Double Plantation Tour From New Orleans: Oak Alley & Laura Plantation

The Double Plantation Tour from New Orleans offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the antebellum South. Travelers can enjoy the rich history and architectural wonders of Oak Alley and Laura Plantation, each with its own unique storytelling. While Oak Alley showcases the grandeur of Greek Revival mansions and iconic live oak trees, Laura Plantation delves into the lives of the enslaved people and Creole culture. With small group sizes and expert guides, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for those eager to uncover the nuances of the region’s past. What secrets might these plantations hold?

About Your Stay

• The Double Plantation Tour from New Orleans provides an immersive experience at the iconic Oak Alley Plantation and the culturally-rich Laura Plantation.
• Oak Alley Plantation features a grand Greek Revival-style mansion and a stunning tree-lined avenue, while Laura Plantation highlights Creole history and the lives of enslaved people.
• The tours offer contrasting perspectives on the architectural grandeur and the complex histories of the antebellum South.
• Pickup service is available from most downtown New Orleans hotels, with the tour starting at 8:30 AM.
• The tour has received highly positive reviews, with a small group size and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the event.

Exploring Oak Alley Plantation

Visitors embark on a captivating journey through the historic Oak Alley Plantation, where they’ll find themselves transported back in time.

This antebellum estate, dating back to the 1830s, boasts a stunning, tree-lined avenue that leads to the grand Greek Revival-style mansion. Guests can explore the house, learning about the lives of its former owners and the plantation’s role in the region’s agricultural history.

The lush grounds offer ample opportunities for photography, with the iconic 28 evenly spaced oak trees lining the famous pathway.

Visitors can also visit the slave quarters, providing a thought-provoking glimpse into the plantation’s complex past.

Discovering Laura Plantation

The Laura Plantation offers a captivating exploration of the region’s antebellum history.

Visitors can explore the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation, as well as the Creole family who owned it. The tour provides a glimpse into the daily routines and challenges faced by those who called the plantation home.

Guests can wander through the historic structures, including the main house and slave cabins, and learn about the pivotal role the plantation played in the Louisiana sugar industry.

With its rich storytelling and well-preserved architecture, the Laura Plantation offers a profound and thought-provoking experience for those seeking to understand the complex history of the American South.

Comparing the Two Plantations

Both Oak Alley and Laura Plantation offer visitors a unique glimpse into the antebellum South, though they differ in their focus and presentation.

Oak Alley is renowned for its grand, iconic alley of 300-year-old live oak trees, while Laura Plantation highlights the life and stories of the Creole family who owned it.

The tours at the two sites also diverge – Oak Alley’s is focused on the architecture and grounds, while Laura Plantation’s delves deeper into the complex history of slavery and plantation life.

Despite these differences, both tours provide an immersive experience that allows travelers to step back in time and gain a better understanding of the region’s past.

Highlights of the Tour

The double-plantation tour offers travelers a captivating juxtaposition of architectural grandeur and Creole cultural heritage. At Oak Alley, visitors are awestruck by the iconic double row of 300-year-old live oak trees leading to the antebellum mansion. In contrast, Laura Plantation showcases the complex history of Creole culture, with guided tours exploring the former slave quarters and sugar cane fields. The tour’s highlights include:

Highlights	Oak Alley Plantation	Laura Plantation
Architecture	Iconic Greek Revival mansion	Creole-style "Big House"
Grounds	Stunning live oak alley	Historic sugar cane fields
History	Antebellum era opulence	Creole cultural legacy

Preparing for the Excursion

To make the most of the Double Plantation Tour, travelers should plan ahead. The tour’s pickup times are between 8 AM and 8:30 AM, so it’s essential to arrive at the designated pickup location on time.

Plus, visitors should dress comfortably and wear appropriate shoes for walking on the historic plantations’ grounds. Here are some other tips to prepare for the excursion:

• Bring a water bottle and snacks, as the tour may last several hours.
• Apply sunscreen and bring a hat or umbrella to protect against the Louisiana sun.
• Review the tour’s accessibility information and plan accordingly if anyone in the group has mobility concerns.

Transportation and Pickup Details

According to the details provided, Crescent City Tours & Transportation offers a convenient pickup service for the Double Plantation Tour from New Orleans.

The tour provides pickup from most downtown hotels, and if your hotel isn’t listed, you can select the nearest location. The pickup time is between 8 AM and 8:30 AM, so you’ll want to be ready to go at the start of the tour.

The tour itself begins at 8:30 AM, and you’ll receive confirmation of your booking.

Just be aware that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed.

Tour Ratings and Reviews

Crescent City Tours & Transportation’s Double Plantation Tour from New Orleans has garnered highly positive reviews, with one 5-star rating from a satisfied customer.

Based on reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor, the tour has a total review count of 1, with no negative ratings.

The tour’s strengths include:

• Comprehensive coverage of two historic plantations: Oak Alley and Laura Plantation
• Small group size, with a maximum of 12 travelers
• Convenient pickup from most downtown New Orleans hotels
• Free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their policies and any restrictions that may apply.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour provides restroom facilities at the plantation sites. Visitors can use the restrooms during the tour to ensure comfort and convenience throughout the experience.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Plantation Tours?

Typically, photography and videography are permitted during plantation tours, though visitors should check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines or restrictions. Some sites may prohibit flash photography or filming in certain areas.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement for the tour. The tour is accessible for most travelers, including those with strollers. However, it is not wheelchair accessible.

How Much Walking Is Involved on the Plantation Grounds?

The tour involves moderate walking on the plantation grounds. Guests should expect to walk for approximately 1-2 miles, with breaks and opportunities to rest. The terrain is mostly paved, but some uneven surfaces may be encountered.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Double Plantation Tour from New Orleans offers a fascinating glimpse into the antebellum South, blending architectural grandeur and cultural insights. Visitors can enjoy the history of Oak Alley and Laura Plantation, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s complex past. With small group sizes and engaging storytelling, this tour provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the rich heritage of the area.