Group posted: 2019-05-08

New Orleans Mardi Gras Motorcoach TOUR - Five Parades included!

02/17/2020 - 02/22/2020

6-day Tour from $1,099

GOLDEN ANCHOR TRIPS... So Much Included! Escorted, Parades, Many Meals, more!

Anchors Away Cruises and Tours Hosted Group Departures.

GOLDEN ANCHOR TRIPS PRESENTS

NEW ORLEANS MARDI GRAS

 

SO MUCH Is Included ~ Motorcoach Transportation from Many Cities ~ SPECIAL Cancellation Policy with FREE name changes & Future Travel Credits ~ FREE Meal Package ~ FREE Escorted Experience ~ And so much more!

 

Tallahassee  ~ Biloxi & Mississippi Gulfcoast ~ New Orleans ~ French Quarter Sightseeing ~ RESERVED SEATS FOR 5 MARDI GRAS PARADES including Ancient Druids,  Krewe of Nyx, Knights of Babylon, Krewe of Chaos, and Krewe of Muses

 

6 Day NEW ORLEANS MARDI GRAS TOUR from just $1,099.  This amazing trip is a GOLDEN ANCHOR TRIPS EXCLUSIVE and SO MUCH is Included! Your leisurely paced TOUR features a special cancellation policy that allows you FREE name changes or Future Travel Credits to make this a worry-free vacation.  Best of all no need to worry about planning meals as you enjoy many Breakfast &  Dinners are included, as noted in the itinerary.  Special highlights include a unique scenic drive along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and New Orleans..  Enjoy special RESERVED SEATS for FIVE of New Orleans grandest Mardi Gras Parades.. A great Mardi Gras experience.

 

This is the ABSOLUTE BEST VALUE for a first-class experience.  This is the ONLY 2020 departure so we recommend you act fast!



 

ITINERARY........................................................................ 
 

TRIP ITINERARY: Departs February 17, 2020

 

Day 1 | The Villages to Crestview

 

Today you begin a wonderful Mardi Gras experience traveling into the Florida panhandle to the state’s capital of Tallahassee. Leaving the capital behind us we motor on toward New Orleans.  We overnight in Crestview, Florida, at the Marriott Fairfield Inn (or similiar).  Dinner is included.

 

Day 2 | Crestview to New Orleans

 

Breakfast is included this morning. Today continue west and cross the border to Mobile.  Here you enjoy a visit to the historic Fort Conde with a history of more than three centuries.  Next stop will be to Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Visit the beautiful Beau Rivage Resort.  Late this afternoon you arrive in New Orleans and check into the deluxe 4-star Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter (or similiar).  The Wyndam New Orleans French Quarter is within easy walking distance to the world famous French Quarter.  (NOTE: due to the Wyndham's location near world famous restaurants, we have not included breakfast in your stay at the Wyndham so you can enjoy breakfast at the restaurants everyone talks about. Tonights dinner is special. You are guest at a popular New Orleans Chef school, where the chefs will prepare and serve your dinner right in front of you!

 

Day 3 | New Orleans Sightseeing & Reserved Seats for Mardi Gras Parades

NOTE: Today you will attend and have reserved seats for Ancient Druids Mardi Gras Parade and then later the Krewe of Nyx Mardi Gras Parade

 

An exciting day awaits as you begin with sightseeing of New Orleans.  Your qualified local guide will show you the famous French Quarter, the New Orleans Riverfront, the famous Garden District and more.  New Orleans is one of America’s most unique cities and today you will understand why. This afternoon you enjoy RESERVED SEATS for the Krewe of Ancient Druids Mardi Gras Parade.  Tonight you enjoy RESERVED SEATS for the Krewe of Nyx Mardi Gras Parade.

 

Ancient Druids Mardi Gras Parade: Comprised of Carnival veterans from several other Orleans Parish parading organizations, the Ancient Druids wanted to fill an empty slot on the parade calendar, providing New Orleanians and visitors with a first-class parade one week before Fat Tuesday. The Ancient Druids was organized in 1998 and is not related to the Mystic Krewe of Druids, whose parades followed the Rex processions from 1922 to 1935. The all-male club is distinctive in that it does not stage a ball or feature a queen and court. Its king is known as the Arch Druid and he is accompanied on the king’s float by a jester. - Arthur Hardy

 

Mystic Krewe of Nyx Mardi Gras Parade: The Mystic Krewe of Nyx is established to unite women of diverse backgrounds for fun, friendship, and the merriment of the Mardi Gras season. Together we will enhance the spirit of Carnival for our community by embracing a bit of tradition, while adding new and forward thinking ideas to make our organization unique. We believe women of all ages deserve to be adored, respected, and allowed to let her inner goddess shine.

