Sightseeing, History, and Nightlife in New Orleans
Your TourHero
Hello, I'm Zaria! I'm studying at Florida State University right now! My dream trip is all about discovering the most amazing, unique places and making friends along the way. I'm excited to get some like-minded peeps to join me on this trip to New Orleans. Let's explore this historic city together and eat all the beignets we can!!!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 7 - 11, 2022
Activity Level
Light
Group Size
6 – 20
Transportation
Van
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
21 - 30
Travel interest
Meeting new people, bars & restaurants, culture, nightlife
Fellow Travelers
Naomi
Bec
Brandy
Monique
Win
Ros
Joao
Vladimir
Sybil
Eileen
Scotty
Troy
Grace
Magdelene
Desmond
Rosalyn
Evan
Miles
Mickey
Stefan
Sandra
Daphne
Ali
MisaYour Local Guide
Invasion Travel is one of the largest youth travel organizations specializing in creating life-changing and unforgettable group travel experiences that make a difference. Whether it be visiting Europe’s hottest cultural sites and cities, volunteering in South Africa, or partying in the US, the team is well-equipped with the extensive experience, training, and knowledge needed to ensure every journey runs smoothly and safely. Let them take care of all the little details for you — all you need to do is show up and have an amazing time!
New Orleans is a city everyone must experience at least once in their lives. Come with us on a five-day journey through the history of this magnificent place and explore the French Quarter, the National WWII Museum, the haunted happenings, and Mardi Gras World. You’ll get to try all the traditional cuisines, enjoy a spooky pub crawl on Bourbon Street, and learn about Louisiana’s complex history and rich cultural intersections. Don’t miss out on this tour through time in one of America’s most haunted and happening places!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
Hello, I'm Zaria! I'm studying at Florida State University right now! My dream trip is all about discovering the most amazing, unique places and making friends along the way. I'm excited to get some like-minded peeps to join me on this trip to New Orleans. Let's explore this historic city together and eat all the beignets we can!!!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 7 - 11, 2022
Activity Level
Light
Group Size
6 – 20
Transportation
Van
New Orleans is a city everyone must experience at least once in their lives. Come with us on a five-day journey through the history of this magnificent place and explore the French Quarter, the National WWII Museum, the haunted happenings, and Mardi Gras World. You’ll get to try all the traditional cuisines, enjoy a spooky pub crawl on Bourbon Street, and learn about Louisiana’s complex history and rich cultural intersections. Don’t miss out on this tour through time in one of America’s most haunted and happening places!
Timeline
- Day 1 · New Orleans
- Arrive in New Orleans
- Check-in at HI Hostel New Orleans (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · New Orleans
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Walking tour of the French Quarter
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Haunted pub crawl
- Day 3 · New Orleans
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Visit the National WWII Museum
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · New Orleans
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Visit Blaine Kern Studio & Mardi Gras World
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · Departure
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Check out of accommodation
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to New Orleans, Louisiana – where history, food, and music live together in harmony
Welcome to New Orleans, the city nicknamed “Big Easy” for its music scene, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. This historic location has a little something for everyone with its jazz clubs, French Quarter, stellar museums, and a party on every street. Check in at the hostel and use your bus tour pass to explore the city at your own pace. Relax and learn about the culture of the area or head to Bourbon Street and let the fun begin!
Day 2
Explore the French Quarter on a guided walking tour
After your first night on the town, wake up slowly, grab a beignet, and prepare to travel into the past. Today, we’ll head to the French Quarter to embark on a walking tour with a local guide. We’ll visit the St Louis Cathedral, the oldest operating cathedral in the States, check out the spot where William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams wrote their masterpieces, learn about the French Quarter’s food culture, and so much more. From the architecture to the haunted history, you’ll learn about the diverse roots that create the foundation of this incredible city.
Get spooky on a haunted pub crawl
Now that you’ve seen the historical depth of New Orleans, it’s time to look at this city from another perspective. After dinner, we’ll take a haunted pub crawl through the streets of the French Quarter and learn all about one of America’s most haunted cities. Grab a drink, pour one out for those who’ve passed, and watch out for ghosts along this creepy tour!
Day 3
Visit the National WWII Museum and explore its interactive displays
Rise and shine! We hope you’re feeling good after a haunted night in the city! After breakfast, we’ll visit the National WWII Museum, one of New Orleans’ top attractions. This interactive space tells the story of a war that changed the world through various exhibits and 4D theater. Go at your own pace and soak in the experience of the displays, the films, the sights, and the sounds. From here, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy the city. Grab some etouffee, enjoy a drink on Bourbon Street, and catch some live music at one of the many clubs. If you’re unsure where to go, check in with the hostel staff. They’ll lead you in the right direction!
