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- Gems of Louisiana - New Orleans, Cajun Country & Plantations
Gems of Louisiana - New Orleans, Cajun Country & Plantations
From £1,644 pp
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10 nights
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Economy flights
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Available January - December
Start your journey in vibrant and colourful New Orleans, before travelling along the coastline past marshlands filled with birdlife and alligators. Travel inland to charming historic towns and learn about Creole and Cajun cultures, eat gumbo and seafood, before ending your journey exploring the grand plantation homes in Plantation Country.
What's Included?
- International flights departing from the UK in economy class.
- 10 nights hotel accommodation
- 8 days compact car hire with fully inclusive insurance, unlimited mileage and taxes
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Save up to £500 per booking
Book by 31st January and take advantage of our exclusive savings
• Save £500 on bookings over £10,000
• Save £350 on bookings between £7,500 - £9,999
• Save £300 on bookings between £5,000 - £7,499
• Save £250 on bookings between £2,500 - £4,999
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Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
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Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-3
Arrive in New Orleans
Fly into New Orleans, home to the colourful and lively Mardi Gras, for a three-night stay. There is so much to see and do, wander around the charming neighbourhoods including the French Quarter home to lively Bourbon Street, striking Jackson Square and beautiful French architecture. Listen to jazz music on Frenchmen Street, take in the city’s incredible views at Vue New Orleans observation deck, travel by the authentic street cars around the city, eat a sweet beignet at Café du Monde or book a brunch or dinner music cruise along the Mississippi River.
Day 4-5
New Orleans to Lafayette, 169 miles
Pick up your car in downtown New Orleans today and travel through southern Louisiana to Avery Island, a unique salt dome and wildlife refuge which is also home to the world-famous Tabasco Sauce Factory. Continue to charming Lafayette, located in the heart of Cajun Country which is full of Cajun culture including music, vibrant festivals, immersive experiences, and mouth-watering cuisine. It’s also near to Lake Martin, a wildlife reserve where you can spot bird life as well as alligators, turtles, and lizards. A great way to learn about the Cajun community and their way of life is at the Acadian Village, an authentic living history museum and at Vermilionville, a 23-acre Acadian Village with beautifully crafted period homes, where you can listen to Cajun music, and eat gumbo and crawfish.
Day 6
Lafayette to Lake Charles, 75 miles
Travel straight to Lake Charles or take a detour along the coastline of southern Louisiana on the Creole Nature Trail through Louisiana’s ‘outback’ past unspoilt marshlands filled with birds, alligators and other wildlife, rugged terrain, and picture-perfect beaches. Lake Charles has some interesting galleries rich with art, many museums including one of the largest Mardi Gras Museums in the USA,( closed in 2025) as well as casinos, and great live music.
Day 7
Lake Charles to Shreveport, 187 miles
Today head to the city of Shreveport which lies on the Red River. Try your luck in one of the riverboat casinos that are lined along the river, or in the Louisiana Boardwalk which is packed full of shops, entertainment venues and more casinos. For those seeking some culture head to the impressive R. W. Norton Art Gallery or the Shreveport Water Works Museum which offers free admission.
Day 8
Shreveport to Natchitoches, 77 miles
A relatively short drive today leads us to the utterly charming town of Natchitoches which is where the 1989 film Steel Magnolias was filmed. Oozing charm around every corner in either the 33 blocks of historical buildings in the downtown Historic Landmark District or in the cute shops and popular meat pie restaurants, you can’t help but fall in love with Natchitoches.
Day 9-10
Natchitoches to Baton Rouge, 183 miles
Continue your drive south east to the state capital of Baton Rouge and its fascinating museums, fine art, music, and historic sites. Baton Rouge also has a hippy vibe and a fantastic array of restaurants and markets serving up tasty Creole, Cajun, and seafood dishes. For fantastic views of the city head to the top of the Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest capitol building in the USA.
Day 11
Homebound
Head back to New Orleans airport today, and if time permits visit the magical and timeless plantation homes in Plantation Country. The most iconic homes include Oak Alley Plantation and its 300-year oak trees that line its grand driveway and Houmas House Estate and Gardens which is one of the largest sugar plantations in the south. After your visit travel back to New Orleans airport for your flight home.
Related Itineraries
Please note selected national parks in the USA require reservations for vehicles in order to enter the parks. Reservations are required in advance. This is in addition to purchasing a national park entrance ticket. Early booking is recommended.
Further information on the parks, where vehicle reservations are required and how to book can be found on:
USA National Parks
This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:
