Black History trips to New Orleans

Begin your day with a 3-hour city tour of New Orleans, taking in the city's stunning sights with a professional guide. Cruise past historical landmarks like the French Quarter and the Garden District, and visit the lakefront area and 17th Street Canal, site of the breach during Hurricane Katrina. Along the way, delve into New Orleans' rich history, including stops at the city's best museums. For lunch, stop at the Deja Vieux Food Park in the Lower Garden District, where food trucks offer tasty, casual street food in a laid-back atmosphere.

In the afternoon, travel by private coach to the Whitney Plantation, just outside New Orleans. The Whitney is one of the few plantations focused on telling the stories of the enslaved people rather than the plantation owners. You'll embark on a guided tour, exploring Habitation Haydel and learning about the daily lives and legacies of those enslaved by the Haydel family from 1830-1860. The plantation’s memorials and exhibits, including the History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery in Louisiana, provide a powerful and moving reflection on the lives of enslaved men, women, and children. To further enrich your visit, you can download the "Whitney Plantation" app for a self-guided audio tour, which complements the staff-led experience with additional historical content.

Explore the vibrant Treme Neighborhood on a guided tour, one of the oldest African-American neighbourhoods in the U.S. Begin by visiting Saint Augustine Catholic Church, a historic site central to the city’s Black Catholic community. Next, head to the New Orleans African American Museum, which showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage and history. Make your way to Congo Square, a significant site where enslaved Africans gathered for cultural expression and music, giving birth to New Orleans' unique music scene. Continue to the Backstreet Cultural Museum, a treasure trove of local Black culture, highlighting Mardi Gras Indian traditions and the city’s brass band heritage.

Enjoy this free time to explore New Orleans at your own pace, taking in the sites that you want to see. We would recommend popping into Johnny’s Po’Boys operating out of the same French Quarter storefront since 1950. This family owned lunch counter has nearly 50 oversized Po’Boys (traditional baguette sandwiches) on the menu. Alternatively, why not visit Cafe du Monde, for New Orleans’ signature pastry, the beignet, first introduced to the city by the French immigrants who made up the city’s first European settlers. Each light, puffy treat is a fried fritter of yeasted dough, dusted with powdered sugar and best eaten fresh, with a cup of coffee to wash it down.

Spend your final day in New Orleans with a Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Mississippi River Cruise, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the iconic river and learn about the area’s rich history. After the cruise, head to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve to explore the Battle of New Orleans site, where history comes alive as you learn about the pivotal 1815 battle. The park offers fascinating exhibits and walking trails, immersing you in the city's colonial past. After a day full of exploration, it's time to return home, carrying with you the memories of New Orleans' vibrant culture and rich history.