Discovering the Old South

11 days from £1,735pp Inc. international flights

Discover the highlights of the Deep South, from the vibrant city of New Orleans, the steamy swamps of Louisiana, and the beautiful buildings and history of Natchez and Plantation Country.

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At a Glance

• New Orleans 3 nights
• Vacherie 2 nights
• Natchez 2 nights
• Lafayette 2 nights

Highlights of this itinerary

• Explore the grand antebellum homes and plantation mansions along the Mississippi.
• Enjoy the truly unique Cajun culture, not forgetting tasting the array of Cajun and Creole dishes on offer.
• Wander the streets of New Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz and home to the world famous French Quarter.

Day by Day LegendLegend

• Outbound Flight
• Transfer
• Accommodation
• Excursion
• Cruise
• Train Journey
• Return Flight

Day 1London - Atlanta - New Orleans

Fly from the UK to New Orleans, with a change of aircraft en route. Upon arrival in New Orleans, make your own way to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your flight.

Day 2New Orleans

Spend the day exploring New Orleans, one of the world's most captivating cities. A good place to start is the famous French Quarter with it's Caribbean-colonial architecture.

Day 3New Orleans

Spend a further day in New Orleans. Take a cruise on the Mississippi river on board a traditional paddle wheeler. Explore the city's Garden District with it's Victorian columned mansions. Also, don't leave town without catching some live music at one of the cities many jazz bars.

Day 4New Orleans - Vacherie

Collect your hire car and, departing the city, you will soon pass over the mighty Mississippi and then follow the winding river road upstream through fascinating plantation country, reminiscent of scenes from "Gone with the Wind".

Day 5Vacherie

Today explore the many plantation homes that evoke reminders of the days of plantation owners and slavery. Small enticing towns along the Mississippi feature historic sites, heritage museums, antique shops and art galleries.

Day 6Vacherie - Natchez

Explore the rich musical heritage of the Mississippi. This is where the blues was born, which gave birth to country music and later rock & roll. Continue northwards to the town of Natchez.

Day 7Natchez

Enjoy the charming river town of Natchez, with it's postcard-perfect stately mansions, which survived the Civil War and have been beautifully restored. Cycling and walking trails crisscross the area, many along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway.

Day 8Natchez - Lafayette

Journey to the heart of Cajun country, a truly unique part of the USA. Named after exiled French settlers, the area is famed for it's culinary delights, music and dance which reflect centuries of cultural history.

Day 9Lafayette

Cajun country is the gateway to the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest wetland area in the USA. Here enjoy the splendour and beauty of swamps, bayous and marshes that are home to an array of alligators and migratory birdlife.

Day 10Lafayette - New Orleans - Atlanta

This morning drive to New Orleans Airport to drop off your hire car prior to boarding your homeward flight.

Day 11London

Arrive back in the UK