Louisiana

Signature City New Orleans

Program No. 2856RJ
Get to know the real New Orleans through full days of excursions to historic landmarks, artists’ haunts and jazz venues. Plus, sample cuisine at the New Orleans School of Cooking!

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At a Glance

With over 300 years of colorful culture under its belt, New Orleans revels in its giddy blend of European refinement and carefree effervescence, a place where virtue and vice are celebrated in equal measure. On this introduction to New Orleans, we’ve planned a full schedule of activities, so you can experience the intoxicating charms of “the Crescent City” that have long fascinated artists, writers, musicians and scholars. Experience live New Orleans jazz, and take field trips inside and outside the French Quarter and Garden District. Get perspectives on architectural and literary landmarks, and enjoy unique culinary adventures as well as the National World War II Museum.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Moderate walking and standing.

What You'll Learn

  • See Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou St. John, the famed above-ground cemeteries and St. Charles Avenue, including a walk in the Garden District to take in its historic architecture.
  • Delve into the local literary history as you study Tennessee Williams, John Kennedy Toole, William Faulkner and more impressive writers with an expert.
  • Experience the New Orleans School of Cooking.

General Notes

You may enjoy a slower-paced program, "New Orleans at a Slower Pace: A City of History, Culture and Celebration" (#1475), or a more active, Small Group program with more free time "Jazz, Jambalaya and Joie de Vivre in New Orleans" (#21665).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Nellie Watson
Nellie Watson’s love of architecture was born at an early age, growing up in the unique environment of New Orleans’ old neighborhoods. Studying architecture and design in college, her career began at two architecture firms before establishing her own company — Watson & Withrow, Inc. After working the Louisiana World Exposition in 1984, she founded Watson Models, working on major development projects around the world. Nellie gives workshops on the art of model making and enjoys sharing her love for the local culture and architecture.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Nellie Watson
Nellie Watson View biography
Nellie Watson’s love of architecture was born at an early age, growing up in the unique environment of New Orleans’ old neighborhoods. Studying architecture and design in college, her career began at two architecture firms before establishing her own company — Watson & Withrow, Inc. After working the Louisiana World Exposition in 1984, she founded Watson Models, working on major development projects around the world. Nellie gives workshops on the art of model making and enjoys sharing her love for the local culture and architecture.
Profile Image of Angela Carll
Angela Carll View biography
Angela Mequet Carll is a native New Orleanian who was a writer for “The Times-Picayune” for 30 years. She holds a master’s degree in English with an emphasis on Southern Literature and is the author of “Where Writers Wrote,” a book about writers in New Orleans. She has taught at Tulane University, is a graduate of ITMI, and a licensed New Orleans exploration leader. Angela has been a group leader for Road Scholar since 2016 and brings a wide variety of experiences to her groups.
Profile Image of Milton Carr
Milton J. Carr View biography
Milton Carr was born in Tremé, a cultural center of New Orleans. After studying in San Diego, Milton returned home to New Orleans where he worked for Domino Sugars. During his 33 years at Domino, he became interested in sugar cane’s connections to slavery and the economic history of the city. Milton has been a licensed New Orleans guide since 2001, and is a one-of-a-kind expert on the city's unique music, history, culture and heritage.
Profile Image of Wolf Kassmeier
Wolf Kassmeier View biography
Wolf has enjoyed acting as a group leader since 2000, sharing time with guests in New Orleans, throughout Louisiana, and over-the-road ranging from National Parks in the West to Chicago. For approximately five years he served onboard Amtrak trains as a regional expert. A native Nebraskan, Wolf lived in New Orleans for thirty years.
Profile Image of Robin Rocque
Robin Rocque View biography
Robin Rocque's favorite city to share with guests is her hometown of New Orleans. Its diversely unique culture and musical background provides a lovely backdrop during its introduction. Robin has happily led groups in many cities and several countries. Robin has been a licensed New Orleans tour guide since 2004, and a certified international tour manager since 2011. She is an alumna of Vassar College, and recently served as a board member of a nonprofit organization that provides community support in and around New Orleans.
Profile Image of Dave Roberts
Dave Roberts View biography
Dave Roberts was born in New Orleans and baptized in the same church as Louis Armstrong. He received his B.B.A. from Loyola University (New Orleans) and his M.B.A. from the University of New Orleans. For many years he worked at Loyola University as the director of student finance. Dave started working as a New Orleans group leader in 1997. His expeditions are a blend of history, architecture, food, music, writers, movies, and current events.
Profile Image of Doreen Ketchens
Doreen Ketchens View biography
Doreen Ketchens is a musician whose primary interest lies in spreading the culture and traditional music of New Orleans all over the world through performances and education. As the leader of the jazz band Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans, she has been called "Queen Clarinet," "The Female Louis Armstrong," and “Lady Louie” by critics who have heard her perform. Doreen's Jazz New Orleans has represented New Orleans around the world, performing in Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, South America, Russia and the U.S.
Profile Image of Nellie Watson
Nellie Watson View biography
Nellie Watson, a native New Orleanian, has always had a deep passion for the local environment. She has enjoyed sharing stories with Road Scholar for over 20 years, and is also a provider for aerial flightseeing tours of the endangered wetlands. With a background in architecture and a B.F.A. in environmental design, she began her career at two large international architectural firms, had her own residential design firm, and is currently is a professional model maker for major film productions like Marvel and Disney.
Profile Image of Mary Lynn Scheinuk
Mary Lynn Scheinuk View biography
Mary Lynn Scheinuk has lived in New Orleans her entire life, graduating from Mount Carmel Academy and the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. She worked for 35 years in advertising sales for the Times-Picayune newspaper. During that period, she was part of the retail and commercial development of New Orleans landmarks. In addition to leading groups, Mary Lynn works numerous group events and fundraisers, and assists the American Queen Steamboat Company and Viking in hospitality and registration for Mississippi river cruises.
Profile Image of Clare Pierson
Clare Pierson View biography
Clare Pierson has taught literature and creative writing to all levels of students and teachers. She has been managing editor of the Tennessee Williams Journal, a periodical dedicated to works of and about America's premier playwright. She served on the editorial staff and wrote a regular column for The Double Dealer Redux, a quarterly dedicated to writers and their writings. She continues to serve on the executive committee of the Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date
Nov 10 - Nov 15
  • May 05 - May 10
  • May 12 - May 17
  • Oct 13 - Oct 18
  • Oct 20 - Oct 25
  • Nov 03 - Nov 08
  • Nov 10 - Nov 15
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Nov 10 - Nov 15, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This date is a small group.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Nov 10 - Nov 15
  • May 05 - May 10
  • May 12 - May 17
  • Oct 13 - Oct 18
  • Oct 20 - Oct 25
  • Nov 03 - Nov 08
  • Nov 10 - Nov 15
Nov 10 - Nov 15, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This date is a small group.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
12 meals
4 B 1BR 3 L 4 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
New Orleans, LA
D
Hotel Monteleone

