New Orleans: A Long Weekend in the Big Easy
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BOOK YOUR GROUP TODAY!
Cost: $375 ($75 for single supplement)
Limit: 21 people
The first time you arrive at New Orleans you will quickly realize there is no place else in the United States like the Big Easy. Every aspect of the city of New Orleans has a unique flavor. Her vivid architecture is bold; her distinctive food is full of gusto; her rich music captivates the senses; and her history is complex and fascinating. While in New Orleans you will dive deep into Cajun culture by exploring a world quite different than the one that is familiar to you. What most people do not realize is that New Orleans is a gateway to history. Spanish, French, English and Americans have all held her during some period of time. In order to control the Mississippi, one had to control New Orleans. Slavery, war, and most recently Hurricane Katrina, have been gateways to significant change in the course of history for New Orleans and the United States.
Join Boundless Expeditions Long Weekend Get-a-Ways with a fun trip to the Big Easy and see what all the fuss is about.
Itinerary
Day 1 – French Quarter Stories
Our team will touch down in New Orleans and travel to our home for the weekend, an ancient monastery on the edge of the French Quarter. We won’t take too long to settle in because the call of a great Cajun lunch and walking tour of the French Quarter will take up the rest of the afternoon. Nobody does tours like Boundless Expeditions. You’ll learn a little bit of history, meet local residents, and take in bit of shopping and jazz. You will even have a couple of hours to explore where you wish.
We will gather for dinner in the Quarter, then coffee and beignets at the world famous Café Du Monde. A final stroll along the Moonwalk will be a nice end to a day full of exploration.
Day 2 – Mayberry on the Mississippi
In the morning your team will travel across the river to enjoy breakfast at Boundless Expeditions’ favorite coffee shop in America, Tout de Suite. You’ll love mixing with the locals in this true local gem. We are now in the historic neighborhood of Algiers Point. Nestled in the bend of the Mississippi, the quiet streets of Algiers are filled with turn-of-the-century homes. Though directly across the river from the French Quarter, Algiers has become known as Mayberry on the Mississippi because of its peaceful demeanor. The neighborhood is one of the best-kept secrets in New Orleans. After our walking tour we will gather at Mount Olivet, the second oldest church west of Mississippi where we will meet some locals who will tell us their stories of Katrina and how it reshaped the city of New Orleans.
A relaxing lunch in a local river pub will prepare us for a special insider’s tour of the 9th Ward, where you will witness the devastation of the hurricane- but hear stories of hope that will strengthen your spirit. Back in the Quarter, we will take some time to visit one of the oldest continual running markets in North America, the French Market. You could take the raw oyster challenge if you dare!
In the evening, we will journey to Preservation Hall for a fun night of traditional New Orleans jazz followed by a great evening meal.
Day 3 – Cajun Madness
This morning, you can sleep in a bit before we enjoy a great southern brunch. You’ll need the energy because we will now head out for one of our famous Extreme Swamp Tours. We don’t simply look at gators or other swamp creatures—we catch them!
In the afternoon we will take a cable car tour and see some of the neighborhoods that make NOLA special. By the time we come back into the city, you will have the option of exploring on your own, visiting the world renown New Orleans Aquarium or enjoying a sunset jazz cruise on one of the only remaining steamboats in the world.
Another great Cajun feast awaits us in the evening. Enjoy southern food that will make you want to slap your momma silly. Later you will be welcome to rest contemplatively at the monastery or visit the French Quarter nightlife. Perhaps you’ll visit the oldest running bar in America?
Day 4 – Sacred Steps and Southern Goodbyes
You have had a weekend you will never forget and hopefully everyone has learned to slow down just a bit and enjoy life. For those who wish, we will do a Sacred Steps walking tour this morning where we will hear very different stories of faith and fire that have been a part of New Orleans since her inception.
A great final lunch will allow us to share our stories, our addresses and our laughter. After packing up, Boundless will take the group back to the airport in the afternoon… though you’re welcome to stay if you need just a little more of the Big Easy.
Your Guide
A little about your guide:
Shawn Small
Shawn, founder of Boundless Expeditions, is also the executive director of Wonder Voyage; an extraordinary non-profit organization dedicated to providing unique, heart-provoking retreats and customized mission-based voyages around the world. At age 23, Shawn took his first out-of-the-country trip to the Middle East and Italy where he explored ancient ruins, ate scrumptious seafood on the Mediterranean, sipped tea with desert Bedouins, and visited the catacombs beneath the sprawling city of Rome. By the end of his journey, wanderlust had become a permanent medical condition. By the age of 25, Shawn was leading groups of young people to indigenous tribes in the Guatemalan mountains, hiking through Alaskan rain forests to hidden glacier lakes, and entering ancient Celtic passage tombs in Ireland. As an award-winning author, Shawn adds an element of storytelling and cultural immersion to Boundless Expeditions that sets us apart from other companies. Shawn lives in Flower Mound, TX with his wife of 20+ years and three children, whom are also hopelessly infected with the desire to travel.