New Orleans Two Day Private Itinerary

Exploring New Orleans in just two days? This private, customized tour promises a deep dive into the city’s highlights—perfect for those looking to maximize their time without the hassle of planning. From the historic French Quarter to the lush Garden District and lively jazz venues, this experience offers a comprehensive taste of NOLA’s vibrant culture. We especially appreciate the flexibility of a private guide who can tailor the itinerary to your interests.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour spans a lot of ground, so it’s a full-day affair with plenty of walking and sightseeing. If you have limited mobility or prefer a more relaxed pace, it’s worth discussing your needs beforehand. This tour is ideal for history buffs, food lovers, and jazz enthusiasts eager to soak in authentic New Orleans flavor without missing out on must-see sights.

Key Points

• Customizable Private Experience: Tailor your tour to your interests with a licensed guide.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers major neighborhoods, historic landmarks, cuisine, and music.
• Includes Unique Activities: From a Mississippi River jazz cruise to swamp boat tours.
• Focus on Authenticity: Visit local spots, such as the Pharmacy Museum and French Market.
• Value for Money: While priced at $1,795 for up to 4 people, the inclusion of private transport and entrance fees adds convenience.
• Culinary Highlights: Food tasting stops and meals emphasize New Orleans’ unique flavors.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Day 1: Taking in the French Quarter and Beyond

The journey begins in the heart of New Orleans with a pickup at your hotel, setting the tone for a personalized exploration. Your guide, often a licensed professional with deep city knowledge, will lead you through the historic French Quarter, incorporating stops at Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Royal Street Mall. Expect insightful stories about the founding of the city, with a focus on influential figures and preservation efforts. The visit to the Cabildo and Pontalba Apartments provides a glimpse into New Orleans’ Spanish and French influences.

One of the highlights is touring the French Market and the Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights factory. Watching artisans craft gas lights by hand offers a tangible link to the city’s past—something many visitors find memorable. Our review notes that several travelers appreciated these behind-the-scenes moments, which add authenticity to the experience.

Lunchtime at the Gumbo Shop or another local restaurant provides a chance to sample classic Creole dishes. While food costs aren’t included, trying gumbo or jambalaya here is highly recommended for the flavor-packed experience. The tour then transitions to a steamboat jazz cruise on the Mississippi River aboard the Natchez, where you can relax and enjoy live jazz while taking in iconic river views. This segment was especially praised for combining scenic beauty with lively music, a true NOLA signature.

Later, the day finishes with a food tasting tour in the French Quarter, sampling local favorites and desserts at spots like Tableau Restaurant or Napoleon House. The mix of culinary delights, history, and lively street ambiance makes this one of the most enjoyable parts of the first day.

Day 2: Neighborhoods, Cemeteries, and Swamp Adventures

Day two kicks off in the charming Faubourg Marigny, where we learn about the social history of Placage, slavery, and the city’s musical roots on Frenchmen Street. Visiting St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 offers a fascinating peek at New Orleans’ above-ground burial traditions, which travelers often find visually striking and culturally enlightening.

A visit to City Park, twice the size of New York’s Central Park, showcases the city’s efforts to preserve green space amid challenges like flooding and hurricanes. The nearby Café du Monde stop for beignets and cafe au lait is a sweet, iconic treat that many rave about—though the cost of refreshments isn’t included, it’s well worth the indulgence.

Next, a trip to the University of New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain introduces the city’s resilience post-Hurricane Katrina. The guide explains how recent efforts aim to prevent another catastrophic breach, providing context behind the city’s ongoing battle with natural disasters.

The afternoon features a swamp tour on Honey Island Swamp, where the chance to see wildlife such as alligators, eagles, and raccoons in their habitat is a major draw. This part of the experience was highly praised for offering a distinctive outdoor adventure that’s both fun and educational.

The day concludes with visits to Lafayette Square and the Garden District, where antebellum mansions and charming streets reveal the city’s architectural grandeur. You might prefer to walk or drive depending on your group’s size and preferences. Lunch in the Garden District at a local restaurant adds another opportunity to savor New Orleans’ culinary diversity.

Finally, the evening is devoted to live jazz, with stops at Fritzel’s, Maison Bourbon, and The Jazz Playhouse. Each venue offers a different style of jazz, from traditional to more progressive, providing a lively and authentic musical experience. These venues, often free to enter but requiring the purchase of a drink, give you a taste of NOLA’s legendary music scene.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Flexibility and personal attention are perhaps the biggest pluses. Being private means your guide can customize the day based on your interests, whether you’re more into history, food, or music. Many reviews highlight how guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, making each stop feel engaging rather than rushed.

The inclusion of varied activities—from architecture and cemeteries to swamps and jazz clubs—ensures you get a well-rounded view of the city. It’s ideal for visitors who want more than just a general overview and prefer an immersive experience.

Value for money is another standout point. Although the tour costs $1,795 for up to four people, it covers transportation, parking, and multiple entrance fees. With such a packed itinerary, it offers significant convenience, especially for travelers unfamiliar with navigating New Orleans on their own.

However, the cost of food and drinks isn’t included, which can add up, especially during lunchtime and the evening entertainment. If you’re budget-conscious, you might want to plan for a few extra dollars here.

The schedule is intensive, covering a lot of ground in just two days. Travelers should be prepared for some walking and a busy pace. For those with limited mobility, discussing specific needs with the provider beforehand is advisable, as the tour vehicle isn’t ADA equipped.

Final Thoughts

This private two-day tour of New Orleans is a fantastic option for those wanting a comprehensive, well-organized experience that covers the city’s history, neighborhoods, cuisine, and music. The flexibility allows you to focus on what interests you most, whether it’s the historic French Quarter, the lush Garden District, or the lively jazz scene.

The inclusion of unique activities like swamp tours and gaslight artisans adds a dimension of authenticity that many travelers find enriching. Plus, the opportunity to savor local food at multiple stops ensures you’ll walk away with more than just memories but also a deeper appreciation of NOLA’s culinary soul.

While it’s priced higher than some group tours, the private setting, curated experiences, and expert guidance make it worth considering for travelers who want a tailored, hassle-free exploration of New Orleans. It’s particularly suited for those eager to see the highlights while also uncovering lesser-known gems, all within a manageable two-day frame.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour welcomes visitors with limited mobility, but the vehicle isn’t ADA equipped. It’s best to discuss your specific needs with the provider beforehand.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and beverages during lunch, dinner, and tasting stops are not included. Expect to spend approximately $50 per person on food and drinks.

What is the tour duration?
The entire experience spans about two days, with each day packed with activities and sightseeing. Expect full, active days with some walking.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, guides can tailor the schedule to your interests, focusing more on history, food, or music, depending on your preferences.

What’s included in the price?
Private transportation, parking fees, licensed guide, and entrance fees to attractions like the steamboat cruise and swamp tour are included.

Is this tour good for families or groups?
Absolutely, up to four people can enjoy a personalized experience. Families with children should consider the pace and walking involved.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Rescheduling is subject to availability and weather conditions.

To sum it up, this two-day private tour of New Orleans offers a well-rounded, engaging, and authentic way to explore the city’s most iconic sights and hidden treasures. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or a jazz lover, it provides a tailored experience that balances depth with convenience. Just prepare for busy days, a bit of spending on food and drinks, and an eagerness to embrace all that NOLA has to offer.