Louisiana
New Orleans at a Slower Pace: A City of History, Culture and Celebration
Program No. 1475RJ
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New Orleans at a Slower Pace: A City of History, Culture and Celebration
New Orleans at a Slower Pace: A City of History, Culture and Celebration
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Participant Reviews
Based on 105 Reviews
SHOWING
What a wonderful trip!! I truly feel that I have a greater knowledge of the history, culture, and food of New Orleans.
— Review left November 15, 2025
One of the best RS trips I have ever taken- and I have been on quite a few- GO and Let the Good Times Roll!!!
— Review left November 15, 2025
I couldn't have seen or learned as much in the same time as I did with Road Scholars. Enjoyed Jazz, Museums, Architure, Customs, History and Historic Hotel. Just so fun.
— Review left November 10, 2025
When friends and relatives ask about Road Scholar trips, I highly recommend that they take a look at the many choices offered - and affordable costs when considering alternatives. We have taken two trips now, and loved both.
— Review left November 10, 2025
Road Scholar programs consistently provide a complete package - from the program leaders to the content presenters, to the accommodations to the meals. We are "challenged" with difficulties that make lots of walking and steps a major consideration when determining what/where we travel to - and the "Slower Pace" programs fit well.
— Review left November 1, 2025
This program gave me in depth knowledge of many aspects of New Orleans, its history, music, literature, architecture, food and festivals, and it was presented in an engaging way, through both lecture and touring.
— Review left October 25, 2025
I met several people I could be friends with. However, at my age making new friends, especially that don’t live in the same city are difficult and I probably won’t. It does not distract it all from the fact that there were several people enjoyed meeting and if we do get together again, I will be glad.
— Review left October 20, 2025
Great experience
— Review left October 13, 2025
New Orleans is a fascinating town, of course, but potentially intimidating for some. However, our group leader, Mary Lynn Scheinuk, made everyone feel so welcome and secure. Her knowledge of the city, her humor and good cheer made every day a joy. We would not only recommend this trip to others, but would happily take it again ourselves.
— Review left May 27, 2025
Our "leader" was excellent...lived in the location and was familiar with its history and people. made the program more interesting.
— Review left May 24, 2025
A most wonderful week in New Orleans. Learned things about this city we never knew before. MaryLynn our tour guide was one of the best we have ever had.
Would have liked to have included a music venue with our group.
Bonnie and Joel Ax
— Review left May 5, 2025
This was an amazing program with such great tours, food and Group Leader Mary! My first of hopefully many more Road Scholar trips as this trip exceeded all expectations! Thank you!
— Review left May 3, 2025
I loved this trip. I thought Lauree was very personable and enjoyed her thoroughly. There was one day with too much lecture. The sun was shining so I left and did my own thing. Excellent restaurants and hotel! Made me want to return to New Orleans!
— Review left April 21, 2025
What a wonderful program! Slower Pace is our speed now, and it is a great way to see New Orleans. We learned so much about the city and history, all the guides were really good. Everyone from the Group Leader to the driver loves and knows their city. The perfect learning (and eating) experience.
— Review left April 19, 2025
There is no better way to get to know a place. We got Geography, History, Music, Food, and more.
— Review left April 7, 2025
This trip was a fabulous introduction to New Orleans. We were so lucky to have Mary Lynn as our guide. She made the experience one we will never forget.
— Review left March 29, 2025
History, food, music, literature, architecture and culture - this program is broad in scope so there really is something for everyone. Also, there is ample free time available to either explore more or rest, depending on your desires and needs.
— Review left March 29, 2025
We really enjoyed this program and the other participants in the group. Excellent Group Leader, great subject presenters and a fun, diverse bunch of people. This was our first Road Scholar program - won’t be our last.
— Review left March 28, 2025
Excellent Program! I recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about and experience New Orleans up close and personal!