 

Day 4 | New Orleans at leisure & Reserved Seats for Mardi Gras Parades

Today you will attend and have reserved seats for Krewe of Babylon Mardi Gras Parade and then later the Krewe of Chaos Mardi Gras Parade.  Finally you enjoy the famous Krewe of Muses Mardi Gras Parade.

 

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore New Orleans.  This afternoon you enjoy RESERVED SEATS for the Krewe of Babylon Mardi Gras Parade and  Krewe of Chaos Mardi Gras Parade. Tonight you enjoy RESERVED SEATS for the Krewe of Muses Mardi Gras Parade.

Krewe of Babylon Mardi Gras Parade: The Knights of Babylon was founded in 1939 by a group of professional men who wanted to stage a first class parade for the public and a first class tableau ball for their ladies. Widely respected as one of the iconic New Orleans Carnival organizations, Babylon annually presents the first evening parade on the Thursday before Fat Tuesday.

 

Krewe of Chaos Mardi Gras Parade: Organized in 2000, the Krewe of Chaos is formed by 200 male riders.It is believed that the krewe's name refers to the cessation of the parading career of the venerable Krewe of Momus, an organization that shares a great deal with the Knights of Chaos. This organization never reveals its king's name, and the parade's theme remains a secret until rolling time.

 

Krewe of Muses Mardi Gras Parade: To the people of New Orleans, they are street names, often mispronounced. In Greek mythology the nine Muses were the daughters of Zeus. First parading in 2001, the Muses organization now has over 1000 riding members and was the first all-female organization to parade at night in Uptown New Orleans. The Krewe of Muses’ vision is to tap into and recognize the local artistic and cultural resources of the community and incorporate them into a Muses Mardi Gras tradition, making the entire community a part of the Krewe of Muses parade. We celebrate their wildness before they were tamed, their virtues after they were appointed, and their place in the mystique of New Orleans, where each virtue seems to thrive.

 

Day 5 | New Orleans to Crestview

 

Today you will travel east back into Florida.  Upon arrival in Crestview you check into the Marriott Fairmont Inn (or similar).  Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner with all your fellow Mardi Gras participants.


 

Day 6 | Crestview to The Villages

 

Breakfast is included.  Today you will travel south. Leave Crestview with memories of a wonderful New Orleans Mardi Gras holiday.

 

 POLICIES & PRICE........................................................................ 

 

Motorcoach TOUR RATES:
 

$1,099 per person Double

$1,599 per person Single

$799 per person 3rd/4th

TRIP CANCELLATION COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE FOR ONLY $59 pp

Rates are valid for: February 17, 2020 departure  

 

Rates were valid on April 16, 2019 and are subject to change

 

PAYMENTS: $200 PP deposit due upon booking. Final Payment due 120 days prior to departure. 

 

CANCELLATION PENALTIES: Golden Anchor Trips has a unique cancellation policy for motorcoach tours.  Of course, traditional travel insurance is available from your Anchors Away Cruises & Tours agent and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  But for our motorcoach tours we have a very liberal cancellation policy THAT INCLUDES refundable deposits, FREE name changes and even Future Travel Certificates that provides for your piece of mind:

 

Before Final Payment:  DEPOSIT IS FULLY REFUNDABLE.

 

120 - 91 Days Prior to Departure: FREE name changes or if you must cancel you will receive a 90% credit issued as a FUTURE TRAVEL CERTIFICATE for any trips with Golden Anchor Trips and valid for the next 12 months after cancellation.

 

90 - 61 Days Prior to Departure: FREE name changes or if you must cancel you will receive a 80% credit issued as a FUTURE TRAVEL CERTIFICATE for any trips with Golden Anchor Trips and valid for the next 12 months after cancellation.

 

60 - 31 Days Prior to Departure: Free name changes or if you must cancel you will receive a 70% credit issued as a FUTURE TRAVEL CERTIFICATE for any trips with Golden Anchor  Trips and valid for the next 12 months after cancellation.

 

30 - 16 Days Prior to Departure: $25 name changes or if you must cancel you will receive a 50% credit issued as a FUTURE TRAVEL CERTIFICATE for any trips with Golden Anchor Trips and valid for the next 12 months after cancellation.

 

15 Days or less Prior to Departure: No name changes and 100 % penalty.  

 

NOTE:  you may only select a name change or a cancellation future travel certificate.  No cash refunds will be provided.

 

INCLUSIONS........................................................................ 

 

WHAT’S INCLUDED and what’s not included…

 

SO MUCH IS INCLUDED! Just compare Golden Anchor Trips with the competition and find out all of the value you receive.  No wasted time, no tricks, no long planning and hassle-free travel.  We are passionate about this experience and that is why this looks different than anything you have ever seen before. Golden Anchor Trips has included all of the essential cost for your vacation so you can enjoy a worry-free experience.  (note: items of a personal nature like drinks, shopping, gratuities and the like are not included.)

