14 days tailor made from £5,000 pp
From £5,000 pp
At a glance
?
Don't forget that all of our itineraries are totally customized and so this is just an idea of what we can build for you.
New Orleans is one of the most enigmatic cities in America. It’s the home of voodoo, jazz, and Mardi Gras. Anne Rice set her famous vampire novels here for a reason. It’s every bit as spooky as it is romantic.
The biggest event of the year in New Orleans is, of course, Mardi Gras. It begins on “the 12th night” and ends on “Fat Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday). There are so many parades to see and parties to attend.
New Orleans, with its deep historical roots and unique cultural tapestry, stands as a testament to the eclectic mix of influences that shape its identity. This city, lying at the heart of the Mississippi Delta, has absorbed elements from French, Spanish, African, and Creole traditions, weaving them into a vibrant mosaic that is palpable in its architecture, cuisine, and, of course, music. Jazz, arguably America’s greatest cultural contribution, was born in the lively bars and nightclubs of New Orleans, a genre that continues to define the city’s auditory landscape. This melange of cultural influences makes New Orleans not just a city to visit, but an experience to be lived, offering a sensory journey that captivates the imagination of all who wander its ancient streets.
Beyond the festivities of Mardi Gras, New Orleans offers a year-round allure with its hauntingly beautiful cemeteries, like the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau draws visitors from around the world. The city’s affinity for the mystical and the paranormal is not just limited to literature and folklore; it permeates the very atmosphere, especially as dusk falls over the French Quarter. Ghost tours and voodoo shops offer a glimpse into the darker side of New Orleans, providing a stark contrast to the exuberant joy that fills the streets during its numerous festivals and celebrations.
“It has been said that a Scotchman has not seen the world until he has seen Edinburgh, and I think that I may say that an American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi-Gras in New Orleans.” — Mark Twain
In detail
?
Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Days 1 To 3: Explore New Orleans
Arrive at New Orleans Louis Armstrong airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Over the three days before Mardi Gras, you’ll get a feel for the city.
Take a trip to Jackson Square where you’ll see a statue of Andrew Jackson on horseback, the mighty Mississippi River, and St. Louis Cathedral. To catch a glimpse of old New Orleans, visit 1850 House, an antebellum house decorated in a mid-Victorian style. Supposing you have a taste for the macabre, join a ghost tour and learn about mad Delphine LaLaurie, a famous New Orleans resident who allegedly tortured slaves in her mansion.
The hedonistic French Quarter is a must. Discover its unique charms, from swanky restaurants to jazz venues and dive bars. It can get pretty rowdy at night along Bourbon Street. Don’t forget to have a drink at the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone: it’s a New Orleans institution.
Days 4 To 7: Mardi Gras
Festivities will be taking place over two weeks. There’s a parade every day. Expect garish floats, colourful costumes, a nonstop party vibe in the French Quarter, and yes, drunken chaos on Bourbon Street at night. People drink booze from the hand grenades and dine on Creole food. Marching jazz bands parade loudly through the streets. There’ll be queues around the block for Chicory coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde.
Mardi Gras may not be for the faint-hearted but it is fabulous. It isn’t just a tourist trap. This is a cultural event and a decadent celebration of life. Over your week in New Orleans, you’ll see the key parades and attend a fabulous masked ball.
Day 8: Departure
After an action-packed week, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Further information
?
Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Further Information
This itinerary is tailor-made and it can be adapted to suit your needs. There are different ways to experience Mardi Gras, some more family-friendly than others.
When the carnival begins, it’s best to visit the French Quarter during the day, as it will be very busy at night. Bourbon Street, packed as it is with bars, gets a bit raucous in the evening during carnival – best to have a night on Bourbon Street in the days leading up to Mardi Gras.
If you view the parades from Uptown you’ll be in a slightly quieter, less touristy setting.
As Mardi Gras is such a huge event advanced booking is recommended. The hotels will be full and very expensive nearer the time.
Other Suggested Trips
?
Our itineraries are here to inspire you. Everything we do is tailor-made so our team of luxury travel experts will customize an itinerary for you.
Pacific Coast Drive: San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego
Tailor-made Holiday
Discover the best of the Pacific Coast Highway on this 14-day road trip through San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. This classic California coastal itinerary combines iconic cities, scenic ocean drives and charming beach towns. Start in San Francisco,...
Luxury Hawaii Adventure
Tailor-made Holiday
Embark on an unforgettable Hawaii island-hopping adventure combining the dramatic landscapes of the Big Island with the lush natural beauty of Kauai. Over the course of this journey, you’ll experience two of Hawaii’s most spectacular islands, where volcanic landscapes, tropical...
Aspen in Winter: A Luxury Gay Ski Escape
Tailor-made Holiday
Aspen is one of those places that rewards arriving with no particular agenda. It’s one of the top luxury travel destinations in the USA. The skiing across four mountains is as good as anywhere in North America, but the town...
Why book with us?
Personal Service
We want to ensure you have the best experience with us so we’ll keep working on your itinerary until perfect. You will have your own personal dedicated member of our team who will help build a trip that is bespoke to you.
Call our travel experts on +44 (0)20 7157 1570
Our 5* Reviews
We pride ourselves in the number of clients that are referred to us by our existing customers. Our 5* Trustpilot rating is important to us, so we encourage you to browse our reviews. They speak for themselves and that's why you are in safe hands.