tour louisiana mississippi

Deep South, America Road Trip – Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana

After the success of our Great American Road Trip to the heart of the United States a couple of years ago, I was excited to turn a trip to Huntsville Alabama to a larger road trip to Deep South America: Alabama and Mississippi (with a stop at a UNESCO World Heritage site in Louisiana).

Gulf Shores

Selma to montgomery national historic trail, tuskegee airmen national historic site, freedom riders national monument, montgomery alabama, huntsville alabama, natchez trace parkway, vicksburg mississippi.

• Poverty Point National Monument (Lousiana)

Great American Road Trip

I was in Huntsville Alabama for the TBEX North America conference. I had a chance to do a press trip afterward down to Gulf Shores Alabama.

Gulf Shores is an area with long beautiful white sand beaches, a surprisingly good small zoo, some great opportunities for watersports, and other outdoor recreation. Besides biking, boating, sailing, and lots of eating, I also had a chance to visit Fort Morgan State Park which was the site of the Battle of Mobile Bay in the Civil War. Read more about my visit to Gulf Shores in these detailed posts:

• 12 Great Things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama
• 8 Great Places to Eat in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Alabama National Parks

After the press trip to Gulf Shores ended, I had two days to make it back to Huntsville Alabama to meet up with my wife and decided to spend it exploring Alabama’s National Parks.

I grew up in the 1960s. The civil rights movement was on the nightly news when I was a kid. As someone who grew up way out in California the problems the United States was having at the time in the South made little sense to me, so I was excited to visit this national historic trail that spans the route from Selma to Montgomery Alabama.

On March 7, 1965, an estimated 500-600 civil rights marchers headed from Selma on U.S. Highway 80, heading towards the state capitol in Montgomery to protest illegal restrictions on their right to vote. The marchers encountered Sheriff Jim Clark and a crowd of recently deputized white men at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. When the marchers failed to disperse the Sheriff’s men attacked in what became known as “Bloody Sunday”. 17 marchers were hospitalized. All of this was captured by TV cameras. A second march later in the month was also turned around and led to the death of one protester.

The civil rights marchers regrouped, organized, and persisted. A third march was protected by the Alabama National Guard, which President Johnson decided to federalize. This park commemorates the struggle and eventual victory of these protests.

I didn’t stop and every marker along this route but stopped at the visitor center halfway along which tries to explain the story.

This park is relatively new, having been created in 1996. The visitor center is small but modern. It uses a lot of videos to talk about the civil rights march from Selma with many of the clips coming from the nightly news I grew up watching. The museum introduces the main actors, both those organizing the march and those opposing it.

Near the town of Tuskegee, Alabama, the United States somewhat reluctantly conducted a controversial experiment in World War II. The Army Air Corps (the precursor to today’s Air Force) was not convinced that a “Negro” man had the capacity to learn to be a pilot. The Army was not at first interested in putting this thesis to the test with its precious airplanes until forced to by political pressure.

They chose an airfield near the Tuskegee Institute for this experiment. The Tuskegee Institute was founded by George Washington Carver as one of the first universities in the south to teach African Americans. The Tuskegee Institute is itself a national historic site, although I did not have time to visit it on this trip.

Black men came from all over the U.S. to Tuskegee to learn to become pilots. For some, it was their first trip to the deep South. They likely had experienced prejudice before, but some had not experienced the Jim Crow laws enforced in the South that was separate and unequal. The museum talks about how the pilots had to fight on two fronts. They fight against fascism abroad and racism at home.

Not only could a black man learn to fly, he could learn to fly well. One pilot instructor at a different training facility would later comment about Tuskegee, “we were graduating men that Tuskeegee would have failed”. The officers at Tuskegee do that just to be competent would not be good enough. The United States was reluctant to deploy these new pilots, until Eleanor Roosevelt took a flight with one in a training plane, and made it very awkward for anyone in the army to claim these Tuskegee airmen were unqualified.

When they were finally deployed to North Africa and later to Italy they were deployed in segregated squadrons. The most well-known of these was the 332nd Fighter Group whose planes were easily identifiable by their red tails. This squadron was tasked with escorting American bombers on raids deep into Germany. They distinguished themselves and their success led eventually to the bomber pilots of all-white units requesting specifically to be escorted by the “Red Tail Angels”.

This museum will take about two hours and uses lots of videos to let the Tuskegee airmen explain their story in their own words. The story continues after the war when the performance of the Tuskegee airmen led in part to Truman’s order to desegregate the armed forces.

Getting back to a civil rights theme, I wanted to visit the Freedom Riders National Monument in Anniston, Alabama.

In 1961 groups of civil rights activists challenged “Jim Crow” segregation laws on buses and in bus stations in the south. Stations had separate restrooms, waiting rooms, and lunch counters for blacks and whites. The United States Supreme Court had ruled this segregation to be illegal on two occasions but this was not being enforced in the South.

A group of “Freedom Rides” was organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Integrated groups of riders would challenge these laws. They would sit together with at least one black person sitting in the front of the bus where they were not allowed by local custom.

Violence broke out when a mob of KKK members attacked a bus at the Greyhound station in Anniston. They blocked its exit and slashed the bus tires. Sheriff deputies came in but only “protected” the bus as far as the city line. Crowds put up with the buses caught up with the Greyhound bus, lit it on fire with a molotov cocktail, and beat the activists as they came off the bus. An hour later when a Trailways bus arrived in town, 8 KKK members came on the bus, beat the Freedom Riders, and left them semi-unconscious.

More rides and more violence happened throughout the South in the Summer of 1961. Pressured by the Kennedy White House, on November 1, 1961, the Interstate Commerce Commission used its authority over interstate commerce to desegregate long-haul buses like Greyhound and Trailways.

The Freedom Riders National Monument is a bit off the beaten path, and while I recommend reading up on the story, I can’t quite recommend the site as it is still under development. It has no visitors center yet and all that I could find was some information on the old Greyhound depot. What signage is there today, does a good job of telling the story, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it until such time as they build a visitor center. A project which seems unlikely in the current political climate.

Stop in the capital of Montgomery to visit some iconic Montgomery civil rights sites like the Rosa Parks Museum or the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. Or visit the Legacy Museum and National Memorial to Peace and Justice (lynching memorial) which were created by the Equal Justice Initiative.

While you are there if the Montgomery Biscuits are in town, take in a ballgame at one of the better minor league ballparks in the United States.

Read more at:

• 11 Things to Do in Montgomery Alabama
• Montgomery, Alabama – Civil Rights, Slavery, Lynching and the Legacy Museum (Video #98)
• 16 Great Places to Eat or Drink in Montgomery Alabama

You can still see one of three existing Saturn V rockets hanging from the ceiling of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center here. While you’re looking at it don’t be too surprised if a retired rocket scientist turned docent walks up because “his wife wants him to get out of the house”. He probably worked on the very piece of the rocket that you were looking at and can explain it in detail. Next door to the museum is Space Camp.

Huntsville also has a thriving arts scene and the largest private art space in the country at the converted cotton mill Lowe Mill . It is a great food scene, beautiful botanical gardens, and a collection of antebellum homes. See more about Huntsville and my posts:

• Huntsville, Alabama – The Rocket City and More (Video #88)
• “Huntsville, Alabama TBEX Preview Trip” – This Week in Travel #212

As Tennessee Alabama and Mississippi were being settled by European settlers, they used an old Indian trading route from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi, on the Mississippi River. That trading route is now the Natchez Trace Parkway, a beautiful road run by the National Park Service. The parkway is a swath of green parkland that runs for 444 miles. We drove west from Huntsville and picked up the Natchez Trace towards the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Along the way, we stopped at the visitor center to learn about the history of this route. We also stopped at a nature trail through swampland and at some of the Indian burial mounds along the route. There are no services along the route that we saw, but there is a listing of nearby gas, drinking water and local markets organized by different mileage markers. This is not the fastest route through the state, but probably the prettiest.

As a history buff and a Civil War history buff, in particular, I have been trying to get to Vicksburg Mississippi for a few years. The siege of Vicksburg in 1863 was a major turning point of the Civil War. Its capture allowed the union to control the Mississippi from its headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico which cut the Confederacy in half.

The Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the battle and those who fought here. One of the more interesting features of the park is the U.S.S. Cairo that is an old Union ironclad gunboat that was sunk during the battle but raised from the muddy waters, largely preserved, in 1965.

Vicksburg seems to me to be a town on the rise after some difficult years. We enjoyed visiting its museum about the Lower Mississippi River . The museum is run by the Army Corps of Engineers which has a base here in Vicksburg. The museum focuses on the Corps’ work on navigation and flood control of the lower Mississippi River. We also enjoined a visit to the Old Courthouse Museum and to some of the wonderful restaurants in town.

Read more about our Vicksburg visit at these posts:

• What to See and Do in Vicksburg, Mississippi
• Where to Eat in Vicksburg, Mississippi

Poverty Point National Monument

The best flights we could find were not out of Vicksburg but out of Little Rock, Arkansas, So we drove from Vicksburg through Louisiana and Arkansas to catch a flight.

Along the way, we stopped at a UNESCO World Heritage Site named Poverty Point. The site is a national monument run by the Louisiana State Park System.

Poverty Point is a series of Indian mounds, not burial mounds, but built probably created for some ceremonial purpose. If the mounds don’t look spectacularly impressive, then you’ve missed the point that they were built in a short period of time by Native Americans using little more technology than reed baskets. If you’re in the area Poverty Point is a very interesting stop that will take you an hour to see by car or longer if you walk the trails instead.

It Little Rock was one of the places that we visited on our Great American Road Trip which included Kansas City , Little Rock , Memphis , Nashville , Louisville , and Cincinnati . If you want to continue the drive from Little Rock check out more information about that trip.

The American South

I’m not sure what I expected from the American South, but most of it was very familiar. There are certainly familiar restaurants and stores. Alabama, in particular, is much prettier than I think I expected. It is very green, and quite beautiful on a warm late spring day. The other states were also beautiful although they may look a little more economically challenged in the rural areas.

We did see some evidence of the difficulties that some rural towns are having when we stopped in Eudora, Arkansas. The grocery store downtown was almost the only building not boarded up on the main street and it had signs declaring it was not going out of business because it totally looked like it was going out of business.

Every once in a while, we saw something that made us do a double-take. I had to stop when I saw the signs for a haunted chicken house in Helfin, Alabama. We also saw signs for two different coon dog cemeteries. We don’t have those at home and that, of course, is the reason I like a good road trip .

