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The story begins in the area where the French first founded New Orleans almost 300 years ago, the historic and charming French Quarter. In this area, originally an Indian trading post, the French were looking for a spot where they could establish a port on the banks of the Mississippi, a river that stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to French Canada. Thus was the foundation of this quaint and lovely European city.

Beginning with Jackson Square in the French Quarter, site of St. Louis Cathedral, you will see New Orleans’ most famous (and infamous) landmarks and learn the fascinating history behind these buildings and the city. After seeing the French Quarter, you will proceed to City Park and Bayou St. John, where you will visit historic St. Louis No.3 Cemetery. Your escort will explain our unique above-ground burial system, utilized in New Orleans because of its location below sea level.

However, the city’s story changes drastically as you head toward the Upper and Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina invaded New Orleans, changing lives and neighborhoods forever. This powerful storm weakened the protective levees sending walls of water through people’s homes. Her wind and rain plummeted gigantic oak trees and buildings, leaving a path of destruction that will be seen for years to come.

Your guide will explain this intricate balance of engineering against Mother Nature as you pass by one of the breaches in the levees. You will see abandoned homes that once were filled with the laughter of children that now await the overwhelming process of rebuilding.

The bright side of this devastation is the newly created Musicians’ Village in the Upper Ninth Ward, consisting of 70 vibrantly colored, single-family “New Orleans Shotgun Houses” that were built specifically for musicians. Here you’ll learn about the rebuilding effort and future construction plans.

As we exit the Ninth Ward and venture on to a different area of the city, you will realize that Katrina’s wrath seems random as we travel along the route of the beautiful St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, passing picturesque Tulane University and Loyola University. There are no water lines from flooding and the massive amount of debris and fallen trees have been cleared as we start with our rebirth. Long known as "the Avenue", St. Charles is lined with rows of magnificent homes and mansions.
As you leave this lovely residential area heading back to your hotel, you will pass the old Warehouse District, a revitalized area that is also home to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

As the story ends, you’ll realize this incredible city is one of spirit, hope and rebirth!

COST: US$40 per person

INCLUDES:
•   Professional USA Hosts licensed tour escort
•   Deluxe, modern transportation
•   A city tour encompassing the French Quarter and emphasis on sites where Kiwanis has had involvement
•   A stop or pause at an above-ground cemetery. (Note: cemeteries are closed Sunday.)
•   All current taxes and gratuities
•   Tours are based upon a minimum of 20 participants per minicoach, maximum of 25 per minicoach

NOTE:
Tour length is approximately 2.5 hours

DATES AND TIMES:
•   Tuesday, June 26 at 9 a.m.
•   Wednesday, June 27 at 9 a.m.
•   Thursday, June 28 at 10 a.m.
•   Saturday, June 30 at 10 a.m.

History has a way of bringing people and places together to produce the beautiful and the unexpected. Such was true of the creation of New Orleans' exquisite Garden Districts of New Orleans.

Development of the Lower Garden District was begun in the 1830s with the division of the huge Livaudais Plantation. The American settlers, who flocked to New Orleans following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, began building in this area. The homes in this area represent the renaissance of the Greek Revival style.

Continuing, you will journey along beautiful tree-lined St. Charles Avenue to the Upper Garden District, as your guide provides a detailed history of this impressive neighborhood, pointing out areas of interest along the way.
The homes in the Upper Garden District are surrounded by lovely semi-tropical gardens and flowers of season. They exhibit a more elaborate influence of Greek Revival architecture, demonstrating the growing wealth of the city. The most commonly seen architectural style is the plantation-styled raised cottages and two-story mansions.

As a highlight of this tour, you will enjoy tea and sweets during a visit to a 19th-century residence, to witness firsthand the genteel manner of living for which the South is noted.

You will complete this excursion with a lovely walking tour through the Upper Garden District and then return to your hotel with wonderful thoughts of your Garden District experience!

