Louisiana
New Orleans at a Slower Pace: A City of History, Culture and Celebration
Program No. 147560MEADV-1116-60
Discover artistry and heritage in New Orleans as you explore the city’s historic districts, learn about Cajun cooking and visit the famed National World War II Museum.
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DATES
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PRICES
Jan 12 - Jan 17, 2025
Starting at
2,149Feb 16 - Feb 21, 2025
Starting at
2,149Mar 16 - Mar 21, 2025
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2,149Mar 23 - Mar 28, 2025
Starting at
2,149DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jan 12 - Jan 17, 2025
Starting at
2,659Feb 16 - Feb 21, 2025
Starting at
2,659Mar 16 - Mar 21, 2025
Starting at
2,659Mar 23 - Mar 28, 2025
Starting at
2,659Apr 13 - Apr 18, 2025
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
New Orleans, LA
2
New Orleans History, City Field Trip, Jazz Performance
New Orleans, LA
3
New Orleans Authors, New Orleans Music, Cooking Class
New Orleans, LA
4
Architecture Lecture, Garden District Walking Tour
New Orleans, LA
5
World War II Museum
New Orleans, LA
6
All About Mardi Gras, Program Concludes
New Orleans, LA
At a Glance
New Orleans beckons with three centuries of history and culture. Become immersed in this rich heritage as expert instructors lead you on an exploration of the city’s architectural styles, literary heroes, political figures, music and food. Learn about festivals that are both self-expression and a celebration of life, from Mardi Gras to Jazz Fest. Take field trips to Lake Pontchartrain, the French Quarter, the Garden District, the Mississippi River, Congo Square and the Treme area. Other highlights include the amazing Sculpture Garden in City Park and the world class National World War II Museum.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Moderate walking up to eight blocks, flat terrain.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Hear a live jazz performance, venture into the French Quarter and visit the National World War II Museum.
- Admire historic New Orleans homes as you ride along historic St. Charles Avenue and walk into the Garden District.
- Learn the tricks of Cajun and Creole cooking at a popular culinary arts school, complete with recipes for you to take home.
General Notes
You may enjoy a more active program "Signature City New Orleans" (#2856) or a more active, small-group program "Jazz, Jambalaya and Joie de Vivre in New Orleans" (#21665); both based in the French Quarter.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Brian Altobello
Brian Altobello is a native of New Orleans with a Master’s in U.S. History and 29 years of experience teaching at the high school level. He is a U.S. Army veteran and author of two books: “New Orleans Goes to War” and “Into the Shadows Furious,” a narrative on the U.S. invasion of New Georgia Island. Brian is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Social Studies at Renew Schools, a five-school charter organization in New Orleans. He is married to a travel-writing English teacher.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Brian Altobello
View biography
Brian Altobello is a native of New Orleans with a Master’s in U.S. History and 29 years of experience teaching at the high school level. He is a U.S. Army veteran and author of two books: “New Orleans Goes to War” and “Into the Shadows Furious,” a narrative on the U.S. invasion of New Georgia Island. Brian is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Social Studies at Renew Schools, a five-school charter organization in New Orleans. He is married to a travel-writing English teacher.
Brian Altobello
View biography
Brian Altobello is a native of New Orleans with a Master’s degree in U.S. History and 29 years of teaching experience. He is an Army veteran and author of three books, most recently “Whiskey, Women, and War: How World War I Shaped Jim Crow New Orleans” (University Press of Mississippi, 2021). Married to a travel writing teacher, Brian currently works as a curriculum specialist in the New Orleans area.
Angela Carll
View biography
Angela Mequet Carll is a native New Orleanian who was a writer for “The Times-Picayune” for 30 years. She holds a master’s degree in English with an emphasis on Southern Literature and is the author of “Where Writers Wrote,” a book about writers in New Orleans. She has taught at Tulane University, is a graduate of ITMI, and a licensed New Orleans exploration leader. Angela has been a group leader for Road Scholar since 2016 and brings a wide variety of experiences to her groups.
Dave Roberts
View biography
Dave Roberts was born in New Orleans and baptized in the same church as Louis Armstrong. He received his B.B.A. from Loyola University (New Orleans) and his M.B.A. from the University of New Orleans. For many years he worked at Loyola University as the director of student finance. Dave started working as a New Orleans group leader in 1997. His expeditions are a blend of history, architecture, food, music, writers, movies, and current events.
Ed Wise
View biography
Ed Wise is a professional musician with over 50 years of experience. He has toured with Al Hirt, Delbert McClinton, and the Smothers Brothers. He has performed with world-famous musicians and entertainers, including Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Vic Damone, Diahann Carroll, Don Rickles, and many more. He has worked as a staff musician for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. In 2005, Ed Wise received New Orleans Magazine’s Jazz All-Star award. Ed is on the faculty of Loyola University, where he teaches bass and music theory.
Nellie Watson
View biography
Nellie Watson, a native New Orleanian, has always had a deep passion for the local environment. She has enjoyed sharing stories with Road Scholar for over 20 years, and is also a provider for aerial flightseeing tours of the endangered wetlands. With a background in architecture and a B.F.A. in environmental design, she began her career at two large international architectural firms, had her own residential design firm, and is currently is a professional model maker for major film productions like Marvel and Disney.
