wetlands, and the bluish-green hues of the Shenandoah Valley. Tasting Peanut soup, beignets, and Fry Bread lets you taste local culture. Traveling will change you for the better!"

Tour Director -  SUSANNAH JONES

 Accommodation

DALLAS

CROWNE PLAZA DALLAS DOWNTOWN

Hotel as shown or similar
Moderate First-Class
  Free Wifi

FORT WORTH

HYATT PLACE FORT WORTH CITYVIEW

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

AUSTIN

DRURY INN AND SUITES AUSTIN NORTH

Hotel as shown or similar
Moderate First-Class
  Free Wifi

FREDERICKSBURG

FREDERICKSBURG INN & SUITES

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior Tourist-Class
  Free Wifi

SAN ANTONIO

DRURY PLAZA HOTEL SAN ANTONIO RIVERWALK

Hotel as shown or similar
Moderate First-Class
  Free Wifi

HOUSTON

DRURY INN AND SUITES HOUSTON GALLERIA

Hotel as shown or similar
Moderate First-Class
  Free Wifi

LAFAYETTE

HOLIDAY INN & SUITES LAFAYETTE NORTH

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

NEW ORLEANS

LA QUINTA INN & SUITES NEW ORLEANS DOWNTOWN

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior Tourist-Class
  Free Wifi

 Optional Excursions

Contact your Travel Consultant for more information.
Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)



* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).
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