— Review left March 25, 2025
I tried gumbo in every place I ate that had gumbo. the WWll museum had the BEST, hands down. I enjoyed the tour but would have like to have more time in the museum.
— Review left March 22, 2025
First trip to NOLA, one week after the Superbowl, but just before the big crowds of Mardi Gras. Hotel Monteleone - elegant, great location in the French Quarter near many restaurants, shops, places of interest. Enjoyed live music all around and at the hotel many nights. Description was 100% accurate. Leader, instructors, food & pace were all excellent. We kept on the go with enough free time to explore some places on our own. Five stars plus to our leader, Mary Lynn. Well worth the time/money. Highly recommend. Highlights include cooking class & dinner at New Orleans School of Cooking, visiting the Sculpture Garden, and a walking tour of the Garden District. Our group was 24 people.
— Review left March 1, 2025
Good presentation of New Orleans Culture and History.
— Review left February 26, 2025
This was our first Road Scholar tour. Would highly recommend it to others - definitely a thumbs up!
— Review left January 20, 2025
I loved New Orleans. It was different than I had imagined; although, the food and nightlife lived up to my expectations. Well done Road Scholar!
— Review left November 18, 2024
This was a superb program, well-paced, and enhanced, fortunately, by perfect weather! The particular date I chose was for “Women Only”, and I enjoyed the cameraderie of ladies from all over the U.S. Our Group Leader, Mary Lynn, was outstanding, and all Instructors were excellent. Highly recommended!
—Mary Catherine
— Review left October 30, 2024
I loved learning about the interesting culture and history of New Orleans in such a fun way!
— Review left October 27, 2024
Great way to experience New Orleans first hand; Road Scholar makes it easy, especially if you have Mary Lynn Scheinuk leading the group!
— Review left October 20, 2024
What a memorable Road Scholar experience in New Orleans! Lovely hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, great food, music, speakers, tours, and Road Scholar guide extraordinaire Mary Lynn... I'll be sitting with the glow of this trip for some time.
— Review left October 20, 2024
A good name for the program would be "Taking it Easy in the Big Easy".
— Review left October 19, 2024
This trip was one of the best I have ever taken. I learned so much about the history and culture of New Orleans, and thoroughly enjoyed the food and jazz that are quintessential New Orleans. Laisses Les Bons Temps Rouler!
— Review left October 19, 2024
A wonderful experience for the longer in the tooth among us
— Review left October 16, 2024
Mary Lynn was a wonderful host. She is a real asset to Road Scholar. The presenters did a good job as a whole. I wish it could be politics free.
— Review left October 13, 2024
If you want to experience a new world, an exciting, eclectic city where life is still fun and festive and every person you encounter is an ambassador, take the plunge and enroll in this trip. It's exceptionally fun, fanciful and educational, and the undisputed Queen of New Orleans, Road Scholar Guide Mary Lynn Scheinuk, will your journey all the more wonderful!
— Review left October 12, 2024
Don't miss the New Orleans Road Scholar tour. Outstanding lectures, tours, music, food and people you will enjoy spending time with.
— Review left October 12, 2024
This was a wonderful trip, from start to finish. Our tour guide was the absolute BEST, she was so knowledgeable, so warm & friendly, & so helpful. The hotel was a beautiful experience, & every itinerary event was top-notch. Don't miss New Orleans with Mary Lynn!
— Review left June 7, 2024
Interesting and informative but most of all, fun.
— Review left June 1, 2024
This New Orleans experience was more than I ever expected it to be. The lectures/presentatiions on music, literature, Carnival/Mardi Gras, French Quarter and history were outstanding and so easy to enjoy. I learned so much and this knowledge made the walking tours, site visits and excursions so much more meaningful. Food was great, our leaders, Angela and Loree were awesome and so supportive and informative and helpful, and the Hotel Monteleone was a beautiful experience. I could not recommend this tour more.