COST:
US$50 per person

INCLUDED:

•   Professional USA Hosts licensed tour escorts, based upon two guides per as required for walking tour portion
•   Deluxe, modern transportation
•   Admission to one home in the Upper Garden District (approximately a 30-minute tour)
•   Refreshments
•   Walking tour through a portion of the Garden District to highlight architecture, history and culture of area
•   All current taxes and gratuities
•   Tour is based upon a minimum of 40 participants per motorcoach; maximum of 80
•   Tour length is approximately three and a half (3-1/2) hours

DATES AND TIMES:
•   Wednesday, June 27 at 9 a.m.
•   Thursday, June 28 at 9 a.m.
•   Friday, June 29 at 9 a.m.


NOTES:

•   Maximum participants will depend upon availability of home.
•   Availability of a Garden District home cannot be guaranteed until specific date and time have been requested.
•   Rates may increase for weekend tour of private homes based on availability.
•   Portions of this tour include walking. Participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes.
•   The Garden District homes are not handicap accessible.

The story begins in the area where the French first founded New Orleans almost 300 years ago, the historic and charming French Quarter. In this area, originally an Indian trading post, the French were looking for a spot where they could establish a port on the banks of the Mississippi, a river that stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to French Canada. Thus was the foundation of this quaint and lovely European city.

Beginning with Jackson Square in the French Quarter, site of St. Louis Cathedral, you will see New Orleans’ most famous (and infamous) landmarks and learn the fascinating history behind these buildings and the city. After seeing the French Quarter, you will proceed to City Park and Bayou St. John, where you will visit historic St. Louis No.3 Cemetery. Your escort will explain our unique above-ground burial system, utilized in New Orleans because of its location below sea level.

As the tour continues through City Park toward Lake Pontchartrain, you will notice remnants of damage caused by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. This powerful storm breached the protective levees, flooding much of the city. Your guide will explain the intricate balance of engineering against Mother Nature and the long road of recovery as the city continues to rebuild.
Continuing through the city you’ll travel along the route of the beautiful St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, passing picturesque Tulane University and Loyola University. Long known as "the Avenue", St. Charles is lined with rows of magnificent homes and mansions. The lovely Garden District features antebellum homes built by wealthy Americans following the Louisiana Purchase. As you leave this lovely residential area heading back to your hotel, you will pass the old Warehouse District, a revitalized area that is also home to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

As the story ends, you’ll realize this incredible city is one of spirit, hope and rebirth!

COST: US$27 per person

INCLUDES:

•   Deluxe, modern transportation
•   A city tour encompassing the French Quarter, Lakeview and St. Charles Ave neighborhoods
•   A stop or pause at an above-ground cemetery
•   All current taxes and gratuities
•   Based upon a minimum of 40 and a maximum of 120 participants
•   Tour length is approximately 2.5 hours

DATES AND TIMES:
•   Tuesday, June 26 at 9 a.m.
•   Wednesday, June 27 at 9 a.m.
•   Thursday, June 28 at 9 a.m.
•   Friday, June 29 at 10 a.m.
•   Saturday, June 30 at 10 a.m.

Note: This and the Tale of Two Cities tour differ by size of tour (the Tale of Two Cities is smaller) and which stops are taken along the route.

 

Join us for an incredible journey into the mysterious swamps and bayous of Southern Louisiana. On this swampboat tour, you’ll be introduced to the interesting history of Louisiana’s wetlands and the rich Cajun heritage of the people who inhabit this region.
Cajuns are descendants of the French Acadians who fled to Louisiana after the British deported them from Nova Scotia in 1755 for refusing to pledge allegiance to England. They are stubborn, to be sure; however, the people of Acadia are warm and friendly with a “joie de vivre” matched by none. As your swampboat travels into the depths of Cajun country, you will hear the tales of the Cajun folks and how they reap the bounty of their surroundings: trapping nutria, mink, otter and muskrat; hunting frogs and alligators; fishing for catfish and crabs. You will also soon discover the respect and knowledge the Cajun people have for the wildlife and vegetation indigenous to the swamp.

