Worldwide Destinations
Freedom To Wander
Mardi Gras 2025
Experience the best of Mardi Gras with the comfort and convenience of a personal guide and fully planned itinerary. Enjoy VIP bandstand tickets to the Kings Parade, tour the Tabasco Factory, experience a Swamp Tour, the WWII Museum, a Jazz Dinner Cruise, taste traditional Mardi Gras foods and more!
Experience the best of Mardi Gras with the comfort and convenience of a personal guide and fully planned itinerary. Enjoy VIP bandstand tickets to the Kings Parade, tour the Tabasco Factory, experience a Swamp Tour, the WWII Museum, a Jazz Dinner Cruise, taste traditional Mardi Gras foods and more!
JOIN US TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF MARDI GRAS CULTURE, TRADITIONS AND FOOD!!
Experience the best of Mardi Gras with the comfort and convenience of a personal guide and fully planned itinerary.
Enjoy VIP bandstand tickets to the Kings Parade, including covered seating and viewing area with private restrooms in the heart of Downtown Lafayette. Sample Kings Cake, Boudin, and sip on Lafayette’s signature cocktail “The Rouler”.
Tour the Tabasco Factory and learn the history and process of making Tabasco Sauce, a Louisiana staple. Visit the Pepper Greenhouse, Barrel Warehouse, Salt Mine diorama, Tabasco County Store and the 170-acre Jungle Gardens. Enjoy lunch on your own at the Tabasco Restaurant 1868.
Be on the lookout for alligators, birds and more during a Swamp Tour, and learn about the history, culture, and cuisine of New Orleans during a guided City Tour.
Visit the National WWII Museum and enjoy great local music and food during a Jazz Dinner Cruise.
Be immersed in the Mardi Gras spirit at Mardi Gras World: The New Orleans Mardi Gras Experience and dine on luscious Creole and Cajun cuisine at the unique Court of Two Sisters.
Inclusions
Airfare from Phoenix
4 breakfast, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Motorcoach, professional guide
VIP tent at the Mardi Gras Kings Parade
Swamp Tour
Accommodations
Entry fees
Single Supplement Price $2999.00
Day One
Depart Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport for Lafayette, Louisiana. Check-in to the Doubletree by Hilton Lafayette for two nights. Enjoy Po-Boy sandwiches for dinner and the Monday evening Parade.
DDay Two
Depart the hotel for the Kings Parade. Enjoy VIP Bandstand covered seating and viewing area with private restrooms in the heart of Downtown Lafayette. Sample Kings Cake, Boudin, and sip on Lafayette’s signature cocktail “The Rouler”.
Visit the Tabasco Factory and learn the history and process of making Tabasco Sauce, a Louisiana staple. Visit the Pepper Greenhouse, Barrel Warehouse, Salt Mine diorama, Tabasco County Store and the 170-acre Jungle Gardens. Enjoy lunch on your own at the Tabasco Restaurant 1868.
After returning to the hotel to freshen up, enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Day Three
Today keep your eyes peeled and camaras ready to capture views of alligators, birds and more during a guided Swamp Tour. Then head to New Orleans and learn about the history, culture, and attractions in the city from your guide.
This afternoon check-in to the Drury Inn New Orleans for two nights. Join fellow guests for a hotel reception, followed by free time to explore on your own.
Day Four
Today we will explore the National WWII Museum. See the incredible 4D cinematic experience Beyond All Boundaries, narrated by Tom Hanks, or take part in the interactive experience Final Mission: USS Tang Submarine Experience. Walk through the Hall of Democracy or explore the European Theater Galleries.
This evening relax and take in the New Orleans skyline aboard a Jazz Dinner Cruise. Experience the lively sounds of traditional New Orleans jazz music while enjoying a selection of Creole-inspired foods.
Day Five
This morning, be immersed in the Mardi Gras spirit at Mardi Gras World: The New Orleans Mardi Gras Experience. Learn about the history and traditions of Mardi Gras, don authentic Mardi Gras costumes, and get an up close look at the incredible floats.
Before heading back to Phoenix, pass through the Charm Gates to experience luscious Creole and Cajun cuisine at the unique Court of Two Sisters. This beloved New Orleans landmark is more than a restaurant – it’s a legend. Learn the story of Emma and Bertha, the two sisters who ran a notions shop here, and make a wish in the Devil’s Wishing Well.
After brunch, we’ll head to the airport for our flight back to Phoenix. But your Mardi Gras experience will stay with you forever!
FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, WR=Welcome Reception
Suggested Packing
-Casual Clothing that can be mixed and layered
-Comfortable walking shoes
-Hat and Sunscreen
-Cash and Credit Cards (Only those needed)
-Medicine and spare prescriptions
-Extra glasses and/or contacts
-Book, Word Search and/or Crossword Puzzle
-Binoculars
-Seat Cushions and/or Blanket (If attending a parade or show)
-Ear plugs and sleep mask
-Mini-Sewing Kit
-Toiletries and Tissues
-Chargers for devices (Cell phones, Tablets, etc.)
-Extra Memory Cards (Digital Cameras) or Extra Film
Average Temperatures
March | 73° / 54°
Activity Level 3
This travel experience is perfect for those who want to see everything their destination has to offer. With the ability to navigate hills and uneven ground (1-2 hours with little difficulty), as well as climb into various modes of transportation, you'll be able to explore every corner of your destination without missing a thing. Plus, with some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure, you'll have the perfect harmony of flexibility and exploration.
When is Mardi Gras?
Ash Wednesday is always 46 days before Easter, and Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) is always the day before Ash Wednesday. Easter can fall on any Sunday from March 23 to April 25, with the exact date to coincide with the first Sunday after the full moon following a spring equinox.
What are the official Mardi Gras colors and what do they mean?
The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. Purple represents justice, green represents faith and gold represents power.
What is a King Cake?
A King Cake is an oblong pastry that contains a tiny plastic baby who represents the Christ child. Whoever gets the baby hidden within the king cake must buy the next one. And so the tradition continues on to Mardi Gras Day. There are different styles of King Cake from traditional to modern, all of them delicious.
The 'Rouler'
At the drink's core is Sweet Crude Rum produced by Lafayette's only distillery, Rank Wildcat Spirits. The rouler is balanced with sweet and sour, simple syrup, bitters and club soda and is served over ice
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| S/D Phoenix Sky Harbor | Self Drive-Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favorites |
|---|
