In the years since Hurricane Katrina, the good times have started rolling again. And you're invited to join other AAA Members and fellow revelers from across the country for one of the year’s biggest parties of all – Mardi Gras!
Mardi Gras traces its North American roots to a sedate French Catholic event of the late 17th century, when explorers landed on the banks of the Mississippi about 60 miles downstream from present-day New Orleans. It’s anything but sedate today, and your experience of Mardi Gras in the French Quarter just may show how the city’s iconic festival made laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll), the slogan of the Big Easy.
You’ll enjoy great seats to three premier parades and your hotel choices all are within walking distance of Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, Harrah’s Casino, riverboat cruises and more. Be like Bacchus on that zany parade float and let the good times roll!
Price includes:
• 4 nights accommodations at the Hotel Ste. Marie* or similar
• Full breakfast daily
• Reserved grandstand seating for three parades: Bacchus, Proteus-Orpheus, and Mardi Gras Celebration Day
Day 1 - Arrive in New Orleans
Welcome to “NOLA” - New Orleans, Louisiana! Arrive in New Orleans and transfer on your own to your French Quarter hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Ste. Marie or similar- 4 nights
Day 2 - New Orleans / Bacchus Parade
After breakfast at your hotel, explore the colorful French Quarter. It’s Mardi Gras time and there is plenty to see and do in this vibrant city, the birthplace of Jazz and a world of les bon temps - world famous cuisine, music and unstoppable spirit.
In the evening watch your first Mardi Gras Parade, Bacchus, from reserved grandstand seats.
Day 3 - New Orleans / Proteus/Orpheus Parade
After breakfast today is yours to continue to experience New Orleans on your own. This weekend New Orleans is all about Mardi Gras but the French Quarter has a reputation as one of the world’s most famous and fascinating places with world famous restaurants, art and antique shops, and jazz and music clubs.
Watch your second Mardi Gras Parade, Proteus/Orpheus, from reserved grandstand seating.
Day 4 - Mardi Gras Day Parade
Following breakfast, attend the Mardi Gras Day parade with reserved grandstand seating. The rest of the day and evening are yours to enjoy New Orleans Mardi Gras.
Day 5 - Depart New Orleans
After breakfast, say farewell to the energetic French Quarter today and transfer on your own to the airport. You’re sure to return home with memories of the beautiful sights, mouth-watering cuisine, and soulful sounds that comprise unforgettable and famous “NOLA.”
