Themed & Special Events, Escorted Vacations, Food & Wine

Package details include: The events calendar for this iconic Southern port city defines it through music and food. And that's no surprise. This, after all, is where jazz grew hot and some of America's most notable chefs sizzle. Walker Percy wrote of it's mysterious allure; Paul Prudhomme blackened his skillets here; Wynton Marsalis, Fats Domino and Harry Connick Jr. call it home. During your trip, enjoy the French Quarter Festival with three days of free entertainment, including more than 150 performances on 15 stages. Held annually in mid-April, great food, impromptu performances, special events and some of Louisiana's greatest jazz and blues musicians make this one of Louisiana's top festivals. Visitors can stroll stage to stage, take in the Quarter's historic architecture, stop in at an art gallery or grab a bite to eat at dozens of restaurants. The French Market is always a great place for souvenir shopping. There are 60 food and beverage booths throughout the fair. Making up the “World's Largest Jazz Brunch,” the booths serve such local delicacies as Cajun meat pies, oyster patties, alligator sausage, gumbo, red beans and rice and jambalaya. April's French Quarter Festival gives women travelers time and place to get acquainted with the delectable sounds and tastes of “N'Awlins.” You'll also learn about the city's past at Laura Plantation, one of the last surviving Creole estates, before honing your gumbo-making skills at The New Orleans School of Cooking the next day. Your package also includes a walking tour of the French Quarter and an escorted 3-hour city tour aboard a private motor coach. The Big Easy is alive and kickin'-we “ga-ron-tee!” Price includes: 4 nights accommodations at the Hotel St Marie in the French Quarter Daily continental breakfast, 1 lunch and 3 dinners, including a dinner at the New Orleans School of Cooking Champagne reception and Welcome dinner to get acquainted with your fellow travelers French Quarter Festival with three days of free entertainment, including more than 150 performances on 15 stages Tour of Laura and Oak Alley Plantations Walking Tour of Secret Courtyards of the French Quarter Private motor coach and guide for 3-hour city tour of New Orleans, including Mardi Gras Museum Services of a AAA Sojourns tour escort Hotel porterage and all taxes Limitations and Restrictions *Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Due to the event's "festive" environment, this tour is not recommended for children. Single supplement may apply. Unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement and vary by provider. Offers valid for new bookings only. Member benefit is per person and applies to first and second traveler only. Member benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or cancelled subject to the travel providers policies. Black out dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of publication, but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance.

Day 1 - Arrive in New Orleans
Arrive in New Orleans and transfer to the hotel on your own. The hotel is located in New Orleans' French Quarter which has a reputation as one of the world's most famous and fascinating places to visit. The French Quarter is home to great New Orleans hotels, world famous restaurants, art and antique shops, jazz and music clubs, all situated in an architectural history lesson. Enjoy a Champagne Reception and welcome dinner to get acquainted with your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Hotel St Marie - 4 nights

Day 2 - Plantations
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Laura Plantation, one of the last surviving Creole plantations. Learn about the lives of the plantation residents, masters, slaves, women and children. Then, travel to Oak Alley Plantation, one of the Mississippi Valley's most spectacular settings. Enjoy a Creole buffet lunch under her beautiful oak trees. Known as the “Grand Dame of the Great River Road”, this antebellum home was built by the Southern aristocracy in 1839. Tour the “Big House” and then you can stroll the beautiful grounds!

Day 3 - New Orleans
After breakfast, take a comprehensive city tour of New Orleans. Beginning with the French Quarter, travel along the riverfront and through the Faubourg Marigny with a stop at the Old St. Louis Cemetery. The tour continues through City Park to the Lakefront area and then moves "uptown" to the Carrollton area, the University District, St. Charles Avenue, and the Garden District. Visit Mardi Gras World where you'll learn about the history of Mardi Gras and view the most fantastic floats ever built for carnival. Lunch is on your own and afternoon is free to enjoy the French Quarter Festival. This weekend, New Orleans is transformed into the largest free music festival in the south. Listen to free concerts playing everything from gospel to jazz, from Cajun to Zydeco. Sample foods from popular local restaurants.

This evening, learn about Louisiana specialties in a private cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Enjoy the dishes prepared during dinner following the class.

Day 4 - New Orleans
Following breakfast, take a walking tour of the courtyards of the French Quarter. As you walk through locked doors and secluded courtyards, learn about the remarkable lives of five generations of one New Orleans' Creole family. From grand townhouses to simple cottages and original slave quarters, hear about Creoles, Free people of Color and slaves. Lunch is on your own. Free time to enjoy the city and the French Quarter Festival. Join your group this evening for a farewell dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

Day 5 - Depart New Orleans
After breakfast, say farewell to New Orleans and transfer to the airport for your flight home.