Day 1: We leave Kansas behind and reach Arkansas for our overnight stay.

Day 2: This morning we continue our journey through Mississippi and arrive in Florida. We check into our beachfront hotel in Pensacola for our 2-night stay. This evening you can stroll the shoreline, explore the boardwalk, or just relax on the beach! (B)

Day 3: This morning we visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the oldest naval air station and home base for the world-famous Blue Angels. Then it’s in search of marine life on our Gulf of Mexico Dolphin cruise. Aboard, a guide helps us spot and learn about dolphins and other marine life in the Gulf. This evening you have free time to explore this beautiful area! (B, L)

Day 4: Today we visit the USS Alabama, a retired battleship in Mobile AL. Explore the “Mighty A” who served in World War II in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Also on site is the National Historic Landmark WWII submarine USS Drum, which is the oldest American submarine on public display. For lunch, we eat like the sailors aboard the USS Alabama. This afternoon we tour the beautiful Bellingrath Gardens. Walk through this Southern estate garden which includes award-winning roses. Then we make our way to Biloxi MS for the next 2 nights. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 5: We take a unique cruise along the protected waters of the shoreline to see the many creatures, including shrimp, that inhabit the Gulf. Our guide will explain the different species we pull up from the waters. This afternoon a step-on guide joins us for a tour of the city of Biloxi including a guided tour of the Historic Beauvoir Mansion, the former home of Jefferson Davis. (B, L)

Day 6: We travel to New Orleans today! The “Big Easy” is famed for its old-world charm. We experience Southern hospitality, steamboat style, aboard the Steamboat Natchez for our live Jazz luncheon cruise. After lunch, a local step on guide shows us the city. We hear about the old French Quarter, Market Places, Squares, French and Spanish Homes, Parks, Giant Moss-hung trees, and above ground burial. Our hotel is in downtown New Orleans within walking distance of the French Quarter. The evening is yours to explore the area. (B, L)

Day 7: This morning we explore acres of authentic Louisiana swamps and waterways on a New Orleans swamp tour that gets us up close and personal with Alligators! We start making our way towards home and overnight in Texas. (B, L)

Day 8: What a memorable trip to the Gulf! Share memories with fellow travelers as we head for Kansas. (B)