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The 10 Best Private Tours in Louisiana, United States
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. Fly a Plane in New Orleans: No Experience or License Required
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Learn how to fly a plane in New Orleans on an exhilarating 50-minute flying lesson that includes sights of the mighty Mississippi River, the historical French Quarter and Mercedes-Benz Superdome! The must-do experience includes 20 minutes of pre-flight ground instruction, followed by 30 minutes in the air under the watchful eye of the pilot — an instructor certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Help control the plane during takeoff and landing, and enjoy your airborne time to take control and maneuver the plane through the skies! No license or prior experience is necessary.
Inclusions: Professional commercial pilot certified by the FAA with 20,000 hours of combined experience, Live commentary, 20 minutes of ground instruction, 30 minutes of dual flight time, You must call supplier 12 hrs in advance to confirm time & observer (add'l fee req., max. 2 allowed), First Flight Certificate
Exclusions: Instructor Gratuity, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Observer
Reviewed By tiffanyc211
It’s was great experience for us it’s off our bucket list to do this adventure. This was something that I thought about. Thanks
2. New Orleans Night Sightseeing Flight
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
See the bright lights of New Orleans at night on a 45 or 60 minute sightseeing flight! While listening to commentary from the pilot, relax in a small sightseeing plane that seats a maximum of four passengers. Gaze down at illuminated city attractions such as the Port of New Orleans, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Mississippi River and more, and admire nighttime views of the French Quarter. If there is a sight that you particularly want to see, simply let the pilot know! The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to the sights that the group want to see.
Inclusions: Professional commercial pilot certified by the FAA with 20,000 hours of combined experience, Live commentary
Exclusions: Pilot Gratuity, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By tiffanyc211
It’s was great experience for us it’s off our bucket list to do this adventure. This was something that I thought about. Thanks
3. Private Boat Tour Maurepas Swamp, Small-Group (transportation available)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Explore the Maurepas Swamp on our customized flat-bottom boat. Our small private tour ensures that you get a chance to ask our local naturalist guide all the questions you want, and our quiet engine doesn’t scare wildlife away. Get deeper into the swamp than the other boat tours so you can learn more and see more!
Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Local guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions, Food and drinks
Reviewed By Princess_dani21
We spent the day touring the swamp and visiting the Laura plantation. We had an satisfying lunch at a local place between the two. John, our driver was friendly and knowledgeable. Our tour guides on the river and at the plantation were amazing. We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel in the French quarter. 10/10 would highly recommend this tour company. Thanks guys for a memorable day!
4. Private Garden District, St Charles Ave, and Cemetery Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Enjoy New Orleans’ Garden District at its finest with a private local tour guide. First, I will pick you up in my SUV at your hotel or other location of convenience. Next, we will drive away from downtown towards an historic cemetery. We will visit either Lafayette #1, Metairie Cemetery, or St Joseph’s Cemetery, depending on availability and your preference. Then, we will drive down the historic St Charles Avenue to see the 1800s era mansions. Next, we will hop out of the vehicle and walk through the Garden District area between Washington Ave and Jackson Ave. We will stop in front of stunning historic homes such as the McGehee House, the Buckner Mansion, the Anne Rice Home, and the Benjamin Button House. Lastly, we will return to your hotel or drop-off location of your convenience.
Inclusions: Professional private tour guide, Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By joydsow
Ashton was on-time (early actually), knowledgeable, fun and very patient with our small group of chatty ladies! We are so glad we decided to book a private tour instead of the group walking tours. I feel like I really saw New Orleans for the first time, despite several visits in the past. Ashton provided clean transportation and was very conscious of the safety precautions related to COVID-19. Long story short - YES, we would recommend!
5. Highlights of New Orleans Private Driving Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Private Driving Tour up to 6 Passengers Luxury Vehicle Fully Narrated Experience the diversity of New Orleans on a private city tour. This tour will focus on the history, architecture, and culture of the French Quarter and the Garden District. You will discover the rich history of the city as well as the diverse architectural styles of the unique buildings as you travel through these historic neighborhoods.
