8 Day Cajun Creole Louisiana Trail Self Drive

Arrive in New Orleans, pick up your rental car, make your way to your hotel and get ready to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world. Head to Jackson Square, which is nestled in the centre of the French Quarter and is known as one of New Orleans’ most recognizable landmarks. Discover some of the other areas of the city including the Garden District, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, the National World War II Museum, Tremé, or Magazine Street. Spend the evening at one of the city’s signature restaurants before spending the rest of the night at Frenchmen Street with various musical venues featuring anything from rock to reggae and traditional jazz to Latin. Stay the next two nights in New Orleans
 

This morning, enjoy a traditional New Orleans style breakfast with beignets and café au lait. Afterwards, walk through the famous streets of the Garden District known for its variety of historic homes, from colourful row houses to charming cottages shadowed by giant oak trees. Next, take a tour of Mardi Gras World where more than 80 percent of the floats that journey down New Orleans’ streets during the Carnival season are designed and built (own expense). A must-see for history lovers, The National WWII Museum displays powerful images and extraordinary artifacts bringing to life the American Spirit, courage, and sacrifice of the young men and women who won the war and changed the world. Wind down your time in the Crescent City with an authentic Cajun dinner and finish the evening in true New Orleans style with a cocktail and some live jazz music at The Davenport Lounge or The Jazz Playhouse, and always remember to let the good times roll!
 

Today depart New Orleans and head west to Louisiana’s River Parishes, where influences from Germans, Acadians, French, Spanish, Native Americans and enslaved Africans blend together to create a regional culture – unique even to Louisiana. Explore 10 historic plantations and eat your fill of andouille sausage. Explore the outdoors with a swamp tour or zip line over the Maurepas Swamp (own expense).  End your day with dinner at one of the area’s local authentic restaurants. Overnight in Laplace
 

Head to Baton Rouge to explore the history and charm of Louisiana’s Capital city. Stop at the Rural Life Museum for a glimpse into Louisiana culture of the 18th and 19th centuries.  Stop downtown for lunch before touring the Old and New State Capitols (own expense). Head over to Mid-city for some shopping and dinner at one of Mid-City’s restaurants. Before heading back to your hotel, check out Oxbow Rum Distillery and enjoy live music at Teddy’s Juke Joint. Overnight in Baton Rouge
 

Continue west to Avery Island, home to Tabasco headquarters.  Tour the Tabasco museum and plant (own expense) before heading to Lafayette, the heart of Cajun Country.  Stop at Vermilionville and tour a living history museum and learn about the Acadian, Creole, and Native American cultures from 1765-1890 (own expense).  Head to Downtown Lafayette for lunch before heading to Parc Sans Souci for a photo op with downtown’s famous LAFAYETTE sign.  Visit one of Downtown Lafayette’s many unique shops offering a variety of clothing and furniture.  Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist to see a 450-year-old oak tree, then have a sweet treat at the last Borden’s Ice Cream Parlor in the world.  Finish up with music at one of Downtown Lafayette’s venues. Overnight in Lafayette
 

Today, head to Lake Charles and drive down the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. With Alligators, 26 miles of natural Gulf of Mexico beaches and crabbing, you will experience Cajun culture as you travel the Creole Nature Trail. Stop and learn about alligators at Gator Chateau - A Rescue, Educate, Release program which fosters orphaned baby alligators. If time permits, enjoy hands-on outdoor adventure at Sam Houston Jones State Park with kayaking or paddleboarding provided by Lake Area Adventure. Spend the next two nights in Lake Charles.
 

Today, pay a visit to 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Centre (own expense). After extensive restoration, the 1911 Historic City Hall opened its doors as the City of Lake Charles’ public art gallery and cultural facility in 2004. Explore The Imperial Calcasieu Museum, leading historical, cultural, and fine arts museum serving the Southwest Louisiana region. 
 

This morning drive to Houston and return your car in time for your departure flight.