Had a great week in New Orleans. So many facets of life there were discussed in the classes each day from history, literature to cooking. Also we visited so many interesting parts of the city and enjoyed their great cuisine. The instructors were first class. Hotel accommodations were also great. Would recommend this trip to all.

We had a lovely week, met many interesting people and learned alot about a city I knew nothing about.

I hope to go on more Road Scholar programs, confident that they will be as well organized and interesting as this one. Just wish I were younger and could do the more active ones - like biking!

This is an outstanding program in an outstanding city. After visiting New Orleans I believe it is one of the most interesting and fun cities I have ever been to. This program gave a great overview of New Orleans and I came away feeling like I was well introduced to the city. I was most impressed with all the exposure to jazz, both with the program and by going to music venues on my own time. I really enjoyed the activities; highlights were the cooking demonstration and meal at New Orleans School of Cooking; the presentation on Mardi Gras Indians at Shaka Zulu's Golden Feather Restaurant; learning about and seeing all the different architectural styles in the city; the wonderful meal at beautiful Dookie Chase restaurant; the New Orleans Museum of Art and outdoor sculpture garden; and seeing by bus the results of Hurricane Katrina and rebuilding efforts in the Lower Ninth Ward. There was much to occupy ourselves during free time; I enjoyed the Natchez paddle wheel ride on the Mississippi as well as roaming the French Quarter, Louis Armstrong Park and the nearby Treme area. Our leader Sharon did a great job of keeping everything organized, keeping us informed and making sure everyone's needs were accommodated. Our instructors were full of information and zeal for their subject. I will note that there is a good amount of class time with this program and perhaps a little more than I would prefer. This is not a reflection on the quality of the program, I like to walk around and explore and therefore would prefer less class time. The hotel is nice with very friendly staff and comfortable, quiet rooms. I am looking forward to my next Road Scholar program, perhaps another one in Louisiana as I was quite impressed with my visit to this state!

This program is so thorough, well organized, and knowledgeable, I will find it hard to meet its standards elsewhere, We learned so much, the instructors were so warm friendly and knowledgeable, felt like I took a College Course with fun. Hilton downtown was perfect, had all services needed and close to everything, even though it rained all week, did not stop our trips or enthusiasm, by staff or participants

This was my 15th program and now rates among my top 2! Outstanding in every way: coordinator Sharon was the best I've ever had, each and every lecturer was dynamic, destinations beyond the famed French Quarter were important to see, food exceeded all expectations. Who knew they had such a first class Arts Museum and sculpture garden? Park Rangers who are also jazz musicians! And a Holiday Inn that was a cut above the usual The learning experience was extraordinary. Go!

This program is interesting, well organized and enjoyable.

This was a truly informative program of New Orleans! I have been interested in the city for some time and it was an excellent overview. Thanks, Road Scholar.

The trip to New Orleans is a delight. The hotel was not huge so made it easy to handle. Our room was always clean. Hotel staff was gracious and cooperative. Our breakfast was good and everythig served was tasty and attradctively served. Our leader was smart and cute and very sure of herself. She was pleasant and kind and said nice things to all of usl She had great knowledge of the city. Time flew by and that is a sign of a successful trip.

THIS PROGRAM WAS TRULY OUTSTANDING!

The New Orleans program was tops! The presenters, city tours, and local foods all contributed to making this a first-class Road Scholar experience.

Great city! Great Road Scholars! I very much enjoyed this excursion and learning about a very unique city. I hope to go back someday.

This was a very interesting tour of a place I had wanted to go to for years. I loved it!

My husband and I have attended other RS trips that we thought were outstanding and this one is right there with the others. A fabulous trip! The guides and lecturers love their city and it shows. The field trips and lectures give you a well-rounded view and information on the city and the free time allows for doing your own exploring. Either diet or fast a week before you come or wear loose clothing because you will eat and eat well. We wished we had planned to stay a couple of days after the trip to see more of the city, so I recommend doing this.

An overall excellent program - learned more about New Orleans and in a more interesting way than by reading any book. The teachers were all good, interesting and amusing, and very friendly when leading field trips. There was one in particular who was outstanding. The other participants were interesting and friendly. The food (being New Orleans) was a highlight. This was our 1st RS trip, and I'm sure won't be the last if they 're all to this high standard. I think it would be a good idea for RS to encourage people to stay on for a few days after the program has finished, to explore in more depth some of the items and places that could only be touched upon.