— Review left April 25, 2024
Highly recommend this program!! Angela and her A-team were stellar in providing a safe, pleasant and very informative set of tours! The guest lecturers and subject-matter experts were outstanding (standout was certainly Nellie, the architect/architectural expert) and the pace, as indicated, was gentle enough to allow for everyone to keep up and get something from the program. The lectures were excellent and the field trips were organized and well curated. Would absolutely recommend the program to anyone wanting to see New Orleans, and also learn so much about the history, art, architecture, literature and of course, the food!
— Review left April 24, 2024
The program was amazing, very informative, well organized from start to finish. I have never been to New Orleans and learned so much about it's history. The food, the culture, the history, the people and the tour itself was a very memorable experience for me. Road Scholar runs an outstanding program.
— Review left April 24, 2024
Great program in a one of a kind city! I want to return!!
— Review left April 20, 2024
Just finished A Slower pace in New Orleans. What a wonderful program. I thoroughly enjoyed this program. Great classes and fieldtrips. Wonderful leader. Fun city.
— Review left April 19, 2024
Our Road Scholar adventure in New Orleans was outstanding! We learned so much about the rich history and character of this city, not to mention the delicious food. We definitely plan to return to NOLA for another visit in the future.
— Review left April 1, 2024
NOLA at a Slower Pace program is excellent, and I would do it again to visit such a beautiful city with such fine instructors and participants. I had been to NOLA before but not my spouse. She was very pleased with the program and wants to do more trips with Road Scholar. Thank you, Road Scholar staff in NOLA and Boston!
— Review left March 23, 2024
Great trip. Great food, hotel, and it is so wonderful to have been on this trip. I especially liked the instructors who loved this city so much! You could hear the excitement in their voices as they shared New Orleans with us. Thanks
PS the beignets were even better then I had imagined!
— Review left March 18, 2024
Excellent overview of New Orleans, its beginnings and culture
— Review left March 11, 2024
This trip was well organized. Our guide, Denise Swain, was a caring and compassionate leader whose clear expectations and foresight made the trip enjoyable. Our bus driver was especially skilled. There was an abundance of local experts who gave a well-rounded impression of the city. I especially liked the Jazz Concert and the informative introduction given by the owner of the Dooky Chase restaurant. One highlight was the demonstration cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking where we learned about (and ate) jambalaya, chicken creole, pralines and bananas foster.
The walking tour of the garden district and the trip to the Sculpture Garden gave us an idea of life outside the French. Quarter. This time frame (Feb 4-9) was not as ideal for me because of the crowded streets and blocked roads due to the week leading up to Mardi Gras. However, we were able to see several neighborhood preparations and local parades. I always enjoy this type of Road Scholar tour because there is no need to pack your suitcase again once you arrive at the hotel.
— Review left February 21, 2024
Amazing program, amazing New Orleans, amazing leaders, instructors, guides, this is a must-do trip and opportunity.
— Review left November 13, 2023
Good food! Great music! A chance to walk the streets of this great city and to get to know its richness better. The music, the history, the food, the people. So many stories!
— Review left October 10, 2023
New Orleans is much more than Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. The history and culture of the city is fascinating. Being able to explore the city and learn so much about its' music, food, and unique personality exceeded my expectations
— Review left October 8, 2023
I highly recommend New Orleans at a Slower Pace. Wonderful trip saw so many different parts of the city, amazing food, beautiful hotel and fascinating lectures with an excellent Group Leader!
— Review left June 5, 2023
My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed New Orleans at a Slower Pace. That's a very informative and interesting program, and the setting was entirely new for both of us. If you haven't been to that city, this would be a fine way to become acquainted.
— Review left June 4, 2023
Mary Lynn, our Group Leader, was a JEWEL!! The program expanded my knowledge of New Orleans, its history, and its traditions. Well done!
— Review left May 6, 2023
A great way to learn about New Orleans.
