Itinerary

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5 NIGHT BIG EASY EXTRAVAGANZA

SUNDAY, APRIL 6 – FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025

DAY 1, SUNDAY APRIL 6

ARRIVE NEW ORLEANS

Guests of Ramona Ranch Winery will be met upon arrival at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and transferred to the Hotel Monteleone in the heart of the city’s famed French Quarter. Tonight enjoy welcome cocktails and dinner with Micole Moore & Teri Kerns. (D)

DAY 2, MONDAY APRIL 7

FRENCH QUARTER / ACME OYSTER HOUSE / 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-America 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 Acme Oyster House for splendid seafood luncheon. At 6pm join Micole and Teri for a winetasting of their latest vintages. Dinner is at leisure tonight. (B,L)

DAY 3, TUESDAY APRIL 8

NEW ORLEANS – COOKING SCHOOL / DAY AT LEISURE / BRENNAN’S DINNER

This morning stroll a few short blocks to the New Orleans School of Cooking and participate in a private “Hands-On” cooking class followed by lunch. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the Big Easy. TIP: The National WWII Museum on Magazine Street is well worth a visit. Tonight enjoy “haute Creole” cuisine paired with the wines of Ramona Ranch Vineyards at Brennan’s. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, this extraordinary establishment is consistently rated one of the top restaurants in the United States. (B,D) 

DAY 4, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9

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 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 10

BAYOU SWAMP CRUISE / DINNER PARADE TO ANTOINE’S

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. Enjoy an authentic and intimate view of the swamp and it’s inhabitants. Coast along the Cyprus-lined bayou and enjoy stories of the Manchac swamp while floating among the breathtaking flora and fauna. Following your tour, enjoy lunch on Lake Pontchartrain at Frenier Landing. Return to the Hotel Monteleone by 4pm. Tonight enjoy farewell cocktails followed by dinner at Antoine’s — established in 1840 — it is the oldest family-operated restaurant in the United States as well as the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, FRIDAY APRIL 11

ADIEU NEW ORLEANS!

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

Included:

  • 5 nights at historic Hotel Monteleone
  • Airport transfers from/to New Orleans Airport
  • 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 special dinners
  • French Quarter walking tour
  • Acme Oyster House luncheon
  • Cajun Cooking Class at the New Orleans School of Cooking
  • Wine tasting with Micole Moore & Teri Kerns
  • Private Hands-On Cooking Class
  • Dinner at Brennan’s with wines of Ramona Ranch Winery
  • Houmas House Plantation tour and luncheon
  • Bayou Swamp tour and Cajun luncheon
  • Private Group Jazz Parade to Antoine’s Restaurant
  • Farewell dinner at Antoine’s Restaurant

NOTE: Tour components may be rearranged or scheduled on other days, subject to availability of venues at time of confirmation.

     

Disabilities and Wheelchairs
Persons with a walking disability or an injury, or who require a wheelchair/scooter or other mobility devices, must have another dedicated person traveling with them to assist/push, etc. Expanding Horizons staff and other guests are not available to assist persons with limited mobility. On customized tour programs, the Expanding Horizons tour manager is authorized to remove or ask to leave from the tour, any traveler incapable of, unwilling to, or impeding the overall movement and progress of the tour group.

Expanding Horizons reserves the right to amend the program and provide alternative arrangements without notification.