New Orleans & Cajun Country

Today arrive in New Orleans for a three night stay in the exciting French Quarter. Tonight be sure to enjoy the “The Quarter” filled with fabulous restaurants and jazz clubs.

This morning enjoy a French Quarter Walking Tour featuring the St. Louis Cathedral with adjoining Cabildo and rectory, Bourbon Street, Pirates Alley and the French Marketplace. Next visit the famous Café du Monde to enjoy café au lait and beignets. Later board a Paddlewheeler Steamboat for a relaxing Mississippi River Cruise. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the Court of Two Sisters, one of the French Quarter’s most famous restaurants. (B,D)

Today enjoy a New Orleans City Tour. Visit the Garden District featuring one of the best preserved collections of historic southern mansions in the United States. Also stop to view an Above Ground Cemetery which are both historic & hauntingly beautiful. This afternoon visit Mardi Gras World, a fun and informative museum which brings together a dazzling collection of floats and costumes from the event. This evening enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers at the famous New Orleans School of Cooking. (B,D)

This morning travel to the capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge. Stop at the New State Capitol Building to view the Art Deco architecture and hear stories about the state’s most famous politician Huey Long. Then visit the Louisiana State Museum featuring thematic exhibits on the diverse aspects of Louisiana history, industry and culture. Later motorcoach into Mississippi and arrive in Natchez, a beautiful town that captures the charm and elegance of the historic south with its Antebellum Mansions. Tonight enjoy a southern experience with an Antebellum Mansion Dinner & Tour in the Natchez area. (B,D)

This morning enjoy a Natchez Area Tour to learn about the area’s amazing pre-Civil War history. Then visit another beautiful Natchez Antebellum Mansion. Later cross into Louisiana to explore fascinating Cajun Country, founded in the 18th century by French speaking exiles from Canada. Today, the region features a unique blend of French, Creole and Caribbean influences. This afternoon enjoy an eerie Bayou Cruise, a true Louisiana experience. (B)

Today discover Cajun Country. First visit the Jean Lafitte Cultural Center to learn about the life of the famous pirate & unlikely patriot, and about the area’s Acadian heritage and the natural resources of Louisiana’s Mississippi Delta region. Later visit the Acadian Village, a folk life museum that offers an authentic vision of a 19th century Acadian community with many authentic homes of the era. Stroll the grounds and step back in time to experience Acadian heritage and music. Then travel to Avery Island for a Tabasco Factory Tour, home the world-famous Louisiana hot sauce. Tonight enjoy a fun-filled Farewell Dinner with Cajun cuisine & sounds. (B,D)

Today depart Lafayette and transfer to the New Orleans Airport for your flight home. (B)