Discover the Deep South in this twin centre holiday staying 4 nights in Nashville and 3 nights in New Orleans.
NEW ORLEANS HOLIDAYS
Experience the Big Easy with its amazing blend of Cajun influences
Expect to find
A City Built on Music
Visit Preservation Hall, stroll through the French Quarter, and enjoy jazz in the streets, clubs and bars of Frenchmen Street.
History and Culture
From early European influences to civil rights landmarks, explore museums, cemeteries and folklore that reveal the city’s complex past.
Food Worth Travelling For
Sample gumbo, beignets and charbroiled oysters at local favourites, or book a table at one of New Orleans’ world-renowned restaurants.
Overview
The One-of-a-Kind New Orleans
New Orleans is one of America’s most iconic and culturally rich destinations. Its vibrant character is shaped by French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences, creating a city where heritage and celebration go hand in hand. The French Quarter offers a glimpse into 18th-century Creole life, with cobbled streets, cast-iron balconies and jazz drifting from every corner. By day, explore museums, leafy parks and historic landmarks. By night, discover an unforgettable music scene on Bourbon Street, Royal Street and Frenchmen Street.
But New Orleans is far more than its nightlife. Festivals fill the calendar year-round, and even everyday life here feels like a celebration. Beyond the buzz, there is plenty of tranquillity too, from riverfront parks and shaded garden districts to peaceful bayou tours just outside the city. New Orleans offers a city break filled with rhythm, flavour and stories waiting to be told.
Call Us To Tailor Make Your Holidays To New Orleans
Discover this incredible destination by yourself and explore what’s best in music, food and culture.
Speak to our Personal Travel Planners and start planning your dream holidays to New Orleans.
New Orleans Holidays
Experience jazz, history and unforgettable cuisine with our handpicked New Orleans city break offers.
Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans & Caribbean Cruise
Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans & Caribbean Cruise
14 Nights From €2499 per person
Discover the music and magic of the Deep South before cruising the Western Caribbean’s beautiful islands on this one-of-a-kind getaway.
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Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans
Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans
9 Nights From €2659 per person
For a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the USA why not combine Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans?
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New Orleans Tours and Road Trips
Hit the road from the Big Easy and discover soulful cities, vibrant music, and unforgettable Southern charm.
Discover the Deep South Fly Drive
Discover the Deep South Fly Drive
10 Nights From €2049 per person
If you are looking to find the real soul of America then Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans are the place to be!
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Rhythms Of The South Escorted Tour
Rhythms Of The South Escorted Tour
10 Nights From €3685 per person
Grab your hat and head straight to Nashville to begin this Rhythms of the South escorted tour right in the heart of 'Music City USA'.
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Deep South Discovery Escorted Tour
Deep South Discovery Escorted Tour
8 Nights From €3045 per person
An escorted tour of the nation's southernmost states bears an irresistible charm just waiting to be explored.
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Things To Do In New Orleans
Music Legends and Landmarks
Known as the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans offers music around every corner. Catch an intimate live set at Preservation Hall or take in vibrant street performances in the Marigny. Wander through the French Quarter to discover bars and clubs that come alive with live music nightly. Frenchmen Street, just outside the Quarter, is a hotspot for jazz and blues that keeps going into the early hours.
History, Heritage and Culture
Visit the National WWII Museum, regularly ranked as one of the best in the country, or explore Southern creativity at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Cemetery tours offer a glimpse into the city’s Creole traditions and ornate burial sites, while Mardi Gras World reveals the artistry behind the city’s most famous festival.
Riverfront Walks and Outdoor Escapes
Spend a peaceful afternoon in City Park or Audubon Park, with their sculpture gardens, oak lined trails and botanical collections. The nearby Garden District is ideal for a stroll, featuring grand mansions and cast-iron balconies. For something wilder, take a bayou or swamp tour to spot local wildlife and experience Cajun culture on the water.
Galleries & Marketplaces
New Orleans is a creative powerhouse. Explore the French Market, the oldest public market in the United States, for food, art and souvenirs with Creole flair. Then head to the Bywater or the Warehouse District for indie galleries, street art and stylish cafés.
Best Times To Travel To New Orleans
This is the city’s peak season for festivals, culture and comfortable weather. Mardi Gras is the headline event, taking place any time from late January to early March. Expect vibrant parades, music and city-wide celebrations leading up to Fat Tuesday. April brings the French Quarter Festival, followed by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in late April to early May. Temperatures range from 13°C in January to 28°C in May, with spring offering the ideal conditions for exploring on foot.