 

MOTORCOACH TRANSPORTATION: We offer transportation pick ups from the following cities shown below.  The pick up locations are listed here and are subject to change.

The Villages: Anchors Away Cruises:  11845 C.R. 105, Oxford, FL

 

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: 1 night Crestview (3 star), 3 nights New Orleans (4 star), 1 night Crestview night (3 star) is included.   

 

FREE MEAL PACKAGE: Most Meals including Many Breakfasts and Dinners as noted in your itinerary. The cost of meals while you are traveling is a substantial cost.  That is already included in your Golden Anchor TRIPS price.  Compare how much more it would cost you if you had to purchase this FREE program already included. 

 

SIGHTSEEING as outlined in itinerary on the ITINERARY Tab. Every effort has been made to include all the “must see” attractions in each destination, yet provide time for individual exploration.

 

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:  There are some things that are not possible to include.  Items of a personal nature (like beverages, shopping, gratuities and the like) are NOT included in your price.  Also travel components (like local taxes and on-site resort fees in some some cities that cannot be prepaid,) are NOT included in your price.

 

PACKAGE DETAIL........................................................................ 

 

WHAT IS ’GOLDEN ANCHOR TRIPS’ ALL ABOUT…

SO MUCH IS INCLUDED… EVERYTHING! Just compare Golden Anchor Trips with the competition and find out all of the value you receive.  No wasted time, no tricks, no long planning and hassle-free travel.  We are passionate about this experience and that is why this looks different than anything you have ever seen before. Golden Anchor Trips has included all of the essential cost for your vacation so you can enjoy a worry-free experience.  (note: items of a personal nature like drinks, shopping, gratuities and the like are not included.)

 

GOLDEN ANCHOR TRIPS TOUR ESCORT, Tour Manager or Host: Having a local expert is of great value and with our travel experience you will have it.  Having an experienced local expert to ensure the smooth operation of the trip, answer your individual questions and be of assistance in the event of an emergency is of great value. Compare how much more it would cost if you had to purchase this free program already included. (see FAQ policy description for full details.)

 

LEISURELY PACED TRAVEL EXPERIENCES ARE ALREADY INCLUDED: While many trips shuttle their guest from destination to destination, the Golden Anchor Trips philosophy is to offer a more leisure paced tour to ensure an in-depth experience for our guest.  So many of our competitors have one-night stays and move your Cruise or JETTour along too fast. With Golden Anchor Trips your travel experience will be a journey under the philosophy of taking your time.  Have the time to enjoy where you are visiting. Compare what they do versus this program already included.

 

FAQ........................................................................ 


 

About New Orleans During Mardi Gras Season: Mardi Gras CAN be wild.  You have seen that on TV.  HOWEVER, YOUR GOLDEN ANCHOR TRIPS EXPERIENCE WILL NOT BE THAT.  We arrive days before FAT TUESDAY and attend ‘Family Friendly’ Mardi Gras events and parades.  Therefore, you have no need to be concerned about what you will experience or you will see. This is THE BEST TIME of the entire two month Mardi Gras season to visit and the activities and parades will be absolutely memorable.

 

Description of a Mardi Gras Parade: A New Orleans Mardi Gras parade is different that parades you have attended.  They literally are a ‘LIVING ORGANISM.’ Parades start and stop depending on the celebrities involved, the specific floats, bands and even the “throws” (what items the float riders throw)  Your Parades will include specially built floats for the Krewe, bands and more. These parades are a 200 year old tradition that celebrates the coming ‘LENT’ in the Catholic religion and the ‘LAST HURRAY’ of the season before Easter.  So they are fun, humorous and entertaining. You will love it.

 

Reserved Seats Even with very large crowds our Mardi Gras parade experience has been simplified.  Our tour manager will get you to RESERVED SEATS. You will arrive early and not feel rushed for the parade.  Once in your seats you will “LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL” which originated in New Orleans… “it’s time for the parade to get rolling”.  

 

Escort: We provide a special Golden Anchor Trips Escort that travels with you on the included land portion of the trip when there is a minimum of 30 guests.  If there are less, then we provide a local host that provides that same experience. Either way, you are going to enjoy a personal and intimate experience with local experts of the region you are visiting. Optional Pre & Post tours are hosted.

 

FREE Meal Package: A core philosophy of Golden Anchor Trips is to be inclusive with meals.  This means providing most Breakfast & Dinners daily on your tour. This will be provided as a planned meal or in some instances as a credit to allow you choice (depending on the convenience for our guests in the destination we are visiting).  

 

What’s Not Included:  There are some things that are not possible to include.  Items of a personal nature (like beverages, shopping, gratuities and the like) are NOT included in your price.  Also travel components (like currency conversion, air departures taxes departing a foreign country, local taxes and on-site resort fees in some some cities) are NOT included in your price.

from $1,099