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NEW ORLEANS DESCRIPTIONS

Restaurants | Sightseeing Tours by Motorcoach | Attractions |
| Cruises | Walking Tours | Holiday Tours, Christmas Eve Bonfires |

"Fill Your Tummy. Tickle Your Funnybone". These fun and entertaining lunch classes are located in a renovated molassess warehouse built in the early 1800's in the French Quarter. Listen to folklore and comedy as you sit at your lunch table and watch an entertaining and informative presentation on the basics of Louisiana cooking. Fun is the primary ingredient in this kitchen! Creole experts teach New Orleans specialties such as Gumbo, Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole and Pralines, season them with history, tall tales and trivia, then serve it to you!

No visit to New Orleans is complete without a meal at this world-famous French Quarter establishment. Arnaud's legendary Creole French cuisine is as vibrant today as when the restaurant was founded ore than 80 years ago. In the Richelieu Room enjoy live Dixieland to accompany your dining.

For fifty years Dickie Brennans Steakhouse has been perfecting the art of beef preparation. This posh family run restaurant, winner of many national awards, was recently rated # 5 in Tom Horan's America's Top Ten Steakhouses. Executive Chef Gus Martin, an expert in the art of cooking and Creole Seasoning and so The New Orleans touch is reflected in many signature dishes. And about those desserts… ever heard of Banana's Foster? In 1951, this scrumptious dessert was created by the Chef Paul in this very restaurant. Little did anyone know it would become an international favorite and still the most requested item on the menu.

New Orleans sumptuous and extensive Brunch Buffet, is served among flowering plants, fountains and in a courtyard accented by old-world French architecture and a jazz ensemble offering soft background music. Enjoy more than 60 different items from seafood dishes and delicious Eggs Benedict to roast beef, grillades and a variety of quiches, all prepared fresh daily. The restaurant, also open for dinner, offers Creole fine dining. The fascinating history, New Orleans' only daily Jazz Brunch and romantic Creole fine dining combine to offer customers a chance to experience the best of old New Orleans.

This is the place to go for Live Cajun/Zydeco music, outstanding live entertainment, and authentic Cajun cuisine. Experience Cajun hospitality at its best and, during band breaks, join our dance instructors on the hardwood floor for free Cajun and Line Dance lessons! This is a great spot for the whole family!

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Experience the sights and sounds of the French Quarter as well as greater New Orleans, including its history, landmarks and splendid architecture. Hear tales of the city's colorful past, including Voodoo and piracy on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Visit St. Louis Cemetery, one of New Orleans' "Cities of the Dead". Follow St. Charles Avenue into the elegant Garden District now lined with stately homes, some owned by former Kings & Queens of Mardi Gras.

This tour combines "The Big Easy" City Tour and a Harbor Cruise without a stop at the Battlefield.

Following your exciting "Big Easy" City Tour (by Motorcoach) (see description above) you board the Steamboat Natchez and experience Ole Man River from the deck of one of six authentic Paddlewheel steamboats left on the Mississippi River. Enjoy the sounds of an old-fashioned steam calliope concert, live jazz and fascinating commentary on one of the world's busiest ports. Tour the steam engine that turns the Padlewheel and provides the energy for the Calliope. This cruise passes Chalmette Battlefield, site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1812 but you do not disembark. Lunch is included on this cruise.

This tour combines "The Big Easy" City Tour and a Harbor Cruise.

Following your exciting "Big Easy" City Tour (by Motorcoach) (see description above) you board the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Experience the sights and sounds of Mississippi River life that enchanted characters of history and literature-like Mark Twain's Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Enjoy fascinating and informative narration as you cruise through New Orleans' bustling harbor. Discover old New Orleans neighborhoods and elegant antebellum homes as you cruise toward Chalmette Battlefield where you disembark for a walking tour It was here Andrew Jackson defeated the British in the last major battle in the War of 1812, the famous Battle of New Orleans, with the help of the infamous pirate, Jean Lafitte. Also included in your stop is a visit to the Beauregard House, a working plantation built in 1832. Your tour includes a Creole luncheon featuring New Orleans favorites on board.