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Easy walking inside hotel; at your discretion if you’d like to go out. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Some field trips will be walking, others via motorcoach. In addition to meals at the historic Monteleone Hotel, we’ll dine around at some of the city’s fine restaurants. Breakfasts will be offered in the hotel’s restaurant. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. As a special bonus, we will have vouchers to use at a popular jazz club and the Louisiana State Museum. In order to be prepared for your upcoming program, we need to collect some menu choices ahead of the program. Thank you for taking the time to provide this information in advance of the program. https://forms.office.com/r/RCuAka5taQ

Dinner: At a local restaurant in the French Quarter.

Evening: At leisure. Live music fills the Carousel Bar & Lounge overlooking Royal Street right inside our historic hotel — a French Quarter landmark since 1886. The Carousel evokes a spirit of fun with the renowned Merry-Go-Round, the city’s only revolving bar. Live music continues on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

DAY
2
Intro. to New Orleans, City Field Trip, Sculpture Garden
New Orleans, LA
B,L,D
Hotel Monteleone

Activity note: Walking 1 block from hotel to motor coach for field trip; Field trip will last for 3.5 hours with a bathroom break in between; walking 3 blocks from bus for lunch.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: In this introduction to New Orleans, we’ll learn about our history and culture, traditions, celebrations, people, and what it means when we say, “It’s a New Orleans thing.” The entertaining class is taught by a humorist who has lived here all her life. She exudes the “joie de vivre” that makes New Orleanians distinctively memorable.

Lunch: At a local jazz café. There will be live musical performances during this meal.

Afternoon: We’ll board a motorcoach and continue our delightful introduction to New Orleans as our instructor points out significant sites and reveals more about the city’s people, traditions, and unique culture. We’ll make stops at highlights along the way, including: Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou St. John, City Park with its magnificent oak trees and Sculpture Garden, and one of the famed and mysterious above-ground cemeteries where the departed — from pirates to voodoo queens — are interred.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Experience nightlife in the French Quarter. If you’re a music aficionado, there are lots of options. We have provided a voucher (drink included) for Fritzel’s European Jazz Club. The French Quarter has something to offer for almost every interest and taste.

