Tours from New Orleans in January

Question

Hi we are thinking of flying from Miami to New Orleans in the last 2 weeks of January after our cruise . We have up to 2 weeks before we fly back to uk from Miami . Can anyone recommend a tour we could do around the Deep South ? Ideally we don’t want to drive but will if we have to . Most of the tours I keep seeing seem to include flights from uk which I don’t want . Thanks

Answer

It sounds like you're planning an exciting trip around the Deep South after your cruise! January is a great time to explore this part of the United States—while it’s winter, the weather is still relatively mild compared to other parts of the country. Below are some tour suggestions and ideas for exploring the Deep South from New Orleans, without the need to drive yourself if you prefer not to.

1. New Orleans to Baton Rouge Day Trip

If you're looking for something relatively close to New Orleans, a day trip to Baton Rouge (about 1.5 hours away) could be perfect. You can take a guided tour to visit the Louisiana State Capitol, the Old Governor's Mansion, and the LSU Rural Life Museum, which offers insight into the history and culture of Louisiana. Many companies offer day trips from New Orleans to Baton Rouge that don't require driving on your own.

2. Plantation Tours along the River Road

A must-do when in New Orleans is exploring the historic plantations along the Mississippi River. There are several well-regarded tours that will take you to visit grand estates such as Oak Alley Plantation, Laura Plantation, and Houmas House. These tours can often be booked as group tours with a guide, so you won't need to drive. January is a quieter time for plantation tours, making it a great opportunity to enjoy the history and the scenery without the crowds.

3. Mississippi Gulf Coast Tour

If you’re looking for a more relaxed coastal experience, consider taking a day trip or overnight trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Tours typically include stops in Biloxi and Gulfport, where you can visit casinos, stroll the beaches, or explore the coastal culture of the region. There are organized coach tours or small group tours that will take you there, so you don’t need to rent a car.

4. Swamp Tours in the Bayou

No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a swamp tour! There are several options for swamp tours in the nearby bayous where you can see alligators, herons, and other wildlife. These tours often include a guide who will pick you up directly from your hotel, so you don't need to worry about transportation. You can choose from airboat rides or traditional boat tours, both of which give you a unique view of Louisiana’s natural beauty.

5. Mississippi Delta and Clarksdale (Blues Country)

If you want to dive deeper into the heart of the Delta blues, you can join a guided tour of the Mississippi Delta. Many tours leave from New Orleans, and you’ll explore historic cities such as Clarksdale, Mississippi, where the blues genre was born. You can visit legendary spots like the Delta Blues Museum and pay tribute to the musicians who shaped American music. This is a longer trip (likely requiring an overnight stay), but it’s an incredible experience for music lovers.

6. Alabama Civil Rights Tour

If you’re interested in history, consider a Civil Rights tour of Alabama. You can visit significant sites like the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, and the Civil Rights Memorial in Birmingham. There are guided tours available from New Orleans, and while the trip will take a few days, it’s a powerful way to learn more about America’s history of racial justice.

7. Explore New Orleans and Nearby Areas on Your Own

If you want to stay based in New Orleans for a while, you can also take advantage of the many walking tours, riverboat cruises, and excursions in and around the city. Options include:

Walking Food Tours: New Orleans is known for its food, and taking a guided food tour is a great way to experience the city’s culinary culture.
Historic French Quarter Tours: Explore the French Quarter’s history with a guided walking tour that takes you through its beautiful streets, with stops at key historic sites.
Riverboat Cruises: Hop on a traditional steamboat for a scenic ride along the Mississippi River and enjoy a live jazz band while taking in the views.

8. Guided Tour Packages or Tour Companies

Since you're looking for a tour that doesn't include flights from the UK, you may want to look into tour companies that specialize in regional guided trips. Some options include:

Viator: They offer many local tours that can be tailored to your interests, from food tours to historical tours.
Gray Line New Orleans: Known for their city tours, Gray Line also offers day trips to nearby cities and plantations, which you can book in advance.
Gumbo Tours: Offers food-focused tours and other local experiences around New Orleans and beyond.

For the best experience, I'd recommend booking your tours in advance, especially since you'll be visiting in the busy tourist season, and some of these tours may require reservations. Since you have two weeks, you can also balance organized tours with some downtime to explore at your own pace. Enjoy your trip to the Deep South!

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