Destination
New Orleans Holidays
The Big Easy
Let the good times roll in New Orleans: a food lover’s paradise, melting pot of culture and hip music hub.
Stroll through the cobbled streets of the French Quarter to explore the city, or take a historic St. Charles street car through the beautiful garden district for a ride with a view. If you’re after something a bit more upbeat, we recommend visiting Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse or, for the ultimate music experience, enjoy a jazz dinner cruise aboard an authentic Mississippi paddle steamer.
The streets of New Orleans have their own special vibe and this unique city perfectly complements its neighbours in the Deep South. Why not combine a stay here with a trip to Nashville and Memphis, or hit the open roads to explore the scenic byways and southern cities? See more of the USA’s treasures with a multicentre trip like no other.
Destination Highlights
Essential Information
- Time Zone GMT-6 hours
- Currency USD - US dollar
- Visa Information British Passport holders require an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to visit New Orleans. You can obtain an ESTA from www.cbp.gov/esta
- Language English
- Flight Time Approx 10 hours; direct flights from the UK are available
- Health Information No vaccinations are required for travel to New Orleans. All travellers should be up to date with routine immunisations. It is important to contact your GP to check for the latest recommendations.
Top Tips from our Experts
Suzanne
General Manager
“The best place to people watch is from the balcony of one of the bars lining Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter. Get there early, grab a table, and watch the world go by.”
Matthew
Destination Specialist
“You should definitely take a carriage ride from Jackson Square. The drivers are amazing, they’ll give you a great insight into the city, and will give you the low down on the best places to eat and visit.”
Isla
Destination Executive
“You must try a beignet from Café du Monde in the French Quarter. Delicious donut-like creations smothered in icing sugar, these sweet treats are iconic in New Orleans and perfect with a coffee for breakfast.”
Great sample itineraries
Here's a selection of popular itineraries to give you some ideas. But almost anything's possible so call us now and we'll create an amazing holiday just for you.
Birmingham and New Orleans Multi Centre
Guide Price £1,589 pp
Combine Alabama's traditional 'down home' cooking with the Creole flavours of New Orleans on this seven day journey. With its rich history, eclectic arts scene and world famous BBQ Birmingham is the perfect place to start your journey through the...
Fly drive holidays
Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans Multi Centre
Guide Price £1,879 pp
Experience three of the Deep South's most interesting cities; Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans. Step back to a bygone era as you explore the antebellum homes of Georgia and Louisiana, dive into the action in lively New Orleans and explore...
Fly drive holidays
American Queen River Cruise - Memphis to New Orleans
Guide Price £3,789 pp
Enjoy a quintessentially American experience as you journey down the Mississippi aboard the opulent American Queen. This luxurious paddle steamer offers exquisite staterooms, modern amenities and Broadway quality entertainment, not to mention award-winning dining and signature shore excursions. Start your...
Cruise holidays
Gone with the Wind Tour
Guide Price £2,539 pp
Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana and mighty Mississippi are united by a haunting history but they're probably most famous now for their lively music, delicious Deep South cooking and charming southern hospitality. One of our most popular escorted...
City holidays
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St. Charles Streetcar
New Orleans
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New Orleans
Louisiana
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Second Line parade
New Orleans
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Mardi Gras
New Orleans
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Creole Queen
New Orleans
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Garden District
New Orleans
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Gumbo Shop
New Orleans
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St. Louis Cathedral
New Orleans
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French Market New Orleans
New Orleans
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Mardi Gras
New Orleans
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New Orleans
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Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo
New Orleans
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New Orleans
Louisiana
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Pat O'Brien's
New Orleans
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Mardi Gras
New Orleans
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French Quarter
New Orleans
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French Quarter
New Orleans
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Bacchus parade
New Orleans Mardi Gras
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Bourbon Street
New Orleans
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French Market
New Orleans
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Bourbon Street
New Orleans
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French Quarter
New Orleans
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New Orleans
Louisiana
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Jackson Square
New Orleans
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French Quarter
New Orleans
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Garden District
New Orleans
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Royal Street
New Orleans
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St. Louis Cathedral
New Orleans
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French Quarter
New Orleans
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Garden District
New Orleans
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La Gourmetreise
New Orleans
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French Quarter
New Orleans
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Streetcars
New Orleans
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Cafe Du Monde
New Orleans
Types of New Orleans holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
Mardi Gras 2018, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is on Tuesday 13 February 2018. However, all of the famous festivities and parades in New Orleans start from the long weekend preceding (Friday 9 February–Tuesday 13 February). So, make sure to visit then for the true Mardi Gras experience.
Yes, you can get a river cruise in New Orleans along the legendary Mississippi River. Travel all the way from New Orleans to Memphis in the world’s largest riverboat with American Queen, and enjoy nine days of iconic sites, fine-dining, and sensational on-board entertainment.
