Louisiana
Independent New Orleans: Jazz, Jambalaya and Joie de Vivre
Program No. 21665RJ
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Independent New Orleans: Jazz, Jambalaya and Joie de Vivre
Independent New Orleans: Jazz, Jambalaya and Joie de Vivre
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Participant Reviews
Based on 92 Reviews
SHOWING
A great way to learn rich content about the area. So grateful for this opportunity as a way to experience New Orleans. It is so.muchore than a "party town"!
— Review left January 18, 2026
Excellent instructors and subjects. Hands-on: hear it, see it, feel it.
— Review left January 12, 2026
This is a great program for learning history about The Big Easy from expert leaders and exploring the current scene a bit on your own. Staying five nights at the Hotel Monteleone was very special indeed! We all truly enjoyed Anne as our leader as well as the rest of the experts.
— Review left November 19, 2025
The Independent New Orleans: Jazz, Jambalaya and Joie de Vivre is an excellet one, which we just completed and highly recommend.
— Review left November 17, 2025
New Orleans is a fabulous, fun place to visit! It was such a good trip I would go again to Preservation Hall and explore more musical venues.
— Review left November 9, 2025
This is for you if you enjoy history, phenomenal music, and good food on every corner. A unique place in North America -- just not during the summer!
— Review left November 3, 2025
There are no lack of tour providers in the travel niche. However when it comes to providing memorable experiences Road Scholar is head and shoulders above the rest. What are You waiting for?
— Review left October 18, 2025
I loved the mix of planned activities and free time. Our tour guide was very helpful in offering suggestions. I highly recommend the program!
— Review left May 19, 2025
This was an exciting trip, touching upon many very unique aspects of New Orleans. Excellent mix of guided vs. free time! I learned so much, and made
many new friends! The Hotel Monteleone was absolutely stunning, and the local guide, Lyndel, was very helpful and knowledgeable!
— Review left May 14, 2025
Everthing about my visit to the French Quarter on the Independent New Orleans: Jazz, Jambalaya and Joie de Vivre program was perfect!!! i had fun every day and gained confidence as a solo traveler. There was lots of free time to enjoy jazz at multiple venues, visit museums and sample the New Orleans cuisine.
— Review left May 13, 2025
Loved the Road Scholar Program and loved New Orleans!
— Review left April 29, 2025
This was a great program. First time to NOLA for me and this city lived up to its expectations and so did the program.
— Review left April 27, 2025
This course prepares you to meet and understand a truly unique city. You will have a fun time and what you will learn will surprise you!!
— Review left April 26, 2025
GREAT WAY TO GET TO KNOW NEW ORLEANS IN A QUICK MANNER
— Review left April 14, 2025
This trip was awesome, it definitely exceeded my expectations.
Lyndel was a thoughtful, and informative leader.
I enjoyed every minute of this trip.
— Review left March 31, 2025
I highly recommend this trip! I really enjoyed learning about the history, culture, architecture, and music! Lyndel did a terrific job leading us all. She is very personable. Nellie and Brian and Milton were all terrific, too. The lectures were top notch. The Hotel Monteleone was simply fabulous! The rooms and the staff and the food and the service were outstanding. I also enjoyed Doreen's musical performance. The selected restaurants were very good: Superior Seafood , Tujacques, and The Court of Two Sisters. I loved the tour of the Hermann-Grima house. I liked having free time to explore with my travel partner. I appreciated the voucher for Fritzel's where we saw a fabulous act. I am very satisfied with the trip. Thank you!
— Review left March 31, 2025
What a trip. New Orleans is like no other city in the world. I will be back to visit this jewel again.
— Review left March 29, 2025
I loved the balance of instruction, instructor led tours and free time to explore. The hotel was in the perfect location in the French Quarter for walking to museums, boat tours, restaurants and entertainment. Truly enjoyed the other folks on the tour. We would share what we had done or seen on our free time which led to new adventures. Food was delicious and memorable. Hotel staff was top notch. New Orleans has to be the most hospitable city in the US. I intend to go back many times. Road Scholar is truly a wonderful way to see new places, learn and explore. They consider all your needs.
— Review left March 29, 2025
Just ok . Group not “ single “ friendly
The city tour should have been done in the beginning , vs .. the end of trip . Court of two sisters was for tourists , not a learning activity .
— Review left March 9, 2025
Our guide Robin was incredible! I really enjoyed having some structured time and some free time. The perfect vacation.
