Jambalayan Adventure
SELF DRIVE TOUR
NEW ORLEANS | BATON ROUGE | NATCHEZ | VICKSBURG | NATCHITOCHES | LAFAYETTE
Discover the vibrant city of New Orleans, the heart of Jazz music, learn about American history and the Civil Rights movement as you visit plantations in Baton Rouge, Natchez and be sure to sample delicious Creole and Cajun cooking in Lafayette, renowned for its culinary culture.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Explore Fort Worth, the “City of Cowboys and Culture”
- Enjoy great food and music in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz
- Get your jazz on in the French Quarter, New Orleans original neighborhood
- Discover Civil War forts, batteries and miles of fortifications at Vicksburg National Military
- Experience true hospitality in Natchez, a perfectly preserved example of the Old South
- Immerse yourself in all things Cajun and Creole in Lafayette
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
Day 1 : New Orleans
On arrival into New Orleans, pick up your rental car from the airport and proceed to your hotel.
Day 2 : New Orleans
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore New Orleans on your own. Take a walking tour of the Vieux Carre, known as the French Quarter, a place of narrow streets, wonderful old buildings and beautiful courtyards. Visit Jackson Square, Royal Street, Bourbon Street and the many museums. Take a bayou and swamp tour or enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi.
Day 3 : New Orleans – Baton Rouge (82 miles)
Today, drive through unique geography, sandwiched between Lake Pontchartrain and the mighty Mississippi River to the heart of the old South, Baton Rouge, where you’ll find eight majestic, historic plantations and is also known as the South’s brightest hot spots! Visit Nottoway Plantation and relive the fascinating history. After lunch, take a free guided tour of the “New” State Capitol, the largest state capitol building in the United States.
Day 4 : Baton Rouge – Natchez (92 miles)
Continue your journey by taking the Trace Parkway which evolved from an Indian trail into a post road and pioneer highway to Natchez, the oldest settlement in Mississippi. On your way you can take a break in historic town St. Francisville and stop at one of the unique shops, historical homes, beautiful churches, or breathtaking parks. Getting closer to Natchez you may want to visit a plantation (Burn, Dunleith, Melrose, Monmouth or Longwood).
Day 5 : Natchez – Vicksburg (73 miles)
The charming river town of Natchez, first inhabited by the Natchez Indians and French explorers is the oldest city on the Mississippi. Every year people come here to visits the Antebellum homes in the area. The gracious citizens open their homes, which have been lovingly restored, so that visitors can get a glimpse of the southern prosperous life. You can also visit Vicksburg National Military Park, filled with authentically restored Cajun homes.
Day 6 : Vicksburg – Natchitoches (170 miles)
Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern-day attractions. Described as the “Key to the South” by Abraham Lincoln, it carries a history unlike any other Civil War city. Founded in 1811, Vicksburg grew as a vital river port city. Today, it is a popular spot for tourists to learn about the battles of the city, taste the cuisine, visit the many museums, and pick out the perfect souvenir.
Day 7 : Natchitoches - Lafayette (144 miles)
Today explore the picturesque small town Natchitoches. Enjoy a piece of Natchitoches meat pie, a regional delicacy. Drive back south through Alexandria, Ville Platte and Opelousas to Lafayette, the heart of Cajun Country where the Acadians, or Cajuns, started arriving in 1765. Today they are famous for their joie de vivre reflected in their lively dancing, music and spicy food.
Day 8 : Lafayette – New Orleans
A short drive from Lafayette takes you to New Iberia and Avery Island, the birthplace of Tabasco sauce. Other attractions include Jungle Garden and Bird City, a sanctuary filled with flurries of snow-white egrets. Continue to Morgan City, the “Shrimp Capital of the World,” and Houma, where you can take an optional boat tour into the deep swamp and bayou to see alligators and other wildlife. Following the scenic route, and perhaps stopping at Terre Bonne or Southdown Plantation, you will arrive in New Orleans.
Day 9 : Depart New Orleans
Return your car at the airport where your tour comes to an end and board your flight back to the UK.
