Discover the enchanting blend of nature and history that awaits just outside New Orleans. This captivating tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich cultural heritage. Embark on an exhilarating airboat ride through the lush Louisiana swamps, then explore the complex past of two well-preserved plantations. From the intimate insights at Laura Plantation to the grand elegance of Houmas House, this experience promises to leave a lasting impression. Indulge in a delectable Creole lunch, as you uncover the intriguing stories that have shaped this captivating corner of the Deep South.
Key Points
- This all-inclusive tour from New Orleans offers a 9-hour experience with a small group size of up to 13 participants.
- The tour includes an exhilarating airboat ride through the lush Louisiana swamps, offering opportunities to see diverse wildlife.
- Visitors will explore the historic Laura Plantation and Houmas House Plantation, learning about their complex histories, including sugar cane production and slavery.
- A gourmet Creole lunch is served at the elegant restaurant on the Houmas House Plantation, featuring locally sourced ingredients and signature dishes.
- The tour provides hassle-free transportation with round-trip pickup and drop-off from New Orleans hotels.
Tour Duration and Group Size
This tour lasts 9 hours and the group size is limited to 13 participants.
It’s an all-inclusive experience that includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in New Orleans.
The small group size ensures a personalized and intimate journey, allowing you to fully learn about the Cajun and Creole cultures you’ll discover.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, you won’t have to worry about logistics, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the day’s activities.
Whether you’re seeking an exciting airboat ride or a glimpse into the past at two historic plantations, this tour has a lot to offer.
Airboat Ride in Louisiana Swamps
Guests embark on an exhilarating airboat ride through the lush Louisiana swamps, gliding over the tranquil waters and catching glimpses of the region’s diverse wildlife. The airboat’s powerful engine propels the vessel at high speeds, allowing participants to experience the thrill of skimming across the surface. As the boat navigates the narrow waterways, passengers can admire the towering cypress trees draped with Spanish moss and look out for alligators, herons, and other native creatures in their natural habitat.
| Wildlife Spotted | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Alligators | Common |
| Herons | Frequent |
| Turtles | Occasional |
| Egrets | Rare |
Laura Plantation Tour
After the exhilarating airboat ride, the tour continues with a guided visit to the historic Laura Plantation.
Guests explore the well-preserved Creole plantation home and learn about the lives of the plantation’s owners and enslaved people through interactive exhibits and storytelling.
The tour delves into the complex history of the plantation, discussing both the prosperous sugar cane production and the harsh realities of slavery.
Visitors gain a deeper understanding of Louisiana’s past as they wander through the beautifully restored buildings and grounds.
The Laura Plantation tour provides a thought-provoking experience, offering a window into the region’s complex cultural heritage.
Houmas House Plantation Tour
From the Laura Plantation, the tour moves on to the grandeur of Houmas House Plantation, known as the ‘Sugar Palace.’
Visitors explore the magnificent antebellum mansion, marveling at its striking Greek Revival architecture and opulent interiors. The guided tour immerses them in the history of this historic estate, once one of the largest sugar cane producers in the South.
They’ll learn about the influential families who owned the plantation and how it thrived during the 19th century.
After the tour, guests indulge in a gourmet Creole lunch at the plantation’s elegant restaurant, savoring the flavors of Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage.
Gourmet Creole Lunch
The tour culminates with a gourmet Creole lunch at the plantation’s elegant restaurant, where visitors savor the rich culinary heritage of Louisiana.
The restaurant’s chefs prepare a delectable menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and signature Creole dishes. Diners can expect to indulge in specialties like jambalaya, gumbo, or shrimp étouffée, all accompanied by sides of red beans and rice, cornbread, and seasonal vegetables.
The meal is complemented by refreshing soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Relaxing under the shade of the plantation’s centuries-old oak trees, guests can fully enjoy the tranquil ambiance and reflect on the day’s adventures through the swamps and historic estates.
Highlights of the Tour
This full-day adventure offers visitors a chance to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Louisiana.
Guests embark on a thrilling airboat ride through the captivating Louisiana swamps, where they’ll have the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife and learn about the region’s Cajun and Creole influences from their knowledgeable historian guide.
The tour then takes them to explore the interiors of two magnificent plantation homes, where they can relax under the shade of 300-year-old oak trees and enjoy an elegant Creole lunch at the Houmas House Plantation.
The highlights of this tour include:
- Experience the exhilaration of a fast-paced airboat ride in the Louisiana swamps.
- Discover the rich history and architecture of the Laura Plantation and Houmas House Plantation.
- Indulge in a gourmet Creole lunch at the picturesque Houmas House Plantation.
Tour Inclusions
For this full-day adventure, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, roundtrip transportation, and an enthusiastic historian driver-guide to lead the exploration.
Guests will enjoy entrance fees to visit two iconic plantation mansions – Laura Plantation and Houmas House Plantation.
A gourmet Creole lunch complete with soft drinks, coffee, and tea is provided at the elegant Houmas House Plantation.
The tour price also covers all taxes, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience.
With cancellation flexibility up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour makes for an effortless and memorable way to discover the natural wonders and rich history of Louisiana.
Tour Policies and Accessibility
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers. Guests can reserve now and pay later, making booking convenient.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for certain individuals, including children under 5, pregnant women, and those with back problems.
The tour operates rain or shine, with ponchos and umbrellas provided. This ensures that the experience continues regardless of the weather.
Plus, the tour guides are enthusiastic historians who share their knowledge of Cajun and Creole cultures, enriching the overall experience.
The tour is limited to 13 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making the tour hassle-free for guests.
The tour features a mix of activities, from an exhilarating airboat ride to elegant plantation tours and a gourmet Creole lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotel Accommodation Included in the Tour Package?
No, hotel accommodation is not included in the tour package. The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, but travelers are responsible for arranging their own overnight accommodation in New Orleans.
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary is set and doesn’t allow for customization. However, travelers can request special accommodations if needed. The tour operator give you a comprehensive experience while ensuring all participants’ comfort and safety.
What Types of Dietary Requirements Can Be Accommodated?
The tour operator can accommodate various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Guests should notify the operator of any special dietary needs at the time of booking to ensure their needs are met during the gourmet Creole lunch.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, but may be restricted in certain plantation areas. It’s best to check with the guide about any photography guidelines or restrictions before the tour begins.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Travelers interested in a longer experience should inquire with the tour operator about options to customize the itinerary and extend the tour beyond the standard 9-hour duration.
Recap
This captivating 9-hour journey from New Orleans offers an immersive exploration of Louisiana’s enchanting swamps and historic plantations.
Visitors can expect an exhilarating airboat ride, guided tours of well-preserved Laura Plantation and grand Houmas House Plantation, and a delectable Creole lunch – all within an intimate small group setting, providing a comprehensive and memorable experience.
