6-Day Houston to New Orleans, Mardi Gras World, Baton Rouge and French Quarter Tour (Free Airport Pickup)
Tour Code: GOL-HOU-130A
Duration: 6 Day(s) / 5 Night(s)
Tour Guide: Chinese, English
Quality: Budget
8%
Departure City
Destination
Return City
Overview
Experience: UNESCO, Family
Extra (Excluded): Wifi, Meal etc...
Tour Guide:Chinese, English
1. Louisiana's largest statewide party: the worldwide famous New Orleans Mardi Gras Carnival!
2. Hotel breakfasts are included and start your day with full stomach. Take an in-depth sightseeing tour with zero shopping.
3. Grab a bite of authentic Louisiana seafood and New Orleans gourmet.
4. Visit the largest private rum distillery in the United States – Bayou Rum.
5. Step on the highest state capital building in US – Louisiana State Capitol.
6. Visit NASA Space Center and the Rocket Park – the control center for human’s first jouney to the moon.
7. Visit the U.S. “Dinosaur City” – do you know Houston houses the largest dinosaur fossil in the United States?
8. Experience the glory days of Texas's centuries-old pasture – George Ranch Historical Park and experience the unique Dolphin Cruise in the Gulf of Mexico.
9. Visit the highest independent war memorial in the United States tracing the bravery of the people of Texas.
10. Enjoy the fantastic Mardi Gras parade in hotel VIP stand (*limited to hotel upgraded guests).
2/23/2020 (Sunday) Itinerary order may be adjusted as follows:
Day 1: Home – Houston
Day 2: Houston – New Orleans French Quarter
Day 3: Mardi Gras Parades
Day 4: New Orleans – Baton Rouge – Houston
Day 5: Houston City Tour
Day 6: Houston In-Depth Tour
- Only the guides and drivers who have COVID 19 negative can provide services from now onwards. Drivers and Guides will wear the mask. They will disinfect the bus daily. Travelers will have to wear the mask and their temperature will be monitored regularly. Travelers will be provided with hand sanitizer and wipes. We recommend travelers to bring their own hand sanitizer also. Bus sitting will be based on the standards set by the Government.
Itinerary
Airport Pickup Information：
1. Free Airport Pick-up IAH and HOU（George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport）9:00AM-10:00PM;
2. Paid Pick-up: Available 24hrs, $100 for the 1st and 2nd guest, $20 extra per guest starts from the 3rd guest.
Please choose IAH (George Bush Intercontinental Airport) or HOU (William P. Hobby Airport）when you book your flight. Our professional tour guide will meet guests at the baggage claim area for the domestic flight, or at the Passenger Waiting Area for the international flight. Hotel check-in time would be after 3pm, guests arrive before 3pm may secure their luggage to the front desk. You may rest in the lobby or shopping around mall or stores nearby. Our tour guides will have the room keys, terms and conditions for the tour, breakfast voucher (if needed) ready for you.
We will make our first stop to Battleship Texas, took part in some of the most significant naval battles of the 20th century during both world wars. Then go for San Jacinto Monument, the world's tallest masonry column. The most important part of the day is NASA Space Center. We will go to the Space Center for Tram tour to Rocket Park, see the control center, astronaut training center, space shuttle.
Battleship Texas（Outside visit, 30 mins）→ San Jacinto Monument（30 mins）→ Dolphin Cruise（ Optional, 45 mins）→ NASA Space Center（Optional, 280 mins）
Hotel：Crowne Plaza Suites Houston - Near Sugar Land(Breakfast Included) Or Similar.
Attractions
Battleship Texas had a major role in the 20th-century naval battles during world wars. Now, it is a memorial that marks the turbulent times and is along the Houston Ship Channel. There are a lot of different programs and tours for students, and the park stores sell gift items and souvenirs.
A gulf shore cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the Mother Nature in all her glory. Tourists watch dolphin dance among the waves. Come aboard for a trip it's truly magical if you are looking for relaxation. This beautiful site is attracting millions of visitors for its breathtaking natural views. You should definitely go and visit dolphin cruise in the Gulf of Mexico at least for once in your life if you are an admirer of nature and seas.