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by Chris Christensen

+Chris Christensen | @chris2x | facebook

One Response to “Deep South, America Road Trip – Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana”

Bryan Johnson

Great blog, man. I really want to check out the freedom riders now.

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Tags: alabama , article , featured , louisiana , mississippi , national park , road trip

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The 7 best mississippi river cruises for 2024.

Explore the history, culture and cuisine of the U.S. while cruising along the Mighty Mississippi.

The Best Mississippi River Cruises

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

The more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines | www.AmericanCruiseLines.com

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

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Viking River Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

You may have seen riverboat gambling ships or are at least familiar with riverboat gambling along U.S. waterways. However, while high rolling on the river sounds like an exciting way to spend a night (or two, or more) while on your riverboat cruise, you'll have to jump ship to play the slots, roll the dice, spin the wheel or play a hand of Texas Hold 'em. Gambling on cruise ships sailing on internal waters is prohibited by U.S. law.

Gambling on boats in the U.S. is a complicated matter. While you will find some ships sailing along American waterways that are only set up for gambling, they are not carrying passengers from port to port. Most vessels that feature riverboat gambling are now moored, offering sports betting, table games, entertainment, live music and dancing while tethered to shore.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top All-Inclusive Cruises
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Top Cruise Insurance Plans

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Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

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You don't just hear music in New Orleans and Louisiana's "Cajun country"… you feel it, indelibly woven into the fabric of life. The strains of every genre you can think of – smoky blues, pulsating Caribbean rhythms, acoustic, country, rock, soul, r&b, nouveau swing, hip-hop and more... and, naturally, a tasty buffet of jazz styles... envelop you along Bourbon Street and throughout the French Quarter...

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You'll get a whole new perspective on the city of New Orleans when you see it from the air! Take to the skies for a flightseeing tour that includes bird's-eye views of downtown New Orleans, the French Quarter, the Lower Ninth Ward, the Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain, Lafitte, the Chalmette Battlefield, the Gulf of Mexico, various canals and wetlands, and more. Your on-the-ground experience includes a Tauck Exclusive private lecture by environmental architect Nellie Watson on the unique geological environment of New Orleans, America's only city situated below sea level.

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Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street in New Orleans, Preservation Hall was established in 1961 to honor one of America's truest art forms – traditional New Orleans Jazz. Operating as a music venue, a touring band, and a non-profit organization, Preservation Hall continues its mission today as a cornerstone of New Orleans music and culture – presenting intimate, acoustic traditional jazz concerts over 350 nights a year, featuring ensembles of local master musicians. And on "New Orleans and Mississippi River Plantation Country," you'll enjoy the rare privilege of a private performance for our guests only at legendary Preservation Hall, in the heart of the "Birthplace of Jazz."

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TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposit & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $350 per person

Final Payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement for up to $5,000 to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $349  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPDOM .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

60 days or more before departure = $350 per person

59-8 days before departure = $600 per person

7-1 days before departure = $900 per person

Time of cancellation  will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control,  Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour. 

To enjoy your visit to New Orleans, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion. Please Note: Some historical sites on this tour, such as the plantation homes, may not have elevators.

The level of activity is moderate, you will board small boats to cruise the bayous and swamps of Louisiana.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

The drinking water is safe to drink at all our hotels. We do provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate of New Orleans is humid subtropical with short, generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average precipitation is 64.2 in (1,630 mm) annually; the summer months are the wettest, while October is the driest month.

Officially, the hurricane season begins on June 1st and continues through November 30th, New Orleans is particularly at risk because of its low elevation, its borders surrounded by water from the north, east, and south, and its location on Louisiana's sinking coastline.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to  noaa.gov by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at night may require warmer, layered clothing. When dining on your own in New Orleans, you may wish to dine at a restaurant that may require men to dress in coat and tie, and women in more elegant eveningwear.

The hotels on this journey offer valet laundry and dry cleaning services for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

We suggest that you pack the following items your journey:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• Jacket and tie for men (Jacket is required for the farewell event)
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for cloudy weather or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm functions (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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Exploring the American South: Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee

By USA specialist Natalie

Much of the South is defined by the cities and plantations that are strung out, like Mardi Gras beads, along the length of the mighty, muddy Mississippi. Along the river, you’ll find smoky jazz halls, authentic blues dives and country music honky-tonks. You’ll also encounter restored plantations whose graceful white columns and tree-lined drives disguise a horrific history. This is the land of jambalaya, civil rights, Elvis and the Grand Ole Opry.

A two-week self-drive tour through Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee can take you through the heart of the American South, following the river that defines the region.

Let the good times roll in New Orleans, Louisiana

A cultural stew pot, New Orleans has long held firm to its open-minded acceptance of anyone who’s willing to let the good times roll. French Catholic, Caribbean and African influences set the tone, alongside recent Vietnamese and Sicilian ones, all melding together in a sassafras-scented cultural gumbo.

For many, the city is the birthplace of jazz. You hear it spilling from bars on Frenchmen Street, at the prestigious Jazz Fest, blasted by buskers in Jackson Square, and leading spontaneous parades through the French Quarter. Even if you’re not a fan, I strongly suggest taking in a performance by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Performed four or five times a night, the short show consists of an improvised set list. The virtuosic band members solicit requests from the audience, mixing in a little vaudevillian patter and good-natured ribbing. I think that the tiny venue and intimate nature of the performance make it the best way to experience jazz in the city.

Aside from its music, New Orleans is probably best known for its cuisine, and you could easily frame your whole visit around eating. Try pralines at Aunt Sally’s, gumbo at Galatoire’s, jambalaya at Coop’s Place, milk punch at the Court of Two Sisters and beignets at Café du Monde (bring cash).

For a more hands-on approach, you can whip up some of these poetically named dishes in a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking under the wing of an expert chef.

The city also continues to be a hotbed of culinary innovation. Staying au courant of the ever-changing restaurant scene is practically a full-time job, so ask your hotel concierge for recommendations.

Food and music don’t account for all New Orleans’ cultural heritage — the city’s long, turbulent past is written into its streets and stones. I think the best way to explore this history is on a guided tour of the city’s graveyards.

For centuries, born out of necessity by the city’s high water table, New Orleans’ dead have been buried in above-ground mausoleums and time-blackened crypts that moulder, slowly, in the humid air.

Enclosed by crumbling brick walls and wrought-iron gates, the historical cemeteries are only open to visitors with an approved guide. But, to be honest, you wouldn’t want to go without one. The weathered gravestones and spall-faced crypts hide stories that a guide can bring to life, from deadly yellow fever plagues to dramatic family feuds.

The living are still very present here. Modern practitioners regularly leave offerings of gris-gris charms and flowers at the tomb of voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. In 1995, author Anne Rice staged her own mock funeral at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. And, in 2009, actor Nicolas Cage commissioned a large white pyramid in Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1, for reasons he keeps to himself.

The city’s many museums include the well-curated National WWII Museum, which presents an in-depth look at the war, as well as a soda shop that recreates the ambiance of the era. Across town, in the elegant Presbytère building, the Louisiana State Museum displays a heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful, exhibition about Hurricane Katrina. Smaller museums are dedicated to voodoo, and the history of pharmacies and costumes, among other subjects.

The American South’s Plantation Country

As you follow the Mississippi out of New Orleans, you see dozens of restored plantations littering the river’s wide, fertile banks. On a bend about an hour west of the city are three that I particularly recommend you visit.

Oak Alley ’s front lane is lined with wide-branched oaks that frame the white colonnaded portico. The scene has been photographed so often that the image is practically synonymous with Louisiana plantations.

Lovingly, lavishly restored inside and out, the big house is, for me, the best place to spend the night in plantation country.

The tour here is fairly unremarkable, but the guest cottages are exceptional — airy and spacious with roofed porches and river views. Wake up early to explore the manicured grounds and take photographs uncluttered by hordes of tourists.

Just 10 minutes away from Oak Alley, Laura Plantation offers a thoughtful look into the history and culture of Creole plantation owners. The main house has been meticulously restored to its original blue-and-yellow exterior. Inside, you can hear about the complicated, cosmopolitan Creole culture, along with a blunt examination of how that intersected with race and the institution of slavery.

For an in-depth analysis of the lives of enslaved people, you need to venture another 10 minutes down the road to Whitney Plantation. This is the only museum in America that focuses primarily on the African workers who were forced into slavery and their descendants, born into bondage.

The exhibits provide an unflinching look at the grievous human cost that paid for the gracious mansions still lining the river, a history that’s mostly left unexamined or even elided in the other plantations.

Blues and history in Mississippi

Continuing north up the river, Vicksburg, Mississippi , is a sleepy city that acted as a vital strategic point between Memphis and New Orleans during the Civil War. Because the city offered control of the river, General Grant’s army laid siege to the city for several months, shelling it from gunboats on the river.

The Vicksburg National Military Park includes a self-guided driving trail that follows the siege lines of both armies, passing tombs and monuments. Costumed re-enactors often run demonstrations or workshops along the way. The 26-km (16-mile) route also stops at the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum, a well-preserved example of the ironclad gunboats that plied the river during the war.

If you prefer music to history, the rundown city of Clarksdale, Mississippi, is the home of the Delta blues and some of the best blues bars in the world.

Ground Zero, co-owned by Morgan Freeman, doesn’t look like much. The white paint is mostly peeled off the battered, graffiti-scrawled brick walls, and the cluttered interior is lit by strings of bare-bulb Christmas lights. But, the small wooden stage is where aspiring blues artists come to make a name for themselves.

The club is right next door to the Delta Blues Museum and centrally located on the Blues Trail, a self-drive tour of the sites vital to Delta blues, from cotton fields to churches.

‘I’m going to Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee’

Home to Sun Studio, Graceland and a myriad of clubs that line Beale Street, Memphis is a place of pilgrimage for music fans of all sorts, whether you listen to rock ‘n’ roll, jazz or the blues.

Even if you don’t love Elvis, I’d urge you to spend at least half a day at Graceland (though true fans probably want to allot even more time). With a green shag-carpeted ceiling and the peacock stained-glass windows, the over-the-top pleasure palace is decorated in 1970s glamour or glitzy kitsch, depending on your personal taste.

Of the choice of tours, I suggest spending the extra money to see the two planes, if only for the gold-plated basin in the bathroom of the Lisa Marie. You’ll also see Elvis’s complete collection of records, cars, clothes and toys, as well as a multimedia entertainment complex that examines his life and career.

The first time I visited the mansion, I was shocked at the number of people sobbing openly at his flower-bedecked grave, the last stop on the tour.

