Highlights
- City sightseeing tour of New Orleans’ past and present
- See the traditional sights of New Orleans, including Jackson Square, St Louis Cathedral and the French Market
- Explore one of the city's famous cemeteries – the historic St Louis Cemetery #3
- Witness the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
- Learn about the levee system that failed and see key breaches
- Drive through several city neighborhoods
- Small-group tour limited to 13 people ensures a personalized experience
Useful Information
Tomb in St Louis Cemetery
Next, pass the French Market and the old US Mint, drive through the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, and head east along the Industrial Canal to view the largest Hurricane Katrina levee breach, which destroyed the 9th Ward. Witness both the desolation and budding rebirth here, including Harry Connick Jr.'s and Ellis Marsalis' project: Habitat For Humanity's colorful Musicians' Village site in the Upper 9th Ward. You’ll then return to the contrasting, stately mansions along Esplanade Avenue as you make your way to the historic St Louis Cemetery #3.
Enjoy a guided walking tour through the cemetery’s large tombs before re-boarding your van for a ride along peaceful Bayou St John, where you’ll see raised houses from the late 1700s and learn about their architectural significance in a city below sea level. Then visit City Park to see the antique carousel and centuries-old live oaks before stopping for a snack break (own expense). See the London Avenue Canal Breaches and the complete destruction they caused during the hurricane
Next, head toward the University of New Orleans campus along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, where you’ll see the Causeway, which is the world’s longest continuous bridge over water. On the drive, your guide will tell you about the levee system and how integral it is to the city.
Continue past the lake’s marinas, where you’ll witness the fourth levee breach at the 17th Street Canal. Discover both the destruction wrecked upon the Lakeview neighborhood and its inspiring comeback.
Your journey continues through the Uptown district, past Tulane and Loyola universities, the 177-year-old streetcar line and the grand colonial mansions of St Charles Avenue. Make your way into the Garden District to see its renowned (and possibly haunted) historic homes.
Heading downtown, ride through the Arts District and the Warehouse Section, passing by the World War II Museum and the Superdome before being dropped off at your hotel.
Reviewed by Carmen R M, May 2013
This tour was amazing. Our guide Joseph, gave us a detail history about what happened during the Katrina's hurricane flood, and the tragic time those people lived. We saw the levees and the abandoned houses marked with the X for the National Gard . Joseph was very nice and his knowledge about the city , the cemetery, the parks, gave us a background about the city we wanted to see.
Reviewed by Vernon Paul R, May 2013
The perfect introduction to New Orleans for us, first-time visitors, thanks especially to our amazing guide, Dylan.
