Three centuries of New Orleans and culture will be highlighted which will include the French Quarter, Jackson Square, historic St. Louis Cathedral and the exotic French Market.
Day l
Depart from your hometown and travel to New Orleans, also known as the “Big Easy.” Upon arrival, you will check into your motel. This evening you will enjoy a delicious dinner at one of New Orleans’ popular restaurants.
Day 2
Enjoy breakfast, then depart on a guided tour of New Orleans and its historic sites. Three centuries of New Orleans and culture will be highlighted during the tour which will include the French Quarter, Jackson Square, historic St. Louis Cathedral and the exotic French Market. You will pass the splendid Creole Cottages on Esplanade Avenue and view one of the unique above-ground cemeteries, referred to as “Cities of the Dead” for their elaborate, architectural tombs. Your guide will detail the local legends of voodoo and pirates as you follow Bayou St. John to Lake Pontchartrain and the renowned seafood restaurants of the West End. The tour path will pass St. Charles Avenue, the University Section and Audubon Park. View the decadent and exclusive homes of the lush Garden District and ride back to the 21st Century as you pass the Superdome and high-rises of the Central Business District. You will also enjoy a visit to the National World War II Museum which focuses on the contribution made by the U.S. to victory by the Allies in WW II and the Battle of Normandy in particular. The museum’s main section focuses on the War in the Pacific and the War against Germany. There is also a special area on the Normandy Invasion and on Higgins Industries
of New Orleans that designed and built the amphibious landing craft. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the area at your own pace. This evening enjoy a cooking demonstration of a traditional Creole meal and enjoy the finished meal at the New Orleans School of Cooking.
Day 3
Following breakfast, enjoy a tour of the Houmas House Plantation & Gardens, followed by a buffet lunch. Then, spend the afternoon exploring some of New Orleans’ attractions on your own. Enjoy some shopping and lunch on your own in the French Quarter, New Orleans’ most popular neighborhood and one of the best preserved historical neighborhoods in America. The French Quarter features a strong, lasting Spanish and French influence and is home the best-known party street in New Orleans … Bourbon Street; you may visit the Riverwalk and Jax Brewery. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 4
After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey back home with stops for lunch in Laurel MS home of HGTV’s Hometown. Visit Erin and Ben Napier’s Laurel Mercantile Co. , traveling on with dinner and an overnight stay to follow.
Day 5
Enjoy breakfast, then check out and prepare for your departure home with lasting memories of your journey into the deep South, Cajun Country of New Orleans.