— Review left February 28, 2025
Fulfilled a bucket list item! Enjoyed it! got a lot of tips and advice from friends pre-trip! it helped but weather was nit as expected! I froze my ass off!!!
— Review left February 26, 2025
Outstanding overview of many facets of New Orleans culture and history.
— Review left February 23, 2025
To experiene NOLA - a very good experience. As usual, the people i meet on these trips help make the experience and this was no exception. Experiencing Bourbon Street at nights was everything.
Our host was just the person we needeed to make the trip a success, and the historians
and subject matter experts helped to bring NO to life.
— Review left December 12, 2024
This is a wonderful program full of New Orleans life, history with plenty of time to explore on your own.
— Review left November 11, 2024
Did I think Road Scholar could top the last trip I went on? They did it again!. I fell in love with New Orleans because Road Scholar gave us the best of the best idiosyncrasies, museums, guides, and "cant miss" interesting places. I am still dreaming about the food I ate and that alone will bring me back!
— Review left November 11, 2024
What a fun, informative program. Just the right blend of structured time and independent time. Lyndel was our group leader and was an absolute delight!
— Review left November 9, 2024
What a wonderful way to experience New Orleans! We had the right amount of scheduled and free time so we could explore on our own. Our leader, Lyndel, was delightful and happily shared her knowledge as a native. The private music session with world-famous clarinetist, Doreen Ketchens, was a highlight of the trip. Although, we also enjoyed the walking tours of the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the cemetery very much. While the evening at the New Orleans Cooking School seemed a bit touristy, our chef, Ricardo, did a wonderful job of keeping us laughing and the dinner was very good. We learned so much about the history of the city and its people that I now want to go back and dig deeper into it. Lovely group of people on the tour, too!
— Review left November 3, 2024
This was a wonderful trip. for some reason I was not sent an evaluation form which I was interested in filling out. The World War II Museum was excellent. The tour of the architecture was amazing. The Sculpture Garden was a big surprise in the surprising delight of the sculptures. The best food was the gumbo at New Orleans school of cooking. At the restaurant the food was not always hot but warm when served. I guessed serving a large group is hard, yet we were only 22. Our guide was fantastic. Lyndel Brauninger. She was knowledgeable, kind and enthusiastic! The other guides were so friendly as well even if we were not in their group. I think the guides really tried to be inclusive of everyone with Road Scholar, you did not have to be in their group. I feel like I have such a better grasp of New Orleans, its history and its uniqueness.
— Review left October 28, 2024
A well-rounded program covering all the aspects of this fascinating city: history, architecture, art, music, food & drink! And with plenty of free time and suggestions to explore on your own!
— Review left May 27, 2024
Jazz, Jambalaya and Joie de Vivre in New Orleans was a WONDERFUL introduction to many aspects that make New Orleans such a unique and important city to visit. Participants can directly experience and learn from all manner of sights, sounds and savoury treats, which have developed through 350 years of history. It's fascinating to find out what an outsized impact New Orleans has made on the U.S.A. and beyond.
— Review left May 26, 2024
This Road Scholar trip introduced me to and took me through the City of New Orleans. I enjoyed the people I met. We learned, with fascination, about the city's rich history, culture and the influence of all that jazz. My joie de vivre grew immeasurably!
— Review left May 26, 2024
Road Scholar used Hotel Monteleone in the heart of the French Quarter. So convenient with only a short, safe walk to all the sites, restaurants and Jazz clubs.
— Review left May 11, 2024
I had good fun on this program and I learned a lot. The Hotel Monteleone is a great place to stay--good location, sumptuous decor and excellent guest services. I appreciated the free time to wander on our own. A friendly warning, though: I gained four pounds on this program, in spite of all the walking! Hard to resist the food and drink, so caveat emptor.
— Review left May 11, 2024
This tour was a wonderful introduction to New Orleans, its' history, development, architecture, and what has been done to help limit future flooding and to allow us to experience the amazing food and music scene. It was an amazing introduction to this City.
— Review left May 8, 2024
Wonderful city to visit with its history, great food, and great jazz.
— Review left April 28, 2024
Thank you to wonderful leader Mary Lynn for sharing your exciting city with us! The music, the food, the learning opportunities provided a well-rounded and tremendously fun experience.
— Review left April 20, 2024
I'd heard a lot of positive remarks about Road Scholar trips from friends so I joined them on the Jazz, Jambalaya and Joie de Vivre in New Orleans trip. The experience far exceeded my expectations! I can't wait to join another Roads Scholar adventure.