OAK ALLY PLANTATION ONLY  (4 Hours including Drive time)
OAK ALLY & NOTTOWAY   (7.5 Hours to tour both plantations, including drive time)

Leave the modern skyline of cosmopolitan New Orleans behind and travel back in time. Your drive into plantation country borders the mighty Mississippi River, passing magnificent old Cypress trees growing in swamps. Antebellum plantation homes peek from behind oaks while sugar cane fields and pecan groves dot the Louisiana countryside. Today you experience a bygone era in one of the South's most beautiful settings with firsthand glimpses into the lifestyles of wealthy plantation families that called these mansions home. Oak Ally Plantation, built in 1839 is most famous for its unbelievable quarter mile long ally of 28 magnificent, 250 year old oak trees, leading right to the front door. The home is stunning. Nottoway Plantation, reputed to be the south's largest plantation home, is also one of the most opulent. Listen to fascinating anecdotes of life on the plantations offered by Resident guides, many in period costumes.

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Storm the beaches of Normandy, hear the voices of heroes, fly an Allied glider into France, join Rosie on the production line, crack secret German codes, view an LCVP "Higgins Boat", fight your way through hedgerow country, all at the National D-Day Museum, newly opened in 2,000. "This museum celebrates the American spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won World War II and promotes the exploration and expression of these values by future generations".

You may have missed Mardi Gras but don't miss the chance to see the floats! Mardi Gras World's amazing warehouse, located in New Orleans, is the construction, restoration and "resting" place for hundreds of Mardi Gras floats, when not in use. This amazing, one of a kind warehouse is a must see! Be sure to duck in and catch the film on The Parade as well as fabulous costumes also on display.

Want to see sharks, white alligators, endangered sea turtles, black-footed penguins and sting rays? Or, how about a red-bellied Piranha? If the answer is yes, then you want to go to the Aquarium of the Americas! This 110,000 square-foot facility, ranked among the top five aquariums in the country, offers four major habitats including the Amazon Rain Forest, the Caribbean Reefs, the Mississippi River and the 400,000 gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit.

Next door to the Aquarium of the America's is the Entergy Imax Theatre offering a 5 ½ story screen complete with 12,000 watts of digital sound and a wide variety of films, including 3-D.

The 58-acre Audubon Zoo is internationally acclaimed as one of the top zoos in the country. Lush foliage and exciting wildlife make Audubon Zoo an "Urban Eden." The award winning Louisiana Swamp Exhibit, unique to any American Zoo, features the world's only urban swamp complete with white alligators, cultural artifacts and vegetation native to South Louisiana.

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(The John J. Audubon Riverboat shuttles between the Aquarium of the Americas/IMAX on the historic French Quarter's riverfront and the Audubon Zoo throughout the day.)

The Riverboat John James Audubon is your Mississippi River link between the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium of the Americas. During your seven mile cruise, the captain highlights the Port of New Orleans, one of the most active ports in the world. Educational hands on exhibits presented by the Audubon Institute focus on natural science issues pertaining to the local environment. Cruises are available with our without the various zoo/ aquarium/IMAX combos. Lunch is not included aboard.

Board Steamboat Natchez and experience Ole Man River from the deck of one of six authentic Paddlewheel steamboats left on the Mississippi River. Enjoy the sounds of an old-fashioned steam calliope concert, live jazz and fascinating commentary on one of the world's busiest ports. Tour the steam engine that turns the Paddlewheel and provides the energy for the Calliope and enjoy fascinating and informative narration on our nation's second largest seaport. Cruise past Chalmette Battlefield, site of the famous "Battle of New Orleans" fought by Andrew Jackson and the buccaneer forces of Jean Lafitte. Lunch is served on board the Sternwheeler to the soothing sounds of jazz.

