New Orleans City Sightseeing and Hurricane Katrina Small-Group Tour
New Orleans, Louisiana
Rating: 
Trip Type: Half-day Tours
Duration: 4 hours
The tenacious city of New Orleans showcases her rebuilding efforts and her Southern charm on this combination city tour that includes both the city’s old familiar sights and the realities of Hurricane Katrina. Some parts of the city – like the historic French Quarter – were left nearly untouched by the 2005 hurricanes while others were ravaged by the catastrophic failure of the levee system. This enlightening tour winds these disparate halves of the city into a contemporary overview of modern-day New Orleans.
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The tenacious city of New Orleans showcases her rebuilding efforts and her Southern charm on this combination city tour that includes both the city’s old familiar sights and the realities of Hurricane Katrina. Some parts of the city – like the historic French Quarter – were left nearly untouched by the 2005 hurricanes while others were ravaged by the catastrophic failure of the levee system. This enlightening tour winds these disparate halves of the city into a contemporary overview of modern-day New Orleans.
After hotel pickup by comfortable van, your New Orleans city tour begins in the French Quarter and covers the history and architecture of the old Creole city. See top attractions like Jackson Square, St Louis Cathedral and the Pontalba Buildings, and enjoy a view of the Mississippi River.
Next, pass the French Market and the old US Mint, drive through the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, and head east along the Industrial Canal to view the largest Hurricane Katrina levee breach, which destroyed the 9th Ward. Witness both the desolation and budding rebirth here, including Harry Connick Jr.'s and Ellis Marsalis' project: Habitat For Humanity's colorful Musicians' Village site in the Upper 9th Ward. You’ll then return to the contrasting, stately mansions along Esplanade Avenue as you make your way to the historic St Louis Cemetery #3.
Enjoy a guided walking tour through the cemetery’s large tombs before re-boarding your van for a ride along peaceful Bayou St John, where you’ll see raised houses from the late 1700s and learn about their architectural significance in a city below sea level. Then visit City Park to see the antique carousel and centuries-old live oaks before stopping for a snack break (own expense). See the London Avenue Canal Breaches and the complete destruction they caused during the hurricane
Next, head toward the University of New Orleans campus along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, where you’ll see the Causeway, which is the world’s longest continuous bridge over water. On the drive, your guide will tell you about the levee system and how integral it is to the city.
Continue past the lake’s marinas, where you’ll witness the fourth levee breach at the 17th Street Canal. Discover both the destruction wrecked upon the Lakeview neighborhood and its inspiring comeback.
Your journey continues through the Uptown district, past Tulane and Loyola universities, the 177-year-old streetcar line and the grand colonial mansions of St Charles Avenue. Make your way into the Garden District to see its renowned (and possibly haunted) historic homes.
Heading downtown, ride through the Arts District and the Warehouse Section, passing by the World War II Museum and the Superdome before being dropped off at your hotel.
Next, pass the French Market and the old US Mint, drive through the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, and head east along the Industrial Canal to view the largest Hurricane Katrina levee breach, which destroyed the 9th Ward. Witness both the desolation and budding rebirth here, including Harry Connick Jr.'s and Ellis Marsalis' project: Habitat For Humanity's colorful Musicians' Village site in the Upper 9th Ward. You’ll then return to the contrasting, stately mansions along Esplanade Avenue as you make your way to the historic St Louis Cemetery #3.
Enjoy a guided walking tour through the cemetery’s large tombs before re-boarding your van for a ride along peaceful Bayou St John, where you’ll see raised houses from the late 1700s and learn about their architectural significance in a city below sea level. Then visit City Park to see the antique carousel and centuries-old live oaks before stopping for a snack break (own expense). See the London Avenue Canal Breaches and the complete destruction they caused during the hurricane
Next, head toward the University of New Orleans campus along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, where you’ll see the Causeway, which is the world’s longest continuous bridge over water. On the drive, your guide will tell you about the levee system and how integral it is to the city.
Continue past the lake’s marinas, where you’ll witness the fourth levee breach at the 17th Street Canal. Discover both the destruction wrecked upon the Lakeview neighborhood and its inspiring comeback.
Your journey continues through the Uptown district, past Tulane and Loyola universities, the 177-year-old streetcar line and the grand colonial mansions of St Charles Avenue. Make your way into the Garden District to see its renowned (and possibly haunted) historic homes.
Heading downtown, ride through the Arts District and the Warehouse Section, passing by the World War II Museum and the Superdome before being dropped off at your hotel.
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