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Signature City New Orleans: An Unforgettable City Of Mystery and Intrigue

Program Number: 2856RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/14/2012 - 10/19/2012; 10/13/2013 - 10/18/2013; 10/20/2013 - 10/25/2013; 11/3/2013 - 11/8/2013; 11/10/2013 - 11/15/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Price starting at: $1,256.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Signature Cities
Meals: 12; 4 Breakfasts, 1 Brunch, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Dubbed affectionately by some as the northernmost Caribbean city, New Orleans revels in its giddy blend of European refinement and carefree effervescence, a place where virtue and vice are celebrated in equal measure. Surrender to the intoxicating charms of “the Crescent City” that have long fascinated artists, writers, musicians and scholars. Experience live New Orleans jazz, take field trips inside and outside the French Quarter and Garden District, get perspectives on architectural and literary landmarks and enjoy unique culinary adventures.




Highlights

• On a bus excursion, see Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou St. John, the city’s famed above-ground cemeteries and St. Charles Avenue, including a walk in the Garden District to take in its historic architecture.
• Hear live jazz performances at Fritzel’s and Irvin Mayfield’s jazz clubs.
• Enjoy a cooking demonstration as you dine at the New Orleans School of Cooking.



Activity Particulars

Moderate walking and standing.



You may enjoy a comparable educational program at a lower price six blocks from the French Quarter, "Signature City New Orleans: America's City of History, Culture and Celebration" (#1475) or take a look at our new program about the city’s saints and sinners (#18497).




New Orleans

The Crescent City is among the United States' most unique and colorful cities, owing in part to the various heritages and cultures that influenced its growth over the past 300 years, including Cajun, Creole and French, a rich blend apparent in everything from the city’s architecture and cuisine, to its dialects and corner cafés.
Accommodations
Elegant hotel with outdoor pool in the heart of the French Quarter.
Meals and Lodgings
   Royal Sonesta
  New Orleans, Louisiana 5 nights
 Royal Sonesta
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Your home for five nights is the elegant Royal Sonesta Hotel, in the heart of the French Quarter, right on Bourbon Street, where you are only steps from The Mississippi River, entertainment, great restaurants, antiques and much more. We also request inside rooms for our participants so that noise will not be a problem.
  Contact info: 300 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA 70140 USA
phone: 504-586-0300
  Room amenities: Flat screen TV Desk with complimentary wireless Internet Mini-bar In-room movies and video games Pillow top mattresses and king size pillows Iron and ironing board Hair dryer and make-up mirrors In-room electronic safe
  Facility amenities: An outdoor pool, deck, and fitness room on 3rd floor. are available. Wired and wireless high-speed Internet available in the lobby, pool deck and courtyard, as well as all guest and meeting rooms. Services include tour desk concierge, dry-cleaning, turn-down service, daily newspaper, language translation assistance and travel agency.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $184/night plus tax and avail Pre / Post stays usually available at a rate of $184 + depending on availability. Price of rooms for additional nights dependent on time of year and availability. Price is not guaranteed and is subject to change by the hotel. See Pre/Post Hotel Information
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $184/night plus tax and avail Pre / Post stays usually available at a rate of $184 + depending on availability. Price of rooms for additional nights dependent on time of year and availability. Price is not guaranteed and is subject to change by the hotel. See Pre/Post Hotel Information
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Hotel check in: Sunday 4:00 pm. If you arrive earlier you can check in if your room is available. Bellmen will store your luggage until your room is ready. Registration: 4:30 pm. Orientation: 4:45-6:15pm. Dinner: 6:30 pm. You will be staying at Royal Sonesta that night.
  End of Program:
Brunch: walk to Court of Two Sisters 8:50-11am. Hotel checkout: Noon. Bellmen will store luggage if you are leaving later. You will be staying at Royal Sonesta the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking available for $16 per day. This is special Road Scholar rate.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  New Orleans, Louisiana
  Nearest highway: Interstate 10
  Nearest airport:  New Orleans, Louis Armstrong
  From End of Program
  Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airport Code: MSY)

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Airport Shuttle
phone: 504-522-3500

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$15--subject to change
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

5 miles
   

Kenner is suburb of New Orleans. Shuttle is outside luggage pickup area. It is cheaper to take Taxi for 2-4 persons. $28 for 2 plus extra for 3rd and 4th person. Train/bus station is 7 blocks from hotel. Taxis are available.
 