A shuttle runs from Graceland to Sun Studio, and a visit is definitely worth your time. Elvis, BB King, Johnny Cash and countless others recorded here.

Nearby, you’ll find Beale Street, which is crowded with clubs where blues, jazz and rock musicians still belt out gigs every night and twice on Saturdays.

A 20-minute walk from Beale, the National Civil Rights Museum examines America’s long struggle with race. It backs onto the hotel where Dr King was assassinated, and you can visit the room where he died, preserved as it was that night. It’s a moving, difficult visit, but necessary, I think, to understand the South’s past and present struggles.

Two Beale Street musicians also run a vintage car tour of the city. You climb into a restored 1950s car for a tour that’s tailored to your interests. You can make it all about Elvis, examine the city’s fraught racial history or visit stops on the Blues Trail.

Music City — Nashville, Tennessee

The home of country music, Nashville has a bit of a touristy vibe and, sometimes, it can be hard to get away from the bright lights and flashy façade.

But, no one knows the city as well as the musicians who flock here, hoping for their big break, and that’s why I suggest a private tour of Nashville with a songwriter.

You’ll visit the big sights and get an insider’s view of the industry as well as the history, from its earliest days in the 1920s until today. End with a drink at one of the historic honky-tonk bars that line the Broadway District.

It was on this tour that I discovered the Musicians Hall of Fame. Lesser known than the bigger, slicker Country Music Hall of Fame, this museum takes a deep dive into the whole of America’s music industry, paying tribute to anonymous session musicians as well as big-name stars. The most fascinating exhibit for me examined what goes into making a Grammy-worthy song, from the original idea, scratched on paper, to the final pressing of the album.

But, this was surpassed by seeing a performance at the Grand Ole Opry. I’m not a country music fan, but there’s something charming about the old-fashioned, thrice-weekly live-broadcast shows. Last time I visited, I took a behind-the-scenes tour of the show. Escorted by a tiny woman dwarfed by her perfectly styled hair, I visited the backstage area.

Each dressing room is decorated to a theme. ‘Stars and Stripes’ features an oversized American flag painted on the wall, and ‘It Takes Two’ is bedecked with photographs of the genre’s best-known duos.

The pinnacle of the tour is the chance to sit on stage during the performance, close to the musicians. Singer-songwriter Dierks Bentley was close enough that I could see him sweat under the bright lights of Nashville’s most storied venue.

Read more about trips to Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee in the USA

Discovering the American South

14 days from £3,395pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• Music culture of the American South
• A New Orleans food guide
• Luxury holidays in the American South
• Exploring the American South: Georgia and the Carolinas
• Self-drive holidays in the United States

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The Perfect USA Deep South Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated: April 17, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 57 Comments

One of the trips in the US that we had always wanted to do was a “Deep South” road trip. We think the USA is the perfect country for road tripping in, and we’ve already done a number of road trips here, including iconic Route 66 , the Pacific Coast Highway , and the Oregon Trail.

The Deep South was a part of the USA that neither of us had fully explored, so we decided to spend five weeks crossing five states to find out what it was all about. Read on for everything you need to know to plan your own perfect USA Deep South Road Trip, including what to eat, what to see, and where to go!

Where is the Deep South of the USA?

First things first. If you’re going to road trip somewhere, you should probably know where it is, right? Well, the Deep South of the USA is usually defined as covering the following states: South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

This Deep South road trip itinerary covers a road trip across all five of those states, covering key sights and attractions along the way. We’ve personally done this itinerary, and can definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic road trip across America’s Deep South.

Why Should You Visit the Deep South of the USA?

The Deep South is a fascinating part of the USA, a land with its own culture and history. The people are known for their friendliness, the food is legendary (so are the portion sizes!), and there is a huge amount of history here to learn about, from the native peoples through to the American Civil War and civil rights movement.

There are lovely old towns, stunning wilderness areas, sumptuous plantation homes, spooky old cemeteries and fun events – like the world famous Mardi Gras parades. To be honest there’s something for everyone. And what better way to experience all of this than by taking a classic road trip across the Deep South?

We’d argue there isn’t a better way. So let’s take a look at our idea of a perfect Deep South road trip itinerary.

Deep South Road Trip Itinerary

This is a one way road trip itinerary. We find this makes the most sense for this road trip, as it saves you driving all the way back to the start.

If you rent a car for the trip, be aware that most car rental providers charge a one-way fee. As is often the case with our road trips, we booked our hire car directly with Enterprise who offered the best value for our trip.

We can also recommend comparing prices across a range of providers using a website like Discover Cars . If you decide to rent an RV, then we recommend Motorhome Republic to compare and book.

The timings below are for a three week trip, however you can adjust the days to suit your own schedule, and we have some suggested itineraries in the section on timing further on in the post.

Days 1-3: Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is the perfect place to start this road trip. It has a food scene that is one of the best in the country, and there is a lot to see and do here – plus the airport is fairly large, so it’s easy to get to.

We’d suggest spending at least two days in Charleston. Spend some time exploring the downtown area – a good way to do so is to take a carriage ride through the historic part of town.

There are also a number of museums and old houses that are worth visiting, including Charleston Museum – the oldest in the US, and the Old Slave Mart Museum , which will help you learn about a darker part of US history.

If you’re interested in naval or military history, the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point is well worth a visit – a retired US aircraft carrier which you can lose a whole day exploring. A trip out to Fort Sumter is also well worth it – this was where the first shots were fired in the American Civil War.

You’re going to be encountering a lot of civil war sights and information on this road trip, so starting with Fort Sumter will get you up to speed quickly. You can get your tickets for Fort Sumter in advance here .

If you’ve got time, I’d also suggest heading out of town and visiting some of the old plantation homes around Charleston.

We visited four of these, and can definitely recommend adding at least one to your itinerary. There are four within a twenty minute drive of the city: Magnolia Plantation , Boone Hall Plantation , Middleton Place Plantation and Drayton Hall .

See our complete guide to the Charleston Plantations for more information and to help plan your visit.

For more on Charleston, take a look at my detailed guide to visiting Charleston , which has everything you need for getting the most out of your stay. We can also recommend the Charleston Tour Pass (also check price here ) for saving money on attractions in the city.

Where to stay in Charleston : We’ve stayed in and can recommend both the Mills House Wyndham Grand and the Francis Marion Hotel . Other recommended options are the Days Inn by Wyndham , the NotsoHostel and Barksdale House Inn .

Days 4 – 6: Savannah, Georgia

The oldest city in Georgia, Savannah has a totally different vibe to Charleston – and there’s plenty to see and do here as well.

For that reason, you’ll want to spend at least a day or two in Savannah. I’d also suggest on your way down that you take the time to pop out to Botany Bay Island – there’s a beautiful beach here full of driftwood trees that is worth visiting.

Once you get to Savannah, you won’t be short of options for signt-seeing, eating and drinking. From learning about the town’s history and the civil war and civil rights movement at the Savannah History Museum , through to taking a trolley tour and exploring the beautiful waterfront, you’ll find your days full in no time.

If you’ve got time, we also recommend heading out of town to Tybee Island – an old seaside resort, where you’ll find a lengthy beach and historic lighthouse. On the way there, you’ll also be able to visit the civil war era Fort Pulaski , and the excellent Oatland Island Wildlife Centre , home to everything from mountain lions to birds of prey.

Finally, don’t miss the incredible Bonaventure Cemetery , and, as you head out of town, we also suggest visiting Wormsloe Historic Site . Read more about what to see and do (and some great food ideas!) in Savannah in our Savannah guide .

Savannah also has a pass that can save you money, the Savannah Tour Pass (compare price here too), which is worth looking into if you plan on visiting some of the attractions it covers.

Where to stay in Savannah : We stayed in and can recommend the  Quality Inn in downtown Savannah. Other options to consider include the Olde Harbour Inn , The Alida , and the Fairfield Inn & Suites .

Days 7 & 8: Atlanta, Georgia

Next stop on our Deep South road trip is the capital city of Georgia – Atlanta.

If you have time though, I’d recommend taking the time to head a bit further south of Savannah to Jekyll Island. There’s a beautiful driftwood beach at the north end of the island, perfect for watching the sunset or sunrise, and the island itself has a relaxed laid back feeling.

Then, rather than the interstate, cruise up the quieter country roads from Brunswick to Macon, and the onto Atlanta.

Atlanta is the capital city of Georgia, and has a definite city feel. We didn’t spend a lot of time here, but we did visit the World of Coca Cola , where we learnt all about the history of this iconic soft drink (and drank a lot of it too!).

Other highlights in Atlanta include the Georgia Aquarium , the Atlanta Zoo , CNN Studio Tours , the Centre for Civil and Human Rights and the Fernbank Museum of National History .

If you’re planning on visiting a number of these locations, we recommend checking out the Atlanta CityPass , which can save you over 40% on ticket prices.

Once you’re done with Atlanta, it’s time to head to a new state – Alabama!

Where to stay in Atlanta : Options to consider in Atlanta include the AC Hotel Atlanta , Loews Atlanta Hotel ,  the Springhill Suites by Marriott and the Clarion Inn & Suites .

Days 9 & 10: Birmingham, Alabama

The Civil Rights movement in the USA existed across the nation, but many of the key events in the march towards equal rights for all happened in Alabama.

One of these events was the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, which killed four African-American girls, and injured at least 14 others.

It was also the home of the Birmingham Campaign , one of the key movements that focused the attention of the country, and the world, on the civil rights movement.

One of the best places to learn about these events is at the excellent Birmingham Civil Rights Institute , which forms a part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument , alongside other key civil rights locations in the city.

These include the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park, both of which are just over the road from the Institute, as well as the Bethel Baptist Church and the A.G. Gaston Motel.

As well as learning about Civil Rights, Birmingham has a number of other attractions. This was a major mining town and there are a number of sights you can visit to learn about this history. The old Sloss Furnaces , now a National Historic Landmark, offer an insight into the industrial past of the city.

You can also head to the top of Red Mountain, home of the Sloss Mines, where the ore for the furnaces was mined. Today, the mountain is topped by a giant statue of the Roman god Vulcan – the largest cast iron statue in the world. This statue is the symbol of the city, and from the top of the hill you can get a wonderful view of the city and surrounds.

Finally, before continuing your adventure, a food recommendation. We ate a lot of great BBQ across the South, and Saw’s BBQ in Birmingham was definitely among our favourites. If you like BBQ – check them out.

