Study Architecture in New Orleans

Today you’ll arrive in New Orleans, the infamous city located at the mouth of the mighty Mississippi River. The city’s roots trace back to a trading post established in the early 1700s, a far cry from all that the city offers to visitors today. You’ll spend your first hours in New Orleans getting acquainted with one of the city’s most famous neighborhoods – The French Quarter.  You’ll have an authentic creole dinner to end the day.

This morning after breakfast at Cafe du Monde, the home of the famous beignets and piping hot cups of cafe au lait, your guide will lead you on an in-depth walking tour of the French Quarter. The Quarter is made up of about 13 blocks of streets all with French and Spanish-influenced names. You’ll view well-preserved examples of Victorian, French and colonial Spanish style architecture in this part of the city. There are also a few buildings classified as Greek revival. 

A central part of the French Quarter is Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral. The cathedral is a significant historic landmark of the city and is the oldest cathedral in North America. The first church built on this site was in the early 1700s. The current structure was built and completed in the mid-1800s.

This morning you’re in for a treat. Your guide will take you to Canal Street, the upriver border of the Quarter, where you’ll catch a streetcar for a scenic ride to a neighborhood called the Garden District. St. Charles Avenue is the central artery of this neighborhood and is one of the most architecturally inspiring streets in the city. You’ll see opulent mansions and Victorian houses all surrounded by ornate gardens. 

The streetcar reaches the end of its tracks just past the Garden District in a part of the city called Uptown, near City Park and the Audubon Zoo. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to sit in the shade of the massive live oak trees in the park or walk through one of the most dynamic zoos in the country.

This morning, you’ll board a bus for a ride outside of the city. The Great River Road follows the banks of the Mississippi for more than 3,000 miles. It is also home, near New Orleans, to some of the most opulent and well-preserved plantations. Along the route, you’ll see Oak Alley Plantation, Laura Plantation, Nottoway Plantation, and tour Houmas House. Architectural styles of these homes include Creole, French Provincial, Greek Revival, and more. You’ll have the afternoon to tour the house and roam the gardens before boarding the bus to return to New Orleans.

Today you’ll travel deep into the swamp. Keep your eyes peeled for creole cottage-style structures built in the swamp and still in use by trappers and fishermen today. Your guide will show you plenty of the area inhabitants and ecosystem too. See the American alligator, iconic bald cypress trees, nutria, majestic birds and so much more.

Today you’ll spend your last day in New Orleans exploring the Warehouse District. This area of the city is home to Julia Street, an entire street of artist galleries with most mediums and art styles represented there. You can also opt to visit the National WWII Museum or the Museum of Southern Art. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat as you meander the streets of this artsy part of the city.

The time has come to leave New Orleans, and all of its rich history and breathtaking architecture. The city feels like no other place in the world. It’s truly unique and, most visitors would agree, quite exceptional. Your guide will bring you to the airport to catch your flight where you might be able to score one more beignet, or a cup of chicory coffee before boarding your flight.