Driving Directions
  Royal Sonesta Hotel From West 1. Follow I-10 East to New Orleans Business District (Do not take I-610). 2. Continue to follow I-10 East and follow the I-10 Slidell Exit. 3. Continue on I-10 to Orleans Ave/Vieux Carre(Orleans Avenue becomes Basin Street as it curves toward the French Quarter). The exit will be on your right. 4. Take Basin St to Conti Street and turn left. 5. Follow Conti Street for 2 blocks and immediately past Bourbon Street, turn right into the Royal Sonesta garage.
  Royal Sonesta from East 1. Follow I-10 West to the Orleans Ave/Vieux Carre (Orleans Avenue becomes Basin Street as it curves toward the French Quarter). The exit will be on your left. 2. Take Basin Street to Conti Street and turn left. 3. Follow Conti Street for 2 blocks and immediately past Bourbon Street and turn right into the Royal Sonesta garage.
  Royal Sonesta from North I-12 After crossing Lake Pontchartrain, you will be on Causeway Boulevard. 1. Continue over the interstate, veering to the right and take the I-10 East to New Orleans Business District. 2. Follow I-10 East to the New Orleans Business District (Do not take I-610) 3 .Continue to follow I-10 East and take the I-10 Slidell exit. 4. Continue on I-10 to Orleans Avenue/Vieux Carre (Orleans Avenue becomes Basin Street as it curves toward the French Quarter). The exit will be on your right. 5. Take Basin Street to Conti Street and turn left. 6. Follow Conti Street for 2 blocks and immediately past Bourbon Street, turn right into the Royal Sonesta garage.
  Royal Sonesta from North I-55 1. Follow I-55 heading South. 2. I-55 and I-10 East will intersect, stay to the left and follow I-10 East to New Orleans Business District. (Do not take I-610) 3. Continue on I-10 to Orleans Ave/Vieux Carre Exit(Orleans Avenue becomes Basin Street as it curves toward the French Quarter). 4. Take Basin Street to Conti Street and turn left. 5. Follow Conti Street for 2 blocks and immediately past Bourbon Street, turn right into the Royal Sonesta garage.
Elevation Note: Totally flat terrain

Equipment Requirements: No equipment
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Orientation, introductions, Dinner, Jazz performance
(Sunday, October 14)
   
 Afternoon: Visit our website for more of our programs:www.noeh.org. ABOUT OUR ITINERARY: There will be special surprises and A UNIQUE WAY OF EXPERIENCING THE CUISINE OF NEW ORLEANS. We utilize the "DINE AROUND" concept. It enables all participants to have the best dining experience possible by dining in small groups of 12 (tables of 4 or 6) with different participants at different meals. Our goal with this format is to also encourage interaction between participants in an enjoyable setting. REGISTRATION & ORIENTATION - 4:30 PM Chance to meet your fellow participants and your director for the week. Receive your packet of information and learn about the week's schedule, all the great adventures and dining venues we have planned for you. You won't want to miss this first episode of the City of Mystery and Intrigue.
 Dinner: Dinner IN THE ROYAL SONESTA HOTEL - 6:30 PM Don't be fooled- this restaurant is no ordinary hotel eatery. You will be treated to a fabulous meal with impeccable surroundings and service.
 Evening: Music abounds right inside our hotel at Irwin Mayfields Jazz club. Enjoy or get a good night sleep for a busy day tomorrow!
   