Where to stay in Birmingham : Options to consider in Birmingham include the historic 3* Cobb Lane B&B , the 3* Redmont Hotel and the 4* Elyton Hotel . For more budget options, consider the Red Roof Inn or the Quality Inn & Suites , just be aware that these are a short drive out of the city centre.

Days 11 & 12: Montgomery, Alabama

Heading south from Birmingham now, and our road trips takes us to Alabama’s state capital – Montgomery. Again, there’s a lot to see and do here.

We really enjoyed visiting the free Museum found in the Alabama Department of Archives and History , which took us through a whole history of the state, from the native people through to the civil war, civil rights movement and on to modern day Alabama.

Just opposite this is the First White House of the Confederacy, also worth a visit, which was where the President of the Confederate States was based during the period of time that Montgomery was the capital city of these states in early 1861.

There are some other fascinating museums in and around Montgomery if you’re feeling like learning. There’s the Mooseum , which will teach you everything you didn’t know about the beef industry.

Then there’s the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum , found in one of their former homes, which, as the name suggests, is all about the life of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald – Scott being particularly famous for penning the Great Gatsby .

Finally, there’s the excellent Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts , showcasing fine art from both American and International artists.

Don’t worry, there’s more to Montgomery than museums of course. We loved visiting Chris’ Hot Dogs , a staple Montgomery diner, which has been serving up classic American fare since 1917!

Finally, there are some lovely locations just to wander. Montgomery has some wonderful historic districts that are worth exploring on foot, and the riverwalk area (also home to the visitors information centre), is a pleasant spot for a stroll.

Where to stay in Montgomery, AL : Accommodation options to consider in Montgomery include the Lattice Inn , the Red Bluff Cottage B&B , the Hampton Inn & Suites . Nearby budget options include this Red Roof Inn and this Extended Stay America .

Day 13: Selma, Alabama

From Montgomery, it’s a short trip across to Selma, which is well worth visiting. We had recently seen the movie Selma when we visited, which had helped with some of our understanding of the importance of this town.

It was in Selma that the famous Selma to Montgomery march took place, with marchers including Dr. Martin Luther King. The march met with violent resistance on Edmund Pettus Bridge on a day that became known as Bloody Sunday, and was unable to continue.

The march was attempted again two days later, but again was forcefully stopped. Finally, on the 21st March 1965, the march was allowed to proceed, and made it all the way to Montgomery, arriving on the 25th March 1965.

Today, Selma is worth visiting to get a feel for the town where these key civil rights events took place. You can walk across the bridge, visit the National Voting Rights Museum & Institute , and the Selma Interpretative Centre, to get eye witness accounts and first hand information on the civil rights movement.

Once you’ve finished seeing Selma, our next destination will be Mobile, but we definitely recommend taking the 20 minutes to drive out to the Old Cahawba Archaeological Site .

For five years, from 1820 to 1825, Cahawaba was the state capital of Alabama. This is hard to believe today, as the town is entirely abandoned, known instead as Alabama’s most famous ghost town. Some buildings have survived, and it is eerie to drive or walk around what was once a large town that is now silent.

Where to stay in Selma, AL : Selma is a relatively small town so there is not a huge choice. This Holiday Inn Express Hotel is the best rated of the options available.

Day 14: Mobile, Alabama

Time to head for the coast now, and the last stop in Alabama – Mobile. In Mobile you’ll notice that famous style of French architecture that the old quarter of New Orleans is famed for, this is because Mobile was the original capital of French Louisiana. It was subsequently colonised by the British and then the Spanish, before joining the United States in 1813.

Again, there’s a lot to do in Mobile, with plenty of museums, historic attractions, parks, not to mention restaurants and bars. However, our real interest in visiting Mobile was to learn about the roots of the Mardi Gras Carnival, because it was in Mobile that the first organised Carnival celebrations took place, leading to the huge parades and celebrations that we now associated with Mardi Gras in the south.

We were in Mobile for their Mardi Gras festivities, and very much enjoyed seeing the night time parade. We also visited the Mobile Carnival Museum , which is a great way to get up to speed with the history of the Carnival in the USA.

Where to stay in Mobile, AL : Good central options in Mobile include the Candlewood Suites , Hampton Inn and Suites and the Forte Conde Inn . Value options a little way out of the city centre include La Quinta by Wyndham and Wingate by Wyndham .

Days 15 & 16: Biloxi, Mississippi

From Mobile, it’s time to leave Alabama and head west, into Mississippi. I’ll be honest – time constraints meant that we didn’t have time on our trip to do a lot of sight-seeing in Mississippi. Which is a shame, because this is a state with a lot to offer, and it’s somewhere we fully intend to return to.

On the route across to Louisiana we mostly just drove through, but we think if you have time, you might want to add in some sight-seeing in Mississippi.

Most logically, the city of Biloxi falls on the route and is a good stopping point.

Other highlights of the route include the INFINITY Science Centre – a 72,000 sq foot NASA visitor and science museum which forms a part of the John C. Stennis Space Centre. If you like space, rockets and science, this is a must visit.

After Biloxi, you’ll be crossing the border and into Louisiana, the final state of your deep south road trip!

Where to stay in Biloxi, MS : There’s a wide range of great value accommodation in Biloxi, including several casino resort hotels. These can be fantastic value if you resist the temptation to gamble. Some examples include the Golden Nugget and the IP Casino Resort and Spa . There’s also a good value Suburban Extended Stay just outside the city.

Days 17 & 18: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge is the State Capital of Louisiana, and again, there’s plenty to do here to fill two or three days of exploring and eating time.

A highlight for us was a trip to the State Capitol building . This incredible construction towers over the city, and you get incredible views from the top floor – plus you can visit the House of Representatives, and the State Senate, to see politics in action.

Whilst you’re at the State Capitol, you should also visit the old Baton Rouge Arsenal, originally a powder magazine, and now a museum about its history. Capitol Park Museum , which covers a full history of the state of Louisiana, is also well worth a couple of hours of your time at least.

Other highlights of Baton Rouge include the castle-like Old State Capitol Building , which has a stunningly beautiful interior, the Old Governors Mansion , and the USS Kidd – a naval museum on an old warship anchored in the Mississippi.

For more information on what to do on your time in Baton Rouge, including advice for visiting during Mardi Gras, check out our post on the top Things to Do in Baton Rouge .

Between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, along the mighty Mississippi river, is the famous “river road”. This was once home to hundreds of plantation homes and some of the wealthiest people in the country, who made their money predominantly growing sugar cane and through slave labour.

Today, a small number of these plantation homes survive, mostly as visitor attractions. There are a good many to choose from, all of which offer a slightly different experience to the visitor, including some which let you stay overnight.

Helping you choose which one to visit is a post in itself – thankfully Jess has already written one. Check it out for the definitive guide to the Plantations of the Louisiana River Road , based on our experiences visiting 12 of these plantations.

Where to stay in Baton Rouge, LA : We stayed at the very central Hampton Inn and Suites in Baton Route. Other options to consider include the Holiday Inn Express Baton Rouge , the 4* Watermark Baton Rouge and the Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge . For budget out of town options, try Sleep Inn South , Microtel Inn & Suites or SureStay Plus .

Days 19 – 21: New Orleans, Louisiana

Last stop on our epic road trip across the Deep South of the USA is New Orleans . Famous for its huge Mardi Gras celebrations, there is a lot to see and do here – so much so that we happily spent a week exploring the city.

Of course, if you want to experience a huge Mardi Gras, then New Orleans is the place to come. The parades are massive, the crowds are gigantic, and the atmosphere is tough to beat.

We had a lot of fun visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras and would happily recommend it. That said, there is a lot more to the city than Mardi Gras.

We suggest visiting Mardi Gras World to get a handle on the carnival, heading to the French Quarter to admire the beautiful old balconied buildings, eating Beignets at Café Beignet , sipping coffee at Cafe du Monde , and taking a tour of one of the old cemeteries.

We also took a river boat cruise on the steam powered riverboat the Natchez , which was a wonderful way to end our Deep South adventure.

For more on what to see and do in New Orleans, check out our guide to visiting  New Orleans during Mardi Gras , which has lots of information on activities, plus advice on visiting during Mardi Gras.

We can also recommend the New Orleans Pass to save money on attractions in the city.

Where to stay in New Orleans, LA : There’s a huge amount of choice in New Orleans, although if you visit during Mardi Gras, expect prices to be high. Some options for you to consider are: Bourbon Orleans Hotel , La Quinta by Wyndham , Hotel Mazarin , Hotel le Marais and French Market Inn .

Deep South Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here’s a map of the above route to help you plan your own trip.

Well done – you made it! And so did we. Now, let’s answer some questions you might have, and then cover some practicalities for your trip.

How Long Does a Deep South Road Trip Take?

We spent five weeks road tripping from Charleston to New Orleans, although we spent almost a week at either end, and we travelled fairly slowly, taking our time and really savoring the adventure.

We’d suggest that a two week deep south road trip would be the minimum amount of time we’d recommend, and if you have time, try to stretch it to three weeks so you can fit more in.

As an example of how each of these might look, we have put together suggested timings for a two week deep south road trip itinerary and a three week deep south road trip itinerary below.

2 Week Deep South Road Trip Itinerary

• Days 1 & 2: Charleston, South Carolina
• Days 3 & 4: Savannah, Georgia
• Day 5: Atlanta, Georgia
• Day 6: Birmingham, Alabama
• Day 7: Montgomery, Alabama
• Day 8: Selma, Alabama
• Day 9: Mobile, Alabama
• Day 10: Biloxi, Mississippi
• Days 11 & 12: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Day 13 & 14: New Orleans, Louisiana

3 Week Deep South Road Trip Itinerary

• Days 1 – 3 : Charleston, South Carolina
• Days 4 – 6 : Savannah, Georgia
• Days 7 & 8 : Atlanta, Georgia
• Days 9 & 10 : Birmingham, Alabama
• Days 11 & 12 : Montgomery, Alabama
• Day 13 : Selma, Alabama
• Day 14 : Mobile, Alabama
• Days 15 & 16 : Biloxi, Mississippi
• Days 17 & 18 : Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Day 19 – 21 : New Orleans, Louisiana

Of course, there’s a lot more to see in all the states we’ve mentioned, so you could easily extend this itinerary for as long as you wish!

When to Visit the Deep South

We visited in January, when the temperatures were pleasant for the most part – although we did experience light and brief snowfall in Birmingham, Alabama! We’d definitely suggest Winter or Spring / Fall would offer the most reasonable temperatures. In the summer this part of the USA gets very hot and humid, which can make sight-seeing uncomfortable.

