Optional Local Tours

 Saturday, June 8, 2013
(Reservations made after April 1 based on availability)

City & Cemetery Tour

This 3-hour tour provides an overview of the life, architecture and history of one of America’s most beautiful cities – New Orleans.  We begin at the birthplace of New Orleans - the French Quarter! As we ride through the Quarter your tour guide will tell the history of the City and point out many locally known highlights, including Jackson Square, the Saint Louis Cathedral and the famous French Quarter balconies.

Leaving the French Quarter, you’ll travel down Esplanade Avenue in the Creole section to the City of the Dead. See the graves of St. Louis Cemetery up close as you walk through this well-known landmark.

City Park and its dueling oaks are the next stop. Along the way you will see some of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, and the rebuilding efforts that have taken place since then.

From there we head to the “American Sector,” the New Orleans Garden District. Alive and well with its live-oak tree lined St. Charles Avenue, you will get a great sense of the luxury and extravagance of old New Orleans. This is a true step back into the antebellum era.

The New Orleans Warehouse & Arts District is the final leg of your New Orleans tour. Here you will see the D-Day Museum, now known as the National World War II Museum, the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center and sites from the movie “JFK” and other box office hits.  Time: 9:00 – 12:00, begin boarding 8:30.

Cost Per Person:  Adult $42; Child (12 & under) $30

Included: Transportation, Guide, Gratuities
Minimum:  25

Honey Island Swamp Tour

Enjoy the ultimate swamp experience on a boat tour of Honey Island Swamp, one of the only remaining preserved wetlands in Louisiana.  On the 22 passenger boat you will get a close look at wildlife. Not only will you see and smell the swamp, but touch the flora and fauna around you.  You will see alligators, raccoons, owls, wild boars, nutria, snakes, turtles, bald eagles, black bears, and many birds! See an authentic Cajun village, only accessible by boat!  Time: 8:30 – 1:00 (Appx); begin boarding 8:00.

Cost Per Person:  Adult $50; Child (12 & under) $35

Included: Transportation & swamp tour.  Gratuities are not included in this tour.
Minimum:  22

Oak Alley Plantation

  Feel the gentle breeze of Southern hospitality on a tour that takes you back to the glory of the Old South! Experience a bygone era in one of the South’s most beautiful settings - Oak Alley Plantation, built in 1839. Marvel at the unbelievable quarter-mile long alley of 28 magnificent Oak trees, each over 250 years old. Oak Alley is perhaps the most photographed plantation ever. Your guided tour will reveal the fascinating stories of the home and its history. View the majestic Cypress trees in Louisiana’s swamps bordering the Mississippi River. Due to the historic nature of the plantation, access to the second floor is by stairs only. Time: 8:30 – 1:00 (Appx); begin boarding 8:00.

Cost Per Person:  Adult $55; Child (12 & under) $30

Included: Transportation, Admission, Guided Tour, Gratuities
Minimum:  25

Steamboat NATCHEZ, Dinner Jazz Cruise

Take a river excursion into the heart of the signature culture and lifestyle of New Orleans and Louisiana as you step aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ.  Share heritage and hospitality as you cruise up and down the mighty Mississippi River.

She’s the ninth steamer to bear the name NATCHEZ. It was her predecessor, NATCHEZ II, that raced the ROBERT E. LEE in the most famous steamboat race of all time, and even today, NATCHEZ is proudly the undisputed champion of the Mississippi, never having been beaten. Her powerful antique steam engines were built in 1925 and are still on view today from the engine room. Her copper bell, inlaid with 250 silver dollar coins to produce a purer tone, once graced the SS JD Ayres. Her 32-note steam calliope was custom-crafted and modeled especially for the NATCHEZ.

The sounds of jazz will fill the air as you enjoy wonderful New Orleans cuisine prepared onboard by a team of culinary professionals.  The decks, engine room and bars will be open for your enjoyment after dinner. For all its history and romance an evening on the NATCHEZ is truly an evening of excitement!
Time:  5:30 – 9:45 pm (Board 6:00, Buffet Dinner 6:00-7:30, Cruise 7:00-9:00).

Cost Per Person:  Adult $89; Child (12 & under) $59

Highlights: 
 Guided narration on Mississippi River history
 Cruise aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ
 Casual buffet-style dining
 Meals prepared fresh on board
 Indoor and Outdoor seating
 Live jazz provided by the Dukes of Dixieland
 Museum quality Engine Room
 Transfers to/from hotel
 All taxes and gratuities

Alcoholic Beverages are not included
Minimum:  25