DAY
3
New Orleans Architecture, Garden District Tour, Vue Orleans
New Orleans, LA
B,L
Hotel Monteleone

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; Riding a motorcoach for about 1.5 miles; Walking 8 blocks in the Garden District; Walking/standing at museum

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll have an introduction to the architecture and diversity of New Orleans from a local architecture expert. Architecture is an expression of culture. We’ll learn how different nationalities and ethnicities — such as immigrants from Europe and the West Indies — influenced local architecture and contributed to the “gumbo” of our society. We’ll then board the motorcoach and become immersed in New Orleans architecture. We’ll learn about various types of iron works, architecture, and historic homes with some stops along the way. Next, we will set out on a walking field trip with a local historian in the aptly named Garden District, one of the loveliest neighborhoods in the country. It was laid out in 1832 for incoming, well-to-do Americans who were not interested in mingling with native New Orleanians. The feeling was mutual! Grand houses were built on large lots in this lush setting.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Following lunch, we will visit the museum Vue Orleans. We will take an interactive deep dive into the history, music, and culture of New Orleans as we head up 34 floors via elevator to view the city from the observation deck.

Dinner: Dinner will be on your own this evening, at your own expense, so that you may experience whatever restaurant or cuisine you desire. Feel free to ask your Group Leader for restaurant suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. Go out to experience more of New Orleans night life, music, and culture. If you haven’t used it yet, your voucher for Fritzel’s is good any night of the week. Feel free to also have a relaxed evening at the hotel; the choice is yours.

DAY
4
World War II Museum, Music Lecture, Free Time
New Orleans, LA
B,L,D
Hotel Monteleone

Activity note: Walking at your own pace through World War II Museum; benches available. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Formerly known as the D-Day Museum, the National World War II Museum was founded by eminent historian Dr. Stephen Ambrose, author “Band of Brothers” and other best-sellers. A self directed exploration will takes us through three buildings that house exhibits highlighting the role of participants from world leaders to the everyday men and women whose contributions helped to win the war, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many items in the vast collection — such as uniforms, weaponry, vehicles, medals, diaries, letters, artwork, photographs, and other mementos — are on display while thousands of records and archives are available to scholars for ongoing research. We’ll also see the film “Beyond All Boundaries” narrated by Tom Hanks. Through first person accounts and amazing special effects, we’ll take a journey through the war that changed the world.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Following lunch, we will have a lecture/ performance at the hotel by a jazz clarinetist who performs Dixieland and Trad Jazz. We have left the rest of this afternoon free for you to visit more sites in the French Quarter or relax at the hotel before dinner.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Take this time to experience more of our very special city and what it has to offer.

DAY
5
Literature lecture, Sazerac House, Free Time, Cooking School
New Orleans, LA
B,D
Hotel Monteleone

Activity note: Walking 4-5 blocks from the hotel to Sazerac House and the Cooking School. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll be joined by the managing editor of the Tennessee Williams Journal, whose love of writing and New Orleans is evident in her enthusiastic lectures. We’ll learn about some of the famous writers who lived in and wrote about the French Quarter including William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, John Kennedy Toole, and more. Following our morning lecture, we will visit the Sazerac House. Here, we will take a self-directed exploration to learn about the history of the Sazerac cocktail and how spirits played an important role in New Orleans' culture.

Lunch: On your own to explore local fare.

Afternoon: Free Time. We have provided vouchers to explore the Cabildo and Presbytère flanking St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. All were constructed during the Spanish period (1795-1799). The Cabildo was the center of government. The Presbytère, built on the site of what had been the residence of Capuchin monks, was used for commercial purposes. Both are now key components of the Louisiana State Museum. The Cabildo displays artifacts of American history as well as rarities such as Napoleon’s death mask. The Presbytère’s interactive exhibit on Mardi Gras traces our annual celebration from its origins to the present day with an exquisite collection of artifacts and memorabilia. Another exhibit expresses Louisiana’s saga of resilience in the face of disasters. You might also like to stroll along Royal Street with its antique shops, visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, or go for a ride on the paddlewheeler “Natchez” — last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi. There are many opportunities to experience our people, cultures, and celebrations.

Dinner: We’ll dine at the world renowned New Orleans School of Cooking. Here an expert local chef will teach us how to cook Creole and Cajun cuisine, as they explain the difference. We’ll see the preparation of a traditional dish, then have it for dinner. For dessert, we’ll sample the best pralines in town!

Evening: At leisure. This evening, we will have one more opportunity to hit the town and enjoy New Orleans Jazz. Then prepare for check out and departure following our final event in the morning.

DAY
6
Jazz Brunch, Program Concludes
New Orleans, LA
BR

Activity note: Walking 4 blocks to/from restaurant. Hotel check-out by12:00 p.m. Noon.

Brunch: At the celebrated Court of Two Sisters, we’ll settle in for a true New Orleans delight, the jazz brunch. The elaborate buffet offers tasty hot and cold New Orleans favorites from eggs any style to Creole jambalaya, grits and grillades, gumbo, classic desserts, and much more; coffee, tea, water included, other beverages available for purchase. Tap your toes to the music of the restaurant’s resident jazz trio. Enjoy this final dining and musical experience with a broader and deeper understanding and appreciation of our city, the one and only New Orleans. Please note that the jazz brunch will occur between 9:00-10:30 AM. Our hotel check-out is at noon. Please plan you flights accordingly. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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