If you’re interested in attending the Mardi Gras festivities, these vary in timing as they are based around Shrove Tuesday, a religious date which changes every year. It usually falls somewhere in February or March.

If you’re not interested in Mardi Gras, it’s best to avoid cities that celebrate it during this time, particularly places like New Orleans, Mobile and Baton Rouge, as accommodations will be both expensive and hard to find.

What to Eat in the Deep South

Fair warning, don’t come to the Deep South expecting to lose weight. Portions are large and the food is definitely waist expanding.

There are a lot of foods to try, but some of our favourites were:

Gumbo – A soup which can be made with seafood or meat and is either cajun or creole in style

Jambalaya – A Louisianan rice dish mixed up with various meats, usually including smokey sausage

Fried Chicken – No round up of Southern food would be complete without mentioning fried chicken. Usually battered, this is an absolute must-try when journeying through the south. We had it presented in all kinds of forms, from the classic no frills fried chicken, through to fried chicken on waffles with bacon and maple syrup. Amazing.

BBQ – Of course, the Deep South doesn’t have a monopoly on BBQ (Texans in particular would have something to say about this I suspect), but the origins of BBQ are definitely in the south. Different regions have different BBQ sauce styles, with the classic meat being pork.

Grits – I’d never had grits before visiting the Deep South, and was I missing out! Served generally as an accompaniment, they are made from ground corn which is boiled. Tastier than they sound!

Where to Stay in the Deep South

There are a lot of lodging options in the USA, truly something for pretty much every budget. On our trip, we did a mix of motels, hotels and AirBnB stays, generally booking online using booking.com as we found that was cheaper than turning up at the property.

Often we’d arrive at hotels and ask if they would price match, but we were usually told by the reception staff to book through booking.com for the best deal! So we did.

For your convenience, here are direct links to all the city pages on booking.com that we used for our deep south road trip. Each section of the article also has recommended lodgings.

• Baton Rouge
• New Orleans

Practicalities for your Deep South Road Trip

Travelling in the Deep South of the USA is relatively easy. People are generally friendly, you can ask for help, and the infrastructure is good. There are a few things to be aware of, so here’s a run down of some of the most important.

The USA uses a 120 Volt electrical system, which means if you’re coming from Europe you need to check if your equipment is supported. Most laptops and phone chargers will work (the adapter will have 100 – 240V marked on it), however high powered items like hair dryers and travel kettles may not. You can buy voltage convertors, but these tend to be heavy – my advice would be just to pick up a cheap version of whatever it is you need in the country from somewhere like Walmart.

The plugs are for the most part a narrow two pin plug, if you’re coming from abroad you’ll need a travel adapter . See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

I also advise travelling with a power strip – often motels / hotels don’t have enough outlets to charge all those gadgets we travel with. Something like this would be good.

Internet Access

Internet access is relatively easy to find in the US. WiFi networks can be found at most bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels, and there are also free networks in some public areas. So getting online isn’t too hard.

If you need to be permanently online with data on your phone, you have a number of options. First, check if your cellphone provider has some form of overseas roaming policy. If the prices are unreasonable, you have a number of other options.

First, if your phone is unlocked, you can pick up a SIM card locally. One of the better value deals in the USA I found was the Straight Talk plan, which offers 5GB of data for $45, and can be picked up at any Walmart. There are lots of other PAYG options to choose from, see an overview here .

For more information on the various options you have for getting online, see our complete guide to getting online when you travel .

Health / Insurance

The USA has a great healthcare system, with the huge caveat that it’s mind-bogglingly expensive. I cannot stress the importance of good travel insurance enough that will cover your medical fees if the worst should happen.

Depending on where you live in the world there are numerous travel insurance companies, so do shop around for a good policy.

We have a full guide to travel insurance for UK travellers here.

Safety Tips

The USA is a safe country to travel in for the most part, however, sensible precautions should apply. Don’t leave valuables alone or in plain sight, especially in parked cars. Take advantage of the safe in your hotel or motel. Don’t travel with large amounts of cash – use your credit card or debit card instead, and just keep small bills for tips and instances where cards aren’t accepted.

Be aware of your surroundings, particularly if travelling alone or in an unfamiliar neighbourhood. Check with locals, like your AirBnB host, if there are neighbourhoods to avoid.

Finally, take a look at your governments travel advice page for the latest information that may apply to you – for example, the UK Foreign Office has some helpful information for travellers to the USA here , which applies to both UK and non UK nationals.

The USA uses the US dollar bill. These are all green, and come in seven denominations – $1, $2, $5, $20, $50 and $100. They are all the same size, with only the number and illustration being different, so they can be a little hard to get used to at first. There are also coins, running from 1 cent through to $1.

Credit cards are widely accepted, and are usually the easiest way to pay. At gas stations in particular, it’s most common to pay at the pump with a credit card rather than at the till.

One thing to be aware of – prices in the USA are usually displayed without sales tax or tip included. Sales tax varies state to state, from 0% to around 10%. This is something to keep in mind, especially in restaurants, as everything on the menu will be a bit more expensive than indicated once tax is added.

Tipping is also a part of the culture in the USA, especially in the service industry. Tips average 15%, but can vary between 10% and 20%. You can either add the tip to the credit card, or leave cash. It’s always helpful to have some $1 bills for tipping purposes.

For an idea of how much to budget for a road trip like this, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA .

Driving in the USA is quite easy – the roads are large, well-signed and the vehicles are usually automatic which gives you less to worry about.

There are definitely a few quirks to be aware of though if you’ve not driven here before – things like turning on a red light and the rules at STOP intersections. It’s a lot to cover, so I wrote a whole post on tips for driving in the USA which will answer all your questions.

Otherwise, take a look at car rental prices here to compare the best deals from a number of providers and get yourself booked for your adventure!

Further Reading for your Deep South Road Trip

We’ve written a fair amount about travelling in the USA , plus we have some resources that we think you will find useful for a trip like this. These are:

• A guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA
• Tips for Driving in the USA
• A comprehensive guide to the River Road Plantations of Louisiana
• City guides for New Orleans , Baton Rouge , Savannah and Charleston
• For more road trip inspiration, take a look at our two week California road trip , our two week  Route 66 itinerary , our Pacific Coast Highway guide , our 1 week Route 66 itinerary , and our two week Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and California road trip itinerary
• This is my South – a travel blog focused on what to see and do in this part of the world
• Lonely Planet’s guide to Louisiana and the Deep South
• Our guide to the best Airbnb Alternatives , to help you get the best lodging, whatever your budget
• Looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out our guide to the world’s best road trips for more ideas!

And that pretty much sums up our post on the perfect USA Deep South Road Trip! Have you ever done a trip like this? Anywhere you’d suggest adding to the itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!

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Lee & Sue says

1st January 2024 at 9:44 am

Hi guys…

We really enjoyed reading about your trip… We are doing a trip in April 2024 for 3-4 weeks but we are starting in Dallas Texas & possibly finishing in Miami (Haven’t fully decided yet)…

I have one question that hopefully you may be able to answer… With car rental, say we Start in Dallas are we able to return the vehicle to a totally different place & is there anything we should know about this ??? I’m in my mid 50’s & this will be a new experience for me…

Laurence Norah says

1st January 2024 at 4:05 pm

Hi Lee & Sue

You can definitely book a hire car one way. The only thing to be aware of is that pretty much every car rental company we know of does charge a fee for this, known as a one-way fee. This fee varies by company and where you are returning the car to. Some very popular routes don’t always have a fee (for example we once did a trip from Las Vegas to San Francisco and there was no one way fee when we did it), but that’s the exception.

The fee is normally displayed at the end of the booking process, and you should just be aware the rental car comparison sites don’t always include this fee. So it’s best to get a quote direct to ensure the fee is included.

I hope this helps, have an amazing road trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

Stewart says

1st November 2023 at 11:04 am

Excellent post on a Southern road trip, just wanted to saw we found it very helpful!

1st November 2023 at 1:20 pm

Thanks very much Stewart, I hope you have a great time!

James Messenger says

22nd May 2023 at 5:11 am

May 2023. My wife and I followed your guide virtually to the letter. Starting with Charlestone. We skipped Atlanta due to time. And you were spot on with all your destinations. However for future travellers. Skip Mobile totally. Very little to see and for us a total bust as we arrived on Saturday. On Sunday & Monday most museums, houses and tourist sites are closed. The city Trolley Tour of 90 minutes doesn’t operate those two days. We went to Visitors Centre at 1pm for guidance. It never bothered to open. After 12 days Road Trip this was the most severely disappointing city. We hope this is the only let down as we continue for another 20 days on our 9th US Road Trip.

12th June 2023 at 7:05 pm

I’m delighted to hear you guys have had a great time in following our Deep South road trip itinerary! Interesting to hear your feedback on Mobile, I am sure that will help other travellers. I hope the rest of your adventure also went well 🙂

Safe travels!

Michelle says

14th September 2021 at 6:15 pm

Hello, a friend and i are driving from CT to TX and back all along the south and middle states on way home. CT, NY, PA, WV, KY, TN, Alabama, Miss, Lousiana, Tx. We are looking for places that are not just the tourism attractions, but the places that are a WOW experience – views etc. from PA to TX is there any places that you would say are you have to go to…. Thank you in advance for any guidence on this.

I am looking forward to staying in an amish comunity – yes i am sure it is touristy but they are truley facinating.

17th September 2021 at 11:27 am

Hi Michelle!

Wow, that sounds like a fantastic road trip! I have to be honest that I’ve not visited the first states on your list in sufficient depth to be able to give solid recommendations. For Alambama I can definitely recommend Huntsville, it’s an awesome town with tonnes to do (see our guide to things to do in Huntsville here ). There are also some excellent civil rights trail stops in AL, including in Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park outside Selma is really interesting as well. Further south you can learn about the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile, although you might have crossed into Mississippi by then. In Louisiana, Baton Route is definitely worth some time exploring, and the river road plantations along the way into New Orleans are definitely worth visiting.

I can definitely recommend Amish country. My wife is from Ohio and we’ve visited Amish country a number of times. The food is always a highlight of a visit 😀

Have an amazing trip, let me know if I can offer any further insights!

Jon parker says

15th July 2021 at 6:42 am

Hiya, could I do a Deep South trip over 3 months using a backpack, travelling without a car? Would look to travel from end October for 3 months, what would the weather be like?