Mary Lynn Scheinuk
View biography
Mary Lynn Scheinuk has lived in New Orleans her entire life, graduating from Mount Carmel Academy and the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. She worked for 35 years in advertising sales for the Times-Picayune newspaper. During that period, she was part of the retail and commercial development of New Orleans landmarks. In addition to leading groups, Mary Lynn works numerous group events and fundraisers, and assists the American Queen Steamboat Company and Viking in hospitality and registration for Mississippi river cruises.
Clare Pierson
View biography
Clare Pierson has taught literature and creative writing to all levels of students and teachers. She has been managing editor of the Tennessee Williams Journal, a periodical dedicated to works of and about America's premier playwright. She served on the editorial staff and wrote a regular column for The Double Dealer Redux, a quarterly dedicated to writers and their writings. She continues to serve on the executive committee of the Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival.
Lauree Nunez
View biography
Lauree Nunez is a lifelong native of New Orleans. Her career started with Road Scholar in September 1993 as an office staffer, and she progressed over time to manage all of the office functions, as well as being a group leader. In 1991, she graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a B.A. in business. Lauree's charity, Spaymart Kitten Foster, has placed over 7,000 animals over more than a decade. She owns a property management company, and lives with her husband, Derrick, and their two cats.
Wolf Kassmeier
View biography
Wolf Kassmeier has enjoyed working as both a group leader and instructor since 2000, sharing time with guests in New Orleans, throughout Louisiana, and over-the-road ranging from National Parks in the West to Chicago. For approximately five years, he served onboard Amtrak trains as a regional expert. A native Nebraskan, Wolf has lived in New Orleans for over thirty years.
Terry Neal
View biography
Terry Neal has been leading groups throughout the U.S. since 2018. Born and raised in the deep south, she loves to cook and dance, sometimes at the same time. She has over 30 years of customer service and hospitality experience, even working at a haunted plantation in Louisiana. While growing up, she traveled with her family to various locations in the U.S., but it wasn’t until her Air Force son was stationed in England that the travel bug took a deep bite.
Suggested Reading List
(7 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
New Orleans at a Slower Pace: A City of History, Culture and Celebration
Program Number: 1475
All The King's Men
All the King's Men traces the rise and fall of demagogue Willie Stark, a fictional character loosely based on Governor Huey ""Kingfish"" Long of Louisiana. Stark begins his political career as an idealistic man of the people but soon becomes corrupted by success and caught between dreams of service and an insatiable lust for power.
Confederacy of Dunces
A Confederacy of Dunces is a picaresque novel written by American novelist John Kennedy Toole, published by Louisiana State University Press in 1980, eleven years after the author's suicide. The book, published through the efforts of writer Walker Percy (who also contributed a revealing foreword) and Toole's mother Thelma Toole, quickly became a cult classic, and later a mainstream success. Toole posthumously won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1981. It is now considered a canonical work of modern Southern literature, in the USA. The title derives from the epigraph by Jonathan Swift: "When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him." The story is set in New Orleans in the early 1960s. The central character is Ignatius J. Reilly, an educated but slothful 30-year-old man still living with his mother in the city's Uptown neighborhood, who, due to an incident early in the book, must set out to get a job. In his quest for employment he has various adventures with colorful French Quarter characters.
Life On The Mississippi
An invaluable companion to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Life on the Mississippi is Mark Twain's inimitable portrait of 'the great Father of Waters'. Part memoir, part travelogue, it expresses the full range of Twain's literary personality, and remains the most vivid, boisterous and provocative account of the cultural and societal history of the Mississippi Valley, from 'the golden age' of steamboating to the violence wrought by the Civil War.
A Streetcar Named Desire
This classic drama follows Blanche DuBois and the issues that arise when she moves to New Orleans to live with her sister and her husband.
Creole New Orleans Race and Americanization
This collection of six original essays explores the peculiar ethnic composition and history of New Orleans, which the authors persuasively argue is unique among American cities. The focus of Creole New Orleans is on the development of a colonial Franco-African culture in the city, the ways that culture was influenced by the arrival of later immigrants, and the processes that led to the eventual dominance of the Anglo-American community.
Why New Orleans Matters
In the aftermath of Katrina and the disaster that followed, promises were made, forgotten, and renewed. Now what will become of New Orleans in the years ahead? What do this proud, battered city and its people mean to America and the world?
Award-winning author and longtime New Orleans resident Tom Piazza illuminates the storied culture and uncertain future of this great and neglected American metropolis by evoking the sensuous rapture of the city that gave us jazz music and Creole cooking; examining its deep undercurrents of corruption, racism, and injustice; and explaining how its people endure and transcend those conditions. And, perhaps most important, he asks us all to consider the spirit of this place and all the things it has shared with the world: its grace and beauty, resilience and soul.
Rising Tide
An American epic of science, politics, race, honor, high society, and the Mississippi River, Rising Tide tells the riveting and nearly forgotten story of the greatest natural disaster this country has ever known -- the Mississippi flood of 1927. The river inundated the homes of nearly one million people, helped elect Huey Long governor and made Herbert Hoover president, drove hundreds of thousands of blacks north, and transformed American society and politics forever.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
New Orleans, LA
Program Concludes
New Orleans, LA
Meals
13
| 5B |
4L |
4D |
Activity Level
New Orleans beckons with three centuries of history and culture. Become immersed in this rich heritage as expert instructors lead you on an exploration of the city’s architectural styles, literary heroes, political figures, music and food. Learn about festivals that are both self-expression and a celebration of life, from Mardi Gras to Jazz Fest. Take field trips to Lake Pontchartrain, the French Quarter, the Garden District, the Mississippi River, Congo Square and the Treme area. Other highlights include the amazing Sculpture Garden in City Park and the world class National World War II Museum.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Hear a live jazz performance, venture into the French Quarter and visit the National World War II Museum.
- Admire historic New Orleans homes as you ride along historic St. Charles Avenue and walk into the Garden District.
- Learn the tricks of Cajun and Creole cooking at a popular culinary arts school, complete with recipes for you to take home.
General Notes
You may enjoy a more active program "Signature City New Orleans" (#2856) or a more active, small-group program "Jazz, Jambalaya and Joie de Vivre in New Orleans" (#21665); both based in the French Quarter.
Featured Expert
Brian Altobello
Brian Altobello is a native of New Orleans with a Master’s in U.S. History and 29 years of experience teaching at the high school level. He is a U.S. Army veteran and author of two books: “New Orleans Goes to War” and “Into the Shadows Furious,” a narrative on the U.S. invasion of New Georgia Island. Brian is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Social Studies at Renew Schools, a five-school charter organization in New Orleans. He is married to a travel-writing English teacher.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Brian Altobello
Brian Altobello is a native of New Orleans with a Master’s degree in U.S. History and 29 years of teaching experience. He is an Army veteran and author of three books, most recently “Whiskey, Women, and War: How World War I Shaped Jim Crow New Orleans” (University Press of Mississippi, 2021). Married to a travel writing teacher, Brian currently works as a curriculum specialist in the New Orleans area.
Angela Carll
Angela Mequet Carll is a native New Orleanian who was a writer for “The Times-Picayune” for 30 years. She holds a master’s degree in English with an emphasis on Southern Literature and is the author of “Where Writers Wrote,” a book about writers in New Orleans. She has taught at Tulane University, is a graduate of ITMI, and a licensed New Orleans exploration leader. Angela has been a group leader for Road Scholar since 2016 and brings a wide variety of experiences to her groups.
Dave Roberts
Dave Roberts was born in New Orleans and baptized in the same church as Louis Armstrong. He received his B.B.A. from Loyola University (New Orleans) and his M.B.A. from the University of New Orleans. For many years he worked at Loyola University as the director of student finance. Dave started working as a New Orleans group leader in 1997. His expeditions are a blend of history, architecture, food, music, writers, movies, and current events.
Ed Wise
Ed Wise is a professional musician with over 50 years of experience. He has toured with Al Hirt, Delbert McClinton, and the Smothers Brothers. He has performed with world-famous musicians and entertainers, including Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Vic Damone, Diahann Carroll, Don Rickles, and many more. He has worked as a staff musician for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. In 2005, Ed Wise received New Orleans Magazine’s Jazz All-Star award. Ed is on the faculty of Loyola University, where he teaches bass and music theory.
Nellie Watson
Nellie Watson, a native New Orleanian, has always had a deep passion for the local environment. She has enjoyed sharing stories with Road Scholar for over 20 years, and is also a provider for aerial flightseeing tours of the endangered wetlands. With a background in architecture and a B.F.A. in environmental design, she began her career at two large international architectural firms, had her own residential design firm, and is currently is a professional model maker for major film productions like Marvel and Disney.
Mary Lynn Scheinuk
Mary Lynn Scheinuk has lived in New Orleans her entire life, graduating from Mount Carmel Academy and the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. She worked for 35 years in advertising sales for the Times-Picayune newspaper. During that period, she was part of the retail and commercial development of New Orleans landmarks. In addition to leading groups, Mary Lynn works numerous group events and fundraisers, and assists the American Queen Steamboat Company and Viking in hospitality and registration for Mississippi river cruises.
Clare Pierson
Clare Pierson has taught literature and creative writing to all levels of students and teachers. She has been managing editor of the Tennessee Williams Journal, a periodical dedicated to works of and about America's premier playwright. She served on the editorial staff and wrote a regular column for The Double Dealer Redux, a quarterly dedicated to writers and their writings. She continues to serve on the executive committee of the Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival.
Lauree Nunez
Lauree Nunez is a lifelong native of New Orleans. Her career started with Road Scholar in September 1993 as an office staffer, and she progressed over time to manage all of the office functions, as well as being a group leader. In 1991, she graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a B.A. in business. Lauree's charity, Spaymart Kitten Foster, has placed over 7,000 animals over more than a decade. She owns a property management company, and lives with her husband, Derrick, and their two cats.
Wolf Kassmeier
Wolf Kassmeier has enjoyed working as both a group leader and instructor since 2000, sharing time with guests in New Orleans, throughout Louisiana, and over-the-road ranging from National Parks in the West to Chicago. For approximately five years, he served onboard Amtrak trains as a regional expert. A native Nebraskan, Wolf has lived in New Orleans for over thirty years.
Terry Neal
Terry Neal has been leading groups throughout the U.S. since 2018. Born and raised in the deep south, she loves to cook and dance, sometimes at the same time. She has over 30 years of customer service and hospitality experience, even working at a haunted plantation in Louisiana. While growing up, she traveled with her family to various locations in the U.S., but it wasn’t until her Air Force son was stationed in England that the travel bug took a deep bite.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Moderate walking up to eight blocks, flat terrain.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(7 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals | 5B | 4L | 4D |
6 expert-led lectures
3 expert-led field trips
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
New Orleans, LA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Monteleone
Activity Note
Easy walking inside hotel; at your discretion if you’d like to go out.
Afternoon:
Registration: At 4:00 PM, after you have your room assignment, please check in with your group leader to let them know you've arrived. If your arrival is delayed, please contact your group leader. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. As a special bonus, you will have vouchers to use at a popular jazz club, as well as the Louisiana State Museum.
Dinner:
At the hotel, our plentiful dinner buffet includes coffee, tea, water; other beverages are available for purchase at the bar.
Evening:
We’ll be joined by a guest speaker for an introduction to the French Quarter. We’ll learn about history, culture, traditions, celebrations, and people. The entertaining class is taught by a humorist who has lived here all her life. She exudes the “joie de vivre” that makes New Orleanians distinctively memorable.
Day
2
New Orleans History, City Field Trip, Jazz Performance
Location:
New Orleans, LA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Monteleone
Activity Note
Walking a few blocks in park and cemetery. Those who prefer may remain on motorcoach at these stops.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, the breakfast buffet includes many choices.
Morning:
We’ll begin with a lecture on the history of New Orleans, a virtual walk from the founding of the city in 1718 to the present day. Our instructor is a native New Orleanian who knows its past and present inside and out.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll order from a select menu.
Afternoon:
We’ll take a field trip via motorcoach with expert commentary for an overview of the city. We’ll make stops at highlights such as Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou St. John, City Park with its magnificent oak trees and Sculpture Garden, and one of the famed and mysterious above-ground cemeteries where the departed — from pirates to voodoo queens — are interred.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll order from a select menu.
Evening:
Following dinner, we will return to the hotel to listen to a jazz performance.
Day
3
New Orleans Authors, New Orleans Music, Cooking Class
Location:
New Orleans, LA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Monteleone
Activity Note
Walking in museums.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
This morning, we will have a local professor who is also a musician will use vintage clips and soundtracks to introduce the music of New Orleans. We’ll learn about the many cultural influences that have gone into music that spread worldwide, including the roots of Jazz and its evolution. Following this lecture, we'll have a presentation on New Orleans' authors, past and present, who have written about the fictional and non-fictional city. We’ll get the scoop on their personal lives, where they gathered, what they ate and drank, as well as their literary personas — which were often one and the same!
Lunch:
Lunch is provided at the hotel.
Afternoon:
The remainder of the afternoon is for your personal independent exploration. You’ll have vouchers to explore the Cabildo and Presbytère flanking St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. All were constructed during the Spanish period (1795-1799). The Cabildo was the center of government. The Presbytère, built on the site of what had been the residence of Capuchin monks, was used for commercial purposes. Both are now key components of the Louisiana State Museum. The Cabildo displays artifacts of American history as well as rarities such as Napoleon’s death mask. The Presbytère’s interactive exhibit on Mardi Gras traces our annual celebration from its origins to the present day with an exquisite collection of artifacts and memorabilia. Another exhibit expresses Louisiana’s saga of resilience in the face of disasters.
Dinner:
At the world renowned New Orleans School of Cooking, an expert local chef will teach us how to cook Creole and Cajun, and explain the difference. We’ll see the preparation of a traditional dish, then have it for dinner. Recipes will be supplied so that you can take some New Orleans cuisine “home” with you.
Evening:
At leisure. If you’re a music aficionado, there are lots of options. We have provided a voucher for Fritzel’s European Jazz Club, or you can go on your own to any of the other great choices. You might like to take a stroll along Bourbon Street to see some of the colorful locals and occasionally even more exotic tourists. Or feel free to just relax at the hotel. The French Quarter has something to offer for almost every interest and taste.
Day
4
Architecture Lecture, Garden District Walking Tour
Location:
New Orleans, LA
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Monteleone
Activity Note
Walking 6 blocks through Garden District; broken sidewalks in some places due to tree roots. Those who prefer may remain on motorcoach.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll have an introduction to the architecture and diversity of New Orleans. Architecture is an expression of culture. We’ll learn how different nationalities and ethnicities — such as immigrants from Europe and the West Indies — influenced local architecture and contributed to the “gumbo” of our society. Next, we’ll set out on a walking field trip in the aptly named Garden District, one of the loveliest neighborhoods in the country. It was laid out in 1832 for incoming, well-to-do Americans who were not interested in mingling with native New Orleanians. The feeling was mutual! Grand houses were built on large lots that encouraged the development of beautiful gardens.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll order from a select menu.
Afternoon:
This afternoon is left open for free time. Feel free to explore the Cabildo and Presbytère if you didn't have time to do it the prior day, or visit many of the other sites that New Orleans has to offer.
Dinner:
Dinner is on your own this evening. We have left this meal free so you can try a restaurant of your choice. Your Group Leader can offer recommendations, if needed..
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
World War II Museum
Location:
New Orleans, LA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Monteleone
Activity Note
Walking at your own pace through World War II Museum; benches available. Walking in the French Quarter according to personal preference.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Formerly known as the D-Day Museum, the National World War II Museum was founded by eminent historian Dr. Stephen Ambrose, author “Band of Brothers” and other best-sellers. A self directed exploration takes us through three buildings that house exhibits highlighting the role of participants from world leaders to the everyday men and women whose contributions helped to win the war, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many items in the vast collection — such as uniforms, weaponry, vehicles, medals, diaries, letters, artwork, photographs, and other mementos — are on display while thousands of records and archives are available to scholars for ongoing research. See the film “Beyond All Boundaries” narrated by Tom Hanks. Through first person accounts and amazing special effects, we’ll take a journey through the war that changed the world.
Lunch:
Lunch is offered at a restaurant located in the WW II Museum.
Afternoon:
You may return to the hotel to freshen up or remain in the French Quarter for more exploration on your own.
Dinner:
Dinner is provided at a local restaurant.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is free. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
All About Mardi Gras, Program Concludes
Location:
New Orleans, LA
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
For our closing session, we’ll have a presentation on the “real” Mardi Gras by a native New Orleanian who will dispel the myths and misconceptions you’ve read and heard about. We expect to finish by 10:30 a.m. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys back home!
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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 08, 2024
- Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025
- Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
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- Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026
- Oct 25, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
- Nov 08, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026
Participant Reviews
Based on 82 Reviews
Sort By:
This was a superb program, well-paced, and enhanced, fortunately, by perfect weather! The particular date I chose was for “Women Only”, and I enjoyed the cameraderie of ladies from all over the U.S. Our Group Leader, Mary Lynn, was outstanding, and all Instructors were excellent. Highly recommended!
—Mary Catherine
— Review left October 30, 2024
I loved learning about the interesting culture and history of New Orleans in such a fun way!
— Review left October 27, 2024
What a memorable Road Scholar experience in New Orleans! Lovely hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, great food, music, speakers, tours, and Road Scholar guide extraordinaire Mary Lynn... I'll be sitting with the glow of this trip for some time.
— Review left October 20, 2024
Great way to experience New Orleans first hand; Road Scholar makes it easy, especially if you have Mary Lynn Scheinuk leading the group!
— Review left October 20, 2024
This trip was one of the best I have ever taken. I learned so much about the history and culture of New Orleans, and thoroughly enjoyed the food and jazz that are quintessential New Orleans. Laisses Les Bons Temps Rouler!
— Review left October 19, 2024
A good name for the program would be "Taking it Easy in the Big Easy".
— Review left October 19, 2024
A wonderful experience for the longer in the tooth among us
— Review left October 16, 2024
Mary Lynn was a wonderful host. She is a real asset to Road Scholar. The presenters did a good job as a whole. I wish it could be politics free.
— Review left October 13, 2024
Don't miss the New Orleans Road Scholar tour. Outstanding lectures, tours, music, food and people you will enjoy spending time with.
— Review left October 12, 2024
If you want to experience a new world, an exciting, eclectic city where life is still fun and festive and every person you encounter is an ambassador, take the plunge and enroll in this trip. It's exceptionally fun, fanciful and educational, and the undisputed Queen of New Orleans, Road Scholar Guide Mary Lynn Scheinuk, will your journey all the more wonderful!
— Review left October 12, 2024
This was a wonderful trip, from start to finish. Our tour guide was the absolute BEST, she was so knowledgeable, so warm & friendly, & so helpful. The hotel was a beautiful experience, & every itinerary event was top-notch. Don't miss New Orleans with Mary Lynn!
— Review left June 7, 2024
Interesting and informative but most of all, fun.
— Review left June 1, 2024
This New Orleans experience was more than I ever expected it to be. The lectures/presentatiions on music, literature, Carnival/Mardi Gras, French Quarter and history were outstanding and so easy to enjoy. I learned so much and this knowledge made the walking tours, site visits and excursions so much more meaningful. Food was great, our leaders, Angela and Loree were awesome and so supportive and informative and helpful, and the Hotel Monteleone was a beautiful experience. I could not recommend this tour more.
— Review left April 25, 2024
Highly recommend this program!! Angela and her A-team were stellar in providing a safe, pleasant and very informative set of tours! The guest lecturers and subject-matter experts were outstanding (standout was certainly Nellie, the architect/architectural expert) and the pace, as indicated, was gentle enough to allow for everyone to keep up and get something from the program. The lectures were excellent and the field trips were organized and well curated. Would absolutely recommend the program to anyone wanting to see New Orleans, and also learn so much about the history, art, architecture, literature and of course, the food!
— Review left April 24, 2024
The program was amazing, very informative, well organized from start to finish. I have never been to New Orleans and learned so much about it's history. The food, the culture, the history, the people and the tour itself was a very memorable experience for me. Road Scholar runs an outstanding program.
— Review left April 24, 2024
Great program in a one of a kind city! I want to return!!
— Review left April 20, 2024
Just finished A Slower pace in New Orleans. What a wonderful program. I thoroughly enjoyed this program. Great classes and fieldtrips. Wonderful leader. Fun city.
— Review left April 19, 2024
Our Road Scholar adventure in New Orleans was outstanding! We learned so much about the rich history and character of this city, not to mention the delicious food. We definitely plan to return to NOLA for another visit in the future.
— Review left April 1, 2024
NOLA at a Slower Pace program is excellent, and I would do it again to visit such a beautiful city with such fine instructors and participants. I had been to NOLA before but not my spouse. She was very pleased with the program and wants to do more trips with Road Scholar. Thank you, Road Scholar staff in NOLA and Boston!
— Review left March 23, 2024
Great trip. Great food, hotel, and it is so wonderful to have been on this trip. I especially liked the instructors who loved this city so much! You could hear the excitement in their voices as they shared New Orleans with us. Thanks
PS the beignets were even better then I had imagined!
— Review left March 18, 2024
Excellent overview of New Orleans, its beginnings and culture
— Review left March 11, 2024
This trip was well organized. Our guide, Denise Swain, was a caring and compassionate leader whose clear expectations and foresight made the trip enjoyable. Our bus driver was especially skilled. There was an abundance of local experts who gave a well-rounded impression of the city. I especially liked the Jazz Concert and the informative introduction given by the owner of the Dooky Chase restaurant. One highlight was the demonstration cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking where we learned about (and ate) jambalaya, chicken creole, pralines and bananas foster.
The walking tour of the garden district and the trip to the Sculpture Garden gave us an idea of life outside the French. Quarter. This time frame (Feb 4-9) was not as ideal for me because of the crowded streets and blocked roads due to the week leading up to Mardi Gras. However, we were able to see several neighborhood preparations and local parades. I always enjoy this type of Road Scholar tour because there is no need to pack your suitcase again once you arrive at the hotel.
— Review left February 21, 2024
Amazing program, amazing New Orleans, amazing leaders, instructors, guides, this is a must-do trip and opportunity.
— Review left November 13, 2023
Good food! Great music! A chance to walk the streets of this great city and to get to know its richness better. The music, the history, the food, the people. So many stories!
— Review left October 10, 2023
New Orleans is much more than Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. The history and culture of the city is fascinating. Being able to explore the city and learn so much about its' music, food, and unique personality exceeded my expectations
— Review left October 8, 2023
New Orleans is a great city and the Road Scholar program enhanced my knowledge of NOLA history and culture. I learned a great deal about a city i had visited often. WELL DONE
— Review left October 6, 2023
I highly recommend New Orleans at a Slower Pace. Wonderful trip saw so many different parts of the city, amazing food, beautiful hotel and fascinating lectures with an excellent Group Leader!
— Review left June 5, 2023
My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed New Orleans at a Slower Pace. That's a very informative and interesting program, and the setting was entirely new for both of us. If you haven't been to that city, this would be a fine way to become acquainted.
— Review left June 4, 2023
Mary Lynn, our Group Leader, was a JEWEL!! The program expanded my knowledge of New Orleans, its history, and its traditions. Well done!
— Review left May 6, 2023
A great way to learn about New Orleans.
— Review left April 23, 2023
IF ANYONE HAS NOT BEEN TO NEW ORLEANS, THIS ROAD SCHOLAR PROGRAM IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO. IT IS FULL OF LIFE, EXCELLENT FOOD, FRIENDS AND EDUCATIONAL. JUST DO IT!
— Review left April 23, 2023
New Orleans is unique among US cities I have visited. This program really stressed the historical and cultural roots of New Orleans. We expected to see more effects of Hurricane Katrina, and were surprised to see a vibrant city. We gained lots of new knowledge in this short but balanced program, from history, to architecture, food, music, and something of the Black experience in New Orleans.
— Review left March 20, 2023
Well balanced program with excellent talks on New Orleans unique history and great meals.
— Review left March 13, 2023
New Orleans Slower Pace was a great introduction to the city. We learned about the history, music, literature and architecture from people who love their city. The Cooking School was so much fun, the WWII museum was excellent, and we had so many delicious meals. I highly recommend it!
— Review left March 13, 2023
Excellent program in a wonderful and interesting location. Perfect for those who are limited in their mobility and for more active folks too. There is a LOT to do and see in a small area! Superb balance of educational lectures and physical activities.
— Review left March 11, 2023
Wonderful program! It covered the history, food, music and culture. There is just enough extra time to enjoy the areas you want more of to make it your own. Definitely recommend this trip!