(This cruise does not stop at the Battlefield) (Lunch is not included on cruises that combine the daytime Jazz Cruise and the Zoo/Aquarium/Imax combos)

Board the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen and experience the sights and sounds of Mississippi River life that enchanted characters of history and literature-like Mark Twain's Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Enjoy fascinating and informative narration as you cruise through New Orleans' bustling harbor. Discover old New Orleans neighborhoods and elegant antebellum homes as you cruise toward Chalmette Battlefield where you disembark for a walking tour It was here Andrew Jackson defeated the British in the last major battle in the War of 1812, the famous Battle of New Orleans, with the help of the infamous pirate, Jean Lafitte. Also included in your stop is a visit to the Beauregard House, a working plantation built in 1832. Your tour includes a Creole luncheon featuring New Orleans favorites on board.

Savor the beauty and romance of New Orleans from the deck of a Mississippi Riverboat set against a sparkling Crescent City skyline. Enjoy the sounds of a lively Dixieland jazz band, indulge in a lavish Creole buffet, then dance the night away.

Cruise the Mighty Mississippi aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen to the soul stirring sounds of gospel singing at its finest!

Experience the unique, haunting beauty of a Louisiana Bayou in a custom built, all weather bayou swamp boat. Observe nesting grounds of alligators, egrets, raccoons, ducks and many species of water snake as native guides reveal the mysteries of the swamps Don't forget your camera!

(Children under 8 years old are not permitted on airboats.)

Experience the ultimate adventure in the swamps & Bayous of South Louisiana as you take a thrilling ride through the swamps and bayous of Louisiana, accessible only by airboat. The captain, native of the area, offers a colorful history of the Cajun way of life. You'll come face to face with alligators, snakes and other native creatures while touring their neighborhood.

Journey into legendary Southern Louisiana aboard our Swamp Queen and cruise to where the bayou meets the swamp. Enjoy the magic and mystique of the night as you encounter alligators, cypress lined-bayous and the beauty of the marshes at dusk. Your adventure continues as you take a thrilling ride over the wetlands aboard an airboat. This unique combination, Swamp and Airboat Tour is an experience to remember!

(Airboats hold up to 98 passengers)

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Today you explore the Vieux Carre, the old (French) Quarter with streets bearing famous names such as Bourbon and Royal. Your licensed guide will provide fascinating commentary on the wide variety of International architectural influences and the saints and sinners from New Orleans' famous past and present. Follow the footsteps of Jean Lafitte, William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams, view the balcony where Elvis Presley sang "Crawfish" in his hit movie King Creole and much, much more!

The Garden District in New Orleans was built by the "barbarian" Americans to rival the splendor of the Creole's French Quarter. Your walking tour offers marvelous examples of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. View the homes of former kings and queens of Mardi Gras and hear fascinating stories about local author Anne Rice. Visit Lafayette Cemetery, one of the "Cities of the Dead". Included is a refreshment stop at a local neighborhood café.

Walk through locked doors and step into the remarkable lives of 5 generations of the family of Laura Locoul, a Creole woman and plantation mistress. This tour explores the African and European branches of this Creole dynast. You will hear fascinating accounts of Creoles, Free People of Color and slaves; their stories and most intimate secrets as they struggle through changing society, civil war, the birth of jazz and the Americanization of New Orleans. Other features on this tour include the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Hermann-Grima House Museum, Historic New Orleans Collection and St. Louis Cemetery #1 to visit the tombs of Laura's family and famous Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau.

Take a walk through the French Quarter on the "Southern Comfort Cocktail Tour" and discover how the famous "spirits" of New Orleans evolved in this unique city. From the creation of the Sazerac and Pimm's Cup to the Hurricane and Hand Grenade, you will enjoy a view of New Orleans history through our legendary bars and restaurants, two essential ingredients of New Orleans' culture. Classic stories of New Orleans taverns and restaurants are mixed with facts about the unique concoctions made famous here, including Southern Comfort, created in a French Quarter bar in 1874. Guests will receive limited edition Southern Comfort Mardi Gras beads, a Southern Comfort Good Times recipe book and a $5.00 off coupon for the book "Obituary Cocktail" upon which the tour was based.