San Jacinto Monument offers a live view when watched from the top. It overlooks the Battleship Texas and Houston ship channel. The monument is a 567.31-foot-high column that is located in unincorporated Harris County on the Houston Ship Channel, near the Houston city.
Space Center Houston offers a feel of traveling to NASA. The entire family can enjoy it, and there are lots to learn and know here. There are space ships and large rockets, besides plenty of history to learn and see.
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!
Houston → Bayou Rum (40 mins) → New Orleans → Hotel Check-in → Mardi Gras Parades in French Quarter
Hotel：Wingate by Wyndham Slidell(Breakfast Included) Or Similiar.
Attractions
Bayou Rum is the country's largest privately-owned rum distillery. The Bayou Rum Distillery is primarily recognized for its historical and traditional approaches of rum-producing which include the processes fermentation, distillation, maturation, and then bottling processes.
The oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans is famous with the name of French Quarter. It is also known as Vieux Carre. It was established in the year 1718.
New Orleans is a fascinating cities that are truly a unique melting pot of food, culture, and music. This is the most historically and culturally rich destination of America. It has plenty of place to stay, eat and things to do.
We will enjoy Mardi Gras the entire day! The grand parades will last until afternoon with various amazing performances. You will also have a great chance to get free gifts or beads from the performer! 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, seafood restaurants. Spanish-style buildings are on both of your sides, such as two-story iron railing balconies, while the open-air bar on the balcony is always a favorite of travelers. Holding a bottle of beer in hand, and watching 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 make you worry-less for a good spot for the exciting carnival!
Notes:
1. Seats limited. First come, first served!
2. Your personal credit card and a government ID are required for deposit upon check-in. Deposit will be automaticly refunded in the case of no personal room consumption upon check-out.
Attractions
Bourbon Street, LA, this is a renowned French Quarter street and an ideal place to host birthday or bachelor party or even the girls night out. The Bourbon Street has the best bars, DJs, and endless celebration opportunities, besides being steeped in history and 18th-century beauty.
Located in the heart of New Orleans, Mardi Gras World is a world-renowned 300,000 square foot tourists site and a warehouse where the alluring floats are prepared for the Mardi Gras Events and Parades.
In the morning, you are free to visit the 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.
Free time in the morning → Departing from hotel around noon and heading to Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana → Visiting the tallest capitol in the U.S. – Louisiana State Capitol (40 mins) → Louisiana special seafood Dinner (at your own expense) → Houston
Note:
1. Free time in the morning, you can either stay in the hotel or have a self-guided tour, visit Café Du Monde, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Mississippi River.
Hotel：Crowne Plaza Suites Houston - Near Sugar Land(Breakfast Included) Or Similar.
Attractions
Baton Rouge is the capital city of Louisiana state situated on the Mississippi River, primarily known for its Antebellum sites. The renowned castle-themed capitol, French Creole house, Magnolia Mound Plantation, LSU Rural Life Museum, are the most appealing attractions of Baton Rouge city along with stunning gardens, beaches, and historic architecture.
Café De Monde, LA is an Iconic New Orleans cafe popular for its café au laits, chicory coffee & beignets right from 1862. This is a favorite place for many to take a stop each time. This place is always noisy and crowded.
The oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans is famous with the name of French Quarter. It is also known as Vieux Carre. It was established in the year 1718.
Jackson Square is essentially a historic park in New Orleans, in the 1960’s it was officially declared a National Historic Landmark and has remained a really popular tourist attraction.
the castle-themed Louisiana State Capitol building is built in a stunning Art Deco style, which is home to the state’s Legislature Office, House of Representatives, Senate, and Governor Office. It is also the tallest and most iconic building in the Baton Rouge city.
located in the heart of Louisiana, the St. Louis Cathedral is Branch of Roman Catholic Archdiocese and considered to be one of the oldest cathedrals in the country. The name of the cathedral is dedicated to the king of France, St. Louis who helped built this shrine couple of centuries ago.