— Review left February 23, 2023
New Orleans at a Slower Pace - is packed with great learning about the city - Jazz, history, people, Architecture and more. There may be less walking but there was plenty to do. Enjoyed it immensely!
— Review left February 23, 2023
We had a wonderful time in New Orleans, this trip is packed with great lectures followed by field trips that enhanced our experience. The slower pace was very manageable and the free time to explore on our own was just right. Road Scholar has provided another great trip!
— Review left February 16, 2023
Who knew that such a fun place like New Orleans was so interesting. Did you even know that the Mardi Gras Carnival starts Jan. 6 and goes all the way to Fat Tuesday? I didn't, but that city is one big parade. Time to get in line!
— Review left February 12, 2023
This is an excellent education program for those who need to go at a “slower pace. Those with specials needs are accommodated. Field trips and lectures give you the flavor of New Orleans. Great hotel , but skip the breakfasts!
— Review left November 15, 2022
This program was an introductory glimpse of New Orleans; perfect for the first time visitor to this city. The speakers were native to the city and provided an entertaining and insightful view of the city they are proud to call home. This program is truly slow paced, so if you prefer a bit more activity, you may wish to find another offering with more walking opportunities offered.
— Review left November 14, 2022
I got to see another part of our Country that I had only read about. The most important thing to me was that I got to experience the people of New Orleans that showed me that no matter where we live, we are all the same.
— Review left November 6, 2022
OUR GROUP LEADER, DAWN, WAS FANTASTIC. THE HOTEL, RESTAURANTS, AND TOURS WERE A CUT ABOVE. THE SPEAKER THAT GAVE THE TALKS AND TOURS WERE FIRST CLASS.
— Review left October 13, 2022
OUR GROUP LEADER, DAWN, WAS FANTASTIC. THE HOTEL, RESTAURANTS, AND TOURS WERE A CUT ABOVE. THE SPEAKERS THAT GAVE THE TALKS AND TOURS WERE FIRST CLASS.
— Review left October 13, 2022
Everyone associates New Orleans with Mardi Gras but I learned so much more about the founding and diverse culture that makes New Orleans a very interesting place to visit.
— Review left October 12, 2022
This trip was fabulous!! There is so much to learn about New Orleans and this program encompasses it all: Music, history, cuisine, architecture, literature and the list goes on and on. Our program leader, Dawn, was easy going, helpful, friendly and just plain awesome. You won't be disappointed with this one. Patrice from Wisconsin
— Review left October 8, 2022
If you want to learn more about New Orleans, this is a wonderful experience. The accommodations in the French Quarter are top notch.
— Review left May 21, 2022
I’m really glad I participated in this program. For someone who had never been to New Orleans and knew next to nothing about the place, it provided a lot of great information and insights into the city and its culture. Being located in the French Quarter simply added to the richness of the experience. The instructors were great, as was our group leader Mary Lynn. I recommend this program to anyone interested in New Orleans.
— Review left May 20, 2022
Road Scholar gives you the most BANG for your BUCK. I cannot recommend it too much. It was delightful!!
— Review left April 11, 2022
Great program filled with enriching and entertaining activities. Leader Angela Carl was a wonderful representative of this magical city.
— Review left April 9, 2022
A non-stop learning experience! Staying in the French Quarter meant that its rich tradition laden world was right outside our front door.
— Review left March 14, 2022
we were very happy with our trip to New Orleans. Our program leader, Mary Lynn was well organized and very knowledgeable. Our lodging at the Hotel Monteleone was very nice and an excellent location. Meal selection allowed us to sample local cuisine and had good variety. There was plenty to see and do, but also plenty of free time to explore independently.
I would recommend this program as a good introduction to New Orleans.
— Review left March 3, 2022
Fascinating introduction to the cultural history, food, music, geography, and architecture of New Orleans. Very enjoyable.
— Review left February 26, 2022
We had lots of fun in NOLA! We learned about music, history, culture, architecture, Huey Long -- but we mostly ate lots of good Southern food! Our accommodations, The Monteleone Hotel, was a block from Bourbon Street in the French Quarters. Couldn't have asked for a better location to explore the historical area. We learned about Mardi Gras and heard several jazz concerts. We felt like we got a lot of bang for our buck. We did go on a ghost and vampire walking tour (during one evening of being on our own) and felt it was disappointing. But at least the price wasn't that high.
Kudos to all the lecturers who enlightened us about the Big Easy and Letting the Good Times Roll.
— Review left January 19, 2022
With its French and Spanish origins, New Orleans is unlike any other U.S. city. A fun and educational place to visit. Go.
— Review left March 23, 2020
this program in New Orleans was one of the most interesting and informative of the ten programs that I have experienced with Road Scholar.
— Review left February 27, 2020
Mary Lynn,
Your leadership, enthusiasm and organization made this one of the best Road Scholar trips we have taken. Thank you again! Jeff and Bev
— Review left February 14, 2020
An EXCELLENT experience awaits you!!!
— Review left February 14, 2020
If you are looking for a warmer place to visit in winter with tons of history and things to do and see check this program out. The WW2 museum was a hit with the fellas and I enjoyed it too. A great value. Do not count calories this week!!
— Review left February 3, 2020
I love the food and music of NOLA so I returned with Road Scholar to enjoy the city again and RS did not disappoint. The local presenters are top drawer in their area of expertise, our leader was so very helpful in every way, and RS took us to the best places for food and music ,along with history and other interesting points about the city. The also provided enough free time so I could get to Preservation Hall! The cooking school at the end was awesome and a perfect way to conclude a really fun trip.
— Review left December 22, 2019
What a great trip!!!! Mary Lynn was a terrific leader who cared about the welfare and safety of everyone in the group. She brought in knowledgeable instructors to teach us about the history, architecture, music, food and even Mardi Gras. I enjoyed each and every field trip even during the COLD spell the southeast was going through. I saw a lot of the city and met some great people in our group and met a lot of people during my own wanderings in the French Quarter. We ate great food, and bonded over being travelers together on a shared adventure. Road Scholar never lets me down and I can't wait to plan my next great adventure...thanks for the opportunity to make a bucket list dream come true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Review left November 18, 2019
The pace was perfect for a 90-plus year old World War II veteran, and the highlight was the visit to the World War II Museum.
— Review left May 12, 2019
This was a fun trip with a fun group of people. The group leader was very good and kept us busy most of the time. The food was excellent but after all, it was N.O. A beautiful city with lots to do. The WW2 museum was outstanding but could have been a little longer. This was a great trip.
— Review left May 6, 2019
This is the perfect program for someone wishing to experience all of the amenities New Orleans has to offer.
— Review left April 26, 2019
Very enjoyable, great instructors, excursions and organization especially for those of us with some walking limitations. This was our first Road Scholar trip and definitely not our last.
— Review left April 22, 2019
This program is an interesting, engaging, and entertaining overview of the history, music, and food of New Orleans.
— Review left April 19, 2019
I learned so much about New Orleans! The instructors and group leader were wonderful. There was also a lot of flexibility on pace. There was enough free time so that those who wanted to could rest, and enough to see and do for those who did not want to rest.
— Review left April 3, 2019
If you want a true history lesson, and view the location, Road Scholar is the way to go.
— Review left March 25, 2019
This was an excellent program with a wonderful group leader.
— Review left March 23, 2019
This particular workshop more than met my expectations. Mary Lynn is an incredible caring and sincere tour leader. The educational segments gave me a better understanding of the culture and history of New Orleans.
— Review left March 20, 2019
My first Road Scholar trip was a wonderful experience. I feel like I have gained an in-depth understanding of New Orleans. It was also great fun. This will not be my last RS trip!!!
— Review left March 17, 2019
I highly recommend Road Scholar. I am a world traveler using many tour groups, and I was extremely pleased with my experience.
— Review left March 16, 2019
Good show! Even if you've been to New Orleans before, you'll learn something new and see more. Always a fun place to go.
— Review left March 16, 2019
The program was just right for an 80 y.o. couple who are moderately active and
enjoy learning and experiencing a variety of activities that we did not have to plan.
— Review left March 10, 2019
We enjoyed this program quite a bit. Left New Orleans with a new appreciation for the history and culture of the area!
— Review left March 1, 2019
Very informative program about multiple areas of interest in New Orleans. Well organized. Hotel was very accommodating and staff very supportive. Great presenters. Fantastic restaurants to experience the cuisine of New Orleans. Mary Lynn, Group Leader, was very helpful in suggesting extra activities or making reservations for us. I would highly recommend this program if you want a slower pace but that still keeps you moving, that covers multiple bases of New Orleans, and is a fun program.
— Review left February 24, 2019
The trip to New Orleans gave me I much greater value of the opportunities that was available there. The history of New Orleans has made it a much more interesting vacation place than I expected.
— Review left February 17, 2019
This is a wonderful introduction to New Orleans. It offers varied activities and highlights many tourist attractions and much more. There is wonderful and varied food choices. The group leader Mary Lynn is amazing in every way. There is also enough free time to pursue things you find an interest in. My 2 sisters and I found it to be an amazing sister’s trip.
— Review left February 16, 2019
Road Scholar introduced me to a New Orleans that I would not have experienced by myself. The Garden District tour, an entrepreneur restaurant owner, a gem of a bookstore, the resilience of the residents after Katrina, and the wonderful music all added to a fabulous time in "The Big Easy".
— Review left February 16, 2019
The RS New Orleans is a 5 star program in an interesting city
— Review left February 16, 2019
New Orleans was my 6th Road Scholar program, and it exceeded my expectations as many of them do. Mary Lynn and all the presenters are proud of their city, and it shows! There is an amazing depth to New Orleans history and culture, and I feel I have now touched the surface.
— Review left February 16, 2019
This was an amazing program. Extremely well designed and delivered. Quite a number of experts really added to the depth of understanding about history, architecture, Jazz history, an experience of jazz and other aspects of New Orleans including Mardi Gras. The group leader was superb and kept us well organized on track and did it with grace and warm welcoming lightness. I highly recommend this program for a real great in-depth look at New Orleans. wouhighly
— Review left February 1, 2019