15th July 2021 at 11:42 am

You certainly could do that, the locations mentioned in this deep south itinerary are all linked by Greyhound bus, so that would be achievable. The weather is definitely cooler at that time of year, particularly around November and December. In Alabama we were there in January, and we had a few flakes of snow and the temperatures were just above freezing. However it can warm up a bit more. I’d definitely dress warmly though!

Have a safe trip!

Kristin Arnone says

27th May 2021 at 3:26 pm

Hello – I have loved reading several of your itineraries and have gotten several great trip ideas these past few days! Where is the lovely plantation located that is in the photo at the beginning of this Deep South Road Trip article? Thank you so much!!!

28th May 2021 at 1:23 pm

Hi Kristin! That’s Oak Alley Plantation 🙂 You can read all about it in our blog post all about Oak Alley here 🙂

Jessica L Chann says

29th January 2020 at 8:21 pm

Thank you for sharing! These are all fantastic cities. I must admit I am sad to see Tennessee get left off of the list. Nashville and Chattanooga are two amazing cities to visit! Also North Carolina deserves some love! Nothing like the mountains!!

30th January 2020 at 7:29 am

Hi Jessica!

My pleasure. I agree, there are some wonderful stops not on the list – unfortunately I couldn’t include everywhere. Seems I will have to make another itinerary!

Carolyn says

8th July 2019 at 12:27 am

Hey! Great article. I would have loved to read more on your site, but the ads were super frustrating. I know writers have got to make a living, but I actually found it very difficult to read because videos were playing and graphics were flashing beside and at the bottom of my screen.

9th July 2019 at 3:39 pm

Hi Carolyn,

Thanks for your feedback! Unfortunately there are few ways for us to monetize the site beyond ads, most people aren’t willing to pay for content on the internet these days, so the ads are the only option we really have to pay the bills and allow us to travel and write about destinations. We’re not massive fans of ads either, but it’s just the reality. For the ad unit at the bottom you should be able to press the “X” to close it out at least.

Johan Lupander says

20th May 2019 at 10:07 am

Very informative and a great help in planning for a visit in early 2020!

The price advantage for an European in arriving and departing in/from the same airport (ATL) is compelling but naturally means a round-trip itinerary. Your trip suggestion does not include the up-river area Baton Rouge – Natchez – Vicksburg. Any particular reason why?

20th May 2019 at 10:33 am

Hi Johan – thanks very much!

It’s largely just a question of time – there are large chunks of every state that have been left out, such is the nature of a road trip across states. We’re often just as happy spending weeks exploring one state as we are travelling between them. The trip certainly isn’t meant to be prescriptive though, feel free to adjust to your own interests 🙂

23rd April 2019 at 2:17 pm

Great little guide to the South! My girlfriend are from the UK and I are planning a road trip in September-October (six weeks total). Right now our plan is to do it in 2 legs (a Western states leg and a Southern States leg).

Perhaps something like this….

1st leg: Hire RV in San Francisco, then…..Yosemite – Death Valley – Las Vegas – Grand Canyon – Monument Valley – back to Las Vegas (to drop off RV and fly out).

2nd leg: A bit more undecided at the moment. I’ve got some friends just south of Nashville so would like to visit them for a couple of days. But would also love to see New Orleans so perhaps makes sense to fly into there from Vegas and work our way up? I’ve been to Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville on a previous trip so perhaps keen to see some other places with good food and music in the south! Also thinking perhaps better to hire a car in the south and stay in motels, as could be more economical/easy than RV-ing everywhere?

We fly out from New York at the end of the 6 weeks so will plan to spend at least 2-3 days there at the end.

Any advice would be welcome!

Thanks Miles

23rd April 2019 at 2:27 pm

First, thanks very much!

So your first section sounds great, it’s an itinerary that is very popular and is something we hope to write about soon on our blogs 🙂

For the second leg, I’d say flying in NOLA makes sense, and then you can build your itinerary around what you are most interested in. There are lots of cities and attractions (as you can see from this itinerary), and you won’t have any problem filling in your route.

I would say that for this stretch it will likely be more economic to rent a car and stay in budget motels rather than renting an RV. RV’s are great, but they are pretty expensive to rent, and then you often have to pay for campsites anyway. So it makes sense out in the west as there are many areas where you can camp, but in more populated areas it is less logical I think.

I hope this has helped a little bit at least 🙂

23rd April 2019 at 2:34 pm

Hi Laurence,

Thanks a lot for the speedy reply. And you’ve confirmed what I was thinking already, which is great! Just one more question. Do you think 6 weeks is fine for this sort of itinerary?

Thanks again Miles

23rd April 2019 at 3:06 pm

I’d say so yes. Of course, the more time you have the more you can see (the States is a big place!) but you will definitely be able to see a lot in six weeks for sure!

Jeremy says

8th March 2019 at 7:32 pm

Hey, just a quick correction to the Montgomery section of your trip. Cahawba was only the capital city temporarily from 1820 until 1826 – not for over 100 years. Huntsville was the first temporary capital after Alabama became a state in 1819 (200 years ago on December 14 of this year), then Cahawba (as I said, until 1826), then Tuscaloosa until 1846 which is when it moved to Montgomery in an attempt to have the capital be a more centrally located city in the state. Love the blog, My wife and I are heading to Savannah for our anniversary this year and thanks to your blog, we are going to take a couple of extra days to go to Charleston. I’ve been there but it was long ago and I had forgotten how beautiful it was. Thanks.

8th March 2019 at 7:44 pm

Hi Jeremy! Thanks for the information, I’m not sure how I got that so wrong – I must have misread a date somewhere along the line. I’ve updated that. Interestingly, some sources say that Selma was the state capital from 1825 – 1826, wheras others seem to indicate it went from Cahawba to Tuscaloosa. Anyway, I have corrected it in the post to be more accurate! Thanks again, and have a wonderful trip – we loved Charleston, and we hope you do too 🙂

Richard Sullivan says

12th February 2019 at 2:25 pm

This all looks very interesting indeed. I am hoping to do a family road trip, either deep-south, or West to East coast. But blimey, the food does not look at all appealing! Gosh is all food either brown or covered in cheese in America?

12th February 2019 at 5:29 pm

Hi Richard,

Definitely not – there’s pretty much everything you could imagine, from healthy options to more cheese covered dishes 😉

I’m sure you’ll find something you enjoy

Keith & Ann Garner says

21st January 2019 at 12:36 pm

Hi Laurence & Jessica Love your web page, we live in the UK and are thinking of planning a trip to the south for two weeks and looking for advice for the best route to take for us to see the most interesting places. We are thinking of going in May is this a good time? We are planning to arrange the trip ourselves, rather than an agent so is it wise to book hotels/motels or airbnb in advance here in the UK. Any advice would be much appreciated.

many thanks

Keith & Ann

21st January 2019 at 1:12 pm

Hey Keith and Ann,

Thanks very much. It’s a fantastic trip and we’re sure you’ll have a great time. May is a great time for this trip, temperatures will be pleasant but not unbearable, likely in the 20C – 30C range.

For your hotels, I would say that generally you will be ok not to book far in advance at this time of year, the only exceptions would be if there any any events happening in any of the locations you are headed to that you need to be aware of. I can’t think of any off the top of my head. May should also not be too busy in general, so availability should be reasonable. We have not normally had a problem just booking a day or two in advance on trips like this, but if you prefer peace of mind and greater choice, then you can always book in advance. One idea is to book using a platform like booking.com at properties that allow for cancellation, and then you can switch it up as you go if you prefer, whilst having a fallback option.

Have a fantastic trip, and do drop by and let us know how it goes – either here, or in our facebook group 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

7th January 2019 at 12:04 am

I found your blog, while I was trying to figure out where to go for my 50th birthday. My wife said that we can go anywhere I want, as long as we stay inside the USA. We have up to four weeks, of vacation, ready to go. But we do have two elementary age children. So the trip will have to be between mid June and late August. Over the past 12 years, we’ve taken road trips to West Virginia, across the Northern states. Traveled all around the Mid-West (Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kentucky). Road trips down the Oregon and California coasts, And we’ve spent a week (give or take a day or two) in each of the following: Hawaii, Miami, New York, Washington D.C, Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Francisco. But I’ve never spent any time in the Deep South. After reading your blog, that may change. You made the Deep South sound like a great place to go with our kids (especially since I’m into American history). The only part I’m worried about, is its weather and the humidity. We’ll be coming from the Seattle area, where the weather and humidity is the exact opposite from the South. So the Summer weather, kind of worries me.

7th January 2019 at 11:16 am

The south is definitely a wonderful place to travel, but you are correct, that time of year is more challenging when it comes to the weather. It’s hot and humid, and it’s also the rainiest time of the year! There are some upsides though – it tends to be less busy, and hotel rates are better! It’s going to be a personal decision of course, I’d say if you do go just make sure to prepare with lots of sunscreen, loose clothing and a hat 🙂

Have a great trip wherever you go!

Larry Spielman says

5th January 2019 at 8:51 pm

Wow, what a gift to discover your post! You have expanded my vision of the deep south. We have visited Charleston, Alanta, and Savannah and loved these locations. Planning this summer going from San Antonio to Mobile with extended time in New Orleans. Obviously we need to plan more time in the Mobile area. Any other words of wisdom for us?

5th January 2019 at 10:30 pm

Thanks very much 🙂 We were in Mobile during Mardi Gras, and we can definitely recommend a visit to the Mardi Gras Museum which is very good. However, we didn’t see much else during our time there. We were also just in San Antonio, I’m not sure if you’re from San Antonio or just starting there, but we did just publish a guide to San Antonio as well 🙂 Of course, if you’re from San Antonio I’m sure all this will be familiar to you!

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/things-to-do-san-antonio-texas/

Have a great trip!

5th January 2019 at 11:35 pm

Thanks – we will check out your suggestions, flying into San Antonio, train to New Orleans, then rent a car for Alabama. Thanks again.

5th January 2019 at 11:41 pm

My pleasure! Sounds like it’s going to be a great trip 😀 Let us know if you have any more questions!

Connie Fidler Glassford says

17th November 2018 at 4:47 am

I’ve been to a number of cities on your list and loved them all. My town Fairhope, across the bay from Mobile is a gem.

Larisa says

2nd November 2018 at 3:36 am

Great read as we are planing to come over in Dec next year for a road trip as a family of five and we need to do as much research as possible! Our itinerary will be ideally a 7 night Cruise from Galveston then Houston-Lafayette-Slidell-Tallheusee-Orlando-Savannah- Montgomgery-Jackson-Dallas and back to Houston. Excuse the mis-spellings.!

