“Southern Hospitality” is just what you’ll find while exploring this region’s diverse cultural, culinary, and natural attractions. Savor delectable meals, including a special cooking demonstration and dining experience at TABASCO® Pepper Sauce Factory. Travel back in time as you explore historical towns and plantations along the way, meet Bayou country locals who live off the land and sea, and “laissez les bons temps rouler” during a thrilling excursion into the heart of Cajun and Creole country.
DAY 1—WELCOME TO THE BIG EASY!
Welcome to New Orleans! Get acquainted with your fellow travelers and meet your Tour Director at tonight’s welcome dinner. D
DAY 2—HOUMAS HOUSE/GREAT RIVER ROAD MUSEUM/SWAMP TOUR
This morning, venture into Cajun Country and enjoy a guided tour of the Houmas House Estate. The mansion sits along the Mississippi River and has been restored to the antebellum era, reflecting the opulence and wealth this sugarcane farm boasted in the 1880s. After enjoying a delicious lunch at Dixie’s café, we will take a slow-moving cruise through Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin Swamp. Keep your eye out for a large array of wildlife including alligators and osprey. Next, we will visit Cypress Cove and meet Yvette Landry and Jourdan Thibodeaux to learn of the history, tradition, and roots of Louisiana French music from those who know it best. Listen to ancestral Cajun and Creole music and stories, learn the dances of the Fais Do-Do and Mardi Gras. You may even get to play Cajun percussion instruments, like the T-Fer, or accordion as part of the band! B, L
DAY 3—FARM TOUR/HISTORIC VILLAGE/BEIGNETS
Today, we will visit a rice and crawfish farm and meet a farmer who has mastered double cropping, a technique that involves growing and harvesting both rice and crawfish in the same pond or field. If you are on the March tour, you’ll experience crawfish season, and if you are on the September tour, you’ll see the rice harvested. This afternoon, we’ll visit Vermilionville Historic Village, where we’ll enjoy lunch and learn how to make beignets. Of course, you’ll be able to sample this delicious Louisiana delicacy. Next, we’ll stroll through the historic village to explore the history, culture, and natural resources of the Native Americans, Acadians, and Creoles of the Attakapas region. B, L
DAY 4—AVERY ISLAND/HOT SAUCE/COOKING DEMO/ALLIGATORS
Today, things “heat up” at the one-and-only TABASCO® Pepper Sauce factory. Enjoy a tour of the factory and see how this famous sauce is made. For lunch our group will meet with one of TABASCO® Executive Chefs and enjoy a 4 course TABASCO® inspired Southern meal. Afterward, explore Avery Island Jungle Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, home to countless varieties of exotic plants and wildlife. This afternoon we will tour a working alligator farm. If we’re lucky, you may even be able to hold a baby alligator! B, L
DAY 5—SHRIMP/BASKET WEAVING/AUTHENTIC SEAFOOD BOIL
After breakfast, hear the tales of hardworking fishing families and be prepared to be mesmerized as we witness the captivating process behind the delectable dried shrimp, also known as Cajun popcorn. You will witness the intricate techniques used to dry and season the shrimp to perfection. Plus, enjoy the exclusive opportunity to taste the shrimp popcorn firsthand. Then we’ll have a delicious lunch before heading to the Bayou Terrebonne Water Life Museum to meet Ms. Janie Luster, a tribal member of the United Houma Nation. As a master palmetto basket weaver, she will show you how she makes her baskets and tells us about the tribe’s culture, history, and arts. Food is Louisianans’ love language and tonight, we will experience firsthand what it’s like to be Cajun with the locals at an authentic seafood boil. Don’t worry, we will have you covered with local non-seafood dishes as well. B, L, D
DAY 6—NEW ORLEANS/WWII MUSEUM/FRENCH QUARTER
This morning, head to New Orleans and visit the National WWII Museum. Explore the lives of American men and women during WWII through letters, recruitment posters, weapons, models, and film. We will enjoy lunch at the museum while you tap your toes to the charming Victory Belles serenading you with the music of the 1940s. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of New Orleans with a local guide that will include the famous French Quarter, see the stately homes of the Garden District, and view some of New Orleans’ well-known cemeteries, with elaborate sculptures and decorative artwork. Tonight, we will stay near New Orleans French Quarter, and
you will have the opportunity to explore on your own and have dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants nearby. B, L
DAY 7—MARDI GRAS/FAREWELL
Before heading home, we will visit Mardi Gras World. Here we will take a guided tour to see how the floats are made for the famous Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans. You will even get to make your own Mardi Gras mask and have a taste of some King Cake. Say goodbye to new friends and head home with incredible memories of our time in Cajun and Creole Country. B
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Hilton New Orleans Airport
Nights 2-3: Drury Inn and Suites, Lafayette
Nights 4-5: Homewood Suites, Houma
Night 6: New Orleans Marriott, French Quarter
Dates:
Mar 24-30, 2025
Sep 15-21, 2025
Price Per Person:
Double $2,407
Single $2,925
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
Airport: $198/night
French Quarter: $298/night
Depart/Return:
New Orleans, LA
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Hilton New Orleans Airport, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport any time after 1:30 p.m. on Day 7.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel the Hilton New Orleans Airport offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. If you are driving to New Orleans, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour. Pre and post nights are available at this hotel.
Pre and post nights are also available at the New Orleans Marriott French Quarter if you would like to stay downtown. Should you choose to stay at the New Orleans Marriott French Quarter before or after the tour. Transportation and parking at this hotel would be at your own expense.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
March – high of 75°, low of 55°
September – high of 90°, low of 75°
Time Zone
Central
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, ironing boards, coffee maker, Wi-Fi and swimming pool.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
