New Orleans and the Songs of the South
May 25-30, 2025
New Orleans is a multicultural, dynamic city with a special Creole energy that flows through its streets, clubs and restaurants. The city was first settled by the French in 1718 and highly influenced by the Spanish who also occupied it for several years. Today “The French Quarter” with its distinctive architecture and multicoloured buildings is an icon of the south. Bourbon Street and the city’s Mardi Gras are visited by millions of enthusiastic tourists every year. Whether you are walking along its enchanted streets, strolling “The Riverwalk” on the Mississippi River, or riding the St. Charles streetcar through the Garden District, the city’s charm is inescapable.
Many people come to the “Big Easy” for its food – a colourful and tasty mix of Cajun and Creole traditions that can be easily found in many of the city’s fine restaurants and inexpensive sidewalk cafes. Many more come for its Jazz. It is of course the birthplace of Jazz heard throughout the French Quarter and Bourbon Street both day and night. The history and friendly charm of its people add to the universal appeal of this great city.
Travac’s tour to New Orleans includes much more than just New Orleans. You’ll stay in the heart of the Arts District, convenient to the French Quarter. You will visit one of the stately plantation homes that drove the economy of this state in the 19th century. After lunch you’ll visit Bayou Country and enjoy a pontoon swamp tour. Travac’s adventure to New Orleans is exceptionally well priced and will sell out fast. Join us as we explore the colour and charm of this vibrant city.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Today you meet your Travac Tour Director at the Ottawa International Airport for your flights to New Orleans. Upon your arrival in New Orleans, you will be transferred to your hotel. The balance of your day will be free.
Day 2
Depart the hotel for your included bus tour of New Orleans which will take you from Canal Street to the French Quarter. You will also visit “Riverwalk” and the Garden District, Jackson Square, where the Louisiana Purchase was signed and “Faubourg Treme,” the oldest black neighbourhood in America. You’ll also see where Jean Lafitte, the pirate, lived and carried out many of his illicit activities. You may want to consider a stroll along Riverwalk to visit and shop in its many unique shops and sidewalk cafes. The balance of your day will be free.
Day 3
Explore and shop the streets of New Orleans on your own today. Your hotel concierge and Tour Director will be happy to offer suggestions or make dinner reservations for you.
Day 4
This morning we will leave New Orleans for a drive to Bayou country. Many Acadians made their way to Louisiana and settled into the various Bayous throughout the state. Here they lived freely practicing their own customs and beliefs. We will visit one of the stately Plantations that drove the economy of this state in the 19th century. After lunch you’ll enjoy your swamp tour of these beautiful wetlands.
Day 5
Today is a free day to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of this great city! Music is never far from the streets of New Orleans. You may wish to explore some of the musical heritage of the “Big Easy” today. You can also relax in one of its many sidewalk cafes or restaurants and enjoy some of its Creole cuisine. New Orleans also offers excellent shopping. If gaming excites you, Harrah’s operates one of the largest casinos in the south right in the heart of New Orleans.
Day 6
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flights back to Ottawa.
Itinerary subject to change.