New Orleans, Natchez & Baton Rouge
Cajun Flavor, History & Culture
Overview
Discover how the great Mississippi River created the rich heritage, iconic southern food, and culture of New Orleans, Natchez, and Baton Rouge. Learn the basics of Louisiana Cooking from Cajun and Creole experts in a lunch demonstration at New Orleans School of Cooking and take recipes home to recreate the flavors of the south. Take a thrilling boat through the swamps and bayous all while being on the lookout for alligators, snakes, turtles, and native birds. Capture the stately homes featuring different architectural styles influenced from the variety of immigrants to the area while touring New Orleans. See a historically distinct New Orleans cemetery with above ground tombs.
Stay in enchanting Natchez, Mississippi, home to modern southern hospitality, rich history, and opulent past. Nestled along the picturesque Mississippi River, revel in the glories of a bygone era where time stands still with elegant antebellum mansions, featuring exquisite architecture, cobblestone street, and blooming Magnolia trees. Explore Stanton Hall, a palatial Greek Revival antebellum mansion furnished with original Stanton Family pieces and occupying an entire city block in downtown Natchez. Spend a day in historic Vicksburg. Immerse yourself in history and charm with free time to explore the Historic Downtown District. Followed by a guided tour of Vicksburg National Military Park, where Ulysses S. Grant successfully lead a surrender by Confederate Army after a 47-day siege.
The Red Stick City, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, boasts a thriving food scene where Cajun and Creole cultures come together as well as its French, Spanish and Native American roots. Take in the views from the 27th floor of the tallest state capitol building, snap a photo of Louisiana’s White House, the Old Governor’s Mansion built by Huey P. Long, and taste the local cuisine. Top off this trip with a visit to the Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road, the Houmas House Mansion and Gardens with 38 acres of formal gardens and free roaming wildlife complete with tranquil sitting areas to fully appreciate the surroundings.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
- New Orleans School of Cooking demonstration and lunch
- Swamp Adventure Tour by flat-bottomed boat
- Vicksburg National Military Park
- Stanton Hall tour
- Houmas House Mansion & Garden Tour
- Step-on guided tours of New Orleans, Natchez, and Baton Rouge
- Oxbow Rum Distillery tour and tasting
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to New Orleans, Louisiana
- Escorted from Indianapolis
- 5 nights accommodations
- Breakfast daily
- 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
- Ground transportation
- Hotel baggage handling
Itinerary
Wed, May 7: Fly from Indianapolis to New Orleans, Louisiana the birthplace of Jazz. Travel through three centuries of history, legends, and romance on a guided tour of New Orleans. Visit one of the historic cemeteries; see the homes of former Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras, stately mansions, and the world-famous Garden District. Check into your hotel, located in the heart of the French Quarter for two nights. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your group. (Meals: Dinner)
Thu, May 8: After a restful morning, attend the New Orleans School of Cooking, watch a skilled chef prepare a classic Cajun/Creole lunch for you and learn about the vibrant history of New Orleans cuisine. The fun continues by exploring Honey Island Swamp where you will get up close and personal with native wildlife in one of the last protected wetlands in the state. The balance of the day is yours to enjoy. The possibilities are endless—enjoy a beignet at Café du Monde, watch the street performers, take time for some retail therapy, or just enjoy relaxing at the hotel! (B,L)
Fri, May 9: Travel north to the oldest European settlement on the mighty Mississippi River, Natchez, Mississippi. Established in 1716, Natchez has numerous National Historic Landmarks and over 1,000 structures on the National Register of Historic Places to see. Tour Stanton Hall, a Greek Revival style mansion and Natchez’s premier historic attraction. Lunch will be included today before a local guide provides an insightful exploration of the area’s history and contemporary significance, sharing stories about the rich heritage of antebellum mansions and their connection to the Natchez Trace Parkway. Additionally, the guide will highlight the Proud to Take a Stand Monument and its importance to the Civil Rights movement. Check in to your hotel in Natchez for the next two nights. (B,L)
Sat, May 10: Today, discover Vicksburg, positioned high on the bluffs above a bend in the Mississippi River with breathtaking views and scenic overlooks setting the stage for how important its strategic position was during the Civil War. Begin in the historic downtown area with time to explore the museums at your own pace and choose from several restaurant options for lunch on your own. Next, a park guide will lead you on a fascinating tour of Vicksburg National Military Park, the site of one of the most critical events of the Civil War when General Ulysses S. Grant laid siege on the town for 47 days! Stop in the Visitor Center to view the park film, interpretive exhibits, and bookstore. Then it is time to return to Natchez for an included dinner. (B,D)
Sun, May 11: Head to the capital city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Sit back and enjoy a guided grand tour of the “Red Stick” city including iconic landmarks, cemeteries, and colorful neighborhoods including a visit to our nation’s tallest capitol building to take in the panoramic view from the 27th floor. The fun continues at the Oxbow Rum Distillery for a tour and tasting before returning to the hotel for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Mon, May 12: After breakfast, take a short drive to visit a French Colonial style historic plantation house and grounds, Houmas House Mansion & Gardens. Experience the life of a wealthy Sugar Baron in the 1800’s with a period costume guide telling the stories of past owners and how this manor home grew into a grand estate. A feast for the senses, explore 38 acres of the south’s most beautiful gardens and take in the rich history. Continue to New Orleans’ airport for your evening flights to Indianapolis. (B,L)
Hotels
Hotel Mazarin, New Orleans, Louisiana. Where old world charm meets contemporary luxuries. Relax in the elegant courtyard, enjoy the antique and art collection, or take in nightly jazz performances at the on-site bar. Conveniently located in the French Quarter, just steps from dining, shopping and entertainment. Highlights: in-room coffee maker • complimentary high-speed internet and Wi-Fi • restaurant • bar/lounge • fitness center.
Natchez Grand Hotel and Suites, Natchez, Mississippi. This boutique hotel stands atop the bluffs that look out over the beautiful Mississippi River, located in the heart of the historic downtown, directly across from the Natchez Convention Center and just steps away from restaurants and shops. Eloquently decorated rooms with custom furniture offer views of the Mighty Mississippi River or Historic downtown Natchez. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • outdoor pool • fitness center.
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, this historic hotel offers splendid views, convenient location to local museums, and many amenities. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • outdoor pool • fitness center.
PRICING
- Package with Air
- Double P/P – $2,699
- Triple P/P – $2,579
- Single – $3,119
- Land Only
- Double P/P – $2,179
- Triple P/P – $2,059
- Single – $2,599
*Subject to change due to fuel surcharge
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