New Orleans - Southern Style

 Day 1 – Wednesday December1, 2021 — Home to New Orleans 

This morning we depart for New Orleans arriving in the early evening. Upon arrival we transfer to our downtown hotel located just moments away from the excitement of the historic French Quarter and near an assortment of unique restaurants, nightlife and shopping. Enjoy an included dinner tonight at a popular local restaurant. As the locals say, “laissez les bons temps rouler” - let the good times roll! 

Today’s dinner is included

Day 2 – Thursday, December 2, 2021 – New Orleans 

After breakfast, we are joined by a local guide for a fascinating city tour that highlights the original city of New Orleans, the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, La Fayette Cemetery with its above-ground mausoleums and crypts, the 1300 acre City Park which has enchanted New Orleanians since 1854 and the Ninth Ward, a neighborhood devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Later visit Mardi Gras World where you will be given a behind-the-scenes look into one of the world’s most famous festivals -Mardi Gras with its parades, floats and marching bands. 

Today’s breakfast and lunch are included 

Day 3 – Friday, December 3, 2021 – New Orleans 

Today we navigate into the murky waters of Louisiana swamps with a trained navigator to meander along bayous and view moss-draped cypress trees, exotic plant life and the creatures who live here. Alligators, snakes, egrets, white-tailed deer, mink and nutria all make their home in the Louisiana swamplands. Your Cajun guide will share with you the legends and lore of Louisiana's still untamed wilderness. Bring your camera to capture this incredible swampland journey! Later this afternoon we return to the city where the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy. 

Today’s breakfast and lunch are included 

Day 4 — Saturday, December 4, 2021 — New Orleans 

“You knows dat in New Orleans is not morning 'til dee sun come up”, and today we board an authentic paddle wheel steamship - the Steamboat Natchez, to journey along the Mississippi River. While onboard enjoy traditional live jazz. Disembark at Jackson Square and explore the Cabildo—an elegant Spanish colonial building that was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803 and is one of Louisiana’s most significant historical buildings. Today the Cabildo houses a multitude of historic documents and artifacts detailing Louisiana's history through various eras. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 5 – Sunday, December 5, 2021 — New Orleans 

By this time you will feel like a local and you are free to choose how you want to spend the day in this remarkable city. Savour a warm beignet and sip a hot coffee or use this time to stop and step into whatever catches your fancy. Consider strolling down the streets to see small but mighty art galleries, uncommon souvenirs or if your taste buds have been awakened, enjoy some delicious Louisiana cuisine in any of the multitude of restaurants lining the narrow streets. The Quarter is a great place to just window shop your way around the district without too much of an agenda in mind. Who knows what you might find? This evening, over a million twinkling lights will greet you at the famous Celebration of Oaks in the City Park. Sit back in comfort as you drive through two miles of centuries old giant oaks illuminated and dressed with beautiful gigantic ornaments. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 6 – Monday, December 6, 2021 — New Orleans to Nottoway 

Today we leave the city to visit the beautiful Laura Plantation where you will be immersed in Louisiana’s rich, Créole culture & history. A guided tour of the plantation will take you beyond the myths of the Old South to focus on the complex relationships of four generations of one Créole family, both free and enslaved. Next, visit the extraordinary Oak Alley Plantation, a designated National Historic Landmark. This spectacular setting is decorated by the canopied path created by a double row of twenty-eight giant oak trees leading to the “big house”. You will hear many fascinating tales from the property’s 200 year history. Continue on to the magnificent Nottoway Plantation Resort, the largest existing antebellum mansion in the South and our home for the night. Tonight we enjoy a fantastic dinner at the resort. 

Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are included 

Day 7 – Tuesday, December 7, 2021 — Nottoway to Home 

After breakfast, we depart the Nottoway Resort to visit Baton Rouge, the state capital of Louisiana. 

We are joined by a local guide to tour the historic city that is home to numerous landmarks and many refurbished buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th-Century. Visit the State Capitol building, which is the tallest capitol building in the United States. This afternoon we arrive at the airport for our return flight. Arrive home late this evening where a transfer will be waiting to take you back to your door with lasting memories of the unique culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. 

Today’s breakfast is included

Walking Note: 

The narrow streets of New Orleans French Quarter are best navigated on foot. While this tour does 

make use of private tour coaches for many portions it should be noted that there is a fair amount of walking involved and guests should be prepared to walk (at a leisurely pace) from 1 to 3 KM on several days.