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Explore Louisiana’s Historic Plantations: A Full-Day Guided Tour from New Orleans - New Orleans

Explore Louisiana’s Historic Plantations: A Full-Day Guided Tour from New Orleans

New Orleanseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

7 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for visitors with average fitness levels; mostly gentle walking with some standing during mansion tours.

Overview

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.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Full Day Plantation Tour

7 hours • All ages • Up to 4 people

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Explore a River Road Plantation Home

Duration

7 Hours

About

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

Highlights

  • Overview of maps

  • Plantation home tour lead by one of the plantation’s own docents

  • Private transportation

Logistics

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.

Adventure Tips

Book Early

This small-group tour fills up quickly, so reserve your spot well in advance to guarantee availability.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Expect walking on uneven surfaces around the plantation grounds; sturdy footwear is recommended.

Bring Sun Protection

Much of the tour is outdoors with limited shade; bring a hat and sunscreen especially in summer.

Respect Private Property

Stay on designated paths and follow guide instructions to protect historic structures and grounds.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Great Blue Heron
  • American Alligator

History

These plantations showcase Louisiana’s antebellum era, reflecting the intertwined legacies of agriculture, slavery, and cultural diversity.

Conservation

Efforts focus on preserving historic buildings and educating visitors about sustainable tourism to minimize environmental impact.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Lightweight Hiking Shoes

Essential

Comfortable shoes provide support for walking over plantation grounds and uneven terrain.

spring specific

Wide-Brim Hat

Essential

Protects against strong sun during the outdoor portions of the tour.

summer specific

Reusable Water Bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated throughout the day’s activities.

fall specific

Light Jacket or Layers

Evenings and mornings can be cool; layers help adjust to changing temperatures.

winter specific