New Orleans: City, Plantations & Bayou

Experience the authentic flavor of New Orleans as you walk amongst the history, architecture and splendor of the famed French Quarter, the bustling Warehouse Arts District, and the opulent Garden District. Along the way, you’ll see the former homes of famous local residents and you’ll even have a chance to swing by the always lively Bourbon Street.

The French Market, once a Native American trading post on the shores of the Mississippi River, has become a cultural, commercial and entertainment treasure to New Orleans. Wander through the open-air community flea market, cultural shops and unique boutiques to see arts, crafts and trinkets unique to New Orleans.

Think Voodoo is nothing more than superstition? Think again. Learn about the history, spells and spirits associated with the native-African religion of Voodoo from those who truly believe in it. Hear about Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, and all of the voodoo secrets, from zombies and Mardi gras to voodoo dolls and magic potions.

Get a taste of the Louisiana Swamp – all without getting wet! See authentic bayou wildlife, like the famous white alligator, amid cypress trees and Spanish moss in this imitation swamp. Sample Cajun cuisine, watch an alligator feeding, and learn all about the habitats and wildlife found in Louisiana.

Start your 7 mile Mississippi riverboat cruise at the Port of New Orleans, one of the busiest ports in the world. Listen as your captain points out famous spots, local flora and wildlife. Maybe you’ll even spot a Louisiana Alligator sunning itself on the riverbank!

One of the top five in the country, the New Orleans Aquarium features more than one million gallons of fresh and saltwater exhibits of 530 species in a variety of wondrous habitats.

Walk through the premier festival marketplace in New Orleans, watch cruise ships, riverboats and steamers come and go at the New Orleans Port and wander along a half-mile of shops and restaurants offering a taste of the unique Cajun and Creole culture.

A night out on the town on famous Bourbon Street, where we’ll stop in for authentic Dixieland jazz at Preservation Hall. On the street and by the wharfs, we’ll soak up some of the real flavor of the French Quarter.

Step into scenery pulled straight from a Gone With the Wind old south. On the outside, see grand allées of live oak trees and manicured gardens. On the inside, period antiques and Louisiana art. Get magnificent views but also rich stories about life on sugarcane farms from inside the walls of antebellum mansions, authentic Creole cottages and slave cabins alike.

Originally settled by Canary Islanders in 1779, the Barataria Preserve offers a good introduction to the wetlands environment—just watch out for alligators!

Located in Donaldsonville, once the capital of Louisiana, you’ll explore plantation life from the perspective of African American history. Hear stories about the Underground Railroad and the rural roots of jazz. Learn about Louisiana African American pioneers, like the man who invented the sugarcane-planting machine and America’s first female self-made millionaire. Plus, see rare photos and unique historical documents, like newspaper ads for runaway slaves.

Preservation Hall is one of New Orleans’ most famous landmarks and most popular venues to hear live jazz performed by local legends and up-and-coming jazz stars. Originally built as a private residence in 1750, Preservation Hall functioned as a tavern, an inn, a photo studio and an art gallery before opening its doors in 1961 as a sanctuary for the preservation of jazz. With a live show every night of the week, take it easy and treat your ears to the sound of pure Big Easy jazz.

Lee Circle along with its monument to the Confederate general separates downtown and uptown sections of this grand avenue. Heading upriver, stroll past an impressive showcase of southern mansions where the power players of The Crescent City once lived. And ride on one of the longest running streetcars in the world anchored by renowned universities, Loyola and Tulane.

Why are cemeteries in New Orleans largely above ground? Contrary to myth, it’s not about the water table. Learn the truth as you walk through this “City of the Dead,” a former French plantation turned final resting place for legends of the Civil War and hundreds of victims of the 19th century yellow fever plague.