— Review left April 23, 2023
IF ANYONE HAS NOT BEEN TO NEW ORLEANS, THIS ROAD SCHOLAR PROGRAM IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO. IT IS FULL OF LIFE, EXCELLENT FOOD, FRIENDS AND EDUCATIONAL. JUST DO IT!
— Review left April 23, 2023
New Orleans is unique among US cities I have visited. This program really stressed the historical and cultural roots of New Orleans. We expected to see more effects of Hurricane Katrina, and were surprised to see a vibrant city. We gained lots of new knowledge in this short but balanced program, from history, to architecture, food, music, and something of the Black experience in New Orleans.
— Review left March 20, 2023
Well balanced program with excellent talks on New Orleans unique history and great meals.
— Review left March 13, 2023
New Orleans Slower Pace was a great introduction to the city. We learned about the history, music, literature and architecture from people who love their city. The Cooking School was so much fun, the WWII museum was excellent, and we had so many delicious meals. I highly recommend it!
— Review left March 13, 2023
Excellent program in a wonderful and interesting location. Perfect for those who are limited in their mobility and for more active folks too. There is a LOT to do and see in a small area! Superb balance of educational lectures and physical activities.
— Review left March 11, 2023
Wonderful program! It covered the history, food, music and culture. There is just enough extra time to enjoy the areas you want more of to make it your own. Definitely recommend this trip!
— Review left February 23, 2023
New Orleans at a Slower Pace - is packed with great learning about the city - Jazz, history, people, Architecture and more. There may be less walking but there was plenty to do. Enjoyed it immensely!
— Review left February 23, 2023
We had a wonderful time in New Orleans, this trip is packed with great lectures followed by field trips that enhanced our experience. The slower pace was very manageable and the free time to explore on our own was just right. Road Scholar has provided another great trip!
— Review left February 16, 2023
Who knew that such a fun place like New Orleans was so interesting. Did you even know that the Mardi Gras Carnival starts Jan. 6 and goes all the way to Fat Tuesday? I didn't, but that city is one big parade. Time to get in line!
— Review left February 12, 2023
This is an excellent education program for those who need to go at a “slower pace. Those with specials needs are accommodated. Field trips and lectures give you the flavor of New Orleans. Great hotel , but skip the breakfasts!
— Review left November 15, 2022
This program was an introductory glimpse of New Orleans; perfect for the first time visitor to this city. The speakers were native to the city and provided an entertaining and insightful view of the city they are proud to call home. This program is truly slow paced, so if you prefer a bit more activity, you may wish to find another offering with more walking opportunities offered.
— Review left November 14, 2022
I got to see another part of our Country that I had only read about. The most important thing to me was that I got to experience the people of New Orleans that showed me that no matter where we live, we are all the same.
— Review left November 6, 2022
OUR GROUP LEADER, DAWN, WAS FANTASTIC. THE HOTEL, RESTAURANTS, AND TOURS WERE A CUT ABOVE. THE SPEAKER THAT GAVE THE TALKS AND TOURS WERE FIRST CLASS.
— Review left October 13, 2022
OUR GROUP LEADER, DAWN, WAS FANTASTIC. THE HOTEL, RESTAURANTS, AND TOURS WERE A CUT ABOVE. THE SPEAKERS THAT GAVE THE TALKS AND TOURS WERE FIRST CLASS.
— Review left October 13, 2022
Everyone associates New Orleans with Mardi Gras but I learned so much more about the founding and diverse culture that makes New Orleans a very interesting place to visit.
— Review left October 12, 2022
This trip was fabulous!! There is so much to learn about New Orleans and this program encompasses it all: Music, history, cuisine, architecture, literature and the list goes on and on. Our program leader, Dawn, was easy going, helpful, friendly and just plain awesome. You won't be disappointed with this one. Patrice from Wisconsin
— Review left October 8, 2022
If you want to learn more about New Orleans, this is a wonderful experience. The accommodations in the French Quarter are top notch.
