New Orleans Plantation Driving Tour

Summary

Your full-day plantation history tour begins with morning pickup at your centrally located in New Orleans hotel or a meeting point in the French Quarter. Travel in a private vehicle with room for up to four passengers for 30-60 minutes outside the city, where the energy and bustle of New Orleans melts away into the slow rhythms of the Mississippi River. You have the option of two different itineraries, either the East Bank or West Bank of the Mississippi. Both include guided visits to two historic plantation mansions and grounds lasting 1 to 1.5 hours each, and a stop for lunch midday. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy a picnic lunch outside or visit a local restaurant recommended by your guide (own expense). The East Bank tour includes stops at the Destrehan Plantation and Houmas House, while the West Bank itinerary features Laura Plantation and Oak Alley. Throughout the day, your private guide will share insights into the lifestyles and legends of the antebellum south, such as the rise of sugar, rubber, cotton, and indigo crops and how these influenced the tragedy of the slave trade, and factors leading up the the outbreak and resolution of the Civil War. The approximately 7-hour tour concludes in the early evening with drop-off back at the French Quarter or your New Orleans hotel.

Tour info

Duration
4 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Visit a plantation along the Mississippi River and glimpse into the grace, grandeur, and tragedy of early southern history on this four-hour tour from New Orleans. Gain an understanding of the socioeconomic and cultural factors that gave rise to slavery and why it became such a powerful institution throughout the south. Learn how industries such as oil, cotton, sugar, lumber, indigo, and citrus allowed New Orleans to flourish into the city it is today and why it was such an important trading center before the outbreak of the Civil War.

What’s included?

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

  • Licensed and insured driver/guide

  • Private tour

  • Plantation docents

  • Private transportation

  • Entry/Admission - Destrehan Plantation

  • Lunch (available for purchase)

  • Gratuities

  • Souvenirs

  • Admission to unplanned attraction

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 4h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

Covid Policy

  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

As of March 15, 2021, walking and driving tours are permitted with certain limits. Please check with your guide prior to booking. Masks are worn at all times while on tour, both on the plantation property and in the tour vehicle.

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

New Orleans Private Tours

About operator:

We offer private tours in and around the New Orleans area. Our tours feature walking and driving tours as well as combination tours. Tours include: French Quarter Walking, Citywide Driving, Plantation and much more!

  • 89 reviews