Summer in New Orleans is hot and humid, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C. It is the quietest time of year for tourism, which means better deals but also the potential for tropical storms. Indoor attractions and late-night music venues provide a welcome escape from the heat, and it’s a good time to experience the city at a slower, more local pace.
One of the best times to visit, with pleasant weather around 22°C to 26°C, fewer crowds and a full events calendar. The city’s parks are at their greenest, and local festivals continue through October and November. It is a perfect time for food lovers and anyone wanting a New Orleans escape with a calmer atmosphere.
New Orleans, LA, USA
Location
New Orleans sits in the southeast of Louisiana, wrapped around the Mississippi River. A city shaped by centuries of French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences, it has a distinctive character and deep cultural roots. The French Quarter is the city’s beating heart, while nearby districts like the Garden District and Marigny offer a quieter feel. Most of the main sights are easily accessible by foot, streetcar or a short taxi ride, making it ideal for exploring at your own pace.
Guides
Staff Tips
New Orleans - The French Quarter's heart and soul is a must-see, boasting a statue of Andrew Jackson at its centre and a ragtag collection of artists and fortune-tellers fringing its perimeter. It's flanked by the filigreed Pontalba apartments, the site of the Streetcar-Named-Desire-inspired 'Stella!' shouting contest held during the annual Tennessee Williams Festival.
Karen Sheals HoySales Manager
New Orleans - Many a visitor's love affair with New Orleans begins after a bite of these crusty po'boy sandwiches, made from fresh French bread slathered with mayonnaise and crammed with fried Gulf oysters or shrimp.
Karen Sheals HoySales Manager
New Orleans gave the world libations such as the Sazerac, the Obituary Cocktail, and the Ramos gin fizz. It's only fair to return the generosity by patronising any of the city's various drinking establishments. But don't drink alone. Go where the locals go, like Cure, an upscale cocktail bar set.
Karen Sheals HoySales Manager
New Orleans FAQs
How many days should I spend in New Orleans to experience the highlights?
A visit of four to five days is ideal to cover the main attractions, enjoy live music, explore different neighbourhoods, and sample the local cuisine without feeling rushed.
What’s the best area to stay in – French Quarter, Garden District, or Warehouse District?
The French Quarter offers historic charm and nightlife, the Garden District is perfect for picturesque streets and quieter stays, while the Warehouse District has modern hotels and great museums.
What’s the difference between visiting during Mardi Gras and at other times of year?
Mardi Gras is a vibrant, lively festival with parades and celebrations filling the city, but it can be crowded and pricier. Visiting outside Mardi Gras means fewer crowds, easier access to attractions, and more relaxed experiences.
Is the French Quarter suitable for daytime exploring as well as nightlife?
Yes, the French Quarter is lively both day and night. During the day, you can enjoy historic sites, shops, and cafes. At night, the streets come alive with music and entertainment.
What should I pack for New Orleans considering the weather and local style?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for warm and humid weather, comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket for sudden showers, and some dressier options if you plan on dining out or visiting jazz clubs.
Are family-friendly activities available in New Orleans, or is it best for adults?
New Orleans offers plenty for families, including museums, parks, riverfront walks, and kid-friendly tours. However, some areas and events are more adult-orientated, so plan accordingly.
Is it easy to get around the city without a car – should I use trams, walking, or taxis?
New Orleans is very walkable, especially in the French Quarter and nearby districts. The streetcar trams are a scenic and affordable way to get around, while taxis and taxis fill in the gaps.
Can I take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi, and are they worth it?
Yes, riverboat cruises offer a unique way to see the city skyline and experience the mighty Mississippi. They’re a relaxing and scenic option, especially for first-time visitors.
What are the must-visit music venues or live jazz spots in New Orleans?
Preservation Hall is a legendary jazz venue, and Frenchmen Street offers numerous bars and clubs with live music. Bourbon Street is famous for nightlife, but has more of a touristy feel.
What are the top food experiences or dishes to try in New Orleans?
Try local classics like gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, beignets, and charbroiled oysters. Visiting local markets, Creole and Cajun restaurants, and food tours are great ways to sample the city’s cuisine.
Is it worth visiting a cemetery or taking a guided ghost or voodoo history tour?
Yes, New Orleans’ cemeteries are famous for their unique above-ground tombs, and ghost or voodoo tours provide fascinating insights into the city’s folklore and history.
Do I need to pre-book tickets for attractions like swamp tours or the Preservation Hall?
It’s highly recommended to pre-book popular tours and attractions, especially during peak seasons and events, to ensure availability and avoid long waits.
