Click to Enlarge

DAY 1, SUNDAY APRIL 11

ARRIVE NEW ORLEANS / WELCOME DINNER

Guests of Charles Krug Winery will be met upon arrival at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (code: MSY) and transferred to the Hotel Monteleone in the heart of the city’s famed French Quarter. Tonight enjoy welcome cocktails and dinner with Angelina Mondavi. (D)

Overnight: Hotel Monteleone (5 nights)

DAY 2, MONDAY APRIL 12

FRENCH QUARTER / FELIX’S RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR / WINE TASTING

After breakfast join a guided walking tour through the French Quarter, one of America’s most historic and interesting urban centers. Here Spanish, French, African and Anglo-American cultures have merged into a 300-year-old potpourri of fascinating restaurants, shops and businesses. View Jackson Square, the Cabildo, Presbytère Museum, St. Louis Cathedral and the French Market. Hear how Jazz, Voodoo, Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street became synonymous with the Crescent City. At midday dine at the renowned Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar for a splendid seafood luncheon. At 6pm join Angelina Mondavi for a wine tasting of the latest vintages from Charles Krug Winery. Dinner is at leisure tonight. (B,L)

DAY 3, TUESDAY APRIL 13

COOKING CLASS / Galeriè de Galatoire DINNER

This morning walk to the New Orleans School of Cooking and participate in a private demonstration class followed by lunch. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the Big Easy. Your Expanding Horizons tour escort can arrange a wide variety of special guided tours. The National WWII Museum is extraordinary and a “must do” for any history lover. Tonight, dine on “haute Creole” cuisine paired with Charles Krug wines at the iconic Galatoire’s intimate, private dining space located just around the corner, Galeriè de Galatoire on historical Royal Street, known as one of the largest, non-hotel, dining rooms in the French Quarter. (B,L,D)

DAY 4, WEDNESDAY APRIL 14

HOUMAS HOUSE PLANTATION

This morning depart the hotel to visit Houmas House, a magnificent antebellum mansion that was a sugarcane plantation throughout the 1800’s. The house displays many rare artifacts and period artwork from its 250-year history. Hear the history of the house and plantation life. Before lunch at the Dixie Café, there is time to explore the 38 acres of sculpted gardens and surrounds. Dinner is at leisure this evening. (B,L)

DAY 5, THURSDAY APRIL 15

CAJUN PRIDE SWAMP TOUR /OAK ALLEY PLANTATION / FAREWELL DINNER

Enter another world today, into the bayou swamps synonymous with Louisiana. This is Cajun country. The residents are mostly descendants of Acadians from Nova Scotia, who emigrated from Canada to French-owned Louisiana in 1765. Board a Cajun Pride Swamp Tours boat to experience the unique flora and fauna of the bayou, floating through marvelous, old-growth Cypress forests teeming with wildlife. Afterward, we journey through the heart of plantation country to the magnificent Oak Alley Plantation, where you will be greeted with a refreshing Mint Julep, the South’s signature welcome cocktail. Get spicy with a traditional crawfish and seafood boil lunch accompanied with Cajun music and dancing. Following lunch, enjoy free time to explore the grounds, gardens, and gift shop. Return to the French Quarter for one of the most beloved traditions of New Orleans, a Second Line Parade! Grab an umbrella and join the fun as the acclaimed Brass Band Parigi leads the way through the historic French Quarter with the infectious sounds of traditional New Orleans jazz. Tonight indulge in a Farewell Dinner at the world-renowned Antoine’s Restaurant, the oldest family-owned restaurant in the United States. Dinner will be paired with the wines of Charles Krug Winery. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, FRIDAY APRIL 16

ADIEU NEW ORLEANS!

After breakfast you will be transferred to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport (code: MSY) for onward flights. (B)