This program was great in every way. This was my first RS trip but will not be my last. I have seen and learned many things about New Orleans I would never be able to do on my own. Made many new friends. Looking forward to the my next trip.

This program was as good or better than the other 7 my wife and I have attended. All aspects demonstrated that much thought was given to selection of instructors, selection of the hotel and selection of the outside meals was exceptional. This is an example of good people doing a good job and all were interested in their subjects and interested in their students.

What an awesome time in New Orleans! We experienced so much it is hard to describe in such a short space. The lectures were interesting and informative while lots of humor. No snoozers here! The tours were well done and covered so very much that I would have missed on my own. The food........wow what can I say but varied and spectacular! My first Road Scholar trip but will not be my last. MR

Just spent time in New Orleans. Road Scholar is a fantastic program. am looking forward to travelling with them again.

It was clear and easy to respond to the questions.

This was one of the very best Elderhostel/Road Scholar programs we've ever attended, thanks to the energy, efficiency, and organization of our leader Sharon. The speakers and entertainers were equally talented. We especially enjoyed the jazz, for which NOLA is well known.

This was our first Road Scholar program we attended. We learned a lot about New Orleans and met interesting participants and enjoyed being with them. Would recommend this program to anyone who would like to know more about New Orleans history and customs. We're looking forward to attending another Road Scholar Program. Carolyn & Rick

I can understand why this is the most popular program. The superb organization, instructors, and experiences provided us with a deeper understanding and appreciation for New Orlwans!

This was my 7th Road Scholar program and it was one of the very best. I recommend it highly for first time visitors to New Orleans because it gives you the background to really appreciate this very special city. It is well organized and the presenters are interesting, well-prepared and funny, too! All the field trips coordinate with the classes and the evening entertainments are great too. Don't miss the beignets is you sign on for this program!

If you have always wanted to see New Orleans, the Road Scholar trip is designed to provide a lecture of details about what you will see that day. It makes it so much more enjoyable.

I recently went on a Road Scholar tour in New Orleans. The combination of interesting lectures about the city followed by a tour of what you were just told made the trip so much more valuable. I highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in New Orleans and its history and on going charm.

POST KATRINA NEW ORLEANS IS A "LESSON" (UNAPPRECIATED ON MANY LEVELS) IN SURVIVAL AND THE NEED TO LIVE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE, RATHER THAN DISRUPT IT TO FOSTER THE "PETTY" (USUALLY ECONOMIC) DESIRES OF THE HUMAN SPECIES. ONE WONDERS WHETHER THE RECENT DISASTER (SUPER STORM SANDY)WILL PRECIPITATE A REPETITION OF WHAT HAPPENED IN NEW ORLEANS OR NOT.

The New Orleans program exceeded my expectations; I got an excellent overview of the history and cultures of the city. The instructors were excellent and really worked to make our experience meaningful. The participants were friendly and inclusive.

Mary Lou from Roseville, Ca "Signature of New Orleans" has been our 27th Elderhostel and we have NEVER been disappointed. The lecturers were both very informative and personable and Sharon, our leader, was charming, helpful, and had all the attributes that make a "leader" perfect. We are coming back to take the American Queen up the Misssissippi to Memphis and I'm looking forward to all that great shrimp and oysters, and the fantastic ambiance. Great work you guys.

When you love a city and what you do, you can't help but impart all your enthusiasm and knowledge to a group that has come to learn. And learn we did! New Orleans is such an unique city, one could not get to know it up close and personal without the great leader, historians, professors and chefs that brought it alive. I'll have fond memories of my trip and I discovered there is more than humidity that hangs in the air, there is "soul." These residents don't live "in" the past, but "with" the past, and they have a true sense of their place in the world.

Rita, California

The history, the culture, the food, the music. This New Orleans program had it all! The program leader and the presenters all had compelling stories and a real love of their city to share.

It was Great.