Accommodations: Royal Sonesta
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: N.O. Culure lecture, field trip to city, voucher for Jazz
(Monday, October 15)
   
 Breakfast: CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL
 Morning: CLASS - "NEW ORLEANS CULTURE AND HISTORY-'IT'S A NEW ORLEANS THING' ". Hear about New Orleans traditions, celebrations, and its people. This entertaining class is taught by a true humorist who has participated in and lived here all her life. She oozes with "joie de vivre" that makes New Orleans locals so unique and memorable.
 Lunch: Lunch each day will be New Orleans special! One day will be at the famous Commanders Palace-previous winner of the James Beard award!
 Afternoon: CLASS - "OUTSIDE THE FRENCH QUARTER"- OVERVIEW OF THE CITY WITH YOUR TEACHER ON BOARD MOTORCOACH. Places you will see today include: 25 mile wide Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou St. John) a waterway through the city), City Park and its magnificent oak trees, above ground cemeteries, St Charles Avenue, the "avenue of mansions" in the Garden District with its magnificent architecture and gardens. You will also get to see some of the areas of New Orleans devastated by the hurricane.
 Dinner: Monday through Thursday- 3 evenings-dine at some of New Orleans finest restaurants offering 4-5 course meals. ONE NIGHT YOUR DINNER WILL BE ON YOUR OWN (RESTAURANT OF YOUR CHOICE) AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE. Yes, another meal - it's still early in the week-we promise not to weigh you on your exit from the program. NOTE: NIGHT YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN COULD VARY FROM PERSON TO PERSON. YOU WILL BE EATING AT Bourbon House, Palace Cafe and Muriels. (These restaurants are subject to change but comparable restaurants of high quality are always used.)
 Evening: Use your free time after dinner to experience the night life in the French Quarter-hear some jazz at Preservation Hall or Fritzels (vouchers provided).
   
Accommodations: Royal Sonesta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Lecture: Louisiana Politics, picnic,Architecture lecture and excursion
(Tuesday, October 16)
   
 Breakfast: CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AT HOTEL
 Morning: CLASS-"Louisiana Politics-The Art of the Improbable" This is a FASCINATING class. Don't miss this one -we promise that when you return home you will amaze your friends and family when you recount some of the happenings. Your instructor is one of the teachers who has been with the program since its inception in 1993. A regular New Orleans encyclopedia you will no doubt enjoy his perspectives and real New Orleans pedigree. He is a native, born and raised, who vows never to leave and can't imagine living anywhere else.
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant
 Afternoon: Class: New Orleans archictecture followed by a walk in the beautiful Garden District with your instructor. See the various types of iron works, architecture and historic homes--all with a wonderfully informed teacher who also builds miniatures for New Orleans construction.
 Dinner: Dinner at one of our premier restaurants.
 Evening: Free time, after dinner for more night life, music, and New Orleans culture. Remember to use your vouchers for Fritzels and Preservation Hall--more New Orleans music.
   
Accommodations: Royal Sonesta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Sculpture Garden, New Orleans Museum of Art, Mardi Gras Indians and performance, Katrina museum and Mardi Gras Museum
(Wednesday, October 17)
   
 Breakfast: CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL
 Morning: Visit the beautiful Sculpture Garden and New Orleans Museum of Art in our beautiful City Park.
 Morning: You will be amazed at our next lecture and performance. A genuine Mardi Gras Indian explains the mysterious cultural group at his Golden Feather restaurant where you will enjoy African food and marvel at magnificent Mardi Gras Indian costumes and artwork.
 Lunch: See DAY 2 for information. We know that you must be famished-so get ready to experience another great meal.
 Afternoon: Use your vouchers to visit the Louisiana history museum in the Cabildo or the Katrina museum as well as the Mardi Gras museum inside the Presbytere. Or visit on your own the World War II Museum, Museum of Southern Art, or the Contemporary Arts Museum. On your own ride the Natchez Paddlewheeler on the Mississippi.
 Dinner: Tonight dinner will be on your own. By now your shoes are getting tighter-it's not from the walking-it's from the eating!
 Evening: Free time, after dinner for more night life, music, and New Orleans culture. Music in our beautiful hotel Mystic Den or everywhere you turn. Use your voucher for Cafe au Lait and Beignets at world famous Cafe du Monde.
   
