How long is the tour?

The Plantation Combo Tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including transportation and guided visits to both plantations.

Is transportation provided?

Yes, the tour includes transportation from New Orleans to both Oak Alley and Whitney Plantations.

Are the tours suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly, though some historical content may be intense and is best suited for older children.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Photography is generally allowed outdoors; however, some interior spaces and exhibits at Whitney Plantation may have restrictions.

Is there food available on the tour?

The tour does not typically include meals; however, you can bring snacks or plan to eat in New Orleans before or after the tour.

Are the plantations wheelchair accessible?

Oak Alley has some accessible areas, but Whitney Plantation has limited accessibility due to historic structures and terrain. Contact the operator for specific accommodations.

Explore the Historic Oak Alley and Whitney Plantations on a 7-Hour Guided Tour

Located just a scenic drive from New Orleans, Louisiana, the Plantation Combo Tour offers an immersive seven-hour journey through two of the region’s most evocative historic sites: Oak Alley and Whitney Plantations. This tour presents visitors a rare chance to witness the grandeur and complex past of the American South through its antebellum architecture, sprawling landscapes, and powerful storytelling. Oak Alley Plantation enchants with its iconic double row of towering live oaks, creating a long shaded avenue leading to the magnificent Greek Revival mansion. The estate’s lush grounds and stately columns set the perfect backdrop for reflecting on the lives of those who lived and worked here. Just a short drive away, Whitney Plantation provides a sobering and crucial perspective rarely found at other plantations, focusing on the experiences and memories of the enslaved people whose labor underpinned the wealth of the South. This site is uniquely dedicated to telling that story with detailed exhibits, preserved slave cabins, and evocative sculptures. Combining these two plantations into one tour allows visitors to compare contrasting narratives — Oak Alley as an example of architectural splendor and Southern lifestyle, and Whitney’s vital role in recounting the history of slavery with honesty and depth. The tour is guided by knowledgeable experts who provide critical historical context, answering questions and fostering meaningful discussion. This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and families seeking an educational yet impactful excursion outside New Orleans. The drive itself traverses picturesque Bayou country, peppered with cypress trees and reflective waters inherent to Louisiana’s unique landscape. Travelers may enrich their visit by combining this tour with time exploring vibrant New Orleans, from its lively French Quarter to its flavorful Creole cuisine. Whether you're fascinated by American history, architecture, or social justice narratives, the Plantation Combo Tour delivers a comprehensive, well-rounded view of this region’s layered past. As a special part of southern heritage tourism, this tour respects and preserves the sites with high standards of care and sustainable visitor practices, making it a standout destination to understand Louisiana’s cultural legacy beyond the city lights.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

7 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking up to several miles on mostly flat terrain.

Wildlife

Great egret
American alligator

History

Oak Alley was built in the 1830s and is named for its majestic canopy of 28 live oaks lined evenly over 800 feet, while Whitney Plantation is the only plantation museum in Louisiana primarily dedicated to the enslaved people's history.

Conservation

Both sites actively work on preserving original structures and educating visitors to promote respectful, sustainable tourism.

Legendary Tours is a New Orleans-based tour operator that runs guided swamp and plantation experiences across southeastern Louisiana. The company offers a range of day trips including a 5-hour Swamp Tour that glides through bayou waterways to see ancient cypress trees, native birds, and alligators while expert guides share local stories. Plantation options include visits to Laura Plantation, Oak Alley Plantation, and the Whitney Plantation Audio Tour, each highlighting architectural detail and historical context. The Swamp & Plantation Combo Tour is a 7-hour itinerary that pairs plantation visits at Oak Alley and Whitney with narrated history and on-route commentary. A separate Plantation Combo Tour bundles multiple plantation sites into a single day for travelers who want concentrated historical exploration. Legendary Tours focuses on delivering factual historical narration and ecological interpretation based on site-specific information. Tour formats vary by itinerary and include narrated walks, audio tours at specific properties, and guided boat excursions. Pickup and departure are organized from the New Orleans area to regional sites. The company emphasizes accurate storytelling about plantation architecture, the lives of enslaved and freed African-Americans, and the bayou ecosystem’s natural features. Photographic opportunities include plantation grounds, oak alleys, and swamp wildlife. Travelers should review individual trip descriptions for exact durations, accessibility details, and what is included. Availability and pickup locations vary by season and property; travelers should consult each trip page for exact group size policies, on-site rules, and potential fees before booking. Reservations are recommended for popular dates and combo itineraries.

Base locationNew Orleans, Louisiana

Tours offered6+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace