New Orleans Cajun Christmas: 7 Days Escorted Tour Come south to the "Big Easy" for an enchanting change of pace this Christmas. Tour the grounds of timeless Southern plantations, and visit homes existing as they did in the 1800s. Sample fine Cajun and Creole cooking at some of New Orleans' best restaurants, and try your hand at cooking Louisiana-style cuisine at New Orleans School of Cooking. If you love music, you'll enjoy tapping your toes to the swinging sounds of Dixieland jazz and the lively beat of Zydeco! Inclusions Highlights Features Itinerary Dates Inclusions 4 nights at New Orleans' Omni Royal Orleans in the French Quarter 2 nights in Lafayette at the Hilton Lafayette in Cajun country 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners Highlights Take guided tours of New Orleans and Lafayette. Explore antebellum history at Laura and Oak Alley Plantations. Cruise the Mississippi River on the steamboat Natchez. Learn to cook Louisiana specialties at the famous New Orleans School of Cooking. Enjoy local Cajun food, music and dancing at the renowned Mulate's restaurant. Visit a festive Acadian Village decorated for Christmas. Experience swinging New Orleans' nightlife at a Dixieland jazz show.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive New Orleans
Bonjour! Make your own way to the hotel and begin your Cajun holiday in the French Quarter of the "Big Easy." Get to know everyone tonight at a reception, then stroll down the street to Arnaud's for a classic Creole dinner.

Day 2 - New Orleans/Lafayette
Today journey to Laura Plantation, where Louisiana Creoles lived separate from Anglo-Americans and expressed their uniqueness in their music, architecture, food, and society. Tour the Oak Alley Plantation, a Greek-revival style mansion and enjoy lunch, featuring delicious Creole fare. This evening in Lafayette, tour Acadian Village, a re-creation of life in the late 1800s. The Noel Acadian au Village is a myriad of lighted displays, food, nightly entertainment-and Santa Claus.

Day 3 - Cajun Country/Lafayette
The morning unfolds with a guided tour of St. Martinville and the Petit Paris Museum. After lunch, see the University of Southwest Louisiana and the opulent private homes at Cypress Lake. Tour the Alexandre Mouton Home, which houses a collection of heirlooms, local historical artifacts and Mardi Gras costumes. Dine tonight at Mulate's, where live Zydeco music and dancing are part of the Cajun dining experience.

Day 4 - Natchez Steamboat/New Orleans
This morning, you have free time in New Orleans before setting out aboard the steamboat Natchez for a Mississippi River cruise. This evening, take a short walk to the New Orleans School of Cooking to enjoy a casual, private cooking class and end with a tasting of the Cajun cuisine you've just been taught by the chef!

Day 5 - Christmas Eve/New Orleans
Christmas Eve begins with breakfast at Brennan's. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure and stroll through the festive French Quarter. Throughout the city, hundreds of spirited events take place-Gospel choirs perform in the majestic St. Louis Cathedral and restaurants serve the Reveillon, an adaptation of an old Creole dining custom. Enjoy a Southern Christmas Eve dinner at the hotel, followed by a Dixieland jazz show.

Day 6 - New Orleans
Merry Christmas! Enjoy the unscheduled morning before your Christmas lunch at the hotel. This afternoon, take a guided walking tour of New Orleans. Indulge in a sumptuous Christmas buffet tonight at Begue's and after dinner visit "Celebration of the Oaks" to examine the wonderful holiday displays.

Day 7 - Conclude New Orleans
Say farewell to the charming French Quarter as you make your independent departures. We hope you've enjoyed your Cajun Christmas, and best wishes for a happy New Year!

Travel Dates & Rates

* Guaranteed to operate
** Ask agent about our waiting list

• Booking Code: CCX

• Note: Land only rate is per person based on double occupancy. Airfare is not included. Please inquire about our competitive rates at the time of booking. Triple reduction is $79 per person. Pre/post nights are available upon request. Reservation deposit is $350 per person.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended.

Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars.