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Louisiana by Riverboat: Jazz, Plantations & Local Lore

Program Number: 21009RJ
Start and End Dates:
4/15/2013 - 4/21/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Louisiana/Mississippi
Price starting at: $3,113.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; River Boats
Meals: 17; 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Embrace the essence of Southern culture during a learning adventure that leads through the Mississippi River, cities and plantations of Louisiana! Spend three nights reveling in the music and festivity of New Orleans before boarding the world’s largest authentic steam-powered paddlewheel riverboat, American Queen, for an exploration of local plantations, historic towns and the capital city of Baton Rouge.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to one-half mile over flat terrain; getting on/off buses or vans.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

New Orleans, 2 nights; aboard American Queen, 4 nights.



Days 1-3: Arrival New Orleans, embark American Queen:

Experience the music, food and architecture of New Orleans as a local expert introduces you to neighborhoods such as the French Quarter and Garden District. Take in live jazz performances, explore museums and enjoy the views of Bayou St. John. Lodging: Comfortable hotel.



Day 4: Vacherie-Oak Alley:

Stroll beneath the canopy of 300 year old oak trees at Oak Alley plantation, and learn the history behind the preserved slave cabins of Laura and Evergreen plantations.



Day 5: St. Francisville:

Walk along the historic streets of St. Francisville, where more than 140 historic buildings are listed on the National Register and where John James Audubon once lived and worked.



Days 6-7: Baton Rouge / New Orleans / disembark / departure:

Explore the cultural treasures of Baton Rouge, including the Rural Life Museum and State House where former Gov. Huey Long was assassinated.



American Queen

The largest steamboat ever built, the American Queen is a recreation of a classic Mississippi riverboat featuring a steam-powered paddlewheel, lacy filigree and, inside, glistening woodwork and antiques. Public areas include the Mark Twain Gallery library, the Grand Saloon and a lounge. Wine and beer are complimentary with dinner.
Meals and Lodgings
   Royal Sonesta
  New Orleans, Louisiana 2 nights
   American Queen
  New Orleans, Louisiana
Vacherie-Oak Alley
St. Francisville
Baton Rouge		 4 nights
 Royal Sonesta
Type: Hotel
  Ship Information: American Queen Paddlewheeler
  Contact info: 300 Bourbon St.
New Orleans, LA 70130 USA
phone: 504-586-0300
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: 199 additional nights available at Royal Sonesta

 American Queen
Type: Riverboat
  Description: The American Queen Featuring six decks and measuring 418 feet in length, the American Queen is the world’s largest river steamboat. Modern amenities meet classic river ambiance aboard the American Queen. The 222 staterooms and suites are filled with modern appointments and carefully selected furnishings. Finely crafted hardwood fixtures, grand furnishings and gleaming brass detail the ship’s interior. The gazebo-style pilothouse and towering “feathered” stacks are both designed to be lowered to allow passage under bridges. Each stateroom has private facilities and ample storage. Cabins differ in size, amenity and cost. Limited singles are available.
  Ship Information: The American Queen Featuring six decks and measuring 418 feet in length, the American Queen is the world’s largest river steamboat. Modern amenities meet classic river ambiance aboard the American Queen. The 222 staterooms and suites are filled with modern appointments and carefully selected furnishings. Finely crafted hardwood fixtures, grand furnishings and gleaming brass detail the ship’s interior. The gazebo-style pilothouse and towering “feathered” stacks are both designed to be lowered to allow passage under bridges. Each stateroom has private facilities and ample storage. Cabins differ in size, amenity and cost. Limited singles are available.
  Contact info: Docked at River
New Orleans,, LA 70130 USA
phone: 888-749-5280
  Room amenities: Varies with category purchased
  Facility amenities: Laundry on board.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Monday April 15 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Orientation in hotel at 4:30pm, dinner at 6:30pm You will be staying at Royal Sonesta that night.
  End of Program:
Disembarkation occurs after boat docks at approximately 8:30amTransportation provided to Louis Armstrong Airport or back to Royal Sonesta Hotel by 10:30 am You will be staying at American Queen the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Boarding information and documents will be mailed to participants
  Parking availability:
Parking available at Royal Sonesta for $18 per night while on the boat.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  New Orleans, Louisiana
  Nearest highway: I 10
  Nearest airport:  Louis Armstron International
  From End of Program
  Location:  Departure
Travel Details
 

Louis Armstrong Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
various names

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30 for one or two people
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

