Highlights

U S Tours Flexible Pricing:

• Customizable Comps
• Net Rates
• Luxury or First Class Hotels & Meals
• Motorcoach Transportation & Professional Tour Managers are available

Whatever you want, U S Tours will be happy to structure tour prices to match your needs.  Just let us know!

Itinerary

Day 1 – Baton Rouge, LA – Old State Capitol

Arrive today in Baton Rouge, LA.  On arrival, tour the Old State Capitol.  What began as the dream of one man – Governor Huey P. Long – became a symbol of pride, history and the spirit of Louisiana people. As the tallest capitol in the United States, the Louisiana State Capitol building is 450 feet high with 34 floors. It was completed after only 14 months in 1932 and stands on a 27-acre tract.

Tremendous symbolism is evident throughout the inside and outside design of the building, including the Hall and the Senate and House Chambers. The Observation Deck on the 27th floor overlooks the city of Baton Rouge at a height of 350 feet, and the views of the gardens are spectacular. In 1935, the building that Long built was also the site of his assassination. Senator Long is buried on the grounds and his statue faces the Capitol.

Then check into the Drury Inn for a two night stay.  Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2 – Houmas House Plantation w/lunch – Great River Road Museum – River Road Distillery – Spuddy’s Cajun Foods Dinner & Cajun Cooking Experience

This morning visit the Houmas House Plantation, the Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road! Experience the life of a wealthy Sugar Baron in the 1800s. Tour the historic Louisiana Plantation and explore 38 acres of lush gardens and enjoy the breeze off the nearby Mississippi River.  Period antiques, artwork and artifacts help your costumed guide tell the story of plantation life. Once sprawling over 300,000 acres, Houmas House has survived wars, floods, abandonment, and the test of time.  Lunch is also included here today with your visit.

Next, visit the Great River Road Museum. Get a glimpse into the history and life along the Mighty Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Explore river life on the east and west banks of the Lower Mississippi.  This expansive museum educates about life on the Mississippi– exploring the culture, commerce, folklore and music.

The afternoon also features a tour and tasting at the River Road Distillery.  This family-owned business turned a big barn into a world-class distillery crafting rum made from local molasses. Following the tour, sample some of their signature rum.

End the day at Spuddy’s Cajun Foods in Vacherie, Louisiana for a Cajun Cooking Experience. Your group will dine on gumbo and jambalaya while Spuddy educates them on the history of the region and how to “Cook like a Cajun.” Members of your group will take home recipes and cooking tips, so they can try their hand at Cajun cooking too.  While cooking your meal, you’ll enjoy listening to stories and tales about the history of Louisiana’s River Parishes and foot-tapping Cajun and Zydeco music. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Destrehan Plantation  – Swamp Tour – New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Jazz Tour – Dinner & Dancing at Mulate’s

This morning start with a tour of the Destrehan Plantation, a majestic antebellum home that overlooks the banks of the Mississippi River.  Established in 1787 and listed on the National register of Historic Places, Destrehan Plantation remains the oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi Valley.

Costumed interpreters will intrigue you with the legacy of the Destrehan family, historic events that occurred at this site, and the unique architectural features of the plantation. Here, visitors can gaze upon an original document signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.  The Plantation also offers daily demonstrations based on life on the plantation.

Next, enjoy a Swamp Tour.  As your boat drifts through the waterways, you will learn about the Louisiana Wetlands, the inhabitants of the swamp, particularly the life and habits of the American Alligator, as well as the unique history of the Cajun town of Frenier within the Manchac Swamp.

This afternoon you travel to New Orleans, where you enjoy a New Orleans Jazz Tour. A guide will lead you on a two hour walking tour that explores the roots of Jazz music and the traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians.  Learn about the origins and traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians with a visit to a commemorative site honoring the legendary Chief of a Mardi Gras Indian Tribe. Travel back in time to the early days of Jazz while you stroll through Louis Armstrong National Jazz Park.

Get a sense of the world created by legendary local musicians like Jelly Roll Morton, Buddy Bolden and Gospel Singer Mahalia Jackson. Take photos in front of the famous statue of Jazz icon Louis Armstrong as you stroll through the park.

Then check into your French Quarter hotel for the night.  After time to freshen up, enjoy dinner and dancing tonight at Mulate’s, the King of Cajun Dine & Dance Halls. Featuring live Cajun Music and Dancing, Mulate’s is where Cajuns come to celebrate their heritage and the world comes to help them celebrate. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Depart for Home

After breakfast, depart for home. (B)

Tour Map