Step into “The Big Easy,” a soulful city abound with rich history, mouth-watering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and an incomparable soundtrack. Discover its unique flavors during a cooking class featuring the popular dishes of the city as well as dinner at the Court of Two Sisters. Learn the secrets of the city’s famous French Quarter on a walking tour featuring St. Louis Cathedral and the French Marketplace. Spend time at either the poignant National World War II Museum or the festive Mardi Gras World. Head out to the swamp for a cruise tour of the bayous and learn about the history and ecology of this fascinating ecosystem. Come to know the city’s music when taking in a spirited jazz revue at a French Quarter jazz club. Enjoy a single-hotel stay in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter amidst jazz, streetcars, and an unmistakable joie de vivre with AAA Member Choice Vacations.
Spotlight on New Orleans is a leisure exploration designed to immerse you into one locale, and show you what life is truly like there. You’ll be able to unpack once and settle in, but you’ll still have access to a Tour Manager and planned excursions to each city’s must-see destinations and hidden secrets only locals are aware of. Alongside planned excursions, built-in downtime in the itinerary allows you to explore your own way.
Special Offers and Member Benefits:
Where You Will Stay:
Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans
In the heart of the French Quarter on Bourbon Street, experience New Orleans the way it was meant to when you stay at the The Royal Sonesta Hotel. You are sure to have an authentic experience at this modern and refined hotel that has European style. The hotel is walking distance to the Mississippi Riverfront, the Central Business District and other famous attractions. Sonesta’s Art Collection fills the hotel and guest rooms, creating an exciting atmosphere.
What You Will See:
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Here is a look at the details of this trip:
At A Glance: Spotlight on New Orleans ~ 5 Days ~ 6 meals ~ Activity Level: 2
Day 1: New Orleans, Louisiana - Tour Begins
Step into a cultural melting pot in the “Jazz Capital of the World,” New Orleans! Experience this soulful city abound with rich history, mouth-watering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and of course, an incomparable soundtrack.
Day 2: French Quarter
This morning, enjoy a panoramic city tour with a local guide. Start by seeing St. Louis Cemetery #3; opened in 1854, it holds some of the most elaborate crypts found in the city’s cemeteries. Relax during a drive along the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain. This romantic road eventually leads to St. Charles Avenue, whisking you past gorgeous mansions and two world-famous universities, Tulane and Loyola. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Take a walk through history at the National World War II Museum and learn about the American experience in the war -OR- celebrate the festive side of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World and come to know the history of this tradition while touring a working warehouse where artisans create spectacular floats for the famous parades. Tonight, learn how to cook New Orleans-style! During a cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking, your chef will indulge you in everything Louisiana cuisine has to offer. (B,D)
Day 3: French Quarter
Introduce yourself to the city’s famous French Quarter on a walking tour that features such sights as the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Continue on to the bustling French Marketplace to explore Pirates Alley and view the Pontalba. Head over to Café Du Monde for a taste of a true New Orleans favorite – beignets! This afternoon, explore more of New Orleans on your own, or you may choose an optional excursion to Oak Alley Plantation to explore the rich history of the Antebellum South. (B)
Day 4: New Orleans
Set out on a drive along New Orleans’ historic Esplanade Avenue. Then, journey through the Louisiana swamp on a cruise* narrated by your captain. Learn about the history and ecology of this fascinating ecosystem and keep an eye out for wildlife, from bald eagles to herons, turtles and alligators! Return to the city and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to discover more of New Orleans your way. Tonight, immerse yourself in the flavors of traditional New Orleans during dinner at The Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter. After dinner, discover for yourself why New Orleans is the “Birthplace of Jazz” during a roaring jazz revue at a local club in the French Quarter. (B,D)
Day 5: New Orleans - Tour Ends
Your tour of this captivating city comes to a close today.
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Rates are per person, double, land only and vary by date of departure.
^Not valid on group travel. Purchase of roundtrip international or domestic U.S. airfare from MCV through AAA Travel required to obtain sedan service. Included in many U.S. cities within a 50-mile radius of more than 90 airport gateways. Service is available between 51 and 75 miles for a small fee. One transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route. Other restrictions may apply; call for details.
Airfare, taxes, surcharges, gratuities, transfers, port charges and excursions are additional unless otherwise indicated. Fuel surcharges, government taxes, other surcharges, deposit, payment and cancellation terms/conditions are subject to change without notice. Baggage fees are not included in your trip cost, you should re-verify with the airline directly or on their website prior to your departure for current details on allowable luggage pieces, fees, size and weight limitations since they vary from airline to airline. See link to research baggage fees and information: http://www.iflybags.com. Rates quoted are per person, land only, based on adult double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Discounts, products, vendors, rates, terms, conditions, availability and itinerary are subject to change without notice. Cruise rates are capacity controlled. Certain restrictions may apply. AAA members must make advance reservations through AAA Travel to obtain Member Benefits and savings. Member Benefits may vary based on departure date. Be advised that any and all costs associated with air reservations made outside of these packages will not be refunded by AAA or the tour operator in the event of an unforeseen change and/or cancellation by you and/or the tour operator. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Rates are accurate at the time of printing and are subject to availability and change. AAA Northeast acts only as an agent for the various tour and/or cruise providers listed and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such providers. AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Member Care are applicable to AAA members only. If you book a qualifying AAA Vacations® cruise or tour package and find a valid better rate for the exact itinerary within 24 hours of your booking, AAA will match the lower rate and send you a $50 AAA Vacations® future travel credit certificate. Certain restrictions apply. Visit AAA.com/AAAVacations for full details.
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