Day 4
Head to the Kern Art Studio and enjoy a trip through time at Mardi Gras World
What a day we have in store! After breakfast, we’ll take a trip to the Kern Art Studio where the Mardi Gras parade floats are designed and built. This studio has been in operation since 1932 when the father-son team created their first masterpiece on the back of a trash truck. Using inspiration from European events such as Carnevale, their work became a hit. The studio has been creating parade floats ever since, and today, you’ll get to tour the studio and the warehouse. You’ll learn about the history of Mardi Gras and how the floats are made. From here, you’re on your own to enjoy your last night in New Orleans as you please. Eat a po-boy, hear some live music, and spend one last night with your new-found friends!
Day 5
Say goodbye to the “Big Easy” and hello to new adventures
New Orleans treated us well, but now it’s time to say goodbye. Grab some beignets at Cafe du Monde, take one last stroll around the French Quarter, then head to the airport for your next journey. We hope you had a blast on this trip through time and culture. Fly safe and travel well!
Accommodation
HI Hostel New Orleans (or similar according to availability)
HI Hostel is located in downtown New Orleans just steps away from the French Quarter. This newly renovated building features beautiful artwork, comfortable rooms, 24/7 staff, and common spaces for all your needs. Each bunk in the dorms comes with lights, ample storage, and personal charging stations to ensure you’re ready to go for the following day’s adventures. Get settled in this boutique accommodation and let the locals show you what New Orleans is all about! Room type: 10-bunk dormitory.
Included
- 4 nights at HI Hostel New Orleans (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- Excursion transfers
- Hop on hop off bus tour
- Walking tour of the French Quarter
- Haunted pub crawl
- National WWII Museum
- Blaine Kern's Studio & Mardi Gras World
Not included
- Flights
- All meals
- Airport transfers
- Personal expenses not stipulated
- Optional add-ons
- Gratuities
Available add-on
Steamboat jazz cruise (brunch included)
Float down the Mississippi River on a traditional steamboat! On this historic cruise, you’ll get to see New Orleans from the river while you listen to live jazz and eat a stellar brunch spread. Enjoy the live trio band and try various Louisiana favorites, such as Creole shrimp, grits, and bread pudding. Come along on this adventure for a day of beautiful sights and killer jazz sounds. Experience New Orleans the way it was meant to be!
Price: USD 40
20 spots left
Tour the Laura Plantation: Louisiana's Creole Heritage Site
Head to the west bank of the Mississippi River in a luxury van and take a tour of the Laura Creole Plantation. This restored site features a two-hour guided tour where you’ll learn about the history of the sugar plantation, Laura Locoul’s family, and the property itself. Go back in time and explore Louisiana’s complex past on this guided experience.
Price: USD 70
20 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- Welcome to HI Hostel, your home away from home while you explore the city. - Hi Hostel New Orleans
- Check out the comfy dorms, drop off your stuff, and start exploring! - Hi Hostel New Orleans
- HI Hostel has friendly staff, 24/7 support, and is located in the heart of downtown. - Hi Hostel New Orleans
- Enjoy the hostel's cafe and self-use kitchen. - Hi Hostel New Orleans
- Feel free to use the hostel's workspace or play some pool before heading out for the night. - Facebook
- You can't leave New Orleans without getting a beignet at Café du Monde! - Flickr: Mark Gunn
- Head to Bourbon Street for a drink, stellar music, and a good time. - Unsplash: mana5280
- Start your exploration by walking through the French Quarter with its colorful houses, great food, and cool shops. - Unsplash: Arun Kuchibhotla
- On your tour, you'll learn about the varying architecture and the epicenter of culture that is New Orleans. - Unsplash: Rosie Kerr
- You'll have the chance to stop at the St. Louis Cathedral and admire the oldest functioning cathedral in the US! - Unsplash: Mick Haupt
- Tonight, we'll take a haunted tour through the city's best bars and pubs, learning about New Orleans' spooky history along the way. - Unsplash: mana5280
- Learn about voodoo culture and the darker history of the New Orleans streets. - Unsplash: J Lopes
- Enjoy some free drinks and chilling tales as you make your way through the city. - Unsplash: Sérgio Alves Santos
- From videos to artifacts, you'll see it all through an interactive experience that will make history come alive. - Facebook
- Walk through time and discover the difficulties the U.S. faced during the war. - National WWII Museum
- At The National WWII Museum, you can learn about the war from an American perspective and literally walk through history with its interactive displays. - Facebook
- Today, you'll learn about the history of Mardi Gras and tour the parade float warehouse. - Facebook
- You'll learn how the floats are made and how the process has changed since the 1940s. - Facebook
- The first float was created on the back of a trash truck. Now the studio makes over 500 floats a year! - Facebook
- Take all the pictures you can before we head back to the hostel. - Facebook
- Cruise down the Mississippi River while listening to live jazz. - Viator
- Learn about Louisiana's complex history on a guided plantation tour. - Viator
- Stop by Spirits on Bourbon, made famous by the show Bar Rescue, and take a shot in the iconic Edward's chair! - Facebook