Dive into the history and customs behind America’s most famous street party with this half-day Mardi Gras experience in New Orleans’ French Quarter. You’ll try on costumes at the Mardi Gras Museum, learn the histories of the “krewes” that run parades and balls during the festive season, march in your own Second Line parade, drink an authentic local cocktail, and go behind the scenes at Mardi Gras World to see how they make the famous parade floats.
New Orleans Mardi Gras Tour: Interactive Parade Experience & Mardi Gras World Tour with complimentary cocktail
Summary Description
Highlights
- - Take a fully-guided tour of the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture and try on actual parade costumes.
- - Enjoy a classic New Orleans cocktail at the oldest family-run restaurant in America and learn about the illustrious Mardi Gras “krewes” that meet there.
- - Take part in your very own Second Line parade led by your local expert guide.
- - Explore the French Quarter and learn the history and traditions that make Mardi Gras one of the most famous celebrations on earth.
- - Go behind the scenes at Mardi Gras World to see how the amazing parade floats are made.
- - Eat a slice of authentic king cake.
Description
You’ll meet your small group of no more than 20 people and expert local guide (a veteran of many Mardi Gras) near the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture then head inside for a full tour. Here you’ll learn about the “krewes” or associations that run the parades and balls associated with Mardi Gras and even try on some of their elaborate costumes.
Your next stop is the oldest family-run restaurant in America, where each room is set up like a museum to the krewe that regularly meets there. You’ll get a classic New Orleans cocktail from the bar and then head up to the balcony for views over the French Quarter and a thorough debunking of a few Mardi Gras myths.
Back at street level, your guide will teach you how to form your very own Second Line parade, aka “the quintessential New Orleans art form” and you’ll learn where to go if you want to experience Mardi Gras like a local.
After making your way through the French Quarter, you’ll hop on a shuttle to Mardi Gras World where you’ll get a behind the scenes look at how the floats are made for the parades and finish your tour with a slice of authentic king cake.
Sites Visited:
• French Quarter
• Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture
• Oldest family-run restaurant in America
• Bourbon Street
• Canal Street
• Mardi Gras World
Included / Excluded
- Tickets to the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture
- Tickets to Mardis Gras World (unaccompanied by guide)
- 1 pre-selected cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage
- Shuttle to and from Mardi Gras World
- Slice of king cake
- Local Expert Guide
- Additional food and drinks may be purchased at own expense
- Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-Off
- Gratuities
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Arnaud's Restaurant, 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, US
Start Location Notes: This tour will meet outside of Arnaud's Restaurant on Bienville St. If walking from Canal and Bourbon Street, walk two blocks and take a left on Bienville. The meeting point will be outside of the main entrance to the restaurant.
Start Location Directions: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Arnaud's/@29.9557933,-90.0708813,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8620a60c3d00222d:0xe114ac5b922c780e!8m2!3d29.9557933!4d-90.0686926
End Location: Mardi Gras World, 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, US
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Due to the uneven sidewalks, exposed tree roots, and aged cemeteries, tour is NOT wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Please alert us to any dietary restrictions upon booking.
- Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.
- The walking portion of the tour is outdoors rain or shine, so please dress appropriately. Ponchos are recommended for rain while umbrellas are recommended for shade. The Garden District neighborhood experiences light flooding during summer season so rain boots are also recommended.
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 72 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
FAQ
Is Mardi Gras UnMasked tour only available during Mardi Gras?
No this tour will be running year round. Giving you a chance to experience it regardless of what time of year you visit.
Is alcohol included in Mardi Gras UnMasked?
Yes, there is one pre-selected alcoholic beverage included. If guests would like a different selection, they can purchase on their own at designated stops on the tour.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Mardi Gras Unmasked is wheelchair accessible, with limitations. The ground is uneven and the doorways can be smaller to navigate. It is advised to have personal assistance on these tours.
Can we take photos in the Mardi Gras Museum?
Yes absolutely, infact we encourage it! Take as many as you can!
Will Mardi Gras UnMasked tour still run during Mardi Gras?
The tour seasons have not been set yet for 2021 and beyond. It is likely the tour will run but with a modified schedule to accommodate street closures, crowds, and parades.
Do I need any ID for this tour?
Yes, you will need an ID for the Mardi Gras tour as a cocktail is included.
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 4 hours -
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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