We begin our day with a tour of the LOUISIANA CAPITOL PARK MUSEUM.  From Louis Armstrong to Huey P. Long, from Mardi Gras to fais-do-do, and from the nation-building commerce of the Mississippi River to the life-sustaining bounty of the Gulf of Mexico, the Capitol Park Museum provides a panoramic exploration of one of the most vibrant states in America. After a brief break at MAIN STREET MARKET for lunch, we will make our way over to the LOUISIANA OLD STATE CAPITOL BUILDING. This Gothic architectural treasure, stands high on a bluff overlooking the MISSISSIPPI RIVER.  The 165-year-old statehouse withstood war, fire, scandal, bitter debate, abandonment, and an occasional fistfight. Today, this building stands as a testament to bold, inspired leadership and active citizenship.  We next make our way to the LOUISIANA NEW STATE CAPITOL BUILDING. What began as the dream of one man - Governor Huey P. Long - became a symbol of pride, history and the spirit of Louisiana people. As the tallest capitol building in the United States, the Louisiana State Capitol building is 450 feet high with 34 floors. It was completed after only 14 months in 1932 and stands on a 27-acre tract. Tremendous symbolism is evident throughout the inside and outside design of the building, including the Hall and the Senate and House Chambers. The Observation Deck on the 27th floor overlooks the city of Baton Rouge at a height of 350 feet, and the views of the gardens are spectacular. In 1935, the building that Long built was also the site of his assassination. Senator Long is buried on the grounds and his statue faces the Capitol. Before making our way back to our hotel, we will enjoy dinner at one of Baton Rouge’s finest.     

MEALS INCLUDED … Breakfast & Dinner

The first part of our day will be an adventurous SWAMP TOUR. For many years people have traveled extensively to Louisiana to locate a unique and exciting adventure exploring Louisiana's back country with its meandering bayous and swamp which you can only experience here - the historical MANCHAC SWAMP. Next, we make our way over to the HOUMAS HOUSE PLANTATION.  Also known as Burnside Plantation, the Houmas House Plantation is a historic plantation complex established in the late 1700s, with the current main house completed in 1840. It was named in honor of the native Houma people, who originally occupied this area of Louisiana.  The complex, containing eight buildings and one structure, and the 10 acres they rest upon, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 27, 1980. While at Houmas House Plantation, we will also enjoy a wonderful buffet with plenty of Southern Louisiana options. After our tour, we will make our way to BATON ROUGE ` to settle into our lodging for the evening. Dinner tonight will be KICKBACK @ THE DRURY.      

MEALS INCLUDED … Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

This morning, we will travel into NEW ORLEANS. Our first highlight of the day is the NEW ORLEANS SCHOOL OF COOKING. Learn how to make some of their most famous Creole and Cajun dishes. The best part … we get to sample everything at the conclusion of the class! Our afternoon will be spent at the NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM. The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Included with this group activity will be admission to BEYOND ALL BOUNDARIES. Beyond All Boundaries, showing exclusively in The National WWII Museum’s Solomon Victory Theater, is a 4D journey through the war that changed the world. This Museum-produced experience is narrated by executive producer Tom Hanks, with Phil Hettema serving as show producer and creative director.  Beyond All Boundaries features dazzling effects, CGI animation, multilayered environments, and first-person accounts from the trenches to the Home Front read by Brad Pitt, Tobey Maguire, Gary Sinise, Patricia Clarkson, Wendell Pierce, and more.  

MEALS INCLUDED … Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

WOW … what a SOUTHERN LOUISIANA EXPERIENCE!! Sadly, it is time to make our way back towards East Texas. However, we have a little time on our hands. We will stop by NATCHITOCHES, LA on our way home for you to enjoy HISTORIC FRONT STREET. At the heart of the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District lies Front Street. This street, composed of bricks and lined with historic buildings, delightful shops and restaurants, offers visitors and residents a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of Cane River Lake. After our brief stop in Natchitoches, we will arrive back in East Texas about 6:00pm. The last few hours of our wonderful trip is an excellent opportunity to exchange addresses with new found friends as well as discuss future trips you want to take with AMERICAN TOURS.     

MEALS INCLUDED … Breakfast