Inclusions: Licensed Tour Guide/Driver, Luxury Executive Transportation (Sedan, SUV, Van), Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Fully Narrated Tour
Exclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By julier4232
Our tour with Michaela was amazing so much history, such a gracious to her guide. It was amazing to be with someone that loves her city so much and could share so much history and current event information all six of us ladies would highly recommend a tour with Michaela in New Orleans
6. Private New Orleans City Tour with Local Expert Guide
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
We will explore the original suburbs of the old town… the hip Marigny, the funky Bywater and Bayou St John, the true gateway to New Orleans. We will ride through Tremé, the birthplace of Jazz, and so much more. Marc will cover the entire city, the American sector of uptown and cities now turned neighborhoods of Lafayette and the Irish Channel. Your guide knows all the right people and has both relationships and insight into this rich culture.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By W5295MZcharlesm
Mark is AMAZING.... . We cant say enough wonderful things about him and the experiences he pulled together for us in the 11th hour. He picked us up from the airport and from then on it was a volcano of information. For just a minimal extra fee he was able to include sites from some of his other tours because my daughter and I are very much into abandoned buildings and street art, of which Mark happens to offer separate tours on both. He even took extra time out with us to show us some of the best local food spots. We are incredibly grateful to have met Mark and to have booked NOLA Detours.
7. Coastal Saltwater Fishing Charter from New Orleans
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 176 reviews
We are a very fun and positive fishing charter! We are a fleet of Louisiana native guides that really know the waters and will put you on some serious fish catching action! Easy day trips out of New Orleans. Inshore, offshore, marsh, oil rigs, islands you name it we will go there! Redfish, speckled trout, snapper, cobia, sharks, mackerel, flounder, sheepshead, and many other species are caught depending on season. Captain Markham Dickson also speaks German if your group needs that service he can run it personally. Big groups or small (1-60 people) we will make sure y'all have a good time! 1-6 people per boat and 10 boats at the ready!
Inclusions: All fishing tackle, bait, and rods, Bottled water, Separate ice chests full of ice for both the client's fish and drinks, Gas/Fuel, Fish Cleaning/Filleting, 8 hours fishing and or fish cleaning (or less if you want to cut it shorter)
Exclusions: Food and Drinks for your trip, Ice chest to bring your catch home if you care to keep them., Fish Shipping (although we have a place you can go)
Reviewed By cdl7373
EPIC day. He got us on the fish, albeit it he made sure the girls caught more fish with the guys! Would do it again 100%. Captain Gabe hooked it up! Clean boat, great service, positive attitude and made sure we all had an awesome time! Looking forward to the next trip!!!
8. New Orleans City and Swamp Helicopter Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
- Experience 30 miles of New Orleans city views. - Approximately 30 minutes of flight. - Brilliant aerial views of Jackson Square and Bourbon Street. - Intimate glimpses of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. - Chilling sights of the abandoned Six Flags theme park.
Inclusions: Personalized narrated tour from the pilot., Safety briefing before every flight., Upgrade options for each flight.
Exclusions: Gratuity not included.
Reviewed By sfa2021
THIS WAS SOOOO LIT ???? Our pilot was John. Every employee was professional and extremely knowledgeable of their jobs! They explained everything to the ‘T’. I would recommend this for adults as well as children. It was a very exciting adventure. Again, John was the auger honey ice teaaaa ‼️‼️ Thinking about going back against before we leave. THIS IS A MUST DO‼️‼️‼️ ????????????‼️
9. New Orleans City Lights Night Helicopter Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Marvel at the sparkling lights and unparalleled views of New Orleans by night as you soar overhead on a helicopter tour.
Inclusions: Noise Cancelling Headsets, Window Seat for each passenger, On-site parking
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By 383chuckb
I surprised by son on a 30 mile tour around New orleans for his delayed 21st birthday trip. We had an amazing flight, the weather was clear and perfect for the trip. I want to comment the pilot and the ground person for being very knowledgeable, experienced and professional. My son is still talking about the experience and we would both highly recommend it for anyone considering a unique way to see New Orleans.
10. The 10 Tastings of New Orleans With Locals: Private Food Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Eat your way through New Orleans’ culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied! Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food like Po’Boy and Beignets. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie. Withlocals The 10 Tastings Private Food Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
Inclusions: Private Tour, Small group tour option available, Local Guide, 10 Food & Drinks Tastings, Vegetarian alternatives
Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop off
Reviewed By AzGirl85120
Not a good experience. MARY met us, my husband and I, as planned. The listing showed every 10 minutes you were at a different spot. Highlights. Our tour started at 7:30pm. At 7:50 pm we should’ve been to Bourbon St for the 1st of 2 stops. At 8:00 she had us heading away from Bourbon St not towards it. So I said “ aren’t we going to Bourbon St ? My husband was really counting on the stops at Bourbon St”. She said “ fine, if you don’t want to hear what I have to say I’ll take you to Bourbon St”. With that she took off 1/2 block ahead of us. We literally were running to try to keep up with her, which we never did. When we reached Bourbon St she took off to some side Street and left us. That was about 8:10 and our tour was till 9:00. Gone. Horrible to say the least.
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