3/26 – 3/30 2025

5 Days – 4 Nights

Don’t be left green with envy. Experience one of America’s most culturally and historically rich destinations during one of the best times of year. Join our New Orleans Weekend and not only will you hear jazz and blues music, taste amazing food, stroll the historic French Quarter and ride a Paddle wheeler. Plus, we get to enjoy a few of New Orlean’s unique pre-Mardi gras Parades. So Book now and make friends and memories for life!

ITINERARY

Day 1 : Arrive New Orleans, Louisiana

After arriving at the New Orleans Airport, we suggest taking a shuttle to the group’s hotel, “Courtyard New Orleans” located in the French Quarter. You can arrive early and spend the day exploring. Meet your tour leader and fellow travelers at 7:00pm for dinner at Tujague’s, the 2nd oldest restaurant in New Orleans. Then we will check-out Bourbon street,a historic street in the heart of the French Quarter. Extending thirteen blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, Bourbon Street is famous for its many bars and strip clubs.

Day 2: New Orleans – French Market & City Tour

Put on your walking shoes this morning as we will follow in the footsteps of historic figures. Stroll along the Mighty Mississippi, through the French Market and Jackson Square, then down by the quaint streets named for past saints and sinners. Learn about the Creoles that founded the city in 1718. See the old Quarter come to life as our guide explains its secrets the architecture, courtyards, gardens, food, music, and art.

This afternoon we drive around the different New Orleans neighborhoods. Visit one of New Orleans’ historic cemeteries, referred to as “Cities of the Dead” and learn about this unique above ground burial system. Marvel at stories of voodoo and Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates. View the longest bridge over water in the world. Follow the path of the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, the oldest continuously operating passenger railway system in the world (until Hurricane Katrina). See the homes of former Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras, stately mansions and the world-famous, exclusive Garden District.

Day 3 New Orleans swamp and Plantation Tour

After breakfast, we get to experience a bygone era at one of the South’s most photographed settings, Oak Alley Plantation. We will drive past Whitney, Evergreen, Felicity & St. Joseph Plantations, where rich crops of sugar cane, cotton, and indigo from these fertile lands once traveled to far ports of trade. Enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Pontchartrain as we cross the Bonnet Carre Spillway. Upon arrival at Oak Alley Plantation, marvel at the quarter-mile-long alley of 28 magnificent oak trees, each over 250 years old. Explore the plantation’s elegant yet somber history as we learn about the lives of former inhabitants, including slaves. Tour the perfectly restored rooms of the 1839 Greek Revival mansion, which you may recognize from movies like Interview with a Vampire and Primary Colors. A costumed guide shares Oak Alley’s fascinating history, including stories of Creole plantation life before the Civil War.

Then explore the Plantation’s other exhibits: Slavery at Oak Alley, Sugarcane Theater, People of Oak Alley and the Blacksmith Shop and leave with a better understanding of this plantation’s complex history. A cajun lunch is served at Segnette Landing Harbor Front Dining.
It’s a short ride to the Manchac Swamp where we will cruise through a wildlife refuge to view the majestic cypress trees in Louisiana’s swamps bordering the Mississippi River. Experience the timeless beauty of South Louisiana in a custom built swamp boat as we ride through the water. Native guides will reveal to us the mysteries of the swamps and bayous and the Cajun “joie de vivre”. We will observe the nesting grounds of alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and many species of snakes.

Day 4: New Orleans – -Mardi Gras World- Free afternoon- Barcus Parade- Dixieland dinner cruise

Experience Mardi Gras World, where over 500 floats built and decorated each year. Here artists and craftsmen have designed and built the oldest and biggest parade floats and attractions. Get an overview of the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans before we tour the float den. You can never get this close to the floats while they’re rolling in parades, and this is certainly the only place to see how these amazing pieces come to life each year.

Experience Mardi Gras World, where over 500 floats built and decorated each year. Here artists and craftsmen have designed and built the oldest and biggest parade floats and attractions. Get an overview of the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans before we tour the float den. You can never get this close to the floats while they’re rolling in parades, and this is certainly the only place to see how these amazing pieces come to life each year.

Free afternoon to explore Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, until we gather tonight for dinner.
Step back in time as we board a paddlewheeler for a true Creole evening out on the Mighty Mississippi River accompanied by the tunes of a Dixieland jazz band. Enjoy a Creole buffet dinner onboard filled with New Orleans classics. Take to the dance floor to move and groove to the sounds of Dixieland jazz or walk outside to enjoy the fresh air as we sail down the Mississippi at twilight.

Day 5: Depart New Orleans

After breakfast the New Orleans St Patrick’s Day singles weekend comes to an end. It is time to say goodbye to all your travel friends and make your way to the airport for your flights home.