Day 1 - New Orleans to Plantation Country - 254 miles
New Orleans Plantation Country holds a collection of the most glorious plantations in Louisiana, each offering a unique glimpse back in time. Depending on the site, the antebellum mansions are surrounded by working farms, gardens and meticulously maintained grounds. Discover how the magnificent plantation homes developed and learn the fascinating history behind them.
Two nights in Plantation Country.
Day 3 - Plantation Country to Natchez, Mississippi - 125 miles
Travel through Louisiana’s capital city, Baton Rouge, en-route. Whether it’s Mardi Gras, the vivid food and music, or the tradition of tailgating at an LSU or Southern University football game, Baton Rouge takes advantage of every opportunity to revel in the good times. One of the most historic, vibrant and unforgettable cities in the South, it’s a place where Blues festivals and beignets are as beloved as football, where you can shop one day at the Mall of Louisiana and keep it local at the farmers' market the next. Here the history is as rich as the flavours, with plantations, memorials and museums bringing the character of the city to life, and hundreds of restaurants dishing it up on a plate. Perhaps take a trip up the Mississippi on an old fashioned paddle steamer or explore nature at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center.
Two nights in Natchez.
Day 5 - Natchez to Alexandria, Louisiana - 106 miles
Stop at Frogmore, a working cotton plantation and museum. Learn the stories of Civil War soldiers, cotton kingpins, slaves and sharecroppers at this 19th-century plantation where cotton is still farmed today.
This agricultural region is known for its Creole-style architecture and rich mix of cultural backgrounds, including Native Americans, Europeans and Creoles of French, Spanish, African and American Indian descent. You will pass half a dozen historic plantation homes and museums, including Oaklawn, Cherokee, Beau Fort, Oakland and Melrose plantations, any of which is worth a stop. Melrose was established by descendants of Marie Therese Coincoin, a former slave who became a wealthy landowner and businesswoman.
One night Alexandria.
Day 6 - Alexandria to Lafayette, Louisiana - 61 miles
Depart after breakfast for “Cajun Country”, the area settled by the Acadians following their expulsion from Nova Scotia by the British. Known as the “Happiest City in America,” Lafayette is at the heart of Cajun culture in south Louisiana. The local music, cuisine, cultural history, and friendly residents create a unique experience that can be found nowhere else in the world. Enjoy a day learning about the settling of the Acadians, dine on delicious jambalaya or étouffée, and dance to the sounds of zydeco as you make your way through the city.
Two nights Cajun Country.
Day 8 - Lafayette to New Orleans, Louisiana - 108 miles
Why not extend your holiday with two or three nights in New Orleans, before returning home? No city in North America can compete with New Orleans when it comes to culture, food, historic architecture, joie de vivre and tourism options.
The Crescent City has suffered plagues, wars, imperial regime changes and devastating floods. Be delighted by the French Creole elegance of the Vieux Carre (French Quarter) or the opulence discovered in a streetcar ride through the Garden District and Uptown. Anytime of year find live music, amazing Creole and Cajun cuisine, fresh seafood, farmers markets, shopping, nightlife and more.
During Mardi Gras season, the city becomes the world’s centre. Downtown transforms into an adult playground, while parades in residential areas provide children thrilling entertainment. Each spring, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival moves the focus to the charming Gentilly area and the Fair Grounds Race Course. But no matter the time of year, New Orleans' calendar overflows in celebration.
You can choose to stay in one of the Plantation Houses or in hotels in the area - ask us for recommendations and suggestions.