Special Features
•Walking Tour of the iconic French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans
•Visit the unique Presbytere with its exquisite collection of Mardi Gras memorabilia
•Tour of Baton Rouge, the jewel of Louisiana, a city of contrasting cultures
•Swamp Boat Ride in the magical Atchafalaya Basin, the largest wetland in the U.S.
•Visit Vermilionville, a folklife park and living history museum on the banks of the Bayou
•Tour the Visitors Center and pepper sauce factory of the world famous "hot" Tabasco sauce on Avery Island
•Visit the open-air French Market, a uniquely New Orleans shopping experience
•View some of New Orleans distinctive neighborhoods including the historic mansions 

Itinerary:

DAY 1, Monday - Arrive in New Orleans
Arrive in New Orleans, birthplace of jazz and home of the first Mardi Gras parade, lovingly referred to as the "Big Easy"; transfer to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your fellow travelers, followed by a briefing with your Tour Manager on the wonderful adventure that awaits you. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7PM on the day of arrival. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5PM on Day 1 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible
Overnight: New Orleans
  
DAY 2, Tuesday - French Quarter Tour
Enjoy the sights and sounds of New Orleans on your walking tour of the iconic French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in the city. Stop at historic Jackson Square, to see the city's lovingly preserved historic buildings, including St. Louis Cathedral. Visit the unique Presbytere, with a colorful past of its own, built on the residence (presbytere) of Capuchin monks. Enter the museum with its exquisite collection of Mardi Gras artifacts and memorabilia; the story of New Orlean's Mardi Gras tradition is dynamically told by a high-tech interactive exhibit. You'll even experience the excitement of watching the famous parade or riding on a float! The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring this vibrant city. Or, join the optional afternoon tour to the Laura Creole Plantation, a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of an 18th century plantation, with a dramatic and in-depth look at one Creole family. Tonight's Welcome Dinner toasts your arrival in New Orleans
Optional: Half Day Laura Creole Plantation (PM)
Overnight: New Orleans
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 
DAY 3, Wednesday - City Tour of New Orleans, Highlights of Baton Rouge
Today, continue through New Orleans, we will drive through several distinctive neighborhoods including the Upper 9th Ward, the Central Business District, and along the pristine tree lined St. Charles Avenue with its preserved stately mansions dating back to the 19th century. Head out of town towards Baton Rouge, the jewel of Louisiana and its capital city. Built on the hunting grounds of Native Americans and ultimately settled by French explorers, it's a city of extraordinary history and contrasting cultures. Upon arrival, visit the new Louisiana State Capitol Building; its main entrance displays symbols of all of the States in order of their admission to the U.S. From the 27th floor Observation Deck, see the panorama of the city and the storied Mississippi River. After lunch on your own, continue to the Capitol Park Museum to see the unique thematic multimedia presentation that presents Louisiana's diverse history. Tonight, perhaps try one of the restaurants in the city center for dinner, with cuisines ranging from French to Creole and Cajun. Or, a truly unique experience awaits you on the optional tour to the Nottoway Plantation that includes a classic Creole-inspired dinner in a turn-of-the-century dining room with splendid views of century-old oak trees. This grand "White Castle" survived the Civil War to become the largest remaining antebellum mansion in the South, now restored to her days of glory. Step back in time and treasure the experience
Optional: Nottoway Plantation with Dinner
Overnight: Baton Rouge
Meals: Breakfast
 
DAY 4, Thursday - Boat Tour in the Atchafalaya Basin, Lafayette in Cajun Country
Your day begins with an exciting Swamp Boat Ride through moss-draped trees in the magical Atchafalaya Basin, the largest wetland in the U.S., with countless different species of birds and native wildlife. While you coast along this tributary of the Mississippi, perhaps you'll spot some of the local alligators that call this home. Afterwards, on to the living history museum and folk life park of Vermilionville on the banks of the Bayou. Here, the culture of the Acadian, Native American, and Creole cultures from 1765 to 1890 are preserved. A delicious Creole lunch is served before you tour the many attractions and restored homes. Stop to watch demonstrations by local artisans of essential crafts practiced by early settlers. Then, on to the famed Martin Accordions Company where the family displays their distinctive accordions along with a lively musical performance. Continue to Lafayette in the heart of Louisiana's Cajun Country. Time to relax before tonight's very special Cajun Dinner together at a popular restaurant that raises its own crawfish and grows fresh herbs. It's a real treat!
Overnight: Lafayette
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
DAY 5, Friday - Avery Island, New Orleans
Today drive to Avery Island, source of the world-famous Tabasco sauce. At the Visitor's Center, taste this peppery sauce, learn how it's made and packaged, and leave with recipes to take home. Depart for New Orleans, where you will have lunch at leisure upon arrival. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure exploring New Orleans. See the open-air French Market, reminiscent of lively European markets. From food and music to arts and crafts, this market is a shopping experience that is uniquely New Orleans. Tonight is at leisure. It's a perfect opportunity to listen to jazz at Preservation Hall, see the nightlife on Bourbon Street, shop for souvenirs, or indulge in a superb dinner at a trendy restaurant
Overnight: New Orleans
Meals: Breakfast
 
DAY 6, Saturday - Full Day New Orleans
On your last day in New Orleans, leisure time to soak up the magic of this city independently, or join a fantastic optional full day tour that surely will enhance your Louisiana experience. This morning, partake in a unique behind-the-scenes look at New Orleans Mardi Gras; see the hard work and planning that goes into this grand event. Visit the massive studio that houses the astonishing parade floats and learn more about the history of this festive tradition. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one of the greatest parades on earth! You will have plenty of opportunities for photos with props or in a costume, so bring your camera! Enjoy lunch at local New Orleans restaurant. Afterwards, an authentic paddle-wheel Steamboat Cruise ends your day on the colorful Mississippi. You'll be whisked away to a bygone era! Enjoy live jazz music while viewing the amazing panorama of New Orleans' skyline! Tonight, a very special evening starts with a cooking demonstration that will reveal the secrets of preparing classic New Orleans specialties. After, take part in a Farewell Dinner and share wonderful memories together with your newfound friends
Optional: Full Day Mardi Gras Experience with Jazz Cruise
Overnight: New Orleans
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 
DAY 7, Sunday - Depart New Orleans
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

***End of Tour***

Land Package rate: From USD 1399 per person based on twin sharing

Featured Hotels:

Hotel Provincial     New Orleans, LA
Hilton Baton Rouge      Baton Rouge, LA
Comfort Suites     Lafayette, LA
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown/French Quarter     New Orleans, LA 
 

Inclusions:

•6 nights accommodations
◦4 nights New Orleans
◦1 night Baton Rouge
◦1 night Lafayette
•Hotel porterage
•All transfers
•10 Meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
•Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
•Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
•Services of English-speaking local guides
•Entrance fees per itinerary
•Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
 

Not Included:

• Optional tours and gratuities.
• Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
   
  

Note: It is recommended that passengers select flights that arrive no later than 5 pm on Day 1.

Remarks:  All rates are subject to change unless booked and finalized.