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Fratelli & Company Group Travel
Presents
“T h e B i g E a s y”
"laissez les bon temps roullez"!
N e w O r l e a n s
“The City that Care Forgot”
April 7 - 12, 2005
Day 1 – Newark/New Orleans
Bus will depart from St. Ann’s parking lot (Raritan) early in the morning for transfer to Newark Liberty Airport. We board our Continental Airlines flight for a late morning departure, arriving in New Orleans in mid-afternoon. N. O. is on central time, 1 hr. behind Eastern Time. After we gather our luggage and re-group in the baggage claim area we will board the transfer coach to our hotel. After check-in you will have some time to freshen up before we meet for an orientation of the city. Overnight in N. O. Dinner will be on your own.
Day 2 – New Orleans – The French Quarter Walking Tour & Super
Learn the real history and legends of the Creole people that made up this unique neighborhood -- the French Quarter of New Orleans! Saunter down the BANQUETTES (sidewalks) of ROYAL, BOURBON and other quaint streets named for the saints and sinners from New Orleans' European past. Follow in the footsteps of JEAN LAFITTE, WILLIAM FAULKNER and TENNESSEE WILLIAMS en route from Washington Artillery Park and the Moonwalk on the mighty Mississippi River to JACKSON SQUARE and the heart of the French Quarter.
Visit the OLD URSULINE CONVENT, the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley, and see the fabulous herb garden that provides Bella Luna restaurant with fresh herbs daily.
You'll also visit NEW ORLEAN’S PHARMACY MUSEUM which was constructed in 1823 for the first licensed pharmacist in the United States. The newly renovated courtyard contains an herb garden that illustrates the traditional uses of plants for medicinal purposes. Live leeches, leech jars, "blood letting" devices, "gris-gris" potions and rare patent medicines are just a few of the displays.
Day 3 – New Orleans Super City & Oak Alley Plantation
Absorb the sights and sounds of the famous Quarter and historic home of the Cabildo and Presbytere Museums. Listen as your tour guide points out the landmarks and splendid architecture that made New Orleans famous. Walk through , one of our unusual "Cities of the Dead" and learn about this unique above-ground burial system. Marvel at stories of and piracy on , the waterway used by and his band of pirates, as we make our way to the shores of . Follow the path of the . Charles Avenue streetcar, past the homes of former Kings & Queens of Mardi Gras, stately mansions, and the world-famous exclusive .
OAK ALLEY PLANTATION
Feel the gentle breeze of southern hospitality on a tour that takes you back to a time of mint juleps, gracious living and the glory of the Old South. Experience a bygone era in one of the South's most beautiful settings - Oak Alley Plantation, built in 1839. Marvel at the unbelievable view of a quarter-mile long alley of 28 magnificent oak trees, each over 250 years old. Listen to fascinating and amusing stories of the home and its history, presented by your professional guide. Along the way, view majestic Cypress trees in the swamps bordering the mighty Mississippi River.
Return to the hotel early in the evening, dinner is on you own and overnight in New Orleans.
Day 4 – Cooking Class with Lunch, Cocktail Tour & Satchmo Salute
Welcome to the Fun, Food & Folklore of the New Orleans School of Cooking! The entertaining classes and the Louisiana General Store are located in a renovated molasses warehouse built in the early 1800's in the heart of the French Quarter. They teach the basics of Louisiana Cooking in a way you'll never forget. Your New Orleans experience isn't complete until you've come to one of the classes! Come cook while you are in New Orleans! Fun is the primary ingredient in the kitchen! Creole/Cajun experts teach New Orleans specialties such as Gumbo, Jambalaya and Pralines, and season them with history, trivia and tall tales. It's a "ga-ron-teed" good time for all!
Today will be a busy day! - Food, Drink & Entertainment!
The Southern Comfort Cocktail Tour
Take a walk through the French Quarter on the Southern Comfort Cocktail Tour and discover how the famous “spirits” of New Orleans evolved in this unique city. From the creation of the Sazerac and Pimm’s Cup to the Hurricane and Hand Grenade, you’ll enjoy a view of New Orleans history through our legendary bars and restaurants, two essential ingredients of New Orleans’ culture.
A Salute to Satchmo!
The Louis Armstrong Society presents "A Salute to Satchmo!" featuring New Orleans Dixieland Jazz and songs by Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and Ella Fitzgerald. The show features a 2nd line parade and outstanding musicianship by the society's finest performers. This show is a "must see" for jazz lovers. Un-obscured by complicated arrangements, the five to seven piece band play the way in which Satchmo himself would be proud.
There will be time for breaks in-between your tours today. Overnight in New Orleans.
Day 5 – New Orleans – Free Day – Creole Queen Riverboat Dinner Cruise
Today will be a free day for you to enjoy, on your own, this “city that care forgot”. Take in some shopping or try your hand at the Casino. Simply sit at one of the lounges and enjoy the jazz and a mint julep. You may want to take in the Mardi Gras Museum or do a half day tour. BUT be prepared to eat, drink and dance tonight aboard the “Creole Queen”. A beautiful Mississippi Riverboat richly appointed with plush Victorian style draperies, soft period lighting, wooden parquet dance floors and Louisiana cypress bars accented with brass railing for a warm and welcoming setting. When night falls, the Paddle-Wheeler Creole Queen rises to the occasion. Step on board and cruise into the night where the sleepless activity of America’s busiest port buzzes. The sounds of a lively jazz band fill the air as you enjoy a lavish Creole buffet in elegantly appointed dining rooms.
Day 6 – New Orleans – Newark – Raritan
Today we depart this “The Big Easy”, The City that Care Forgot”, “Nawlins” the Mardi Gras capital of the world! Certainly this is not a trip you will soon forget! As you come home to the Northeast laden with your colorful beads (and memories of how you obtained them), you will welcome the 3 hour flight to catch up on some of the zzzzzzs that you lost in the city that NEVER sleeps, EVER! Our Continental Airline flight leaves New Orleans in early afternoon arriving at Newark in the early evening. We re-group in the baggage claim area and board our transfer back to Raritan, USA
ALWAYS REMEMBER
THE MAGIC WORDS IN
NEW ORLEANS!
“Nawlins Mo Betta”
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