8 Miles
 
Driving Directions
  From East 1. FOLLOW I-10 WEST TO THE ORLEANS AVE./VIEUX CARRE EXIT 235A (ORLEANS AVE. TURNS INTO BASIN ST.) 2. TAKE BASIN ST. TO CONTI ST. AND TURN LEFT 3. FOLLOW CONTI ST. AND IMMEDIATELY PAST BOURBON ST. TURN RIGHT INTO THE ROYAL SONESTA GARAGE
  From North 1. AFTER CROSSING LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN, YOU WILL BE ON CAUSEWAY BLVD. 2. CROSS OVER INTERSTATE AND GET ON I-10 TO DOWNTOWN 3. FOLLOW I-10 EAST TO THE NEW ORLEANS BUSINESS DISTRICT (do NOT take I 610) 4. CONTINUE TO FOLLOW I-10 EAST and take THE I-10 SLIDELL EXIT 5. CONTINUE ON I-10 TO ORLEANS AVE./VIEUX CARRE EXIT 235A (ORLEANS AVE. TURNS INTO BASIN ST.) 6. TAKE BASIN ST. TO CONTI ST. AND TURN LEFT 7. FOLLOW CONTI ST. AND IMMEDIATELY PAST BOURBON ST. TURN RIGHT INTO THE ROYAL SONESTA GARAGE
  From West 1. FOLLOW I-10 EAST TO THE 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 EXIT 235A (ORLEANS AVE. TURNS INTO BASIN ST.) 4. TAKE BASIN ST. TO CONTI ST. AND TURN LEFT 5. FOLLOW CONTI ST. AND IMMEDIATELY PAST BOURBON ST. TURN RIGHT INTO THE ROYAL SONESTA GARAGE
Elevation Note: Totally flat terrain

Equipment Requirements: No equipment required
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, dinner, lecture
(Monday, April 15)

Note: Bellman will hold your bags if you arrive before 4pm check-in
   
 Afternoon: Orientation and Introductions begins at 4pm at Royal Sonesta
 Dinner: Dinner at Hotel this evening so you can meet your fellow travelers.
 Evening: Introduction to New Orleans -- "It's a New Orleans Thing"
   
Accommodations: Royal Sonesta
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Overview of city. Museums and Jazz
(Tuesday, April 16)

Note: Enjoy real New Orleans Jazz at Preservation Hall.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast Buffet
 Morning: Overview of City with instructor. View Lake Pontchartrain, walk in above ground cemetaries with instruction, see and learn about Bayou St. John. Ride down the famous St. Charles Avenue and walk in the Garden District to learn about many architectural styles.
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Vouchers for Mardi Gras Museum, Cabildo Museum and Historic New Orleans Collection.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant
 Evening: Preservation Hall and Fritzels vouchers given for Jazz performances.
   
Accommodations: Royal Sonesta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Brunch at Court of Two Sisters
(Wednesday, April 17)

Note: Walking on flat terrain app. 6 blocks
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel
 Morning: Expert lecture on "Paddlewheelers, Packets and Floating Palaces" by a former Riverboat Captain
 Lunch: Brunch at the famous Court of Two Sisters with a Jazz trio
 Afternoon: Time to use vouchers for museums and last minute visits in the French Quarter..
 Dinner: Dinner onboard the American Queen
 Evening: Evening performance and welcome onboard.
   
Accommodations: American Queen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Oak Alley, Laura and Evergreen Plantations
(Thursday, April 18)

Note: Leisurely stroll at plantations
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the American Queen
 Morning: Located in the Saint James Parish, Oak Alley is a much-photographed plantation that combines architectural splendor and the natural wonder of its 300-year-old oak trees. Spend time strolling beneath the canopy of these trees, and learn about the rich history and culture of this southern estate.
 Morning: Enjoy a completely different version of a plantation when you visit Laura Plantation and Evergreen-with the most well preserved slave cabins on the Historic Register.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard the American Queen
 Afternoon: "The Mississippi River and the Making of a Nation" Enjoy the ralaxing beauty of the River as you roll along.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard the American Queen
 Evening: Enjoy great performances every evening.
   
Accommodations: American Queen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Visit Oakly, home of John James Audubon
(Friday, April 19)

Note: easy walking on flat terrain--some standing in house.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard American Queen
 Morning: This quaint town of St. Francilville located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River is your window to the past. With over 140 buildings on the National Register, beautiful plantation homes nestled in the rolling countryside, and bustling Main Street shops, you'll find plenty to keep you on the go in St. Francisville. "John James Audubon--the man and his Milieu". Visit Oakley where Audubon lived and worked.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard the American Queen.
 Afternoon: Preparing for our visit to Baton Rouge learn about "Huey Long: Messiah to the Rednecks"--your instructor is an expert on the subject.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard the American Queen
 Evening: Evening show followed by buffet--late music each night in the lounge.
   
Accommodations: American Queen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Rural Life Museum and La. State Capital
(Saturday, April 20)

Note: Easy walking on flat terrain.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the American Queen.
 Morning: The capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is the center of all the great things the state has to offer—visitors delight in the seamless blend of past and present experiencing authentic Louisiana at every turn. With its semi-tropical climate, the outdoors is tempting and the attractions abound. No wonder this is one of the south's fastest growing cities. Visit the Louisiana State Capital where Huey Long was shot. Also visit the Louisiana State Museum.
 Lunch: Lunch onbard the American Queen
 Afternoon: Visit the Rural Life Museum and see the Louisiana State University campus.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard the American Queen.
 Evening: Entertainment in Grand Saloon
   
Accommodations: American Queen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:
(Sunday, April 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onbard the American Queen
 Morning: Depart for New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport or Royal Sonesta Hotel--leave boat at 9 am arrive airport by 9:45am
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
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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