New Orleans City Wide and Plantation Driving Tour
Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This tour is designed to introduce visitors to a wide variety of inner-city neighborhoods outside of the French Quarter plus a nearby plantation (Destrehan) on River Road.
Few frequent visitors to New Orleans ever see the city outside of the French Quarter or the plantation country nearby.
Note: Please contact the guide directly BEFORE booking to confirm availability and any post-pandemic limits that may still exist or complicate things.
While a private to tour, it is not exclusive, meaning plantation management might include other visitors on the inside-the-house portion of the tour.
Note: Please contact us BEFORE booking to confirm availability.
Available options
City/Plantation Tour
This tour combines a 50 mile tour with the city of New Orleans visiting many historic neighborhoods with a visit to Destrehan Plantation.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Plantation admission
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Docent at the plantation
Licensed and insured driver/guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
We will drive through the French Quarter and explain the neighborhoods before leaving for a citywide tour.
2
We will visit the first suburb of the city below the French Quarter and describe the placage and caste systems.
3
We will drive out Esplanade Avenue across St. Claude and describe the Treme faubourg, the history of Jazz, and attempts by the Ffrench to compete with the Americans in the Garden District.
4
We will drive through City Park, the site of the Higgins Landing Craft factory, the transition of duels, the WPA, and other topics. We usually stop for beignets here.
5
We drive out along Lakeshore Drive to see Lake Pontchartrain and discuss hurricane Katrina, the topography of New Orleans and seafood
6
We drive through Lake Lawn Cemetery and discuss the rationale of burials above ground.
7
We drive the length of St. Charles Avenue, passing Xavier, Tulane and Loyola Universities. We visit the Garden District and have lunch in the area before leaving town to see a plantation.
8
Stop 8
We tour Destgrehan Plantation and discuss slavery, the plantation economy, and the history of transportation on the Mississippi River.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
We return visitors to their hotels after the plantation tour.
What's not included
Lunch
souvenirs
Admissions to unplanned attractions
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There is an elevator at Destrehan for those with limited mobility. However, we should call in advance to verify that it is working.
Please contact us BEFORE booking so that we can confirm availability and operability of the elevator.
Meeting point
At your hotel
About New Orleans
New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.
Top Attractions
French Quarter
The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to explore, attractions vary
Garden District
A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.
Historical
Half day
Free to explore, tours available
National WWII Museum
A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.
Museum
2-3 hours
Moderate to expensive
City Park
A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.
Nature
Half day
Free to enter, attractions vary
Frenchmen Street
A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.
Entertainment
Evening
Varies by venue
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gumbo
A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).
Main Course
Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.
Jambalaya
A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.
Main Course
Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.
Beignets
A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy.
Po' Boy
A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.
Sandwich
Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.
Popular Activities
Swamp tours
Kayaking
Biking
Spa treatments
Park picnics
Café hopping
Museum visits
Historic site tours
Best Time to Visit
February to April
This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.
15-25°C
60-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
- • Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance
Getting there
By air
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown
By train
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
French Quarter
Garden District
Warehouse District
Faubourg Marigny
Mid-City
Day trips
Plantation Country
30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day
Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.
Swamp and Bayou Tours
30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day
Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
Baton Rouge
80 miles (129 km) • Full day
Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.
Festivals
Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year)
Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends)
French Quarter Festival • April (four days)
Pro tips
- Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
- Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
- Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
- Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
