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Free Spirit Vacations | Tel: 480-926-5547

Mardi Gras 2026

Experience the best of Mardi Gras with the comfort and convenience of a personal guide and fully planned itinerary. Enjoy VIP bandstand tickets to two Mardi Gras Parades, tour the Tabasco Factory, the WWII Museum, and Mardi Gras World. Enjoy an authentic New Orleans dinner, brunch at the Court of Two Sisters and taste traditional Mardi Gras foods!

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LET THE GOOD TIME ROLL!!

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 Monday Evening Parade and Kings Parade, including covered seating and viewing area with private restrooms in the heart of Downtown Lafayette. Sample Kings Cake and Boudin, sip on Lafayette’s signature cocktail “The Rouler” and throw your hands in the air to collect Mardi Gras beads!

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 and taste a variety of samples at the Tabasco County Store. Enjoy a delicious, included lunch at the Tabasco Restaurant 1868.

Learn about the history, culture, and cuisine of New Orleans during a guided City Tour. Visit the National WWII Museum, the top-rated tourist destination in New Orleans, and ranked among the best museums in the U.S. and the world.

Be immersed in the Mardi Gras spirit and learn how the incredible floats are made at Mardi Gras World: The New Orleans Mardi Gras Experience. Dine on luscious Creole and Cajun cuisine at the unique and historic Court of Two Sisters.

Enjoy time on your own to explore the French Quarter, listen to great local music and indulge in authentic New Orleans cuisine.

Join us to experience the best of Mardi Gras culture, traditions, and food!

Inclusions

Airfare from Phoenix

4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Motorcoach

Professional guide

VIP tent at the Mardi Gras Parades

Accommodations

Entry fees

Single Supplement Price $3,050.00

“I absolutely loved the experience.” - Rae R.

“This year was my second year since I enjoyed the 2024 tour so much. And I had just as much fun in 2025” - Laura H.

“The bread on our Po'Boys was the freshest I think I've ever eaten, the cocktails at the parade were yummy, everything is absolutely delicious!” - Betty A.

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 take in the revelry of the Monday evening Parade, (Queen Evangeline’s Parade), from a VIP Bandstand. Each Mardi Gras parade is unique and features different themes and Krewes, who throw beads and trinkets to the festive crowds.

Day 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”. Clap, shout and throw your hands in the air to collect Mardi Gras beads! 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, and taste a variety of samples at the Tabasco County Store. Enjoy a delicious, included lunch at the Tabasco Restaurant 1868. After returning to the hotel to freshen up, enjoy an included dinner this evening.

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Day Three

Today we will head to Baton Rouge for a tour of the city and the Louisiana State Capitol Building. At 450 feet, it’s the tallest capitol building in the United States. The building is an example of Art Deco design and is known for its impressive architecture and interesting history. Then, head to New Orleans and learn about the history, culture, and attractions in the city from your guide David Fish. This afternoon check-in to the charming Maison Dupuy Hotel New Orleans for two nights. Maison Dupuy is a unique historic gem in the famed French Quarter, just blocks from Bourbon Street. Join fellow guests for a cocktail reception, followed by an included dinner.

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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. The rest of the day is to explore on your own. Walk to Bourbon Street, where you can experience the lively sounds of traditional New Orleans jazz music every day. Or take a tour of the nearby St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, the oldest and most famous cemetery in the city, and the resting place of Marie Laveau. Visit Café du Monde and try their amazing beignets and chicory coffee. For dinner, there are numerous restaurants close by, offering a wide selection of Creole-inspired food.

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!

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FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

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

February | 67° / 51°

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.