Day 1:

Today, we travel through Missouri, Arkansas and into Mississippi, overnighting at the Drury Inn Ridgeland. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 2:

This morning, we depart for New Orleans, arriving in time for lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, inspired by the 1994 film Forest Gump. We will then meet our licensed guide for a city tour, to include historic Esplanade Avenue and continue to St. Louis Cemetery, often called the ―city of the dead‖ because of its above-ground tombs. After a stop for refreshments in City Park, we will proceed along-side Lake Pontchartrain and the city’s finest yacht harbor. You will witness some of the devastation from Hurricane Katrina in the Lower Ninth Ward. We’ll follow the St. Charles Avenue streetcar route, where you’ll see Tulane and Loyola Universities, Audubon Park and beautifully restored mansions. Our guide will also highlight the French Quarter, where you’ll see Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, seat of the old Spanish government, and the architecture that makes New Orleans unique among American cities.

We then check into our hotel, the French Quarter, Four-Star JW Marriott Hotel, steps from acclaimed entertainment and renowned attractions. Tonight, welcome to the Fun, Food & Folklore of The New Orleans School of Cooking! Our entertaining class and the Louisiana General Store are located in a renovated molasses warehouse built in the early 1800s in the heart of the French Quarter. We’ll learn the basics of Louisiana Cooking in a way you'll never forget. Fun is a primary ingredient in this kitchen! The Creole/Cajun experts teach New Orleans specialties such as Gumbo, Jambalaya and ralines, and season them with history, trivia and tall tales. It's a "ga-ron-teed" good time for all! (CB, L, D)

Day 3:

This morning, we’re headed to Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World. Mardi Gras World is magic because it is literally the place where Mardi Gras magic is made. Nowhere else can you watch the artists of Blaine Kern Studios the world-renowned masters of Carnival sculpture and float building at work, weaving spells of wonder. Walk among towering figures of fantasy. Marvel at the skill and technology that animate mega-floats. Acquire an insider’s appreciation of the history and traditions of Carnival. Take home Mardi Gras memories you’ll cherish forever. This afternoon is free! You could visit St. Louis Cathedral, Café Du Monde for some beignets topped with mounds of powdered sugar and chicory coffee, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville for a tropical drink, shop in the French Quarter, stroll through Jackson Square, the French Market, along the Mississippi River, shop in the Riverwalk, visit Harrah’s Casino, etc……….. The options are endless!

Tonight, we’re off to Mulate’s for dinner and entertainment. This legendary restaurant is recognized throughout the world as the King of Cajun Dine and Dance Halls, featuring live Cajun music and dancing along with great authentic Cajun food. Mulate’s is a place where Cajuns come to celebrate their heritage and the world comes to join them in their celebration. (B, D)

Day 4:

This morning, we depart for Cajun Pride Swamp Tours. For many years people have traveled extensively to locate a unique and exciting form of entertainment that you can only experience here the famous Manchac Swamp. This is a unique journey back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations. Swamp creatures, seeing these boats daily, recognize them as part of their normal environment. Unafraid and responsive to their boat captain's call, they peak out from underbrush and between moss-draped trees and shrubs, frequently coming directly to the boat. In the safety and comfort of the boat, you can actually come within a few feet of jumping gators. As your boat drifts through the waterways, you will learn about the Louisiana Wetlands, the inhabitants of the swamp, particularly the life and habits of the American alligator, as well as the unique history of the Cajun town of Frenier located at this property. Lunch is on your own today at Frenier Landing.

This afternoon, we will visit Oak Alley Plantation and its beautiful antebellum mansion. The story of this National Historic Landmark begins with the trees - twenty-eight evenly spaced oak trees in two rows that were planted in the early 1700’s. You are invited to enjoy Oak Alley’s beauty and to dream of her rich past as you imagine the opulence and grandeur of the 1840’s and 50’s along the Great River Road, when sugar was king. Enjoy a mint julep or lemonade after you finish touring the mansion. We’ll return to our hotel for a little rest and relaxation before departing for an evening dinner and jazz cruise aboard New Orleans’ only authentic steamboat, the Steamboat Natchez. (B, D)

Day 5:

This morning, we depart for home, stopping to overnight at Fitz Casino Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi. You will receive $5 play. (B)

Day 6:

We depart late morning, stopping in Memphis for lunch at Charles Vergos Rendezvous Restaurant. (B, L)