— Review left April 20, 2024
Fantastic time on Jazz, Jumbalaya & joie de vivre. Could have stayed longer
— Review left March 24, 2024
I learned much about New Orleans and its people. Prior to this trip, I considered it mainly a party destination and I wanted to learn more of what the city has to offer. The free time allowed me to visit music venues and restaurants, which were the reasons I chose this program. The bonus was learning about the history and the people who live there.
— Review left March 23, 2024
This was a great experience, introducing New Orleans as a deeply rooted, northern Caribbean city! A great balance between structured and free time activities. A good value for the money.
— Review left February 28, 2024
The Jazz, Jambalaya, and Joie de Vivre in New Orleans program combines history, architecture, music and food, with outstanding leaders and presenters, to make a fantastic and authentic Creole gumbo of experiences! A real gem!
— Review left February 28, 2024
My experience with Road Scholar in New Orleans has led to a greater appreciation of the diversity, culture and history of New Orleans. What a phenomenal city to experience cuisine, culture and jazz.
— Review left February 23, 2024
This was a top notch program. It covered the most interesting, fun and important aspects of New Orleans. The food and drink, its music, its architecture, it culture, its history (good and negative parts). I can’t say enough about how incredible the presenters were and group leader. It was truly an experience we will be talking about for a very very long time. Thank you Road Scholar. Laissez les bons temps rouler.
— Review left February 23, 2024
Not to be missed. The tour taught me so much about New Orleans & its history. The city has so much to offer. Wonderful people, music & food. It’s an historically significant US city.
— Review left January 28, 2024
What a great trip to New Orleans, and a great group of people to enjoy it with! Our Road Scholar guide, Wolf Kassmeier was kind, welcoming, funny and just a joy to be around. I'm looking forward to taking another Road Scholar trip in the future.
— Review left January 24, 2024
This was a great program full of interesting learning experiences, delicious food and moving music. I enjoyed every minute of it and would highly recommend it to others.
— Review left January 21, 2024
Overall the program was very good. Farewell dinner was a big disappointment. The venue was bland and in New Orleans! There were several tables widely spaced. No real opportunity to say goodbye. It did not feel like a farewell dinner.
— Review left January 13, 2024
Jazz, Jambalaya and Joie de Vivre in New Orleans is part of the "Independent City Discoveries" group of programs and it delivered a great balance of scheduled programming and free time. The group activities were led by highly qualified guides and quite informative. The Hotel Monteleone is lovely and perfectly situated for exploring the French Quarter. I do agree with prior reviewers who felt that the group meals could have incorporated more variety and been better, but I guess that's one of the few downsides of group travel. Overall, I highly recommend the program to anyone interested in a group trip to New Orleans.
— Review left November 20, 2023
I wonder if you could have found a hotel that was not so expensive. I would have been happy with a 3 or 4 star hotel. The Monteleone was beautiful, but...
it's a luxury for others, not for a retired teacher. Fortunately, I saved up for the holiday, and I didn't buy any clothes in New Orleans.
— Review left November 19, 2023
This trip has a lot to offer. History, architecture, cuisine, music, and culture. Great accommodations at a great location. Very fulfilling.
— Review left November 16, 2023
What a great way to experience our world; its people, cultures, and scenic beauty!
— Review left November 12, 2023
I did not think that this trip was up to Road scholar standards. I enjoy a busier schedule so perhaps I picked the wrong trip. Our trip also took place at the same time as other trips and the venues (meals, cooking classes etc.) were jam packed with people. Too noisy to have good conversations and too little elbow room for comfort.
Robin was fine, although we had minimal contact with her. The two city guides were extremely knowledgeable and interesting, so much so, that I felt compelled to give them an extra tip.
— Review left November 4, 2023
I learned things about New Orleans that I did not know. Very educational. New Orleans is a very resilient city.
— Review left October 22, 2023
Everything about my trip was great! I loved the hotel, Robin was a great group leader, and all of the trip experts were fun and knowledgeable. I was especially excited to see that Doreen Ketchens was our jazz performer and speaker after having seen her on CBS Sunday Morning!
The tours were informative and enjoyable. I enjoyed seeing the Garden District and having the opportunity to visit a cemetery. The meals were nice, too. Having a lot of free time was very welcome as I was able to go to some places I had long wanted to see.
My only quibble would be the breakfast being so early, but that just gave us more time to get more things in, so it isn't much of a quibble.
