Guest Tours
Separate ticket purchase required for all guest tours. Registration is now open.
Note: Guests should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes for all tours. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended. Motor coach transportation provided.
New Orleans “History and Highlights” City TourSunday, 29 September, 1000–1300Ticket Price: USD 45 |
Travel through the historic French Quarter, with its old world flavor and its own colorful art colony. Journey past famous landmarks such as the Saint Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square Journey down Esplanade Avenue and visit one of the unique little “Cities of the Dead.” See one of the nation’s largest parks as you venture out to the lakefront. Next, sit back and relax as you wind down St. Charles Avenue following the country’s oldest streetcar line, see Tulane and Loyola Universities as well as beautifully restored mansions. All of the stories and facts will leave you with a real sense of New Orleans’ true spirit, its proud history and rich culture. |
That Deep South Cuisine Cooking DemonstrationMonday, 30 September, 0930–1300Ticket Price: USD 75 |
Discover the delicious difference between Cajun and Creole and learn how to recreate the magic that is New Orleans cuisine in your own kitchen, with a professional chef. Our expert chef will wet your pallet for Creole Cooking – the world famous cuisine that combines the finest elements of French and Spanish cooking with rich indigenous seafood, spices, and produce. Different New Orleans specialties will be demonstrated and you’ll get to sample some of these delicacies after the lesson. This is one class you don’t want to skip!! A tasting of 3 items such as gumbo, jambalaya and bread pudding will be served. Activity Level: Light. ADA accessible. |
Perspectives on Antebellum Life: Laura and Oak Alley PlantationsTuesday, 1 October 2013, 0900–1500Ticket Price: USD 125 |
The Southern days of old are captured at one of Louisiana’s most photographed Southern Mansions, Oak Alley, which has been brought back to life in numerous Hollywood movies. Famed for its alley of live oak trees, the quarter mile avenue was already an impressive 100 years old when Oak Alley was built. Oak Alley is one of the finest examples of adaptive restoration on the Mississippi River. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the conclusion of your tour. |
Activity Level: Moderate. ADA accessible. Lunch included. |
French Quarter Walking TourTuesday, 1 October 2013, 0930–1230Ticket Price: USD 55 |
Strolling through the quaint streets of the French Quarter, view the homes of Creoles who built their houses flush on the banquette, concealing private gardens behind brick walls and wrought iron gates. View enchanting antique and specialty shops – all symbolic of the lingering charm of the Old World, that is remnant of a bygone culture which is the unique life of the French Quarter. Next, explore the city’s most unique cemetery, St. Louis #1. Unlike other cities, all tombs are above-ground here and were frequently designed by famous architects. You’ll visit the tombs of both the famous and infamous like Paul Morphy, the world chess champion, and Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen. |
Louisiana Flatboat Swamp TourWednesday, 2 October 2013, 0900–1300Ticket Price: USD 75 |
Experience the beauty and serenity on a private flatboat ride into the interior of one of the wildest swamps and natural areas in North America. Flourishing with Cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, wild flowers and multitudes of indigenous aquatic plants, the swamp opens a path to the heart of Louisiana.
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From the sultry history of the French Quarter to the majesty of St. Charles Avenue’s stately mansions, this is a thorough and fascinating introduction to the endless variety of sights found in the “Big Easy.” 
What’s the difference between Cajun cooking and Creole cooking? 
Take a journey to plantation country and experience two different perspectives of life in the Old South. Visit Laura Plantation, a true example of life on a Creole Plantation, and Oak Alley, which epitomizes the elegance of the American style Plantation home. 
Next, visit Laura Plantation. While most antebellum homes evoke images of hoop skirts and white columns, Laura, built in 1805, presents a different view of Creole life. Your expert guide will provide an insider’s perspective into a Creole household. Hear stories detailing daily life and major events of the inhabitants, both free and slave, including the discovery of the first written records of the American fable, Br’er Rabbit. 
A must for every New Orleans visitor is a walking tour of the world-famous French Quarter. The original French and Spanish influences on this century’s old city are evidenced by beautiful and unique architecture. Begin in the heart of the French Quarter- Jackson Square. With it’s old world flavor and colorful colony it’s home to the world-famous St. Louis Cathedral. Highlighted here are such famous landmarks as the Pontalba buildings (one of America's first apartment dwellings), the Cabildo, and the Presbytere. 
Not far from the bright lights and excitement of New Orleans, there lies a silent world of mystery... a world of unmatched primitive beauty. You are about to enter Louisiana’s scenic bayous and swamps, the land that gave birth to Cajun culture and cuisine.
Your captain, a native of the region, will provide an interesting and entertaining narrative of the history of the massive swampland as you may encounter alligators, egrets, raccoons, water snakes and many varieties of birds as well as exotic plant life. You will even get a peek at an authentic Cajun “trapper’s shack” nestled in this beautiful swampland. Drinks and light snacks are available for purchase aboard the boat. Dress is casual. Activity Level: Light Family friendly and ADA accessible.