As your swampboat glides through the waters, gently breaking the tran¬quility of the ancient swamp, you will see exotic tropical plants and wildlife only found in the Louisiana wetlands.
Majestic herons, nutria and large turtles sunning themselves on tree stumps are abundant, and the swamp's favorite son, the alligator, will be witnessed in its glory, easing quietly through the murky, cypress shrouded waters of Louisiana. You will return to your hotel with a true appreciation of the Acadian people and the unique region they call home!

COST: US$50 per person

INCLUDES:
•   Professional USA Hosts licensed tour escort
•   Deluxe, modern transportation
•   Guided tour to and from the bayou region of southern Louisiana
•   Guided tour through the marsh area aboard a specially designed private swamp boat (approximately 1.5 hours)
•   All current taxes and gratuities
•   Based upon 40 participants per motorcoach, with an overall maximum of over 200
•   Tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours


NOTES:
•   Comfortable outdoor clothes and tennis shoes are recommended
•   Length of tour varies depending on which swamp toured

DATES AND TIMES:
•   Wednesday, June 27 at 9 a.m.
•   Thursday, June 28 at 9 a.m.
•   Saturday, June 30 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

 

Come have a listen. Let us tell you our jazzy and joyous, soulful and spiritual, rocking and rolling story of how music was created in the neighborhoods of New Orleans!

Our story begins in the historic and charming French Quarter. Your guide will share the early history of New Orleans, as each newcomer has added to the evolving musical climate. A stop on the perimeter of Louis Armstrong Park lays the foundation for what will bubble up as jazz! Continuing on Rampart, then Canal Street toward the Mississippi River, your guide will talk about major contributors to the early musical magic, such as Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden, and Jelly Roll Morton, and the remarkable and curious role Storyville played in the birth of Jazz.

Heading to the Ninth Ward we will see how music is interwoven into the very fabric of our lives as we take in the Musicians’ Village and Fats Dominos’ home, an opportunity to see inspired progress arising out of the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Then, you will proceed to City Park and Bayou St. John, where you will visit historic St. Louis No.3 Cemetery. Your escort will explain our unique above-ground burial system, utilized in New Orleans because of our location below sea level. At the cemetery, you’ll learn of the jazz funeral traditions, and hear about former lakefront clubs and dancehalls as we spin through City Park. As the tour continues through City Park, toward Lake Pontchartrain, you will notice remnants of damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. Our guide will explain the intricate balance of engineering against Mother Nature and the long road of recovery as the city continues to rebuild. Our music was there to lift us up and has offered locals inspiration to keep going and revive our city. Our tragedy also inspired musicians to make new music. Jimmy Buffet wrote “Breath In, Breath Out, Move On.” New Orleans local artist, Jesse Moore, wrote “It’s Gonna Be OK.”

Continuing through the city you travel along the route of the beautiful St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, passing picturesque Tulane and Loyola universities. Long known as “the Avenue,” St. Charles is lined with rows of magnificent homes and mansions. Your guide will touch on a full spectrum of music notables including Mahalia Jackson, the Mardi Gras Indians, opera, the Jazz and Heritage Festival, famous clubs like Tipitina’s, and our passion for brass bands. The lovely Garden District features antebellum homes built by wealthy Americans following the Louisiana Purchase. As you leave this lovely residential area heading back to your hotel, you will pass our old Warehouse District, a revitalized area that is also home to our New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

COST: US$27 per person

INCLUDES:
•   Professional USA Hosts licensed tour escort
•   Deluxe, modern transportation
•   A city tour encompassing the French Quarter, Lakeview and St. Charles Ave neighborhoods with musical history
•   A stop or pause at an above-ground cemetery
•   All current taxes and gratuities
•   Based upon a minimum of 40 participants and a maximum of 120
•   Tour length is approximately 2.5 hours

DATES AND TIMES:
•   Thursday, June 28 at 10 a.m.
•   Saturday, June 30 at 10 a.m.

Stroll the narrow streets of the French Quarter as a licensed tour guide reconstructs life as it was in the city more than 150 years ago.

