New Orleans & the Deep South
| Resort: | New Orleans & the Deep South |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | United States of America |
| Price From: | £1144.00 |
OverviewJoin us on a cultural journey and delight in famed southern hospitality. Cajun cuisine, antebellum mansions, the bayou and the magic of the French Quarter make this an experience to last a lifetime. At Martin Accordions learn about the craft and take in a private Cajun music performance. Settle in for a dinner party at Twin Oaks, the privately owned home of a locally acclaimed chef. Cruise through Louisianas Atchafalaya Basin Swamp. Learn the art of Cajun cooking from the experts at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Discover the magic of the charming French Quarter during a walking tour. Electrify your taste buds at the Caf du Monde. Visit your choice of the National WWII Museum or Mardi Gras World. Each day brings you closer to one of Americas most captivating regions. ItineraryDay 1: New Orleans, Louisiana – Tour BeginsWelcome to Americas most inviting cultural region. Arrive into a city in full swing as they celebrate being the Jazz Capital of the World during the New Orleans famous Jazz Fest. Take some time to experience the citys great music and incredible food. Day 2: New OrleansThis morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of New Orleans with a local guide. Begin along historic Esplanade Avenue. See St. Louis Cemetery #3 which opened in 1854 and holds some of the most elaborate crypts found in the citys cemeteries. Then, relax during a drive along the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain. This romantic road eventually leads to St. Charles Avenue, whisking you past gorgeous mansions as well as Tulane and Loyola, two world-famous universities. This afternoon the choice is yours! Perhaps you will choose to take a walk through history at the National World War II Museum to learn about the American experience in the war. Or, you may choose to celebrate the festive side of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World where you will hear about the history of this unique tradition and tour a working warehouse where artisans create spectacular floats for the famous parades. Day 3: French QuarterSet out on a walking tour of the famous French Quarter. Stroll past the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, one of the citys most recognizable landmarks. Continue on to the bustling French Marketplace and explore Pirates Alley, the Cabildo, the Presbytere and the Pontalba. Complete your tour with a stop to taste a true New Orleans favorite beignets at Caf Du Monde. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to discover the Big Easy your way. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a spectacular dinner and a lesson in Cajun cuisine at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Sit back and enjoy the show as the chef teaches you the secrets behind some of the delicious regional dishes. Day 4: New Orleans – Baton Rouge – Natchez, MississippiThis morning you travel to Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana. Enjoy a guided tour of the Louisiana State Capitol Building and learn about the states most influential political figure, Governor Huey Long. Hear the stories and legends from the time of his governorship and witness the location of his untimely assassination at the State House. Later, continue to Natchez. This small city, resting on a bluff high above the Mississippi River, personifies the grace and elegance of the South with its preserved antebellum mansions. This evening you are invited to an exclusive dinner at Twin Oaks, the privately-owned home of locally acclaimed chef Regina Charboneau. Day 5: NatchezLearn about the rich history of Natchez as a local guide takes you on a captivating tour of this pre-Civil War town. Tour Longwood, an impressive octagonal mansion that today remains unfinished. Construction began shortly before the Civil War and the interior was never completed. Marvel at the beautiful design and imagine another way of life. Experience a taste of the southern lifestyle as you spend the balance of the afternoon at leisure in Natchez. Day 6: Natchez – Lafayette, LouisianaDepart for Lafayette, the heart of Cajun Country. En route, visit Martin Accordions, a family-owned accordion shop. Learn about this intricate craft and listen as the Martin family band entertains you with music and stories. Day 7: Cajun CountryToday, immerse yourself in the Cajun culture. Begin at the Acadian Cultural Center at Jean Lafitte National Park for an introduction to the history and culture of Cajun Country. Next, visit Vermilionville, a 23-acre living history museum and folk life park showcasing the Cajun and Creole heritages. Later, cruise along the eerie bayous and through the Atchafalaya Basin no trip to Cajun Country would be complete without seeing the swamp! This evening, enjoy delicious regional dishes as you say goodbye to your fellow travelers at your farewell dinner. Day 8: Lafayette – New Orleans – Tour EndsReturn to the New Orleans airport and head home with a new appreciation of the South. |