First, we will stop by Toyota Center, an indoor arena famous of the Houston Rockets. And then head to Rice University. Later, we will go for the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The museum complex consists of a central facility with four floors of natural science halls and exhibits, the Burke Baker Planetarium, the Cockrell Butterfly Center, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre. In the afternoon, you won’t want to miss George Ranch Historic Park.
Toyota Center（Outside Visit, 20 mins）→ Rice University（40 mins） → Hermann Park (20 mins) → Houston Museum of Natural Science（Optional, 150 mins）→ George Ranch Historic Park (Optional, 120 mins)
Attractions
The George Ranch Historical Park is more than 100 years old. Just 30 miles southwest of downtown Houston, it covers a 20,000-acre working ranch featuring livestock, historic homes, and costumed interpreters. The Park educates people about Texas history through programming that inspires learners of all ages. It offers an immersive informal experience to the guests of the past times.
Hermann Park, TX, this year in 2017 celebrates its 25th anniversary. The Conservancy raises funds actively for renovations, and it includes planned improvements. Hermann Park fosters a sense of community and brings people together. This park is a wonderful place to spend a day, pedal in a pedal boat, jog along the trails, ride a train or enjoy the Japanese Garden peace.
Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a memorable experience. There is guided tour available, and you can visit the dinosaur exhibit. It is interactive and informative. There is an excellent collection of the fossils, and there is a perfect layout of the fossils with replications.
Rice University is one of the comprehensive and prominent research universities. This university offers an interdisciplinary and creative approach to higher education. Here the student gets matchless opportunities to learn through classroom interaction and distinguished faculty assist throughout the program or course.
Toyota Center is situated in downtown Houston and is an indoor arena. It acquires its name Toyota, after the Japanese automobile manufacturer. The arena houses the National Basketball Associations Houston Rockets, who are the primary users of the building.
The order of itinerary may change without any notice depending on weather situations or for some other unforeseen circumstances.
The order of activities held during the tour is planned by the tour guide. So, it may be different from what is mentioned on the tour page. On fewer occasions, Tour Guide has to skip an attraction or few during the tour depending on weather, traffic, group interest or some other reason.
Some attractions are seasonal. So, when they are closed they will be replaced with some other attraction.
You can skip some optional activities during the tour and plan something on your own. Make sure that you coordinate with Tour guide and stay with the group with next activity. Please note you cannot stay on the bus if you skip some optional activity.
Probable hotel names are mentioned in the itinerary. It can be similar or a different hotel of the similar rating. Exact Hotel details can only be provided one day before the departure.
Maximum 4 people of any age can stay in 1 Room in the hotel.
These tours are conducted in a group. A group can have people of several cultures. We expect each person to coordinate with Tour guide to make sure things are on track.
Though attractions are optional but you have to at least take 2 attractions.
Pricing
What's Included
Most of the tours are carried out in air conditioned bus. A minivan can also be used depending on the number of people booking the tour.
Tour is inclusive of hotel accommodation.
Inclusive of all taxes.
Tour is accompanied by the tour guide.
Free Airport pick up is available on this tour. The Tour Package price will not include Mandatory Tour Guide tips for Airport Pickup.
Customer can get Free Breakfast Coupon.
What's Excluded
Fares for air travel and transport from home to and from the location chosen for pick-up.
Airport pickup service charges $12/person.
Expenditure for personal purposes.
Fee for all Optional Activities and entrance paid in cash to the tour guide. He will arrange tickets for the whole group. Some attractions might be closed on public holidays. Seasonal attractions will be closed after a certain time and itinerary will be changed based on it. Optional activities price may change or can be different as displayed on the website.
A minimum tip of $12 per passenger per day for Tour Guide and Driver is not included in the price of the tour package. Pay it in cash to Tour guide and bus driver. This service fees collected from passengers complement the incomes of the driver and the tour guide.
Travel insurance.
Though the meals are excluded, but the guides will arrange them for you.
Room fees of personal nature, such as, laundry fees, telephone, service fees of valets, expenses on alcoholic drinks and what you buy from the mini bar. However, specified fees may be included.
Important Notice: Passengers are discouraged from purchasing admission packages from sources outside and trying to use them for this tour provided at a discounted price. In case they want to do so, they must arrange transport the same day.
