New Orleans
Including the French Quarter
New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the US. Heavily influenced by the blended cultures of French and Creole, the Big Easy is a wonderful destination for anyone looking for good food, interesting architecture and unique cultural experiences. In Jackson Square, part of the French Quarter, you can watch street performers and musicians, have your fortune read, enjoy a lovely park, or just people-watch. If food is your passion, this city is known for it's great restaurants and unique cuisine so we'll join a cooking school demonstration to learn more about it. Plus we'll board a boat and get out on a bayou for a chance to get up close and personal with gators. We love New Orleans and know you will too!
New Orleans
October 18 - October 23, 2026Highlights
- Stay in the French Quarter
- Lunch at the New Orleans School of Cooking
- Learn about Mardi Gras
- Hear about Ghosts & VooDoo
- Tour a Bayou swamp
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
- 40% Easy
- 60% Moderate (urban walking on uneven streets and standing for up to 2 hours at a time)
Walking is a crucial component of this tour as we will predominantly make our way on foot between destinations and activities in the French Quarter. Between walking tours and personal exploration, you can expect to walk 4-5 miles or more over the course of a day.
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Itinerary
Sunday, 18 October 2026: Arrive New Orleans; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival no later than 3:30pm and take local transportation to the hotel. Depending on when you arrive, you may want to explore or relax until the Welcome Meeting at 5:30pm in the courtyard of our hotel. After introductions, we will walk to a nearby restaurant in the French Quarter to enjoy a Welcome Dinner together and discuss our upcoming adventure. Overnight New Orleans - 5 nights
Monday, 19 October 2026: City Bus Tour; French Quarter Walking Tour (B,L)
We begin this morning with driving tour of greater New Orleans, which has held on to the culture, traditions and architecture of its French and Spanish heritage making it unlike any other city in America. We will see highlights, hear engaging tales and learn more about the areas still affected by Hurricane Katrina's flood waters. We grab lunch together before we lace up our walking shoes. This afternoon we embark on a delightful walking tour of the French Quarter. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Tuesday, 20 October 2026: New Orleans School of Cooking; Mardi Gras World (B,L)
The New Orleans School of Cooking has introduced countless visitors to the wonderful food and rich culture of the city. Today, we sit back and watch a skilled and entertaining chef prepare a classic Cajun and/or Creole meal that we then can devour for lunch. This afternoon, we go behind-the-scenes to learn about the tradition, history and customs of Mardi Gras floats, which began rumbling down New Orleans streets in 1837 with mule-drawn carriages. In the largest float design-and-build facility in the world, we'll see authentic Mardi Gras costumes and tour enormous warehouses filled with floats. Tonight we enjoy a haunted carriage tour.
Wednesday, 21 October 2026: Garden District Walking Tour; Bayou Tour (B,L)
This morning we spend time learning more about New Orleans' elegant Garden District, once part of the plantation owned by Bienville, the founder of New Orleans. This historic district is known for its marvelous examples of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. We're then headed out of the city for more of a walk on the “wild side.” Our afternoon tour takes us to the bayou for a swamp boat tour deep into the heart of the wetlands. This swamp is unique because it's one of the least-altered river swamps in the country. We return to the French Quarter late this afternoon.
Thursday, 22 October 2026: Personal Day in New Orleans; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
This day is yours to do with whatever you wish. Consider riding the streetcars and see where they take you, or take time to visit the highly acclaimed National World War II museum to learn more about one of the most impactful events of the 20th century. Your WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for a fun day. Our day concludes with our Farewell Dinner in the French Quarter.
Friday, 23 October 2026: Return Home from New Orleans
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Make your return flight home from New Orleans to depart at your convenience. There is no breakfast included this day. Your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
New Orleans
October 18 - October 23, 2026Pricing
Room Share
$2,364.00Single Room
$3,130.00 (Sold Out)Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full and Closed
Tour Pricing Includes
- Meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides and coach drivers
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any personal expenses
- Any gratuities for WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Tuesday, 21 Apr 2026: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Monday, 20 Jul 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Thursday, 3 Sep 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Thursday, 3 Sep 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
New Orleans
October 18 - October 23, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
When searching for flights for this trip, be sure to search "Multi-city" or "Multiple Destinations." For comparison, you may also want to search for one-way fares.
Arrival Airport: MSY - New Orleans, LA (Louis Armstrong New Orleans Int'l Airport)
Arrival Date: Sunday, October 18th. Arrive no later than 3:30pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi. Details will be provided in Final Travel Instructions
Depart Airport: MSY - New Orleans, LA (Louis Armstrong New Orleans Int'l Airport)
Departure Date: Friday, October 23rd. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi. WTT Tour Leader can assist with ride-share coordination.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$264.00 Roomshare pp $480.00 Single Occupancy
The pre-tour package is an optional service. Rates are established at time of tour posting. Early check-in is solely at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be arranged in advance.
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
New Orleans
October 18 - October 23, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent out.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 40% Easy
- 60% Moderate (urban walking on uneven streets and standing for up to 2 hours at a time)
Walking is a crucial component of this tour as we will predominantly make our way on foot between destinations and activities in the French Quarter. Between walking tours and personal exploration, you can expect to walk 4-5 miles or more over the course of a day.
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
The weather in New Orleans in October will likely be warm and pleasant with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the 60s. Chances of rain are around 30% to 35% with an average humidity at around 71%. We suggest you monitor weather apps before you depart for the most current information.
For this Tour You May Want—
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Smart-casual wear if you’d like to dress up a bit for dinners.
- Medium-weight jacket or coat
- Rain jacket or travel umbrella
- Swimsuit, if you plan to use hotel's outdoor pool
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
On every WTT tour, our policies regarding luggage restrictions are driven by the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
- We strongly recommend you bring only one suitcase plus small shoulder bag/day pack/purse.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
Tips to local guides and coach drivers will be paid on your behalf.
- Tipping wait staff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your Tour Leader for an outstanding job. This amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8 - $10 per day.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
You’ll find your people and make memories that last a lifetime.