Jim from Hamburg, NY
Number of programs attended: 14
Date Attended: 4/29/12 - 05/04/12
No. of Programs Attended – 14
This was my fourth Road Scholar program in the state of Louisiana, but my first in New Orleans. Because of the long rich history in New Orleans, one can’t help but come away with many intriguing aspects of its diversified culture. Attendees were given interesting lectures on the different types of architectural design of houses within the city, why many well know authors migrated to New Orleans to gather ideas for writing, and a trip to the museum of art and the sculpture garden. Meal locations were varied from eating in the French Quarter to foods of Congo Square. We were offered a taste of soul food at Dookie Chase’s restaurant and a cooking demonstration on how to prepare shrimp etouffe, bananas Foster, and pralines which we consumed at the conclusion of the cooking class. We were fortunate to have had seasoned Road Scholar guides who previously worked as tour guides for the city who imparted a wealth of information on life within the city. In summation, this is one program you don’t want to miss.

This program was outstanding! Lecturers not only provided a great amount of educational information, they did so with such drama and humor that they kept everyone alert all the time! Field trips, meals, hotel accomodations were also all excellent! Hardee Kilgore, NJ

I enjoyed the program so much that I've have booked another Road Scholar trip for this fall. Pat

I truly enjoyed my experience with the New Orleans trip that I took on May 6 to May 11. It was informative as the the history & culture of New Orleans.

Road Scholar hits a home run with this program. The subject matter and staff are first rate.

I was delighted with my recent trip to New Orleans and feel I have a much better feeling for the city that I would have gained from a regular trip there. The instructors were excellent.

Excellent introduction to an amazing city - interwoven histories, fantastic music, wonderful restaurants, outstanding museums and - you'll wish you could stay longer!

The New Orleans program was awesome! It exceeded my expectations and I enjoyed it so much. A great value for an amazing program . thanks, Roads Scholar!

A delightful week in New Orleans with some of the best presenters and staff in the system. I could not have had a more enjoyable week.

What a fun learning experience. Even though I am originally from Louisiana, I learned so much! Great study, great leaders, great instructors and wonderful food!

Visiting NOLA was on my bucket list for years and what better way to experience it than through Road Scholar. This program was all that I expected and more; from the field trips, the food, the jazz and the expert speakers such as Jerry McCurdy Anne Leonhard,Joanne Sealy and Nellie Watson all of whom share a passion for this jewel of a city and its history. The hotel is centrally located just outside of the French Quarter which made it very convenient. Kuddos go to Sharon our Group Leader and our bus driver Lionel who made this program so enjoyable. Tell your friends, don't keep this a secret.

Hildy from Santa Barbara, CA
Number of programs attended: 14
Date attended: 03/18/12 - 03/23/12

I was able to take this Road Scholar session after a few days in the city for a conference, so appreciated how much more tour leader Sharon and driver Lionel showed us than one would be likely to find on their own, particularly our visits with colorful local characters like Leah Chase and Chief Shaka Zulu. It was good to be able to view Brad Pitt’s post-Katrina housing project in the Lower Ninth Ward; enjoy music at Preservation Hall, the Jazz National Park, and a private concert; plus have a tasty meal at the Cooking School. The instructors are all longtime residents with a wealth of knowledge and good dose of humor. Our base at the Holiday Inn was exceptional and an easy walking distance to French Quarter attractions, and there was enough free time for more music, museums, etc. Highly recommended for a comprehensive look at New Orleans.

This is a great program for anyone wanting to visit and learn about New Orleans, very enjoyable. Bob and Judy, Springfield IL

Thanks to another review here, we stayed longer in New Orleans to enjoy a plantation and swamp tour. We also recommend the WWII museum. There is not time on a program like this for a lengthy museum visit-- so definitely stay longer. The lectures were excellent, the food varied and delicious and the excursions interesting. Our big complaint was the group size-- 48 people! It takes a while to get that many people on and off the bus (and up and down the elevators)and it was difficult to hear on excursions off the bus. We didn't get to know the other participants the way we had on other programs. Please reduce the group size, or divide the group into 2 for excursions. It would be fair to note the possible group size on the website. The hotel (Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome) had maintenance issues-- some elevators down most of the time and room fridges that froze the contents.

We have visited New Orleans on numerous occasions over a 50 year span and thought that we knew it quite well. This Road Scholar program opened our eyes to so much more of this enchanting city, as we attended the lectures and visited the historical and cultural sites.--- "A lot of bang for the buck!"

What a great intro to NOLA. We were on the go every day and got a good overview of this unique city. Special highlights: the music (terrific jazz) and lunch at Dookie Chases' (best fried chicken ever plus insight into the Civil Rights activities of the owner and his wife). I plan to visit again on another RS program, hopefully in 2012.