3rd November 2018 at 9:01 am

Sounds like an awesome trip Larisa!

Sherryl Rivers says

10th October 2018 at 7:32 pm

You can also head to the top of Red Mountain, home of the Sloss Mines, where the ore for the furnaces was mind.

You can also head to the top of Red Mountain, home of the Sloss Mines, where the ore for the furnaces was mined.

*****Ore was MINED…not MIND******

12th October 2018 at 3:41 am

Fixed! Thanks so much 🙂

David Shows says

15th August 2018 at 1:11 pm

As a Mississippian who grew up in Long Beach (next to Biloxi) and living in North Carolina let me complement you on your excellent choices. You nailed Charleston and Savannah, two of my favorite towns. For ship watchers, Savannah is one of the busiest ports in the United States, part of a railroad corridor that stretches across the U.S. to San Diego.

I’ve also lived in Mobile and Montgomery and they are two hidden gems. Montgomery has live music on the weekends and a Baseball park built on top of an old confederate barracks. Dauphin Island is near Mobile and it has miles of white sand beaches. If you are a seafood lover btw, I would try our oysters on the the Gulf Coast, in my very prejudiced opinion, some of best tasting anywhere. They can be fried, in a broth, or you can have them char-broiled, cooking in the half-shell with garlic.

I grew up two blocks from the beach, even moved back after Camille, and love the Gulf Coast beaches, where you can get a sunrise and a sunset! On the Coast we have a small town vibe but we have visitors year round, and there are two big military bases in Gulfport and Biloxi that contribute to the big net we cast.

Thanks for the great article! As we say on the Coast, don’t be a stranger! Come back when you can!

15th August 2018 at 8:23 pm

Thank you very much David, it’s always wonderful to hear from a local that we’ve managed to put something together that showcases their part of the world 😀 We certainly do want to come back sometime soon for the amazing food & people, not to mention all the scenery 🙂

12th August 2018 at 11:41 pm

We spent two weeks driving from California to visit the deep south. We stopped in New Orleans, Tallahassee, Savannah, and Charleston. We drove the backroads through deep Georgia and it was amazing! The people in the deep south are straight out of a character novel. They are warm and friendly and some of them say the quirkiest things! The food is phenomenal!! I gained 5 pounds over our trip and I do not regret one bite! We visited in July and the humidity definitely takes some getting used to but after about 3 days, my skin seemed to love it. The architecture, history, plantations, and culture are beautiful and fascinating. The cicadas and the sounds of the insects were truly magical and the lightning bugs!! Seeing the lightning bugs was definitely on my bucket list! So beautiful, like little twinkling fairies. We originally made the trip because we were considering moving out there in 2 years. After the trip, we pushed up our move to next year. We completely fell in love with the deep south. It was everything that I had hoped it would be!

13th August 2018 at 9:05 pm

I am so pleased that you had a wonderful time. The food really is amazing isn’t it? And you are so right about the people. Love that you are moving there a year early too – I hope it all goes well for you!

Have a great journey

Vanessa Perumal says

24th June 2018 at 12:30 pm

Such generous sharing thank you. From New York where would you start your road trip please

24th June 2018 at 10:45 pm

Hey Vanessa – are you thinking of flying from New York or driving? It’s quite a long drive from New York (11 or 12 hours straight driving), so you might prefer to fly to Charleston and start there 🙂

Martha Mason says

26th April 2018 at 7:39 pm

I’m born and raised in Alabama – with a few sojourns in California, New York and Chicago. If you come to Alabama again, make sure you hit Fairhope, a quaint, beautiful town across Mobile Bay from Mobile, AL. If you come this far, also visit Gulf Shores on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico – one of the secrets we keep from beach lovers so it stays pretty and white.

I enjoyed your article on the deep south trip and although I’ve been to all of the places you mentioned, your info. will send me back to those places again better informed.

26th April 2018 at 7:42 pm

Thanks Martha! We’re actually going to be in Alabama this September most likely, visiting Huntsville and some of the space related sights 🙂 Not sure how much time we have, but I’ll definitely keep your tips in mind – thanks very much!

Stephanie says

16th March 2018 at 12:04 pm

Wow this is awesome! I work in the school system So unfortunately summer is the only time my boys and I can travel. We live in Charlotte so we will hit the road this summer. I’ll be sure to prepare for the unbearable heat! We will have about 3 weeks! Thank you for sharing!

16th March 2018 at 4:30 pm

My pleasure, and thanks Stephanie. I’m sure you’ll be fine and are probably used to the heat anyway 🙂 Have a fantastic trip – three weeks is the perfect amount of time for it 😀

9th March 2018 at 8:03 pm

Just wondering how many days total did you spend on this trip:) thanks

9th March 2018 at 8:06 pm

Hi Susy 🙂 We spent five weeks doing the trip, but we spent a week of that in New Orleans at the end. For the suggested itinerary, we’d suggest a minimum of two weeks, and ideally three weeks if you can spare the time. You can see more in this section of the post: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/usa-deep-south-road-trip-itinerary/#How-Long-Does-a-Deep-South-Road-Trip-Take

11th February 2018 at 6:24 am

Thank you so much for this really informative itinerary! My boyfriend and I are doing a deep south road trip this summer and you’ve given us some great ideas which move away from the typical cities.

11th February 2018 at 10:51 am

My pleasure – have a really wonderful trip and do shout if you have any questions!

Melissa says

25th January 2018 at 8:20 pm

I LOVE THIS! I live in Hawaii, but doing a Road Trip around the South is on my bucket list. Thank you so much for the info and suggestions.

26th January 2018 at 12:39 am

Thanks Melissa! Have an awesome trip when you do it – we sure did 😀

Linda Aksomitis says

26th February 2017 at 5:22 pm

Love your article. There are so many of my favourite deep South destinations on it. As a Canadian, I need to get my Gulf Coast “fix” on a regular basis.

Laurence says

27th February 2017 at 2:48 pm

Thanks Linda! And we still feel there’s so much more to see down here 🙂

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Louisiana (LA) » 15 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours

15 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours

Louisiana’s Mississippi Delta is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the United States.

The swamps and bayous are home to countless species of fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals that thrive in and around its fertile waters.

In addition to its natural wonders, the area is steeped in history, going back to the era when Louisiana was a French colony; much of that influence can still be found all over the area even though it is centuries old.

With plenty of swamp and history tours, getting fascinating insights into both aspects of the region won’t be a problem.

Below are 15 of the best Louisiana swamp tours.

1. Louisiana Plantation & Swamp Boat Bayou Full-Day Combo

Starting from New Orleans, this full-day plantation and bayou swamp tour is a great way to see the natural and historical sides of Louisiana in one tour.

The experience lasts about seven hours and includes a stop at historic Laura Plantation, with its amazing oak-lined entrance and permanent history exhibit.

The plantation was once the area’s most elegant and productive, at a time when all labor was carried out by slaves.

It’s a fascinating insight into the past. You’ll get up close and personal with some toothy gators along the way as well.

2. Louisiana Bayou 2 or 3 Hour Swamp Tour

If you’d like to get a bird’s eye view of the amazing swamp ecosystem and the critters that call it home, this three-hour tour is a great way to do it while leaving most of the day open for other adventures.

Cajun country is full of alligators, turtles, and an array of beautiful wading birds. In addition to wildlife, you’ll learn about the area’s unique culture and history too.

Though the boats are noisy, the swamp animals are used to their presence, so you don’t need to worry about scaring them away.

Depending on where you’re staying, door-to-door transportation is an option.

View Prices & Reviews

3. South Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat

Airboats are exciting ways to zip around the swamps and bayous of southern Louisiana; if you’re up for an exhilarating and unique tour that’s less than an hour from New Orleans, then this airboat journey is a must.

Just shy of two hours long, your skillful captain will get you up close to many of the swamp’s inhabitants.

Before the trip departs, you’ll have a chance to check out some gators in captivity, including two rare albino alligators named Sugar and Flour.

There is a gift and snack shop if you’d like a souvenir or cold drink before heading out.

4. High-Performance Airboat Tour from New Orleans

Airboats are powered by massive, propeller-driven engines and can reach speeds nearing 40 miles an hour, all while skimming over water that’s often no more than a few feet deep.

Riding on these definitely gets the blood flowing and heart beating. This tour that’s less than an hour away from New Orleans will give you some great views of the gators, birds, turtles, and snakes that call the bayou waterways home.

You may see lots of fascinating birds like eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers, and, of course, alligators are the perennial favorite and surprisingly abundant.

At just a few hours long, the tour will leave your schedule free for other adventures.

5. New Orleans Swamp & Bayou Boat Tour

Louisiana’s Barataria Nature Preserve is one of the state’s natural gems and includes thousands of acres of nearly pristine swamp and bayou habitat that is a magnet for wildlife.

This tour includes sections of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park too; your local guide will fill you in on some of the more interesting points of local history and lore.

Depending on when you go, you may get to see alligator mounds, which mother gators build out of vegetation to protect and incubate their eggs before they hatch.

The tour usually lasts between three and four hours depending on the guests and weather.

6. Plantation and Swamp Tour from ‘The Big Easy’

This five-hour plantation and wildlife tour includes a stop at the scenic Destrehan Plantation that was established in the latter part of the 18th century. It is perhaps the oldest and most well-preserved example of a French-influenced, colonial-style home in the entire Mississippi River delta.

Though you’ll never be too far from New Orleans, you’ll feel like you are worlds away, and have taken a giant step backward in time.

You’ll also visit Manchac Swamp and hear blood-curdling tales about the legend of the Cajun werewolf that has supposedly stalked the swamps for centuries, occasionally devouring a hapless, camera-wielding tourist before disappearing back into the forest.

7. New Orleans Traditional Swamp Tour with Lunch

The Jean Lafitte National Park and Barataria Preserve are some of Louisiana’s most visited areas; they give visitors a great opportunity to learn about the area’s biology and history.

The tour starts mid-morning and includes a lazy pontoon boat ride, from which you’ll see an amazing array of wild animals, including some dangerous and dramatic ones like gators, snakes and snapping turtles.

Lunch is an optional inclusion during your tour; it’s a great way to rub elbows with some locals while dining on some traditional favorites unique to the area.

8. Swamp Tour to Honey Island

Lake Pontchartrain, just north of New Orleans, is one of the American Southeast’s largest lakes. It gained notoriety during Hurricane Katrina for overflowing the dykes that were supposed to contain its rising waters.

This two-hour boat tour includes visits to Honey Island and the surrounding nature preserve, chockfull of local animals, history, and more than a few local legends – many of which include the ghosts and spirits of long-dead pirates and other scoundrels.