In this complete walking tour of this historical New Orleans neighborhood, you will visit Jackson Square, site of the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral and the Pontalbas, the oldest apartments in the United States—built in the 1700s by Baroness Pontalba to be used by visiting European royalty. You will behold the lacy ironwork balconies, lush tropical patios and mule-drawn carriages that are just some of the charming hallmarks of the Vieux Carré. As your guide points out the many prominent landmarks along the tour, you will hear the rich history behind them, including wonderful tales of Creole courtyard soirees, quadroon balls and midnight duels.

Your tour will include a visit to a Creole mansion, authentically restored and furnished with beautiful antiques created more than two centuries ago by Louisiana craftsmen.

COST:
US$27 per person

INCLUDES:
•   Professional USA Hosts licensed tour escorts (one for each 15-20 participants)
•   Admission to a restored French Quarter home (approximately a 30-minute tour). These homes are generally NOT handicapped accessible
•   All current taxes and gratuities
•   Based on a minimum of 15 participants; maximum 300
•   Tour length is approximately 2.5 hours
•   Comfortable walking shoes and attire are suggested.


DATES AND TIMES:
•   Tuesday, June 26 at 9:30 a.m.
•   Thursday, June 28 at 9:30 a.m.
•   Saturday, June 30 at 9:30 a.m.   

NOTES:
•   This tour will leave from the New Orleans Marriott (555 Canal Street).
•   Take the Kiwanis Shuttle from the Convention Center to the Marriott on Canal Street.

Follow the path of the first settlers of New Orleans in a journey along the historic New Orleans Trace! Originally, Esplanade ridge was used as a portage linking Bayou St. John to the Mississippi River. In the early 1700s, this same route was taken by the founders of New Orleans to venture back and forth from the settlement of Faubourg St. John to the French Quarter. Today, your private motorcoach will travel down this picturesque route along Esplanade Avenue, passing the beautiful historic homes once frequented by our founding Spanish colonials and French explorers. Your first stop on the “trace” will be the New Orleans Museum of Art, located in beautiful City Park.

The New Orleans Museum of Art permanently houses a spectacular collection of Fabergé jewels, created for the Czar of Russia and his wife. The Gray Foundation Collection is one of the three most important Fabergé collections in America.

Your next stop is the Pitot House, built in 1799 by James Pitot, the first mayor of the City of New Orleans. This renowned home is one of the few West Indies-style houses lining historic Bayou St. John. Your guests will marvel at the period antiques and the beautiful original furnishings in this home.
Next you’ll stop for lunch at Ralph’s on the Park. Ralph Brennan and Chef Gerard Maras have created a stunning renovation of the landmark 1860s property. Ralph’s on the Park’s décor is decidedly residential in feel, achieving the goal of enhancing rather than competing with the majestic view of City Park visible through the picture windows that wrap around the building. Chef Gerard Maras is the culinary mastermind behind Ralph’s On the Park. Gerard’s signature dishes include produce finds at local farmer’s markets and the freshest seafood available.

Your sample luncheon menu:
APPETIZER
Country Gumbo
Louisiana blue crab, Gulf shrimp, bayou oysters and andouille sausage, simmered in a golden gumbo and served with green onion rice
ENTREE
Grilled Shrimp Salad
Grilled shrimp served over spinach, marinated artichokes, red onions, sliced crimini mushrooms with a charred tomato vinaigrette dressing
DESSERT
Bittersweet Soft Chocolate Cake
An “old fashioned” rich and moist chocolate cake with brandied cherries, fudge sauce and double cream
DRINKS
Iced Tea and Coffee

COST: US$90 per person


INCLUDES:
•   Professional USA Hosts licensed tour escorts
•   Deluxe motorcoach transportation
•   Admission to the New Orleans Museum of Art (approximately 90-minute tour)
•   Admission to the Pitot House (approximately 30-minute tour)
•   Lunch at Ralph’s on the Park with sample menu as described above
•   All current taxes and gratuities
•   Based on a minimum of 40 participants per motorcoach; maximum 120
•   Tour length approximately 5 hours

NOTES:
•   The New Orleans Museum of Art is closed on Monday.
•   The New Orleans Museum of Art is handicap accessible.
•   Cost may increase during Special Exhibitions.
•   The 1st floor of the Pitot House is handicap accessible.
•   Menu items may fluctuate due to seasonal availability.

