Fly into New Orleans, collect your bags and pick up your hire car for the adventure ahead. Your first stop is Louisiana’s capital, Baton Rouge. This city offers a mix of historic charm and modern energy, making it a great first stop to get a feel for the unique Louisiana atmosphere. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps exploring the lively downtown or watching an LSU game at The Tiger Stadium in the evening.

New Orleans > Baton Rouge | 77 miles

Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Centre, or similar

Wake up in the capital of Louisiana ready for a day of exploring. Visit the Old State Capitol Building or enjoy local cuisine like gumbo or crawfish étouffée at a riverside restaurant for lunch. Stretch your curiosity past the city life and venture to the bayou where you can take a swamp tour and get up close and personal with Louisiana’s reptile residents; alligators.

After a full day of exploring Baton Rouge, drive an hour to Lafayette, the heart of Cajun country. For evening plans, we would recommend indulging in fabulous food at The Southern Table & Bar followed by a tipple (or two) at Blue Moon Saloon where you can experience local Zydeco music.

Baton Rouge > Lafayette | 55 miles

Doubletree by Hilton or similar

If today happens to be a Saturday, we highly recommend booking the World Famous Zydeco Breakfast at Buck & Johnny’s. Imagine a dance floor packed full of people 2 stepping to a Zydeco band, having the time of their lives… at 9am. For an authentic experience, visit Vermilionville Historic Village to step back into 18th-century Cajun life.

Drive to the charming town of Natchitoches, the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Stroll along the Cane River, visit historic homes, and learn about its fascinating history. Be sure to explore the iconic Steel Magnolias film locations and indulge in the town’s signature pies.

Lafayette > Natchitoches | 144 miles

Samuel Guy House or similar

Breakfast

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, continue on to the town of Natchez, the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi River. It’s known for the preservation of many historic stately homes including Stanton Hall, one of the most magnificent palatial residences of the southern states. Below the town lies Natchez Under-the-Hill, home to many bars and restaurants and a riverboat casino.

Natchitoches > Natchez | 130 miles

Start your day with a drive to Vicksburg which is a history buff’s dream. Vicksburg was once the centre for the aristocracy whose wealth was based around cotton and lumber. A glimpse of its former glory is evident with the preservation of many historic churches, government buildings and grand homes, dating back to the 19th Century. You’ll find the Vicksburg National Military Park, the Vicksburg Battlefield Museum and Historic Downtown Vicksburg, which offers a variety of restaurants, shops and art galleries.

We suggest taking a day trip to Jackson to visit the Civil Rights Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the roots of this area. The museum provides a powerful and immersive journey through the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Beyond this, there is the Mississippi Museum of History and the Medger Evers Home in Jackson. A must visit for history enthusiasts.

Natchez > Vicksburg | 72 miles

Corners Mansion Inn or similar

Head South to Biloxi on the Gulf Coast, where you can unwind on the sandy beaches before our final stretch of the trip. For a deeper dive into the regions heritage, visit the Biloxi Lighthouse or Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. Enjoy freshly prepared southern seafood as you watch the sunset with Gulf views.

Vicksburg> Biloxi | 207 miles

Hampton Inn or similar

Breakfast

Complete the loop as you head back to where you started: New Orleans. Drop off your hire car and make your way to your hotel before venturing out for your first taste of this colourful city!

The Garden District is home to lovely southern houses (some of which are open to tours) and lined with beautiful parks and cafés, or if you are feeling more adventurous, consider an escapade in the swamp. Check out the museums like Mardi Gras World to see the iconic floats and the World War Two Museum which is ranked one of the top attractions in the whole of the US.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE – New Orleans City Tour

Absorb the sights and sounds of the world famous French Quarter. Browse the eclectic shops, including quirky voodoo boutiques and experience live jazz in a historic venue like Fritzel’s. Indulge in the city’s incredible food scene by visiting Red Fish Grill for the best bread pudding, Cafe Du Monde for their legendary beignets, or Café Royal for hearty traditional Southern cuisine.

Explore historic Jackson Square, travel through historic neighbourhoods and visit one of New Orleans’ cemeteries, referred to as ‘Cities of the Dead’. Visit City Park, one of the ten largest urban parks in America, here you can either visit the Morning Call Café or the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Biloxi > New Orleans | 92 miles

Bienville House or similar

Enjoy this final day of taking in the charm and hospitality of the South. Depart at leisure for the airport for your flight home or onwards to your next destination.