Day:  NEW ORLEANS                                    

DAY 1: Start your first day with an historic walking tour of the French Quarter. Learn the history and heritage of this amazing neighborhood before you get seduced by its lust for life. After lunch (anywhere in the Quarter will suffice), check out bustling Jackson Square. Among the many street performers and artists here are historical landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral and The Cabildo. Take a break at Café du Monde for some café au lait and beignets. Then stroll the Historic French Market. By this time Bourbons Street will be jumping. Be sure to stop in Pat O’Brien’s for a Hurricane before dinner, though. Have dinner at Antoine’s in the Quarter (reservations required). After dinner, catch some live music at Preservation Hall or the less touristy Funky Butt.

DAY 2: Start your second day with a tour of New Orleans’ cemeteries. They are quite unique and the tours are extremely interesting. Do not brave these areas alone, some of the cemeteries are located in dangerous neighborhoods. After lunch, stroll the Quarter and pay a visit to The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum and the Musee Conti Wax Museum for some more interesting insight on this city’s heritage. Have dinner at the Napoleon House (yes, it was one of the homes of the famous French General). This establishment embodies old New Orleans. After dinner head on over to Mid City Lanes Rock and Bowl, located at 2100 Chartres Street. This is a Zydeco joint in the middle of a bowling alley which is in the middle of a shopping complex – it is one-of-a-kind and a great time!

DAY 3: Start your day with a trip to the Aquarium of the Americas. Across the street is Harrah’s casino as well. If you can pull yourself away from the blackjack table, head over to Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo. A St. Charles Streetcar will get you there and back to the Quarter. (If you end the day at the zoo, you can take a John Audubon Cruise back to the Quarter to avoid walking all the way back to Charles Street). On your way back to the Quarter, stop off at Magazine Street for some excellent shopping. For dinner, check out Commander’s Palace, rated as one of the top three restaurants in the nation (reservations required). After dinner, check out some world-class jazz and blues at Tipitina’s.

DAY 4: Start day four with a swamp tour. Most swamp tour companies will even pick you up at your hotel, as they are located a short drive from the Quarter. After your tour, take a taxi to the New Orleans Museum of Art. The museum is also located at City Park, one of the regions best recreation areas. Head back to the Quarter to stroll the Historic French Market, one of the oldest markets in the country. From here, grab some dinner anywhere in the Quarter and do some people watching. Try not to get completely caught up in the party scene because you don’t want to miss the great jazz at the Funky Butt, a less touristy but renowned music venue.

DAY 5: Your fifth day should begin with one of the many boat tours this city has to offer. Cruising down the mighty Mississippi is a great way to soak in New Orleans on your last day. Afterwards, take a vampire or ghost tour through the Quarter; they are excellent both in historical context and entertainment. The rest of day five should be spent roaming the French Quarter, maybe some dinner at a classic New Orleans restaurant like Arnaud’s, and then some quality time between you and one of the greatest neighborhoods in the world! Enjoy!