DATES AND TIMES:
•   Friday, June 29 at 9 a.m.
•   Saturday, June 30 at 9 a.m.

New Orleans has an inordinately colorful history—ghosts, voodoo priestesses and haunted mansions notwithstanding. The equanimity of the quaint streets and shuttered cottages of the French Quarter belie the secret and sinister legends of ghosts, vampires and voodoo practitioners that set up “residence” in this historic neighborhood.

Whether you are lured by tales of hauntings or intrigued with the historic nature of New Orleans legends, you are sure to enjoy this stroll amidst New Orleans’ mysterious landmarks.

Guests on this tour will enjoy several spooky stories of haunted happenings as they stroll through the historic streets of the French Quarter with a professional tour guide. These narrow streets reveal numerous sites with unusual legends. You may pass by the home of famous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau on Royal Street, the infamous Madame Lalaurie House, where unthinkable atrocities against slaves were committed, the graceful Beauregard-Keys House, where fighting sounds have been heard, and of course, Pirate’s Alley, where legend places the ghost of the Pirate Jean Lafitte.

COST: US$40 per person

INCLUDES:
•   Professional USA Hosts licensed tour escorts (one for each 15-20 participants).
•   Guided walking tour through portions of the French Quarter (approximately one hour), passing sites of unusual legends and reputed hauntings
•   All current taxes and gratuities
•   Based on a minimum of 20 participants, maximum 40
•   Tour length is approximately 2.5 hours

NOTES:
•   Comfortable walking shoes and attire are suggested
•   This tour will be offered in the evenings only, after dark
•   Transportation is not included
•   This tour leaves from the New Orleans Marriott (555 Canal Street)

DATES AND TIMES:
•   Tuesday, June 26 at 7 p.m.
•   Wednesday, June 27 at 7 p.m.
•   Thursday, June 28 at 7 p.m.
•   Saturday, June 30 at 7 p.m.

The National D-Day Museum, now known as The National World War II Museum, opened on June 6, 2000, and is the only museum of its kind in the country. The 70,500 square-foot structure presents World War II in the form of personal stories and dramatic exhibits, including a reproduction of the Higgins boat, built by volunteers, many of whom worked on the same craft during the war. The museum, located in the Warehouse Arts District, also houses two World War II planes, a German staff car, a concrete sentry box, weapons, uniforms, and soon, a Sherman tank. Also newly opened is an exhibit featuring the Pacific Rim Theater.

The National World War II Museum unveiled its $282 million expansion plan that will quadruple the size of the existing facility over the next five years. The expanded museum will cover all of the theaters and services that played a role in World War II and create a national center for research on the war. When completed in 2015, it will be a world-class cultural attraction in New Orleans that will dramatically increase visitation and have a powerful economic impact on the city and state.

COST: US$45 per person

INCLUDES:
•   USA Hosts professional licensed tour guide
•   Deluxe, modern transportation
•   Admission to the World War II Museum (approximately 2.5-hour tour)
•   Admission to the Film “Beyond All Boundaries” (30 minutes)
•   All current taxes and gratuities
•   Based upon a minimum of 40 participants per motorcoach and maximum of 80
•   Tour length is approximately 3 hours


NOTE:
The D-Day Museum is handicap accessible

DATES AND TIMES:
•   Tuesday, June 26 at 9 a.m.
•   Wednesday, June 27 at 9 a.m.
•   Saturday, June 30 at 9 a.m.

Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is so much more than just a tour of a grand antebellum estate. Experience the southern splendor of “The Sugar Palace” when you step into 16 rooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork. Enjoy 12 lush acres of gardens, ponds and a majestic live oak alley. Enjoy the breeze off the Mississippi and navigate through the shadows of ancient oaks.

