3-Day New Orleans Mardi Gras World from Houston

Heading to Louisiana in the morning and start the tour with our first stop at the largest private rum distillery in US: Bayou Rum Distillery. Complimentary tasting of Captain Jack's favorite rum is included. Then, we will start the journey to New Orleans, the biggest city of Louisiana on the Mississippi River. Reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African, and American cultures, you are able to see plenty of European-style architectures here in the French Quarter, which is regarded as a national historic landmark. After hotel check-in, you are free to enjoy New Orleans's annual carnival – Mardi Gras! Itinerary: Houston → Bayou Rum (40 mins) → New Orleans → Hotel Check-in → Mardi Gras Parades in French Quarter Bayou Rum Bayou Rum is distilled from locally grown sugarcane in southern Louisiana, USA. The signature "sugarhouse" recipe uses a blend of 100% natural, unrefined Louisiana sugarcane and molasses. Every batch of Bayou Rum is copper pot-distilled and bottled by hand. Mardi Gras Parade Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday," is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, reflecting the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. In the 12 days prior to Mardi Gras Day, over 60 parades and hundreds of private parties will be held every year. As a national holiday, Mardi Gras is a day for half of the city to celebrate parades performing by the other half! What makes Mardi Gras more special is its great tradition of gifting little treats and beads from the parades! Everyone on site has the chance to get little gifts such as tumbler, metal necklace, and a specialized coin called doubloon. Overall, Mardi Gras is a great carnival that you must not miss in your life!

We will enjoy Mardi Gras the entire day! The grand parades will last until the afternoon with various amazing performances. You will also have a great chance to get free gifts or beads from the performers! In the evening, we will be in Bourbon Street, the famous red light district and nightclub area. It is also one of the oldest streets in New Orleans. The street has bars, music restaurants, and seafood restaurants. Spanish-style buildings are on both of your sides, such as the two-story iron railing balconies, while the open-air bar on the balcony is always a favorite of travelers. Hold a bottle of beer in hand and watch passers-by on the street. At the same time, it is also a must for the parade of the largest carnival Mardi Gras in the United States. Thousands of pearl chains are thrown down from the balcony on both sides, which is very spectacular. We highly recommend you upgrade your InterContinental hotel for one night. The hotel includes a deluxe breakfast and VIP parade ticket. The hotel's VIP seats are located in the best view of New Orleans, and the carnival parade will pass right in front of the hotel. Usually, people start to line up around 2 am the day before the parade, and upgrading the hotel will let you worry less for a good spot for the exciting carnival!

In the morning, you are free to visit Café Du Monde, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Mississippi River, and other attractions. At noon, we will go to Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, stepping on the top of the highest state capital in the United States – Louisiana State Capitol, the Art Deco building is ranked as the highest capital building with a height of 137 meters. The building also features Gothic style, which is particularly eye-catching in the surrounding pine forest. Standing on the observatory at the top of the building, you can also overlook the beautiful scenery of Baton Rouge. At the end of the tour, you can choose to grab a bite of St. Louisiana special seafood at your own expense and return to Houston after the meal. Itinerary: Free time in the morning → Depart from the hotel around noon and head to Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana → Visit the tallest capitol in the U.S. – Louisiana State Capitol (40 mins) → Louisiana special seafood Dinner (at your own expense) → Houston French Quarter The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter, known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street. It is also the oldest. Dating back to the city's founding in 1718, this National Historic Landmark district is known for its nightlife, restaurants, and celebrations. Its most famous locale is Bourbon Street. Café De Monde Iconic New Orleans cafe known for café au laits, chicory coffee & beignets since 1862. The coffee is served Black or Au Lait. Au Lait means that it is mixed half and half with hot milk. Beignets are square French -style doughnuts, lavishly covered with powdered sugar. Jackson Square This historic park in the French Quarter is home to St. Louis Cathedral. It's history dates all the way back to 1721, when it was built by French colonists in the area. Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, also called St. Louis Cathedral, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans and is the oldest cathedral in the United States. Mississipi River The Mississippi River is the chief river of the second largest drainage system on the North American continent, second only to the Hudson Bay drainage system. The stream is entirely within the United States (although its drainage basin reaches into Canada), its source is Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota and it flows generally south for 2,320 miles (3,730 km) to the Mississippi River Delta in the Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana State Capitol The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest capitol in the U.S., The Observation Deck on the 27th floor overlooks the city of Baton Rouge at a height of 450 feet. The views of the gardens are spectacular.