Houston International Quilt Festival and New Orleans

Meet Pat Archibald and your tour manager at London airport for your flight to New Orleans. On arrival meet your coach and driver for transfer to your hotel.

Today we enjoy a full-day workshop with your expert at the hotel. Tea/coffee will be provided.

This evening, step back into the glamour and romance of the riverboat era with a cruise aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Experience the lively sounds of traditional New Orleans music while enjoying a lavish Creole buffet in the elegantly appointed dining room.

After dinner, and maybe a little dancing, enjoy a classic New Orleans cocktail and sweet Mississippi River breezes on the promenade deck as the city skyline slips by under a canopy of stars. This night-time cruise is pure New Orleans.

The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, is the oldest neighbourhood in New Orleans. After New Orleans was founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the city developed around the Vieux Carré ("Old Square"), a central square. The district is more commonly called the French Quarter today, or simply "The Quarter". As a whole, it has been designated as a National Historic Landmark, with numerous buildings that are separately deemed significant.

We’ll enjoy a walking tour with a local guide and visit one of Louisiana State Museum’s sites, each one holding a place of its own in the state’s rich history.

We leave New Orleans today and travel by road to Houston. On route we’ll stop at Mes Amis Quilt Shop on the outskirts of New Orleans. Owned by Denise Taylor, the shop carries around 3,000 bolts of fabric. Denise loves bright colours, the more the better, so think Alexander Henry Fabrics, Kaffe Fassett, Art Gallery, Michael Miller, Cotton & Steel, Tula Pink, Stof France, Blank Quilting, Timeless Treasures, Quilting Treasures, Riley Blake and more.

Once we’ve had our fill, we’ll continue to Acadian Village in Lafayette for a guided tour. Step back in time to this small 19th-century Cajun bayou community, which includes genuine relocated and preserved Cajun homes combined with recreated period buildings and a Native American museum. Continue to Houston.

The largest annual quilt show in the U.S., Houston International Quilt Festival regularly attracts 55,000 quilt enthusiasts from over 35 countries. Shop at more than 1,000 booths, choose from over 550 classes and lectures for all levels of experience, and browse more than 1,600 quilts and unique works of textile art on display.

Please note: Classes and lectures should be booked and paid for directly with the show organisers.

Another day to enjoy everything that the Houston International Quilt Festival has to offer!

The Texas Quilt Museum in La Grange is a not-for-profit entity housed in two historic 1890s buildings, providing a fine showcase for both antique and contemporary quilt art with their high ceilings, brick walls, and original hardwood floors. We’ll enjoy viewing the quilts on display here this morning.

Old Town Spring is the historic location of a 19th century railroad hub which is today a quaint turn of the century village. Historic Victorian homes are nestled among the town's towering tree lined streets. Stroll and relax in gazebos and on benches or browse the 150 shops here including antiques, restaurants, clothing, collectibles, galleries, museums and a winery.

A day at leisure until our flight late afternoon. Return to the quilt festival or explore one of the many museums and other attractions available in Houston.

Transfer to the airport for our overnight flight to London.

Arrive back in London with your mind full of memories and your suitcase full of shopping!