Upon its completion in 1840, Houmas House was the “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road.” But that 1840 mansion with its broad galleries and thick masonry walls had humble beginnings. In the mid-1700s, the original house was built on the site and was a more modest home with both French and Spanish architectural influences. The smaller residence that houses the kitchen and is now connected at the back of the mansion by a carriageway was, indeed, the original Latil House.

On this tour, you’ll learn about the type of architecture and see firsthand the special features, furnishings and artwork found at the mansion. You’ll also visit the gardens, which have been developed as a lush 12-acre panorama of indigenous Louisiana plant life.

While visiting Houmas House you will enjoy a delightful Southern-style luncheon.
Our sample menu includes:
Turkey and Brie sandwich - Thinly sliced turkey breast, Brie cheese, leafy lettuce and Louisiana fig spread on toasted gourmet bread
Louisiana kettle chips
Cheesecake
Iced tea, soft drink or coffee

COST: US$95 per person

INCLUDES:
•   Professional USA Hosts licensed tour escort
•   Deluxe, modern transportation
•   Admission and tour of Houmas House Plantation
•   Use of a private area of the pavilion or seating outside, weather permitting
•   Served luncheon at Houmas House, as listed above
•   All current taxes and gratuities
•   Based upon a minimum of 40 participants, maximum of 80 participants
•   Tour length is approximately five (5) hours

DATES AND TIMES:
•   Wednesday, June 27 at 9:30 a.m.
•   Thursday, June 28 at 9:30 a.m.

WITH TRANSPORTATION:
Our local chefs can be colorful characters, and today one of the best will teach you the techniques and secrets that get to the very soul of Cajun and Creole cooking. (Rule #1: First you make a roux!) You will learn the differences in the various styles of cooking in Louisiana and receive copies of recipes. During the demonstrations, traditional New Orleans-style coffee will be served.

Your meal will consist of the delicious Cajun and Creole dishes prepared in the demonstration.
Typical dishes prepared include:
Typical Morning Course with three courses
Cajun gumbo
Creole jambalaya
Bread pudding with whiskey sauce
Pecan pralines
Iced coffee, tea
Abita root beer or abita beer
COST: US$34 per person 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
INCLUDES:
•   Private cooking demonstration for 2.5 hours by a local chef
•   Lunch following the demonstration, as listed in the description
•   Recipes to take home
•   All current taxes and gratuities
•   Based upon a minimum of 25 participants
•   Transportation Included
•   Maximum capacity for this demonstration is 200 participants
NOTES:
•   Menus may vary
•   New Orleans School of Cooking aprons and cookbooks and spices are available at an additional cost

NO TRANSPORTATION:
Our local chefs can be colorful characters, and today one of the best will teach you the techniques and secrets that get to the very soul of Cajun and Creole cooking. (Rule #1: First you make a roux!) You will learn the differences in the various styles of cooking in Louisiana and receive copies of recipes. During the demonstrations, traditional New Orleans-style coffee will be served.

Your meal will consist of the delicious Cajun and Creole dishes prepared in the demonstration.
Typical dishes prepared include:
Typical Afternoon Menu with two courses
Pastaletta
Shrimp creole
Pralines
Iced coffee, tea
Abita root beer or Abita beer

COST: US$30 per person 1 to 4 p.m.
INCLUDES:
•   USA Hosts escort to walk guests from the New Orleans Marriott (555 Canal St) to the cooking school
•   Private cooking demonstration for 2.5 hours by a local chef
•   Lunch following the demonstration, as listed in the description
•   Recipes to take home
•   All current taxes and gratuities
•   Based upon a minimum of 25 participants
•   Activity length as listed above include round-trip walk from hotel
•   Maximum capacity for this demonstration is 200 participants
NOTES:
•   Menus may vary
•   New Orleans School of Cooking aprons and cookbooks and spices are available at an additional cost