The waters in these protected areas are full of amazing creatures – even otters that somehow survive alongside all the gators that populate the lake.

This is a great day-trip option from New Orleans and includes a trip to a historic fishing village.

9. New Orleans: Plantation Brunch & Swamp Tour

This unique tour includes bits of history, nature, and an amazing brunch that’s sure to be a big hit with food lovers.

You’ll dine at the famous Oak Alley Plantation and get to enjoy some well-known and traditional Cajun dishes, like crawfish etouffee, Andouille sausage, gumbo, and lots of fresh fruit.

After your meal, you’ll tour the plantation grounds, learn about its history, and see some areas that were featured in movies and soap operas over the years.

This full-day tour includes a stop at Laura Plantation, one of the area’s most historic plantations that includes a permanent exhibit based on the lives of its former inhabitants.

10. Downtown and Swamp Tour via Helicopter

By now you may have seen the swamps by pontoon and airboat, but if you’re up for the ultimate sightseeing adventure, consider this tour via helicopter.

Though the tour only lasts 30 minutes, you’ll get amazing views of the city’s French Quarter, Uptown, and a few of the most historically significant sites too.

The pilot will fill you in so that you can appreciate what you’re seeing. Since the tour is limited to three passengers, you’ll get more personalized service.

The tour departs from New Orleans and includes headsets so everyone can hear the pilot.

11. Eco Swamp Tour

Swamps and bayous are amazingly diverse ecosystems; this two-hour tour takes visitors through many of them, highlighting the flora and fauna residing there.

Due to its six-person limit, you’ll get an intimate look at your surroundings and will hear all about them from your local captain.

Due to its relatively short length, this tour is great for children with short attention spans; they’ll get to see some amazing creatures, many of which they may not have the chance to see ever again.

The tour’s main focus is the Pearl River and nearby Honey Island areas.

12. New Orleans History and Swamp Tour Combo

This action-packed tour of New Orleans and the surrounding swamplands is conducted aboard a high-performance airboat, giving it an exhilarating element not easily found elsewhere.

You’ll visit the city’s French Quarter, University, and many distinct and historic neighborhoods like the Garden District.

On the natural side, the tour’s stars are the eagles, turtles, snakes, and gators that make the swamps such amazing places. Many areas you’ll visit are full of wading birds like cranes, egrets, and herons that live on small fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.

The tour conveniently includes pickup and drop-off from your New Orleans hotel.

13. Swamp Tour by Boat from New Orleans

The Mississippi River Delta is one of America’s most diverse wildlife habitats; there’s no better way to experience it up close than via a swamp tour.

With its meandering waterways and mossy trees, the area has a notably prehistoric and mysterious feel. Along the way, you’ll hear some historic tales about what life was like here in centuries past.

There will be plenty of opportunities to snap pictures of the scenic swamp and its exotic wildlife, and since the tour only lasts a few hours, you’ll have a large portion of the day left to fill-up with other adventures.

14. Private Bachelor and Bachelorette Swamp Tour

Truly unique among other swamp tours, this tour is strictly the realm of bachelors and bachelorette parties. Since you can bring your own beer, how much fun you have is up to you.

The tour size is limited to 16 or less, which makes it a perfect way to spend your last few hours of freedom.

Round-trip transportation to and from local hotels is included, and you’ll get expert narration from your captain and guide.

The tours head out four times daily, so you’re able to pick the time that’s best for you. Remember you’ll be in a swamp, so dress accordingly.

15. Destrehan Plantation and Small Airboat Combo from New Orleans

This tour is limited to between six and nine guests and is a great way to see the oldest documented plantation in the state. It was also home to a violent slave revolt.

After the historical portion of your tour, which includes a trip to the plantation’s museum, you’ll enjoy a pleasant lunch if time permits.

Destrehan Plantation is one of the state’s historic icons. All entrance fees and round trip transportation is included, though lunch is an optional extra.

There’s also a great museum here dedicated to the slave revolt that you definitely won’t want to miss.

15 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours:

• Louisiana Plantation & Swamp Boat Bayou Full-Day Combo
• Louisiana Bayou 2 or 3 Hour Swamp Tour
• South Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat
• High-Performance Airboat Tour from New Orleans
• New Orleans Swamp & Bayou Boat Tour
• Plantation and Swamp Tour from ‘The Big Easy’
• New Orleans Traditional Swamp Tour with Lunch
• Swamp Tour to Honey Island
• New Orleans: Plantation Brunch & Swamp Tour
• Downtown and Swamp Tour via Helicopter
• Eco Swamp Tour
• New Orleans History and Swamp Tour Combo
• Swamp Tour by Boat from New Orleans
• Private Bachelor and Bachelorette Swamp Tour
• Destrehan Plantation and Small Airboat Combo from New Orleans

Heritage Tours

Group Package Tours of Texas, the Southwest, and beyond

• Mississippi
• South Carolina
• Nova Scotia/PE Island

Plantation Tours

Louisiana plantation tours.

Heritage Tours began in 1992 specializing in touring the fantastic antebellum plantation homes of the Lower Mississippi River Valley, the area stretching from Natchez to south of New Orleans. In this field we are proud to claim that we are well known specialists, and over the years we have introduced thousands of people to the amazing history and architecture of these priceless dwellings.

Our tours of the plantations are designed to fit the level of familiarity of the group with the subject. For first time visitors to the plantations, we will design an itinerary to introduce them to the three major styles of architecture of the 1780-1865 era. For those returning to the area, we will create a plan that will show them in more detail the designs of the homes and the lifestyles of the planters who built them and the slaves and workers who made the plantations so successful.

In all cases, we will customize your plantation tours to the number of homes and depth of information about their architecture and background to suit your group.

Plantation Tours may be combined with sightseeing in New Orleans .

Due to its concentration of homes, the St. Francisville area north of Baton Rouge is a plantation tour in itself, but it too may be combined with visits to homes between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, or with New Orleans itself.

And don’t forget that upriver, Natchez, Mississippi , offers a collection unequaled in the South of gorgeous homes of the pre-Civil War period in a town setting. A visit to Natchez is time travel to the age of Scarlett O’Hara.

The Founder and Managing Director of Heritage Tours, Byron Cain, has lectured since 1985 at Southern Methodist University in Dallas on the subject of plantation history and lore, and has spoken on the subject to numerous other groups and colleges. This expertise will be shared with you on our Heritage Tours Plantation Adventures.

These are not just house tours! We will regale your travelers with the absorbing, memorable and spellbinding tales of the people who built and inhabited these impressive mansions. Often times they were as eccentric and strange as one can imagine, leaving us with stories of unusual and sometimes bizarre behavior.

Following are samples of one day tours that cover the three styles of antebellum plantation architecture, raised cottage, Greek revival, and Romantic reactions.

One Day Plantation Tour Sampler

This is a one day plantation excursion outside of New Orleans on the Great Mississippi River Road.

We will depart the city at 8:30 a.m. to visit three striking plantations, each very different from the other, each representing one of the three styles of plantation architecture in the South prior to The War (the Civil War of course).

First will be Laura Plantation, a most colorful and insightful place to learn how the Creole class lived on the plantations. This tour is one of the more unusual and eye-opening along the River Road.

Then we travel further upriver to legendary Oak Alley, with its 300 yard long alley way of gigantic live oaks, one of the most dazzling sites in the world. We will have a tour of the grand mansion home (resplendent with period furniture) and lunch (included).

In the afternoon we will tour San Francisco Plantation, the best example of the last period of early Victorian design prior to the War. You are back in the city in time to enjoy dinner at one of New Orleans’ world class restaurants.

Multi-Day Plantation Tour Sampler

For those wanting more plantations to see in a one-day format, including dinner , we offer:

We will depart New Orleans at 8:30 am to visit five striking plantations, each very different from the other. In addition to the three listed above, we will tour

St. Joseph – which has opened up for view for the first time in its almost 200 year history. We will be escorted around by members of the owning family. St. Joseph is the birthplace of renowned 19th century architect Henry Hobson Richardson, popularizer of the Romanesque Revival of design.

The Hermitage where late afternoon will find us guests of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Judice at their private home which is in the midst of renovation. This hard hat tour will show you what all is involved in the maintenance and restoration of these grand plantation mansions.

Dinner will likely be a memorable experience of a lifetime, at the recently redone Houmas House Plantation . This icon of the River Road has been renovated to its original color scheme, which was discovered after many decades of being lost. The grounds and furnishings have been upgraded to a new level of grandeur. We will dine at the peak of antebellum elegance at Houmas House in a private setting with a mouthwatering gourmet meal from Chef Jeremy Langlois.

And of course, for those wanting to visit even more of these grand palaces, the tour of St. Francisville may be added on, or additional mansions of the Plantation Parade between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, in a multi-day itinerary .

Please Note

Our Town and Country tour offers a combination of plantation lore in both New Orleans and the River Road, for an understanding of the planters’ lives in urban and rural settings.

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Ship Island Ferry Service is now Open - Dolphin Watching & Sunset Cruises now offered!

DOLPHIN WATCHING CRUISE

Quick Details

• User Ages: All Ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 Hours
• Calendar Available Dates: Cruises will resume on March 16th thru November 28th
• Clock Departure Times: Spring Schedule: Wednesday - Friday at 4:30pm and Saturday & Sunday Departing at 1pm. Summer Schedule: Wednesday - Friday Departing at 4:30pm. Fall Schedule: Friday at 4:30pm and Saturday & Sunday at 1pm.
• Map Marker Departure Location: Ship Island dock in Gulfport Small Craft Harbor, Jones Park

Checkmark Download a Brochure: HERE

Join us for a dolphin watching adventure that includes a tour of the Gulfport Ship Harbor!

Come aboard for a 90-minute shoreline cruise on a quest for Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins. Snack bar service available on board. No outside food or drinks permitted. Please arrive 30 minutes before your departure time. Advance ticket purchases strongly suggested.

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Louisiana-Mississippi Tour

Welcome to the Louisiana Tour!  We play some of the top-quality courses in South Louisiana. The Tour encompasses different course types from tree-lined courses to links-style courses, from flat courses to courses with large elevation changes and from public courses to country clubs.  Louisiana Tour has it all.  The concept of the EAGLE Am Tour is very similar. Its make-up includes all skill levels from scratch players to players with 20+ handicaps and everyone in between.   Come out and play some fun competitive golf on fantastic golf courses!

Tour Director

Britt Guillory

[email protected]

337-962-3111

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