Day 1 : Fly to Louisiana

Upon arriving in Baton Rouge, we check in to Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center for a two-night stay. Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi, our hotel features an outdoor pool that overlooks the river and downtown area as well as a Great Gatsby-style speakeasy, The Tunnel. Go beneath the historic hotel and travel back in time to the Roaring Twenties during tonight’s elegant Welcome Social Hour, where we get to know fellow travelers over complimentary wine and Louisiana charcuterie.

Day 2 : Baton Rouge

Every morning of our trip begins with a delicious, included breakfast. Our first visit is to the LSU Center for River Studies to marvel at exhibits and a topographically correct 3-D map of the Mississippi River Delta spanning the size of a basketball court. We then become immersed in the culture, history, and economy of the Bayou State at Capitol Park Museum. Dive into the legacy of the charismatic yet controversial governor-turned-state senator Huey Long, feel the magic of Mardi Gras, learn about local ecology, and view a 48-foot wooden shrimp trawler as well as a rare Civil War submarine. This afternoon, indulge in lunch at LSU Rural Life Museum with time to get a glimpse into the 18th and 19th-century working class in the historic buildings and Exhibit Barn. Next door, take a guided hayride of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens for beautiful sights of specialty gardens. Later, we return to the hotel to freshen up before tonight’s Welcome Dinner at the opulent White Oak Estate featuring recipes by celebrity Chef John Folse.

Day 3 : Airboat Swamp Tour

This morning, we visit Baton Roots to meet the philanthropic people behind this sustainable community farm and hear about the Walls Project to improve local physical, social, and economic conditions. Our enriching visits continue at West Baton Rouge Museum, where we learn about processing sugarcane from field to factory. Later, take an exciting airboat swamp tour of the Atchafalaya Basin to discover Louisiana’s incredible natural beauty as we glide through the cypress forest and watch for wildlife. We continue our journey to Lafayette and settle into our accommodations with an evening at leisure.

Day 4 : Crawfish Culture

Our day starts with a visit to Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park. Encounter the 18th century as we learn about cotton production, discover local cultures, interact with costumed artisans, and more. Later, we tour a crawfish pond and facility before indulging in a quintessential crawfish boil dinner at Gator Chateau, home to baby alligators. During our time here, revel in the opportunity to hold a baby alligator during a fun meet and greet!

Day 5 : Spice & Rice

Today, we visit Avery Island to explore the only TABASCO® pepper sauce farming and production site in the world. Next, a short drive brings us to New Iberia to tour the oldest operational rice mill in the United States: Conrad Rice Mill. Learn about the variety of products they create and delight your taste buds with samples in the gift shop. Afterwards, savor an included lunch in Lafayette before returning to the hotel for leisure time. Tonight, we have dinner at Randol's Cajun Seafood Restaurant in Breaux Bridge, featuring live Zydeco music and dancing.

Day 6 : Alligator Farm

Our morning kicks off with a tour of Greenwood Gator Farm to explore the swamp life of Louisiana and alligator farming, plus we get a chance to come face to face with the reptiles! Next, feel the spirit of yesteryear during our stop at the historic Houmas House Estate and Gardens in Darrow. We savor traditional Louisiana cuisine, crafted with locally grown produce for a farm-to-table experience. Then, enjoy a tour of the early 1800s Greek-revival mansion and stroll through exquisitely landscaped gardens. Later, our journey continues to New Orleans, where accommodations in the renowned French Quarter await.

Day 7 : New Orleans

We discover “The Big Easy” today, starting with Vue Orleans. Take in 360° views from the city’s only indoor and outdoor observation deck, hear how locals fought for Civil Rights, see how the Mississippi shaped the city in the panoramic theatre, and have fun with interactive exhibits. The afternoon is yours to pursue personal interests; grab lunch at the French Market and taste a world-famous beignet, stroll down Bourbon Street, or relax at the hotel. Tonight, we regroup for an incredible dinner experience at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Feel the nostalgia of the French Quarter as a chef skilled in Cajun and Creole cuisine teaches us about the area’s famous cooking style in a renovated warehouse, then enjoy a variety of colorful and distinct dishes.

Day 8 : WWII Museum & Jazz Brunch

After breakfast at the hotel, we explore the National WWII Museum to better understand the American experience and stories behind the war. View a variety of detailed exhibits, then attend a showing of Beyond All Boundaries, a 4-D cinematic journey. Next, we celebrate our adventure with an all-you-can-eat Farewell Jazz Brunch at the world-renowned Court of Two Sisters with lively sounds of a talented jazz trio. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the renowned French Quarter!

Day 9 : Fly Home

We return home with unforgettable memories of our Southern agricultural getaway.