Cosmos The Lone Star State to the French Quarter (8090)
12 days from Dallas to New Orleans
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!
Itinerary (2024)| 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. (B) | | 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. (B) | | 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 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. (B) | | 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. (B) | | 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. (B) | | 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. (B)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. (B) | | 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. |
Included Cosmos Meals 7 breakfasts
Cosmos Pricing Details Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.
Cosmos Notes TEXAS STATE FAIR: Travel on the October 3 or 10 departures and be in Dallas for the annual Texas State Fair.
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