The Lone Star State to the French Quarter (8090)

12 days from Dallas to New Orleans

2021 Tour Details View 2022 Tour Details »

With its large size and diversity, Texas locals say, “Texas, it’s like 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 before crossing into Louisiana for time in Lafayette and New Orleans.
Highlights of this Texas tour include a behind-the-scenes tram tour of the Johnson Space Center, home to NASA and the U.S. Space Program. Witness engineers, scientists, and astronauts as they shape the future of space exploration, and visit the Historic Apollo Mission Control, where the NASA team monitored nine Gemini and all Apollo missions. The San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States. Take a private, narrated cruise down the San Antonio River through the picturesque River Walk area and enjoy a cruise through Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin. In Fredericksburg, stroll the historic district shopping, pursuing one-of-a-kind, eclectic shops, art galleries, and museums.

History buffs will be fascinated at the Sixth Floor Museum, the location from which Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot President John F. Kennedy. At the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, hear the story of Johnson’s life. Also visit the Bob Bullock State History Museum that tells the “Story of Texas.” In North Texas Horse Country, visit a real working horse ranch with a knowledgeable local guide for a true authentic experience. Of course, no history buff can leave Texas without visiting the Alamo.

All of this and much more await you on this Texas tour. For the value-minded traveler, there’s no better way to visit the Lone Star State!

Small-Group Discovery

Select Cosmos 2021 North America tours are limited to an average of just 24 guests per tour. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos North America tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery Europe vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

Dates & Prices Book Online

800.646.5374

The Lone Star State to the French Quarter map

Photo Highlights

Meals

Meals & Itinerary

6 breakfasts

Notes:

TEXAS STATE FAIR: Travel on the October 7 or 14 departures and be in Dallas for the annual Texas State Fair.

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 Pioneer Plaza, commemorating the trails that brought settlers to Dallas and cattle to market; the Historic West End; and Dealey Plaza, where history buffs can learn all about that moment in history at the Sixth Floor Museum, the location from which the alleged killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, fired the lethal shots that killed President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

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 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. Overnight in Fort Worth.

Day 4 FORT WORTH–WACO–AUSTIN

In Waco, visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Learn about the mission, history, staff and governance of America’s first law enforcement historical center founded in 1964. Then 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.

Day 5 AUSTIN–FREDERICKSBURG

A short drive from Austin to Texas Hill Country, and 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.

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 with a local guide includes visits to the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest in the U.S., and downtown’s authentic Mexican marketplace, El Mercado. Afterward, visit the infamous 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.

Breakfast

Day 7 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.

Breakfast

Day 8 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.

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. Be a part of history in the making as you witness engineers, scientists, and astronauts shaping the future of space exploration. With this behind-the-scenes journey, you will also visit the Historic Apollo Mission Control Center, and Saturn V Rocket, the most powerful moon rocket ever built and one of only three moon rockets remaining in the world.

NOTE:
The buildings visited on the tram tour are real working areas of Johnson Space Center and are subject to closure without notice.

Breakfast

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.

Breakfast

Day 11 LAFAYETTE–NEW ORLEANS

This morning, journey across Bayou Country into New Orleans, capital of Dixieland and the “City That Care Forgot.” Upon arrival, a guided sightseeing tour focuses on the sights and sounds of New Orleans, 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

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

Transportation:

Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring with free Wi-Fi.

Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

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!”

Accommodations

Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

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

Lafayette

New Orleans

Lafayette

Cajun Dinner & Dancing

Get a true taste of Louisiana's traditional Cajun cuisine on this fun evening outing featuring a hearty Cajun-style, lively Cajun/Zydeco music, and a lesson to learn how to dance the local way!

Price Range: $$

New Orleans

National WWII Museum

Designated by Congress as the official WWII museum of the United States, The National WWII Museum is located in downtown New Orleans.

Price Range: $

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 International 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).