New Orleans is a mixture of influences from many dissimilar cultures who found harmony together in this lovely city. We will stay in the French Quarter and venture out and about to discover the diversity of New Orleans, past and present. Each day is a new experience. One day we explore the French quarter, another day a visit to a plantation, we learn about Mardi Gras and see the floats, we take a walking tour through the Garden District, and we travel into the Louisiana Bayou. Let's not forget the food. A combination of French, Creole, and other southern influences makes every meal special. We love New Orleans and know you will too! This trip is guaranteed to depart...Come join us!
Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Sunday, March 11 – Arrive New Orleans; French Quarter Walk; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival no later than 3:00 pm. The tour will begin at the hotel at 4:00pm in the courtyard of our French Quarter hotel. After introductions, our day will get underway with an orientation "walkabout," led by the WTT tour leader. We will explore the French Quarter and conclude at restaurant in the French Quarter for our welcome dinner. Overnight Hotel Provincial.
Monday, March 12 – Morning City Tour; Afternoon Natchez Steamboat (B)
Today we will depart for a morning city tour to learn more about New Orleans and the areas beyond the French Quarter. This afternoon our two-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter takes us back when cotton was king and life was slow and graceful as the current on the Mississippi. See New Orleans as it can best be seen from the river aboard an authentic steamboat.
Tuesday, March 13 – Destrehan Plantation Tour; Mardi Gras World: Dinner (B,D)
We begin our day at Destrehan Plantation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Destrehan Plantation was established in 1787 and remains the oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi River Valley. Afterwards, enjoy a lunch stop before we continue on to learn about the tradition of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. See floats and learn the fascinating history of Mardi Gras. This evening we'll enjoy a nice dinner together.
Wednesday, March 14 – Demonstration Cooking Class and Lunch at New Orleans School of Cooking; Jackson Square; Afternoon in the Park (B,L)
The New Orleans School of Cooking has introduced countless visitors from around the world to the wonderful food and rich culture of Louisiana and New Orleans. We will have a cooking demonstration of Cajun and Creole cuisine and then enjoy lunch at the school.
After lunch, the day is yours. Consider a visit Jackson Square - a famous landmark facing the Mississippi River surrounded by historic buildings with retail shops, museums, galleries and restaurants. Or, spend some time in the New Orleans City Park. Attractions include the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden, walking trails and largest collection of mature live oaks in the world. Your WTT tour leader will have suggestions for a fun day. Tonight consider an optional ghost walking tour.
Thursday, March 15 – Garden District Walking Tour; Swamp Tour (B,D)
Enjoy a walk through New Orleans' elegant Garden District, once part of the plantation owned by Bienville, the founder of New Orleans. This historic district is known for its marvelous examples of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. For more of a walk on the “wild side”, our afternoon tour takes us to the Honey Island Swamp. This swamp is unique because it's one of the least-altered river swamps in the country. It's pretty much in its original condition, almost a pristine wilderness - the Nature Conservancy's First Louisiana Nature Preserve. Our day concludes with our farewell dinner in the French Quarter.
Friday, March 16 – Return Home (B)
This morning is a fine time to relax, or take a last stroll around the French quarter. Schedule your return flight at your convenience. The WTT tour leader will assist with scheduling ride-sharing to the airport.