Accommodations: Royal Sonesta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5:
(Thursday, October 18)
   
 Breakfast: CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL
 Morning: CLASS-"LITERARY LANDMARKS". THIS CLASS EXPLORES WRITERS WHO LIVED IN AND WROTE ABOUT THE FRENCH QUARTER. Among the notables are Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, John Kennedy Toole, and 3 women writers. Your lecturer is a local treasure. She is the managing editor of the Tennessee Williams Journal, a literature and creative writing teacher and has taught post graduate courses for teachers. Her love of literature combined with the love of her city makes her a natural choice to teach this class. Her sharing is sure to inspire you to add to your "must read" list. And don't be surprised if you don't get a faint whiff of jasmine as you turn the pages.
 Lunch: Enjoy the New Orleans School of Cooking today--Learn how to cook "Creole" and enjoy the creation for your lunch. Pralines will complete your meal--best in town.
 Afternoon: Free time for some last minute shopping or use your vouchers at the museums. On your own visit the Aquarium or Imax theatre. Peruse antiques on Royal Street or visit Pat O'Brians unique patio--you might even want to have a Hurricane.
 Afternoon: Explore the Cabildo and Prebytere in Jackson Square. History in one, Mardi Gras in the other. Vouchers are given so you may go at your own pace.
 Dinner: Enjoy your last Dinner at another special New Orleans eatery.
 Evening: Make your last visit for New Orleans Jazz and learn "What it Means to miss New Orleans"
   
Accommodations: Royal Sonesta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Court of Two Sisters, musical performance farewells
(Friday, October 19)
   
 Brunch: Early BRUNCH AT THE FAMOUS COURT OF TWO SISTERS AT 9:00AM. Imagine being entertained by New Orleans Jazz while you eat a sumptuous buffet full of New Orleans delights. This one is for the road - we send you off with a bang and surprises. Enjoy your last dining experience with new friends you have met as well as a realistic unclouded view of what New Orleans is really all about. You are now free to leave "the city with a soul"- but come back anytime. You can be back to hotel by 10:30 am. Check out is noon. If you are staying over you may use any unused vouchers over the weekend.
   
Meals Included: Brunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  New Orleans, Louisiana ATTRACTIONS & EXCURSIONS
Aquarium of the Americas Audubon Zoo (Streetcar or boat) Cafe du Monde Free Ferry Flea Market French Market Glassworks School IMAX Theater Mardi Gras World - Free Ferry Ride Natchez Steamboat Riverwalk Marketplace St. Charles Streetcar
  HISTORIC HOMES
Beauregard-Keyes House Faulkner House Gallier House Hermann Grima Ursuline Convent
  MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS
Louisiana State Museum - (closed on Monday) Confederate Museum (929 Camp St) New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden - cab ride or street car Musee Conti (Wax Museum) St. Louis Cathedral Voodoo Museum Jean Lafite Visitor Center National D.Day Museum - (945 Magazine St-open 9:00 - 5:00) Ogden Museum of Southern Art - (925 Camp St.; Tues. - Sun. 9:30am - 5:30 pm Thursdays until 8:30pm. Closed on Mondays.
  NIGHTCLUBS & MUSIC
Gazebo (daily jazz outdoors) House of Blues Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Maison Bourbon Market Café (daily jazz outdoors) Mid City Lanes Rock n Bowl - Cab ride Mulate's Palm Court Jazz Café - cab ride Pat O' Briens' Preservation Hall Storyville District Tipitina's Snug Harbor - cab ride
  PERFORMING ARTS
Contemporary Arts Center Le Petit Theatre Le Chat Noir
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



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