easy
7 hours
Suitable for visitors with average fitness levels; mostly gentle walking with some standing during mansion tours.
Discover the rich history of Louisiana’s plantations on a full-day guided tour from New Orleans. Explore grand antebellum mansions, historic architecture, and lush landscapes just a drive away from the city’s famed energy and culture.
7 hours • All ages • Up to 4 people
7 Hours
Let’s make a full day of it we will visit two plantations! We’ll rendezvous at your hotel for an introduction then travel approximately one hour up River Road to the first plantation home. If you like, after our first plantation we can stop for lunch, alternatively we can bring a picnic lunch. Then we will continue to the next plantation. We’ll join group tours lead by docents of the respective plantations. We will be immersing ourselves in the history of the Great Mississippi River Road. We’ll hear about the lives of the enslaved people that worked the land and created the wealth. Plus, we’ll learn about wealthy sugar planters and their lifestyles of legendary extravagance. You choose which two plantations or let’s have a conversation and I’ll help you decide.
Oak Alley is one the grande dames of River Road, it is widely known for the stunning corridor of live oak trees lining its entrance.
Whitney Plantation is wholly dedicated to the stories of the enslaved; it is a powerful experience. (Closed Tuesdays.)
Destrehan Plantation, in addition to the house tour, offers a changing program of demonstrations, such as historical carpentry or 19th century fashion each day.
Laura Plantation, a Creole plantation, was run by three generations of woman. The plantation story is told from the memoirs of its last owner
Overview of maps
Plantation home tour lead by one of the plantation’s own docents
Private transportation
The tours are embedded tours, with the plantation's own guides.
The drive is approximately 1 hour each way, depending on the plantation, approximately 4 hours total.
On the way, we’ll share information, I’ll encourage questions and dialogue.
This small-group tour fills up quickly, so reserve your spot well in advance to guarantee availability.
Expect walking on uneven surfaces around the plantation grounds; sturdy footwear is recommended.
Much of the tour is outdoors with limited shade; bring a hat and sunscreen especially in summer.
Stay on designated paths and follow guide instructions to protect historic structures and grounds.
These plantations showcase Louisiana’s antebellum era, reflecting the intertwined legacies of agriculture, slavery, and cultural diversity.
Efforts focus on preserving historic buildings and educating visitors about sustainable tourism to minimize environmental impact.
Comfortable shoes provide support for walking over plantation grounds and uneven terrain.
spring specific
Protects against strong sun during the outdoor portions of the tour.
summer specific
Stay hydrated throughout the day’s activities.
fall specific
Evenings and mornings can be cool; layers help adjust to changing temperatures.
winter specific