Land of Cotton and Dixie
The Olde South
Louisiana, the Mighty Mississippi and Acadia Experience T1013
"The Deep South" calls up images of Cotton fields, plantation houses, bayou swamps and civil war history. Our tour introduces us to fiery New Orleans, Creole cuisine, Cajun music and southern style hospitality. Join us on an exhilarating adventure into a very unique corner of the world!!

Day 1 We arrange affordable air flights or motor coach transportation to fabulous New Orleans, Louisiana.

Day 2 We step out into lively New Orleans. Our humorous and knowledgeable guide will show us the French Quarter, Garden District, Lake Pontchartrain, the Superdome and one of the intriguing "Cities of the Dead".

Day 3 We have the morning free to shop in the River Walk Marketplace before we head east to Biloxi in the state of Mississippi. Admire the pre-Civil War mansions and manors on our pleasant drive.

Day 4 Depart for the state of Alabama. All aboard the massive WWII Battleship "Alabama". Walk her decks and salute the impressive guns and missiles she bears. This afternoon we visit Bellingrath Gardens, a tropical paradise carved out of the rainforest. Gardens here are patterned after those of France, England and Italy. We are delighted this afternoon to be able to sail a real working shrimp trawler. What a day!!

Day 5 Our motor coach journey continues through farmlands and pine forests towards Jackson in northern Mississippi. In the state capital we visit the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum where learn about cotton and its manufacturing. Next we stop at Fortenberry-Parkman Farm, a civil war era farm that has been restored to former glory.

Day 6 We explore the restored Old State Capital area of Jackson and step into the Governor's Mansion. In Vicksburg we walk through the site of the longest siege in American history. A US Ranger will tell us of the fateful events that occurred here almost a century and a half ago. Natchez is a beautiful 19th century town deep in the heart of Cotton Country. This evening we are lucky to be dining at Landsdowne Mansion (or similar) where many a southern belle and southern gentleman has dined before us. The character of the old south is recreated within its stately walls.

Day 7 Breakfast precedes our tour of Natchez. We will see some of the stately southern homes and hear of the colorful history of the south. Baton Rouge is Louisiana's state capital and it is a splendid southern experience.

Day 8 Tucked away amidst ancient and giant Oak trees is Nottoway Plantation. With its Corinthian columns, steps, and plaster friezes this mansion is a step back into the history of the south. The history of the "Cajuns" comes alive in Vermillionville. 50,000 French-speaking Acadians (from Canada) were relocated to this area and their gritty culture lives on today. Sample Creole Cajun hospitality, music and cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 9 Into the swamp! We explore a Louisiana Bayou to learn of the ecology and wildlife. We shall see wild egrets, herons, Spanish Moss and of course the magnificent swamp alligators. We drive back to colorful New Orleans. All aboard a Mississippi Paddle Wheeler for a lunch cruise up the Mighty Mississippi River.

Day 10 Depart by motorcoach for the journey home or to the airport and our flight home. Be glad we took so many pictures.