Your evening begins with a small intimate group and an escorted, narrated stroll through old narrow streets. Dinner is served in a popular New Orleans restaurant, then the walking tour resumes. Next stop is a local club where you relax, listen to jazz and enjoy a complimentary cocktail. Last stop, enjoy another true New Orleans tradition, with delicious Café au Lait & Beignets (chicory coffee and French doughnuts) served at Café du Monde. You may want to stroll back to your hotel or catch a cab, compliments of your guide.

Explore St. Louis Cemetery #1, the most haunted in New Orleans and hear recounts of the famous and infamous who are buried there. Make a wish or cast a spell at the tomb of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans and listen, as your licensed guide tells tales of voodoo, still practiced today. Learn about New Orleans' unique above ground burial customs and tombs of various "societies". Receive a genuine New Orleans souvenir, a Gris Gris bag, but beware of its powers.

Does the ghost of Napoleon live in the French Quarter? Will you see the three ghosts at O'Flaherty's Pub? Stay close and listen as your guide narrates the ghostly past of New Orleans, often referred to as the most haunted city in America.

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For many years the Cajuns have built mammoth structures-cabins, tepees, riverboats out of wood, and then set them ablaze on Christmas Eve to light ":Papa Noel's " way down to the bayous. Your choice is to enjoy this special tradition and arrive at the festivity either by 1) boat or 2) motorcoach.

1) CHRISTMAS EVE BONFIRE DINNER CRUISE: ARRIVE BY BOAT (7 Hours)

Celebrate Christmas Eve in a unique way this year with a dinner cruise aboard the Paddle wheeler Creole Queen or the Riverboat Cajun Queen. The boats will cruise up the Mississippi River to view a time honored Louisiana tradition, the "feux de joie" (Fires of Joy) along the banks of the Mississippi River. As night falls, the bonfires are lit and as Papa Noel makes his appearance, you can view the bonfires from the comfort of your boat. Included in this cruise is an open bar, a sumptuous buffet and live entertainment.

2) CHRISTMAS EVE BONFIRE & PLANTATION TOUR: ARRIVE BY MOTORCOACH (7 Hours)

Join in the celebration of a time honored Louisiana tradition, the "feux de joie" (Fires of Joy) along the banks of the Mississippi River. Transportation is by motorcoach. Your tour guide entertains you with the history and stories of Plantation country as you sip Egg Nog on your trip along River Road. Included in your adventure is a tour of magnificent Oak Ally Plantation, built in 1839, now all decked out for The Holidays. Dinner is included in a local restaurant followed by outdoor viewing of the bonfires. Some walking is required.

(Offered Christmas Day only)

Give yourself a Holiday treat with a tour that begins in the French Quarter and covers greater New Orleans, including Lake Ponchartrain. Enjoy a walk through the exquisitely decorated "angel-hair" lobby of the Fairmont Hotel. Then follow the path of stately mansions along St. Charles Avenue in the exclusive Garden District all decked out for the Holidays.

Join a "magical tour" through, spectacular City Park dressed in over one million sparkling Christmas lights and ornaments. Your tour guide is a North Pole visitor who traveled south just to show you this wonderland. Enjoy Holiday refreshments along the way as well as an old fashioned sing-along to your favorite Christmas Carols.

Join the happy revelers in New Orleans sailing down the Mississippi River on New Years Eve, a perfect place to celebrate! Enjoy a breathtaking view of the sparkling New Orleans skyline as you enjoy a lavish Creole buffet, cash bar and live jazz entertainment.

Greet the New Years with an open call brand bar, live entertainment, champagne toast and festive party favors for the celebration. Choice seats are yours for a breathtaking view of the magnificent midnight fireworks display over the river!

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