— Review left May 21, 2022
I’m really glad I participated in this program. For someone who had never been to New Orleans and knew next to nothing about the place, it provided a lot of great information and insights into the city and its culture. Being located in the French Quarter simply added to the richness of the experience. The instructors were great, as was our group leader Mary Lynn. I recommend this program to anyone interested in New Orleans.
— Review left May 20, 2022
Great program filled with enriching and entertaining activities. Leader Angela Carl was a wonderful representative of this magical city.
— Review left April 9, 2022
A non-stop learning experience! Staying in the French Quarter meant that its rich tradition laden world was right outside our front door.
— Review left March 14, 2022
we were very happy with our trip to New Orleans. Our program leader, Mary Lynn was well organized and very knowledgeable. Our lodging at the Hotel Monteleone was very nice and an excellent location. Meal selection allowed us to sample local cuisine and had good variety. There was plenty to see and do, but also plenty of free time to explore independently.
I would recommend this program as a good introduction to New Orleans.
— Review left March 3, 2022
Fascinating introduction to the cultural history, food, music, geography, and architecture of New Orleans. Very enjoyable.
— Review left February 26, 2022
We had lots of fun in NOLA! We learned about music, history, culture, architecture, Huey Long -- but we mostly ate lots of good Southern food! Our accommodations, The Monteleone Hotel, was a block from Bourbon Street in the French Quarters. Couldn't have asked for a better location to explore the historical area. We learned about Mardi Gras and heard several jazz concerts. We felt like we got a lot of bang for our buck. We did go on a ghost and vampire walking tour (during one evening of being on our own) and felt it was disappointing. But at least the price wasn't that high.
Kudos to all the lecturers who enlightened us about the Big Easy and Letting the Good Times Roll.
— Review left January 19, 2022
With its French and Spanish origins, New Orleans is unlike any other U.S. city. A fun and educational place to visit. Go.
— Review left March 23, 2020
this program in New Orleans was one of the most interesting and informative of the ten programs that I have experienced with Road Scholar.
— Review left February 27, 2020
An EXCELLENT experience awaits you!!!
— Review left February 14, 2020
Mary Lynn,
Your leadership, enthusiasm and organization made this one of the best Road Scholar trips we have taken. Thank you again! Jeff and Bev
— Review left February 14, 2020
If you are looking for a warmer place to visit in winter with tons of history and things to do and see check this program out. The WW2 museum was a hit with the fellas and I enjoyed it too. A great value. Do not count calories this week!!
— Review left February 3, 2020
I love the food and music of NOLA so I returned with Road Scholar to enjoy the city again and RS did not disappoint. The local presenters are top drawer in their area of expertise, our leader was so very helpful in every way, and RS took us to the best places for food and music ,along with history and other interesting points about the city. The also provided enough free time so I could get to Preservation Hall! The cooking school at the end was awesome and a perfect way to conclude a really fun trip.
— Review left December 22, 2019
What a great trip!!!! Mary Lynn was a terrific leader who cared about the welfare and safety of everyone in the group. She brought in knowledgeable instructors to teach us about the history, architecture, music, food and even Mardi Gras. I enjoyed each and every field trip even during the COLD spell the southeast was going through. I saw a lot of the city and met some great people in our group and met a lot of people during my own wanderings in the French Quarter. We ate great food, and bonded over being travelers together on a shared adventure. Road Scholar never lets me down and I can't wait to plan my next great adventure...thanks for the opportunity to make a bucket list dream come true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Review left November 18, 2019
Excellent tour! We covered everything... history, literature, architecture, food, music, the local sites and sounds, the landscape and the climate! Guides were outstanding! Accommodations were excellent! A fun time had by all!
— Review left October 27, 2019
The pace was perfect for a 90-plus year old World War II veteran, and the highlight was the visit to the World War II Museum.
— Review left May 12, 2019
This was a fun trip with a fun group of people. The group leader was very good and kept us busy most of the time. The food was excellent but after all, it was N.O. A beautiful city with lots to do. The WW2 museum was outstanding but could have been a little longer. This was a great trip.
— Review left May 6, 2019
This is the perfect program for someone wishing to experience all of the amenities New Orleans has to offer.
— Review left April 26, 2019
Very enjoyable, great instructors, excursions and organization especially for those of us with some walking limitations. This was our first Road Scholar trip and definitely not our last.
— Review left April 22, 2019
This program is an interesting, engaging, and entertaining overview of the history, music, and food of New Orleans.
— Review left April 19, 2019
I learned so much about New Orleans! The instructors and group leader were wonderful. There was also a lot of flexibility on pace. There was enough free time so that those who wanted to could rest, and enough to see and do for those who did not want to rest.
— Review left April 3, 2019
If you want a true history lesson, and view the location, Road Scholar is the way to go.
— Review left March 25, 2019
This was an excellent program with a wonderful group leader.
— Review left March 23, 2019
This particular workshop more than met my expectations. Mary Lynn is an incredible caring and sincere tour leader. The educational segments gave me a better understanding of the culture and history of New Orleans.
— Review left March 20, 2019
My first Road Scholar trip was a wonderful experience. I feel like I have gained an in-depth understanding of New Orleans. It was also great fun. This will not be my last RS trip!!!
— Review left March 17, 2019
I highly recommend Road Scholar. I am a world traveler using many tour groups, and I was extremely pleased with my experience.
— Review left March 16, 2019
Good show! Even if you've been to New Orleans before, you'll learn something new and see more. Always a fun place to go.
— Review left March 16, 2019
The program was just right for an 80 y.o. couple who are moderately active and
enjoy learning and experiencing a variety of activities that we did not have to plan.
— Review left March 10, 2019
We enjoyed this program quite a bit. Left New Orleans with a new appreciation for the history and culture of the area!
— Review left March 1, 2019
Very informative program about multiple areas of interest in New Orleans. Well organized. Hotel was very accommodating and staff very supportive. Great presenters. Fantastic restaurants to experience the cuisine of New Orleans. Mary Lynn, Group Leader, was very helpful in suggesting extra activities or making reservations for us. I would highly recommend this program if you want a slower pace but that still keeps you moving, that covers multiple bases of New Orleans, and is a fun program.
— Review left February 24, 2019
The trip to New Orleans gave me I much greater value of the opportunities that was available there. The history of New Orleans has made it a much more interesting vacation place than I expected.
— Review left February 17, 2019
New Orleans was my 6th Road Scholar program, and it exceeded my expectations as many of them do. Mary Lynn and all the presenters are proud of their city, and it shows! There is an amazing depth to New Orleans history and culture, and I feel I have now touched the surface.
— Review left February 16, 2019
The RS New Orleans is a 5 star program in an interesting city
— Review left February 16, 2019
This is a wonderful introduction to New Orleans. It offers varied activities and highlights many tourist attractions and much more. There is wonderful and varied food choices. The group leader Mary Lynn is amazing in every way. There is also enough free time to pursue things you find an interest in. My 2 sisters and I found it to be an amazing sister’s trip.
— Review left February 16, 2019
Road Scholar introduced me to a New Orleans that I would not have experienced by myself. The Garden District tour, an entrepreneur restaurant owner, a gem of a bookstore, the resilience of the residents after Katrina, and the wonderful music all added to a fabulous time in "The Big Easy".
— Review left February 16, 2019
This was an amazing program. Extremely well designed and delivered. Quite a number of experts really added to the depth of understanding about history, architecture, Jazz history, an experience of jazz and other aspects of New Orleans including Mardi Gras. The group leader was superb and kept us well organized on track and did it with grace and warm welcoming lightness. I highly recommend this program for a real great in-depth look at New Orleans. wouhighly
— Review left February 1, 2019