Attraction Prices
| Attractions | Adult | Child(2-11 yrs) | Senior(65+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Ranch Historical Park, TX | $15.00 | $10.00 | $12.00 |
| Houston Museum of Natural Science, TX | $25.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Space Center Houston, TX | $29.95 | $24.95 | $27.95 |
All the prices are listed in USD.
Any Amount paid in cash to the Tour Guide is not refundable.
Tour display price is based on double occupancy. It is the price each person will pay if a group of two is traveling.
Prices may change without any notice.
Prices include hotel accommodation, transportation and taxes.
Admission Tickets to different places and meals are NOT included in the tour price.
Mandatory Tip for tour guide and driver are NOT included.
Only the tour guide can purchase entrance tickets for you. Pre-purchased tickets are NOT acceptable.
There must be at least one passenger of 18 years for every booking made with GoldenBusTours. For Children between the age group of 2 to 14 years, a different price will be charged. Please refer to Child price on our pricing calendar. Child Age may vary between different bus operators. Maximum 4 people of any age can stay in 1 Room in the hotel. If the 5th person is infant you will be charged normally then with the second room as an expense.
Activities are optional though, but each customer has to participate in 2 activities at least. No city pass allowed. Some attractions are mandatory. Each customer has to take part in them and have to pay for them in cash.
Departure Location
Departure Location
- Complimentary Airport Pickup service is available from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)/William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) between 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Meet the tour guide at the baggage claim area for Domestic arrivals and For international arrivals meet the guide outside at customs exit.
- Paid pickup service is available for 24 hours. $120 for 1 or 2 persons and $20 per additional person will be charged.
- Customers can have the option to Self-check-in of the hotel room after 3:00 PM.
Return Location
Important Notes
Arrive at departure location 10 to 15 minutes before the mentioned time to make sure you catch the bus on time. If in case you are late, the bus will not wait for you at the location and ultimately you will miss the entire tour (no refund in this case).
Return time on the website is just an estimation. Expect some variation always. Time may change depending on traffic and weather situations
There is a possibility that tour operator may use a shuttle to drop you off at the return location. It usually happens in the case of multiple return locations.
You can leave the tour at any place only after signing a Tour Departure Form for leaving the tour early.
Please note that price will stay the same even if you leave the tour early.
If you have booked a pre-tour hotel stay, then you will have to arrange your own transport from hotel to departure location.
If you have booked extra night hotel after the tour, then you will arrange transport from drop off point to hotel.
On West Coast tours some bus operators have a lot of departure locations. A slow start is expected on these tours.
Policies
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Determination of the time of cancellation will be done when the notice is received and confirmed by our office. You must make any notice of cancellation directly to GoldenBusTours by email or webmail at the Contact Us section.
Cancellation charges
⇒ 16 days or more prior to departure, 10% of the tour fees will be charged as cancellation.
⇒ 9 to 15 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour fees will be charged as cancellation.
⇒ Within 8 days prior to departure, 100% tour fees will be charged as cancellation.
Any Amount paid in cash to the Tour Guide is not refundable.
There is no refund for unused features. You forfeit the entire payment when you are a no-show on the departure date and unable to join the tour for any reason including COVID.
An add-on fee of 6% for handling fees is charged in addition to the above penalties. No matter what the reason for cancellation is, the processing fee will be deducted on each refund.
In order for there not to be a cancellation, a minimum number of participants are required. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip although every effort is made by us to ensure that normal operations are maintained. We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure with respect to operating requirements or circumstances beyond control. In case a cancellation is made at any given moment in time before departure, our only liability as GoldenBusTours will be to refund you the amount we received for the booking of the tour. We will try our best to re-book the same or similar tour if the future travel plan suits you. We are not responsible for any cancellation penalties that may have been incurred on any other travel arrangements like separate purchase of air tickets, visa cost, taxi fare etc. We are not liable for any other travel arrangements that have been affected as a result of the cancellations.
Note: More than 30 days after the completion of the tour, we cannot grant any refunds. Each Cancellation Request must be received in writing by email.