I met a lot of nice people and hope to take a Road Scholar trip sometime again soon.
— Review left October 16, 2023
Program was great. Survey's too long!
— Review left October 16, 2023
First, THE BEST--- ROBIN ROCQUE. A total rock star. I've gone on many guided trips, and Robin is as good as there is. Funny, helpful, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, good group leader, and just a fine human being. I would follow Robin anywhere.
--- NELLIE and MILTON were great local guides, informative and funny. I could listen and learn from these two for twice the time we had with them.
--- DOREEN KETCHENS is a treasure. I still think and tell others about what she said, sang, and played. Just a great experience. Location could be better; a fluorescent-lit hotel meeting room is a poor location for a musical session.
--- VIVIAN at the NOSOC was awesome. SUPERIOR SEAFOOD also very good.
Suprisingly, the only NEGATIVES in this program were THE FOOD. We looked forward to GALATOIRE'S, but being jammed into long tables with barely room to breathe, let alone move, was a terrible experience. The menu was fixed, shrimp or chicken. I can't handle shrimp, so I had to get the chicken, which was dry and disappointing. COURT OF TWO SISTERS is a lovely location, but the buffett was only okay, and the service was terrible. ---How many times do you have to serve chicken for this program?! At the welcome dinner, at the Doreen luncheon, at Galatoire's, etc. This program could have been called "Jazz, Rubber Chicken, and..." The MONTELEONE breakfast buffett was mediocre, though the service at breakfast, as it was all over the hotel, was great. We skipped the buffett a couple times in favor of way better food virtually anywhere in the neighborhood.
OVERALL -- a very good experience despite bad food and a couple of restaurant disappointments.
Mike F.
Program dates: May 14-19, 2023
— Review left June 5, 2023
This was an amazing trip. New Orleans was on my bucket list just prior to my retirement. I was so excited to hear from others who’ve been on many other Road Scholar trips. The activities were fabulous. The lodging was great and just enough free time to be able to explore.
— Review left May 20, 2023
This was my second Road Scholar trip and Len's first. It was a totally positive experience. Wolf was a well organized personable leader and he made sure that there were no problems or hitches. The events we did as a group were all entertaining, fulfilling and indicative of New Orleans. We also liked the fact that we had lots of free time to explore on our own. Our hotel was perfectly located in the heart of the French Quarter. The people in the group were educated, fun, well read and interesting and we made some new friends. This will not be our last Road Scholar trip.
— Review left May 5, 2023
Great experience exploring New Orleans for the first time! Great lectures and tours with just the right amount of free time. A great way to explore the country and world!
— Review left May 1, 2023
As a huge music buff, I found this program to be the perfect way to soak up the sounds and musical history of New Orleans. Came away with a deeper understanding and renewed appreciation for all the incredible music that originated here.
— Review left April 15, 2023
This program delivered just what it offered, I would definitely recommend it, especially for the first time to New Orleans!!
— Review left April 8, 2023
A delightful experience...first raw oyster! YAY!!!! Milton convinced me to try it!!! Friendly, entertaining....how could I go wrong!?! Ordered 6 'charred.' Tasty. It's always good to take some 'risks' when traveling with experts!
— Review left March 11, 2023
Enjoyed all parts of program
— Review left February 11, 2023
The expert way the program was handled made it very close to the extra cost relative to planning the trip without Road Scholar.
— Review left February 11, 2023
A wonderful program in an exciting city. You learn about a unique history and culture that values fun, food and entertainment. Guided tours are great.
— Review left January 14, 2023
Well done and informative, interesting and fun.
— Review left October 17, 2022
Jazz, Jambalaya, and Joie de Viver in New Orleans is a joy, full of fun learning and delicious cuisine to introduce you to the Creole and Cajun cultures of NOLA! Bon Appitite!
— Review left October 17, 2022
I just returned from my first Road Scholar trip. It was a valuable experience. I recommend Road Scholar to others.
— Review left April 17, 2022
Road Scholar is not honest about claims they make and fail to address problems. Would deter anyone form using their travel service. There are other services whihc I HAVE USED THAT ARE MUCH MORE ACCOMOXDATING.
— Review left March 28, 2022
Road Scholar opens many diverse doors. It is a good way to educate us about the history of the world.
— Review left November 22, 2021
Absolutely wonderful in every way! Leader Lyndel is a treasure and showed off the best parts of her lovely hometown! The hotel is perfect in every way and in the heart of the French Quarter. The lectures and tours gave a great overview of this vibrant city, and makes me want to come back!
