New Orleans Getaway
Presented By: Quinsigamond College Community Education


Day 1: Monday, February 22, 2010 New Orleans, Louisiana - Tour Begins
Step back in time for a cultural getaway to the “Jazz Capital of the World” – New Orleans! This romantic city abounds with rich history, savory cuisine and the most beautiful, soulful music.

Day 2: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 French Quarter
Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of New Orleans’ famous French Quarter where you will see the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Continue on to the bustling French Marketplace where you’ll explore Pirates Alley, the Cabildo, the Presbytere and the Pontalba. Then it’s off to the Toulouse Street Wharf where you’ll climb aboard the famous Steamboat Natchez – dubbed Natchez IX and operated by the New Orleans Steamboat Company – for a scenic river cruise from the heart of the French Quarter. Tonight, roll up your sleeves and prepare to discover how to cook New Orleans style! During a unique cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking, your chef will indulge you in everything that Louisiana cuisine has to offer. By your visit’s end, you’ll actually make your own bread pudding dessert! (B, D)

Day 3: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 French Quarter
Spend your morning giving back to the children of New Orleans by participating in a special service project supported by the Collette Foundation. Then, enjoy an elegant lunch at the Court of Two Sisters restaurant, where rich history blends soulfully with jazz music. The delicious food is only enhanced by the music provided by a strolling Jazz trio. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to peel a local favorite, crawfish! The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure for you to discover New Orleans by exploring the historic French Quarter and all that it has to offer. Your Tour Manager is always on hand to recommend attractions and sightseeing options. (B, L)

Day 4: Thursday, February 25, 2010 French Quarter
Enjoy a tour of New Orleans along historic Esplanade Avenue. See St. Louis Cemetery #3, which opened in 1854 and features some of the most elaborate crypts found in New Orleans’ cemeteries. Then, relax during a tranquil drive along the shoreline of Lake Ponchartrain. This romantic road eventually leads to the majestic St. Charles Avenue, whisking you past gorgeous mansions as well as Tulane and Loyola, two famous universities in New Orleans. Tonight, close your eyes and savor the delicious, authentic flavors that the city is known for during dinner at one of New Orleans’ oldest restaurants. Following dinner, discover why New Orleans is known as the “Birthplace of Jazz” when you take in a toe-tapping jazz revue. (B, D)

Day 5: Friday, February 26, 2010 New Orleans - Tour Ends
Depart the beautiful French Quarter for home with memories of the remarkable sites, delicious cuisine and soulful sounds of New Orleans, which will stay with you forever. (B)




February 22 - February 26, 2010
5 Days • 7 Meals
4 Breakfasts • 1 Lunches • 2 Dinners
Highlights: Steamboat Natchez, New Orleans School of Cooking, Court of Two Sisters
Rates Per Person
Double: $1299, Single: $1649,
Triple: $1269
*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Logan Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $50 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers.
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $60 per person.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 - 4 Inn on Bourbon, New Orleans
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Board the famous Steamboat Natchez for a river cruise from the heart of the French Quarter.
  • Visit St. Louis Cemetery #3, one of New Orleans' oldest and most intriguing cemeteries.
  • Roll up your sleeves at the New Orleans School of Cooking where you'll create your own bread pudding!

For more information call
Cheri Comeau
Quinsigamond College Community Education
(508) 751-7921

Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
No options exist for this tour.

CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancelation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $60 per person.

Click here for complete details.


TRAVEL TIPS:
New Orleans Getaway
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Dress throughout your tour is casual. It is generally a good idea to pack layers of clothing that can be added or removed as the temperature changes. New Orleans is a unique destination that is best explored on foot. In fact, motorcoach travel has been banned from the French Quarter. As many of the activities planned are located inside the French Quarter it is necessary to walk to the majority of your dinners and attractions. For your comfort, we recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes. Sunscreen is suggested, along with an umbrella, light raincoat or poncho (just in case).
Currency
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted and to inform them that you are traveling. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
Electricity
Voltage for US, Canada and Mexico is 110. An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug.
Helpful Hints
Bring a camera, memory cards, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
Contact your travel clinic or personal physician for specific details and inoculations that may be required or recommended to participate on this tour. Fly in comfortable clothing and shoes. Since temperatures can vary when flying, it is advisable to bring a sweater on flights. Drink plenty of water and juice on the long-haul segments of your trip. You may want to avoid alcoholic beverages during the flight, as they are dehydrating. Exercise on board the aircraft. Bring books, magazines and snacks for your flight(s). Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact as well as a copy of your passport.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Collette has pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm