Experience the rich history of Louisiana on a small-group tour from New Orleans. For $145 per person, explore two iconic plantations – Laura and Whitney – with insightful narration. Spend 1.5 hours at each site, uncovering Creole culture and the sobering legacy of slavery. With a 94% traveler recommendation, this tour promises a profound understanding of the past. What awaits you behind the scenes?
Good To Know
- Small-group tour visiting two historic Louisiana plantations, Laura and Whitney, to explore Creole culture and the harsh realities of slavery.
- Guided tour of Laura Plantation focusing on gardens, slave quarters, and Creole traditions, and self-guided tour of Whitney Plantation’s slave cabins and Museum of Slavery.
- Convenient pickup from hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and select Airbnbs in New Orleans, with air-conditioned van transportation and live narration.
- Highly recommended by travelers, earning a Badge of Excellence and 94% recommendation rate.
- Admission tickets included, with approximately 3 hours spent at both plantation sites.
Tour Overview
This small-group tour from New Orleans offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of two historic Louisiana plantations: Laura Plantation and Whitney Plantation.
Priced at $145 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, the tour has earned a Badge of Excellence and a 94% recommendation from travelers.
The experience includes transport by air-conditioned van, live narration by the driver-guide, and admission tickets to both plantations, with 1.5 hours spent at each site.
Highlights include the gardens, slave quarters, and Creole culture at Laura Plantation, as well as the slave cabins, freedmen’s church, and Museum of Slavery at Whitney Plantation.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New Orleans.
Itinerary and Experience
The guided tour of Laura Plantation and self-guided tour of Whitney Plantation offer visitors an immersive exploration of Louisiana’s rich history and culture.
At Laura Plantation, guests will discover the gardens, historic slave quarters, and learn about Creole traditions.
The tour at the Whitney Plantation delves into the harsh realities of slavery, with visits to slave cabins, the freedmen’s church, and the Museum of Slavery.
All transportation is provided via an air-conditioned 14-passenger van, with live narration by the driver-guide.
The total duration of the experience is approximately 3 hours, allowing ample time to fully appreciate both plantations.
Pickup and Logistics
The tour provides pickup from hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and select Airbnbs in New Orleans, but doesn’t offer pickup at the airport, New Orleans East, Slidell, or North Shore.
The exact pickup time is provided the day before the tour. The tour accommodates a maximum of 14 travelers per group.
Travelers can expect:
- Pickup in an air-conditioned 14-passenger van
- Live narration by the driver-guide during transport
- Admission tickets included for both Laura and Whitney Plantations
- Duration of 1 hour 30 minutes at each plantation
Highlights of Laura Plantation
Visitors to Laura Plantation enjoy the vibrant gardens and historic slave quarters, uncovering the intriguing Creole culture that defined this 19th-century sugar estate.
Guided tours take guests through the main house, exploring its striking French Creole architecture and the captivating stories of the Laura family.
The preserved slave quarters provide a somber yet powerful glimpse into the harsh realities of plantation life.
Across the property, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Louisiana’s complex history and the enduring legacy of the Creole people who called this place home.
Highlights of Whitney Plantation
Guided tours of the Whitney Plantation immerse visitors in the sobering history of slavery in Louisiana.
Travelers explore the slave cabins, which stand as a poignant reminder of the harsh living conditions endured by enslaved people. The tour also includes a visit to the freedmen’s church, a symbol of hope and resilience.
Highlights of the Whitney Plantation experience include:
- The Museum of Slavery, which provides a powerful and educational overview of the transatlantic slave trade and its legacy
- Haunting slave narratives shared by expert guides
- The Antioch Baptist Church, a beautifully preserved site of worship
- Opportunities to reflect on the injustices of the past and their ongoing impact
- Profound emotional experiences that encourage visitors to confront the realities of slavery.
Tour Reviews and Feedback
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the small-group plantation tours, with 94% of the 383 reviewers recommending the experience.
Positive comments highlight the knowledgeable guides, engaging narratives, and well-organized tours. Guests noted the exceptional guides at both Laura and Whitney Plantations, as well as the informative transport drivers.
The tours received an average rating of 4.6, with many travelers appreciating the historical significance of slavery and plantation life in Louisiana.
The opportunity for personalized experiences at lesser-known plantations through Tours by Isabelle was also a standout feature for some visitors.
Additional Tour Options
Along With the standard small-group tours, travelers can arrange personalized experiences of lesser-known plantations through Tours by Isabelle.
This opportunity allows visitors to explore:
- Unique plantation histories
- Intimate glimpses into Louisiana’s past
- Lesser-known sites off the beaten path
- Customized tours tailored to individual interests
- Knowledgeable guides providing in-depth perspectives
These personalized tours emphasize the rich and complex history of slavery and plantation life in the region, offering a more immersive and meaningful experience for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Louisiana’s past.
Historical Significance of Plantations
The plantations of Louisiana hold immense historical significance, serving as powerful reminders of the complex and often harrowing legacy of slavery in the region.
These antebellum estates provide a window into the lives of enslaved individuals, their resilience, and the broader social and economic structures that upheld the plantation system.
Visiting sites like Laura and Whitney Plantations allows travelers to engage with this history in a meaningful way, fostering deeper understanding and reflection on the lasting impacts of slavery.
Through guided tours and museum exhibits, the plantations offer a sobering yet essential learning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Visit Only One of the Plantations?
No, there’s no option to visit only one of the plantations. The tour includes guided visits to both Laura Plantation and Whitney Plantation, providing a comprehensive exploration of Louisiana’s plantation history and culture.
Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?
The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences with advance notice. Travelers should contact the tour operator to discuss any special needs before the tour.
What Are the Parking Arrangements at the Tour Pickup Locations?
The tour pickup locations have parking available for guests. Travelers should park at their hotel, Bed & Breakfast, or Airbnb, as the tour provides transportation from these pre-arranged pickup points to the plantations.
Is There an Age Requirement or Limit for Children on the Tour?
The tour has no age requirement or limit for children. The child rate applies, allowing families to participate in the educational experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus More on Specific Aspects of Plantation History?
The tour can be customized to focus more on specific aspects of plantation history. Travelers can request personalized tours of lesser-known plantations through Tours by Isabelle to tailor the experience.
The Sum Up
This immersive tour offers a profound exploration of Louisiana’s complex history. Visiting the Laura and Whitney Plantations provides an insightful look into Creole culture and the sobering legacy of slavery. With comfortable transportation, expert narration, and high traveler ratings, this small-group experience is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s past and its lasting impact.
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