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Experience the stories that shaped a nation.
New Orleans 5-Day Itinerary: Jazz, Bayou, History & Creole Cuisine
Five nights is the right amount of time to actually know New Orleans. Available Year Round | Starting from $3,850 per Guest
Five nights in New Orleans is the complete Louisiana story. French Quarter history, the National WWII Museum, the Garden District, the bayou, Mardi Gras World, Frenchmen Street, and Creole cooking — all of it, with a pace that lets each day breathe. This is the itinerary for travellers who want to be taken seriously: a city this layered deserves more than a weekend. The Waldorf Astoria or Ritz-Carlton set the tone on arrival. From there, the days build naturally — carriage rides and cocktails giving way to cypress swamps, then to sculpture gardens and cooking classes, then to the most joyful thing New Orleans does, which is simply fill its streets with music. Private transport throughout, all reservations handled. Come ready to let this city work on you.
This is a suggested itinerary — we can tailor it based on your group’s interests and pace.
What Our Expert Designer Loves About This Experience?
Five Nights: The Full Louisiana Story
Day One – Arrivals and the Crescent City Welcome
Private car from MSY to the Waldorf Astoria New Orleans or Ritz-Carlton for a grand arrival. A private French Quarter walking tour sets the scene — balconies, courtyards, St. Louis Cathedral — followed by a mule-drawn carriage ride to close the arrival afternoon. The Sazerac House Museum private cocktail experience is history in a glass. Dinner at Antoine’s or Galatoire’s.
Experience Highlights
- Roundtrip airport transfers via private car (MSY)
- Private French Quarter walking tour
- Mule-drawn carriage ride
- Sazerac House Museum | Private cocktail experience
Day Two – The WWII Museum and the Living Jazz City
A full, immersive morning at the National WWII Museum on a private tour. The New Orleans Jazz Museum continues the cultural thread in the afternoon. An architectural guide tour adds depth to the city’s built history. The evening is Preservation Hall — an authentic, essential New Orleans experience. Dinner at Commander’s Palace or Mr. B’s Bistro.
Experience Highlights
- National WWII Museum | Private tour
- New Orleans Jazz Museum | Admission
- Guide tour (New Orleans Architecture Tours)
- Preservation Hall | Jazz performance
Day Three – Garden District, Art, and Creole Cooking
The Garden District walking tour: antebellum houses and oak-canopied streets, a very different New Orleans. NOMA and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden fill the late morning with galleries and outdoor sculpture on the lagoon. A Creole cooking class at NOSC in the afternoon is hands-on and enjoyable. Dinner at Jewel of the South or Saint-Germain for cocktails and a final evening dish.
Experience Highlights
- Private Garden District walking tour
- NOMA and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden | Admission
- NOSC | Cooking class (x2)
Day Four – Into the Wild: Bayou, Crawfish, and Carnival
A full morning in the Louisiana bayou — wildlife, cypress trees, open water. Mardi Gras World is colourful and genuinely interesting. Boiled crawfish at Frankie & Johnny’s or Blue Crab on Lake Pontchartrain is informal and completely local. A Second Line experience closes the afternoon: brass band, umbrellas, neighbourhood streets. Dinner at Dakar NOLA or Emeril’s.
Experience Highlights
- Louisiana swamp and bayou excursion
- Mardi Gras World | General admission
- Boiled crawfish experience
- Second Line experience
Day Five – Frenchmen Street, Farewell Flavours, and Departure
A Louisiana catch and cook license is an unusual, very local morning experience. Daytime Frenchmen Street has a relaxed, unhurried energy — walk the block, find a table, let the music come to you. A second cooking class at NOSC is a warm farewell if you haven’t done one earlier. Dinner at Brennan’s or Dakar NOLA for a final celebratory evening. Private car to MSY.
Experience Highlights
- Louisiana catch and cook license
- Private Frenchmen Street jazz and music experience
- Restaurant reservation concierge service
Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
Price Starts at $$$
The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans occupies the historic Maison Blanche building on Canal Street, offering grand Creole architecture, a full-service spa, and seamless access to both the French Quarter and the CBD.
Hotel Amenities
Amenities
- Restaurant & Bar
- Full-Service Spa
- Fitness Center
- Concierge
- Valet Parking
- Room Service
- Wi-Fi
- Business Center
Hotel Location
Four Seasons New Orleans
Price Starts at $$$
The Four Seasons New Orleans occupies the landmark World Trade Center building on the Mississippi waterfront, combining the brand’s signature service with spectacular river views.
Hotel Amenities
Amenities
- 2 Restaurants
- Full-Service Spa
- Rooftop Pool
- Fitness Center
- Bar
- Concierge
- Valet Parking
- Room Service
- Wi-Fi
Hotel Location
More Information
- This experience is offered year-round, seven (7) days a week.
- You can customize the starting location of your tours to fit your schedule.
- All stops, timing, and inclusions of the tours are dependent on traffic and weather conditions.
- Want to see something specific? We love to personalise our tours to suit your interests and passions.
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Quote from Our Travelers
“I just wanted to reach out and let you know that my clients had the BEST experience with your driver. They had a wonderful time and loved the driver as he was very kind and knowledgeable and exceeded expectations. I know client feedback is important to me so I wanted to pass it along. Thank you for your part in their great experience!”
2023 - Justina Brklycica
“The family enjoyed an amazing trip in DC. Please find below some of their feedback for your notes:
*LOVED the bike tour.
*ALL guides were AMAZING!
*LOVED all the history tours.
Thank you for making it a terrific trip for them!”
2023 - Nick Moran
“I have spoken with my clients and they are very satisfied with the whole service and everything related to it. (Welcoming, transportation service, the guides and the tours in Boston, NY and Washington DC as well). They surely recommend your tailor-made services in further inquiries. Thank you for your professional work!”
2023 - Valentina Atanasova
“I gave my client a call to get feedback on the trip and she said they had a fabulous time! I understand you had to pivot on Saturday because of rain and it still worked out to be a great day. I want to thank you both for your help making this a successful trip!!! I really appreciate your help and professionalism.”
2023 - Michele Vogel
“I just spoke with my client, and he told me they had the most wonderful time. He said it’s something he’ll remember fondly forever!! The cousins from Slovakia had an amazing time as well. So thanks to you and your team for a fantastic job!!! It’s no wonder Protravel recommends American Stories for touring!!! If any agents ask, I will gladly give a referral!“
2023 - Jennifer Waters
“I just wanted to say thank you for all of your wonderful help with my client’s family trip to Washington DC. I have never used American Stories and it was easy to work with both of you. Thank you and I look forward to sending more clients to American Stories.”
2023 - Linda Wolkoff
“Love working with you guys and really appreciate you, you help make my job so much easier! “
2023 - Ane Lowe
