Dive into the captivating history of Louisiana’s plantation legacy with a guided tour that transports you to the heart of Creole culture. Unravel the rich tapestry of the region’s past as you explore the grand Neoclassical and Georgian-style architecture of Destrehan Plantation and the opulent Houmas House. Indulge in the flavors of Creole cuisine during a gourmet lunch, blending seamlessly with the opulent setting. This comprehensive 7.5-hour small group experience offers a door-to-door journey, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable exploration of Louisiana’s enduring plantation heritage. Prepare to be swept away by the charm and allure of this exceptional tour.
Key Points
- This 7.5-hour small group tour offers guided visits to the historic Destrehan Plantation and the grand Houmas House, with a gourmet Creole lunch included.
- The tour provides detailed insights into the region’s history and architecture, with a focus on the 1811 Slave Revolt at Destrehan Plantation.
- Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service ensures a seamless door-to-door experience, accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- Visitors can explore the Neoclassical and Georgian-style architecture, verdant gardens, and captivating plantation legacies at both sites.
- The dining experience at Houmas House’s opulent setting features a menu of gourmet Creole fare, offering a memorable and satisfying meal.
Tour Details
This 7.5-hour small group tour, limited to 13 participants, is led by an English-speaking guide who provides detailed insights into the history and architecture of the visited plantations.
The tour begins with hotel pickup in New Orleans and ends with drop-off at the same location, ensuring a convenient and seamless experience for guests.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore two renowned plantations – Destrehan Plantation, the oldest documented plantation in the Mississippi River valley, and Houmas House, also known as the ‘Sugar Palace’.
Visitors will marvel at the impressive architectural styles of these plantation mansions and learn about the rich history, including the 1811 Slave Revolt at Destrehan Plantation.
Pickup and Drop-off
The tour begins with hotel pickup in New Orleans, where the guide gathers the small group of up to 13 participants. After exploring the historic plantations, the tour concludes with drop-off at the same hotel, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for guests.
| Pickup Details | Drop-off Details |
|---|---|
| From hotel in New Orleans | At hotel in New Orleans |
| Scheduled pickup times | Scheduled return times |
| Coordinated by English-speaking guide | Coordinated by English-speaking guide |
| Punctual and on-time service | Punctual and on-time service |
This door-to-door service allows guests to focus on the fascinating plantation tour without worrying about transportation logistics.
Destrehan Plantation
Destrehan Plantation, the oldest documented plantation in the Mississippi River valley, stands as a testament to Louisiana’s rich history, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s antebellum past.
Guests will marvel at the beautiful architecture of the mansion, which features Neoclassical and Georgian-style elements. The tour explores the plantation’s fascinating history, including the 1811 Slave Revolt, one of the largest slave uprisings in American history.
Visitors can wander through the well-preserved grounds and gardens, seeing the sights, sounds, and stories of a bygone era. The Destrehan Plantation experience provides a unique opportunity to connect with the region’s cultural heritage and gain a deeper understanding of the complex narratives that shaped the American South.
Houmas House
After exploring the historic Destrehan Plantation, visitors can explore the grandeur of Houmas House, also known as the ‘Sugar Palace‘ – an ornate antebellum mansion that boasts an impressive architectural pedigree and a rich cultural heritage.
Constructed in the mid-19th century, the plantation home features a neoclassical design with striking columns, intricate moldings, and ornate chandeliers that evoke the opulence of a bygone era.
As guests wander through the stately rooms, they’ll uncover the property’s storied past as one of the largest sugar cane plantations in the South, learning about the families who called this magnificent estate home.
From the grand dining hall to the lush gardens, Houmas House offers a captivating glimpse into Louisiana’s plantation legacy.
Plantation Highlights
Visitors to the historic plantations will marvel at the architectural grandeur of the antebellum mansions, which showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. The stately columns, intricate moldings, and ornate chandeliers of these opulent estates evoke the elegance of a bygone era, transporting guests to a time when Louisiana’s plantations represented the pinnacle of Southern opulence.
Guests will also learn about the dramatic history of these properties, including the 1811 Slave Revolt that took place at Destrehan Plantation.
The verdant gardens and picturesque grounds offer a peaceful respite, allowing visitors to enjoy the captivating stories that these plantations have to tell.
Lunch Menu
Guests indulge in a gourmet Creole lunch served in the grand dining hall at Houmas House, with a choice of entrees including Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Hamburger, Shrimp Po Boy, and Vegetarian Pasta.
The Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad features crisp romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, croutons, and a tangy Caesar dressing.
The juicy Hamburger is served on a toasted bun with all the classic toppings.
The Shrimp Po Boy, a New Orleans favorite, features fried shrimp nestled in a soft French bread.
The Vegetarian Pasta dish offers a flavorful meatless option.
Dessert options tempt diners with White Chocolate Bread Pudding and Turtle Creole Cream Cheese Cheesecake.
To end the meal on a sweet note, guests can savor the rich and indulgent desserts.
Dining Experience
Diners delight in the grand, opulent setting of Houmas House’s dining hall as they savor the flavors of the gourmet Creole fare. The high ceilings, elegant chandelier, and ornate decor transport guests to the golden age of plantation life.
As they peruse the menu, diners are presented with a mouthwatering selection of Creole classics, from the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad to the Shrimp Po Boy.
For dessert, they indulge in the rich and creamy White Chocolate Bread Pudding or the indulgent Turtle Creole Cream Cheese Cheesecake.
The attentive staff ensures that every aspect of the dining experience is impeccable, leaving diners thoroughly satisfied and eager to explore the rest of the plantation’s grand estate.
Tour Duration
At 7.5 hours, the tour provides ample time for visitors to fully enjoy the rich history and grandeur of the Destrehan Plantation and Houmas House estates.
This extended duration allows guests to delve deep into the stories and legacies of these iconic Louisiana plantations.
The small group size, limited to 13 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized experience as the knowledgeable English-speaking guide brings the past to life.
Whether marveling at the architectural splendor of the plantation mansions, exploring the lush gardens, or savoring a gourmet Creole lunch, the tour’s duration enables a comprehensive and unforgettable exploration of these cherished historical sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?
No, participants cannot bring their own food on this tour. A gourmet Creole lunch is included and served at Houmas House. Guests have a choice of entrees and desserts as part of the tour package.
Is Photography Allowed at the Plantations?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photos at the plantations, subject to any restrictions or guidelines in place. Photography is typically permitted in public areas, but may be limited in certain private or historical spaces.
What Should I Wear for the Tour?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended for the plantation tour. Guests should wear lightweight, breathable fabrics and closed-toe shoes for walking the grounds. Hats, sunscreen, and layers are also advisable to ensure a pleasant and comfortable experience.
Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Time?
Participants are expected to stay with the tour group throughout the day. Leaving the group early would go against the structure of the small-group tour and could disrupt the guide’s plans. Guests should plan to remain with the tour for the full duration.
Is There a Dress Code for the Lunch?
The tour operator doesn’t specify a dress code for the lunch at Houmas House. However, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, casual attire that’s suitable for touring historic plantation homes and dining in a formal setting.
Recap
This captivating plantation tour offers an immersive glimpse into Louisiana’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore the grand Neoclassical and Georgian-style architecture, learn about the region’s past, and savor a delectable Creole lunch at the opulent Houmas House.
With a seamless door-to-door experience and an expert guide, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into the plantation legacy of New Orleans.
