New Orleans Plantation Driving Tour

The New Orleans Plantation Driving Tour provides an immersive glimpse into the region’s complex antebellum history. Guests can choose between the East Bank or West Bank itinerary, each showcasing two historic plantations and offering insights into the lives of both plantation owners and enslaved individuals. Led by knowledgeable drivers, the tour explores the captivating architecture, lush gardens, and rich narratives that shaped this era. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this private tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Louisiana’s past. What will you uncover along the way?

Good To Know

• A private full-day tour from New Orleans exploring the history and architecture of antebellum plantations along the Mississippi River’s East or West Bank.
• Guided visits to two historic plantation mansions, with a focus on understanding the lavish lives of plantation owners and the experiences of enslaved people.
• Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a licensed driver/guide, and entrance fees, with flexibility to accommodate visitors with limited mobility.
• Offers in-depth insights into the social and cultural dynamics of the antebellum South, as well as the region’s reliance on slave labor.
• Highly rated by customers for the personalized experiences and knowledge provided by the tour guides.

Tour Overview

The private, full-day plantation tour from New Orleans allows visitors to explore the antebellum southern history and life in Louisiana.

Guests can choose between two itineraries – the East Bank or West Bank of the Mississippi River. Each option includes guided visits to two historic plantation mansions and estates, lasting approximately 1 to 1.5 hours per site.

The total tour duration is around 7 hours and includes a midday lunch stop, where visitors can enjoy a picnic or dine at a local restaurant at their own expense.

The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, a licensed and insured driver/guide, all entrance fees, and access to plantation docents for deeper insights.

East Bank Itinerary

This East Bank tour takes guests to two acclaimed plantations on the eastern side of the Mississippi River. First, visitors explore Destrehan Plantation, a National Historic Landmark dating back to 1787. They’ll discover the mansion’s Greek Revival architecture and learn about the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked on the estate. Next, the tour moves to Houmas House, a grand antebellum mansion surrounded by 38 acres of lush gardens. Guests can wander the opulent rooms and enjoy the grandeur of the pre-Civil War South.

Plantation	Year Established	Architectural Style	Additional Details
Destrehan Plantation	1787	Greek Revival	National Historic Landmark
Houmas House	–	Antebellum	38 acres of gardens

West Bank Itinerary

Alternatively, the West Bank tour whisks visitors across the Mississippi River to explore two iconic plantations on the western side.

The first stop is Laura Plantation, known for its unique Creole-style architecture and immersive guided tour revealing the lives of the enslaved people who lived there.

Next, the tour heads to the stunning Oak Alley Plantation, famed for its breathtaking mile-long avenue of 300-year-old oak trees. Guests have the opportunity to wander the antebellum mansion and grounds, gaining insights into the lavish lives of the plantation owners.

Both sites offer a captivating glimpse into Louisiana’s rich history and the complex legacy of the antebellum South.

Inclusions and Amenities

Private transportation with room for up to 4 passengers comes included in the price of this plantation tour.

The experience also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a licensed and insured driver/guide, and all entrance fees.

Visitors will have access to plantation docents who can provide deeper insights into the history and significance of these antebellum estates.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with elevators available at two of the plantations.

Plus, the tour accommodates strollers and service animals.

Guests with limited mobility should confirm availability before booking to ensure the experience meets their needs.

Accessibility Considerations

The tour’s wheelchair accessibility is a key feature, with elevators available at two of the four plantation estates visited.

Strollers and service animals are also accommodated, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.

Visitors with limited mobility should check availability before booking, as some plantations may have more accessible pathways than others.

The tour’s private transportation with room for up to four passengers allows for flexible seating arrangements to meet individual needs.

Customer Reviews

Customers who’ve taken the New Orleans Plantation Driving Tour rave about the knowledgeable tour guides and personalized experiences. According to reviews, the tour has a 5.0 rating based on 9 customer evaluations.

Some key highlights from the reviews include:

1. Guides who provide deeper insights into the antebellum history and life on the plantations.
2. Flexibility to customize the itinerary to match personal interests.
3. Seamless transportation and organization from hotel pickup to drop-off.
4. Accessibility options that cater to visitors with limited mobility.

The tour’s pricing of $773.34 per group of up to 4 passengers also seems to offer good value, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking and Pricing

With a price of $773.34 per group of up to 4 passengers, the New Orleans Plantation Driving Tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to explore the region’s antebellum history.

Guests can choose between two itineraries, visiting either the East Bank or West Bank plantations. Regardless of the option selected, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a licensed and insured driver/guide, all entrance fees, and access to plantation docents for deeper insights.

Plus, the tour is wheelchair accessible, with elevators available at two of the plantations. Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund, making it a flexible option.

Explore Antebellum History

Immersing oneself in the antebellum era, the New Orleans Plantation Driving Tour transports guests to a bygone era, unveiling the nuanced narratives that shaped the region’s history.

Across the East and West Banks of the Mississippi River, the tour delves into the lives and legacies of Louisiana’s plantation owners and enslaved populations.

Visitors can expect to:

1. Explore the grand antebellum mansions and their well-preserved interiors.
2. Gain insights into the plantation economy and its reliance on slave labor.
3. Understand the social and cultural dynamics that defined the antebellum South.
4. Reflect on the complex and often troubling aspects of this historical period.

The guided tours offer a thought-provoking window into the past, blending historical facts with immersive experiences.

Things To Known

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible for All Plantations?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but only two of the plantations have elevators. Visitors with limited mobility should confirm availability before booking to ensure their needs can be accommodated.

Do the Tours Allow for Photography at the Plantations?

The tours allow photography at the plantations, with visitors encouraged to capture the historic architecture and landscapes. However, photography policies may vary across the different plantation sites on the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

The tours can generally be customized to include additional stops, though this may incur an extra fee. Guests should discuss their preferences with the tour provider to see if modifications can be accommodated within the tour’s duration and budget.

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Plantation Tour?

The recommended attire for the plantation tour is comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Visitors should wear closed-toe walking shoes, as the tours involve some walking on uneven terrain. Bringing a lightweight jacket or hat is also advisable.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum Participant Requirements?

There are no age restrictions or minimum participant requirements for the plantation tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though visitors with limited mobility should confirm availability before booking.

Sum Up

The New Orleans Plantation Driving Tour provides an immersive experience into the complex history of the antebellum South. Guests can choose between the East Bank or West Bank itinerary, exploring historic plantations and gaining insights into the lives of both plantation owners and enslaved individuals. With a focus on architecture, gardens, and rich narratives, this private tour offers a memorable way to explore Louisiana’s past.