Cancellation and reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection, COVID or any other serious issue. If you reschedule a tour and later decide to cancel it then cancellation charges will be applicable to the original departure date and not to the rescheduled one.
Reservation, Booking & Redemption
Terms & Conditions
Any travel service purchases indicate your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions set out herein.
You are advised to carefully read through and understand these Terms & Conditions before making your booking.
Tour Confirmation
You will get an email immediately once you place an order. Tour Confirmation usually takes 2, 3 days except for urgent order. Urgent orders can be confirmed in a day or even few hours, but we can’t assure success in these cases. On fewer occasions, some of the others may require a longer period of time for confirmation. You are advised not to book airline tickets unless you have received the confirmation.
E-Ticket (Mandatory to be on bus)
Your e-ticket includes complete operator information such as local telephone numbers at your destination. You are required to print the e-tickets and bring them along with you on the trip. They will be needed as proof of purchase.
Changes in Booking
You may incur a fee for any revisions or alterations made to the reservation when the booking has already been confirmed. Cancellation fees may be applied to things such as name changes or corrections. They may also apply to tour date changes or tour itinerary changes. Please note that no departure changes are permitted 72 hours before departure.
Changes in Tour Itinerary
We are continuously striving to improve tour itineraries and features. In the event of unforeseen circumstances that are beyond the control, we do reserve the right to vary the itineraries and to substitute hotels. Duplicate departures may operate during certain peak periods, sometimes in reverse order. As such, hotels may vary from those included on the itinerary pages.
Reschedule
If you want to reschedule your tour (change the departure date or choose a different tour) then a reschedule fees may be applied. No reschedule request will be entertained within 15 days before the departure date.
Cancellation and reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection.
Pricing
1. One room can accommodate maximum 4 people. Even if you are 5 people including 1 month old baby you still need 2 rooms.
2. If you can carry your child up to 2 years of age then you do not need to book seats for him. It may vary from one tour to another.
3. Service providers hold the right to change the itinerary and hotel arrangements without any notice.
4. Child (0-9 years) and Single traveler going on the tour have special rates. These prices vary from one tour to another.
5. Meals and Attractions are not included. You can ask your tour guide to try to arrange the meal for you as per your requirements. For attractions, admission fees pay it to the tour guide on the tour.
6. Prices may change without any notice because of prices fluctuation in the market.
7. All prices mentioned on the website are in US dollars.
8. In Case of Bank Wire Transfer customer have to bear Wire transfer fee.
9. Tour package price is inclusive of taxes.
10. Tour Prices are every individual and in view of room inhabitance.
11. Final hotels booked may not be same as the one mentioned on the website.
Child rates are applicable for children between (0-12 years) of age. Parents are advised to bring car seats for the safety of their child.
Buy 2 Get 3rd discounted: Get 3rd Ticket on special discounted rates on the purchase of 2 tickets.
Responsibility
3. Before booking any tour make sure to go through every detail like tour itinerary, tour price, cancellation policy, reschedule and refund policies. Tour Guide will be Chinese and English or it can only be chinese based on the group size.
4. You should either bring a printed copy of your E-Ticket or bring it in your smartphone on the day of tour departure. You should also bring a valid photo ID along with your E-Ticket. In the case of any issues for not carrying E-Ticket or Photo ID GoldenBusTour will not be responsible.
5.Make sure to provide a valid phone number so we can reach you in the case of any emergency.
6. Please read all important notes, inclusion, exclusion section, terms and conditions, policies and below notes.
6a. Tour Operator holds the right to cancel the tour at any time depending on poor weather condition or some other unforeseen circumstances. However, GoldenBusTour will update its customers about the cancellation and shall not be held accountable for charges other than tour fees.
6b. Change in tour price will not affect any confirmed booking.
6c. Tour Operator can change the order of itinerary at any time without any notice.
8.Reach Departure location about 20 to 30 minutes before departure time. Unfortunately, no one will wait for you in case you get in late. The bus mostly has Bus Operator name and logo on it. Even if you are five minutes late and miss the bus then GoldenBusTours or Tour Operator will not be responsible. There will be no refund in this case. You will be charged 100% tour fee.
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