Springtime Tour of the South
Cajun Flavor, History & Culture
Overview
If you close your eyes and imagine Cajun Country, the city of New Orleans immediately comes to mind. Stay in the historic French Quarter, the city’s oldest neighborhood, where lacy cast iron balconies hang over cobblestone streets. Known for its mix of cultures—from French/Canadian (“Cajun”), Spanish, Caribbean, African (“Creole”) to Native American, Italian, and others—New Orleans’ intimate and unique ambience has cast its spell over artists, writers, and visitors since the early 1800s.
You’ll visit some of the famous landmarks around the Crescent City, and a little lagniappe (“something extra”) with a demonstration lunch at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Enjoy the lively sounds of New Orleans music while enjoying delicious creole cuisine.
On Avery Island, explore the botanical treasure of Jungle Gardens and tour the TABASCO factory to learn how the world’s most favorite hot pepper sauce is made. Take a thrilling boat through the swamps and bayous all while being on the lookout for alligators, snakes, turtles, and native birds.
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
- Houmas House Mansion & Garden Tour
- Swamp adventure tour by boat
- Carriage Tour of the French Quarter
- Tour of the TABASCO factory and Jungle Gardens
- Visit Vermilionville Living History & Folk Life Park
- Cajun dinner and music experience in Lafayette
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to New Orleans, Louisiana
- Escorted
- 6 nights accommodations
- Breakfast daily
- 5 lunches, 3 dinners
- Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
- Ground transportation
- Hotel baggage handling
NOTE: This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required.
Itinerary
Sat, Apr 11: Fly from Indianapolis to New Orleans, Louisiana, the birthplace of Jazz. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the city. See the world-famous Café du Monde and enjoy lunch in the French Quarter. Visit the historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1—the final resting place of many of New Orlean’s famous and most infamous residents. Check into the Hyatt Centric French Quarter hotel for a three night stay. The rest of the evening is yours to explore the city. (Meals: Lunch)
Sun, Apr 12: After breakfast, take a carriage ride around the beautiful French Quarter. Enjoy time for lunch on your own, then head to colorful Mardi Gras World and learn about the history of Mardi Gras and the hard work that goes into this iconic New Orleans event. This evening, enjoy dinner and dancin’ at one of New Orleans’ most popular crafters of Cajun cuisine, Mulate’s. (B,D)
Mon, Apr 13: 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 by boat, 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)
Tue, Apr 14: Check out of hotel and depart for Avery Island—originally called “Little Cove” island in French Cajun. The island was first a sugar plantation but now serves as the source of TABASCO sauce and location where the original recipe was developed by Edmund McIlhenny. Tour the place where this popular hot pepper sauce has been crafted for over five generations at the TABASCO Museum and Country Store. Then head to Jungle Gardens, offering over 170 acres of ground decorated with exotic species from all over the world. Enjoy lunch as a group, then depart for Lafayette, the heart and soul of Cajun Country known for its vibrant Cajun and Creole culture. With its distinctive culinary scene, lively music culture, and friendly atmosphere, you’ll experience why Lafayette is nicknamed the “Happiest City in America.” Check into the hotel for an overnight stay. Experience the rich Cajun culinary and music culture of Lafayette at Prejean’s, where you’ll listen to live music while you chow down on delicious Cajun dishes. (B,L,D)
Wed, Apr 15: After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for Baton Rouge—Louisiana’s capital with over 300 years of history and a melting pot of French, Spanish, Creole, and Native American influences. Along the way, stop at Louisiana’s 23-acre historic village, the Vermilionville Living History Museum. Enjoy lunch at La Cuisine de Maman, then continue to Baton Rouge. Check into the hotel for two nights. Hear about the rich history of Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long at “The Tunnel” in the hotel for pre-dinner refreshments. (B,L)
Thu, Apr 16: Today’s adventure brings you to Saint Francisville, a charming town and popular destination for those interested in Southern history, antebellum architecture, and outdoor recreation. Join your local guide for a tour of Baton Rouge, making stops at Louisiana’s Old and current State Capitol buildings, and learning the history behind the nickname “The Red Stick”. This evening, dine at a local Bistor, serving Creole dishes with roots in Spanish, French, Italian, African, and Caribbean cultures. (B,D)
Fri, Apr 17: Check out of the hotel in the morning, then depart for Houmas House Estate & Gardens, with 38 acres of formal gardens and free roaming wildlife complete with tranquil sitting areas to fully appreciate the surroundings. Enjoy traditional Louisiana cuisine for lunch on-site. Transfer to the airport for your flights home. (B,L)
Hotels
Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans. A historic property beautifully renovated, located in the historic French Quarter adjacent to Bourbon Street. Originally built in the 1800s as the D.H. Holmes department store, offering expansive 12-foot ceilings, modern rooms, and gorgeously landscaped courtyards. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • outdoor pool • fitness center.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Parc Lafayette. Centrally located in the heart of Lafayette, this hotel is close to restaurants and shopping. Highlights: in-room kitchenette with in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, microwave • complimentary WiFi Internet access • outdoor pool • fitness center.
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. 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 – $3,399
- Triple P/P – $3,209
- Single – $3,879
- Land Only
- Double P/P – $2,949
- Triple P/P – $2,759
- Single – $3,429
*Subject to change due to fuel surcharge
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