— Review left November 21, 2021
The perfect program with every instructor a storyteller that drew us deeper into the rich history and culture of New Orleans.
— Review left March 24, 2020
Jazz as it should be....
— Review left February 25, 2020
A wonderful program that definitely gives you a feel for New Orleans, it’s music and people.
— Review left February 15, 2020
A great program conducted in the heart of the French Quarter. Very close to many varieties of music, food, museums, architecture, street performances, and scenery. A great city to visit and a nicely designed program to get introduced to what makes New Orleans New Orleans.
— Review left February 9, 2020
This was a fun and very educational trip! We learned a lot, and the pace was very manageable, with a good amount of free time to explore on our own.
— Review left February 7, 2020
New Orleans greets you with a smile on her face and heart on her sleeve. New Orleans is gracious and kind, irreverent and bawdy. It touches your soul and raises your spirits. New Orleans rises from the early morning mist to greet you and puts you to bed with the sound of foot tapping jazz. New Orleans embraces one and all.
— Review left February 3, 2020
All of our instructors were first rate, and the "flex" trip was perfectly planned and organized. I really liked having the opportunity to "linger longer" and enjoy the joie de vivre of NOLA.
As a foodie, I appreciated the opportunity to experience the city's wonderful, and notable cuisine. Drago's char-broiled oysters are to die for! I took myself to Commander's Palace for a "special" luncheon and it lived up to its world-wide reputation.
— Review left May 21, 2019
Our first Roads Scholar trip and first time in New Orleans. Wonderful all around-best hotel, great food, tours and wonderful guides!
— Review left April 4, 2019
The program exceeded my expectations. I am used to researching and planning my own trips here and abroad. New Orleans was a great destination for my first Road Scholar Program. I enjoyed the program and liked having someone else do the planning.
— Review left April 1, 2019
Great review of the New Orleans history and culture, including jazz.
— Review left March 30, 2019
This 'Joie de Vivre' New Orleans tour was possibly the best Road Scholar tour I have attended. Everything about this five day experience was outstanding. Bonnie Carter of Ukiah CA.
— Review left March 30, 2019
Program was exactly as described in book and on line. Perfect way to visit New Orleans and have the complete experience. Perfect weather in late March.
— Review left March 29, 2019
This was a wonderful introduction to one of our most interesting cities. It was done with the excellent care and educational values that we have always been impressed with on Road Scholar programs.
— Review left March 23, 2019
My first time in New Orleans. Loved combo of learning and being on our own. Guides were fabulous. Great way to introduce yourself to New Orleans and Road Scholar.
— Review left March 16, 2019
We have been to New Orleans many times, but during this program we learned many new things about the area, culture and architecture. The WW II museum is an amazing experience and the cooking class was lots of fun! All of the presenters were very knowledgeable and made everything interesting with some humor added. Overall, a great program.
— Review left February 21, 2019
THIS PROGRAM IS WONDERFUL FOR COUPLES WHO LIKE TO HAVE THE FLEX TIME TO EXPLORE SOME OF THEIR INTERESTS MORE IN DEPTH. THE INSTRUCTORS AND TOUR GUIDES ARE ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL AND YOU WILL COME HOME IN A HAPPY MOOD FROM HAVING SO MANY LAUGHS!
— Review left February 19, 2019
Road Scholar always offers interesting and informative tours, but the "Out and About in New Orleans - Flex" tour was truly outstanding. If you enjoy good music, good food, good accommodations, and like to laugh while you learn this is a tour well worth taking. The "flex" part means you get to choose some of your activities either on your own or with others on the tour, a great idea in a city with as much to offer as New Orleans.
— Review left February 18, 2019
A well organized and informative overview of New Orleans.
— Review left February 18, 2019
Out and about in New Orleans was so much fun. I learned so much I didn't know about New Orleans; I tried a few new drinks; ate the most divine food and listened to music everywhere. The Road Scholar presenters, and tour leader were great. I highly recommend this program!
— Review left February 16, 2019
I thought NOLA was the French Quarter and Mardi Gras. I learned that it is sooo much more and quite a history to understand and appreciate. I will definitely think differently when I hear New Orleans from now on.
— Review left February 1, 2019
The group leader, the lecturers, the musicians! The hotel, the field trips, the food! Everything you expect from the Crescent City and more! I highly recommend this Road Scholar experience. Just be aware you will want to add more Road Scholar experiences in this region to your bucket list.
— Review left January 19, 2019