Discover Louisiana With Purely America
Whether you’re crafting a tailor-made self-drive adventure or planning a city break in New Orleans, Louisiana promises an experience that’s rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.
Find exactly what you’re looking for via the links below – or keep scrolling to discover the delights of Louisiana for yourself:
9-Day Taste of Louisiana Self-Drive | 15-Day Lovely Louisiana Self-Drive | 11-Day Purely Louisiana Plantations Self-Drive | New Orleans City Breaks
Find Your Adventure In Louisiana | Watch The “Explore Louisiana’s Year of Music” Video
Explore the Best Of Louisiana With These Recommended Tour Itineraries
9-Day Taste of Louisiana
This 8-night self-drive tour gives you a little taste of what wonderful Louisiana has to offer. Embark on an amazing journey through this beautiful diverse state taking in the rich cultural heritage and sampling the delicious Cajun cuisine.
From £1,199pp
Including flights
Operated by Purely America
- Receive a warm welcome in New Orleans, discover the restaurants, clubs and centuries-old buildings of the French Quarter and the grand homes of the Garden District
- Visit Houma for lively music, world-famous cooking and a history that’s rich in heritage and hospitality.
- Head to Avery Island and visit the home of the world famous Tabasco Sauce
- Pick up the Creole Nature Trail at Lake Charles by day then dine and party with the locals by night
- Explore Natchitoches, the oldest settlement in northwest Louisiana sat along the banks of Cane River Lake
- Visit Cane River Creole National Historical Park and learn about the history of the plantations
- 8 nights hotel accommodation
- Hotel taxes
- Car hire
- Arrival Transfers
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
15-Day Lovely Louisiana
This two-week self-drive tour allows you to experience the best that Louisiana has to offer. Embark on an amazing journey through this beautiful diverse state taking in the rich cultural heritage and sampling the delicious Cajun cuisine.
From £1,599pp
Including flights
Operated by Purely America
- Expect a warm welcome in New Orleans and discover the restaurants, clubs and centuries-old buildings of the world-famous French Quarter and the grand homes of the Garden District
- Visit Houma for lively music, world-famous cooking and a history that’s rich in heritage and hospitality.
- Head to Avery Island and visit the home of the world famous Tabasco Sauce
- Pick up the Creole Nature Trail at Lake Charles by day then dine and party with the locals by night
- Explore Natchitoches, the oldest settlement in northwest Louisiana sat along the banks of Cane River Lake
- Visit Cane River Creole National Historical Park and learn about the history of the plantations
- 14 nights hotel accommodation
- Hotel taxes
- Car hire
- Arrival Transfers
- Return International flights
- ATOL protected
11-Day Purely Louisiana Plantations
Louisiana's plantations offer a fascinating look at lifestyles of the past during a crucial period in the history of the United States. Visit these amazing antebellum mansions and their manicured gardens along the Great River Road and learn about life during an incredible era leading up to the Civil War.
From £1,599pp
Including flights
Operated by Purely America
- Expect a warm welcome in New Orleans and discover the restaurants, clubs and centuries-old buildings of the world-famous French Quarter
- Take a guided tour of the family-owned working sugarcane plantation in Ardoyne
- Visit Natchitoches, the oldest settlement in northwest Louisiana and relive the Hollywood movie, Steel Magnolias
- Explore 1,800 acres of working cotton fields at Frogmore Plantation
- Experience antebellum splendour at the Myrtles Plantation, an 18th century plantation home
- Tour the many plantations that hug the Mississippi River, then recuperate at the stunning Houmas House
- 10 nights hotel accommodation
- 8 breakfasts
- Hotel Taxes
- Car hire
- Arrival Transfers
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
- 3* Hotel New Orleans City Break
- 4* Hotel New Orleans City Break - Option A
- 4* Hotel New Orleans City Break - Option B
- 5* Hotel New Orleans City Break
3* The Pelham Hotel
The Pelham Hotel’s setting puts you in a great spot to explore New Orleans, close to the French Quarter, sat on the six-mile-long Magazine Street – known for being a shopper’s paradise. Inside, it’s packed with fun, retro-inspired decor and a lobby bar serving craft coffee and locally inspired snacks.
3 Nights Room Only From £819pp
4 Nights Room Only From £879pp
5 Nights Room Only From £939pp
Including flights
Operated by Purely America
4* The Eliza Jane
Looking out on Magazine Street in the business and arts district of New Orleans, this downtown hotel is two blocks from the French Quarter, offering you a charming oasis near top New Orleans restaurants, nightlife and live music venues - perfect for culture buffs and couples. Enjoy French cuisine in the on-site eatery or a craft cocktail in the bar. There’s a modern 24-hour gym here too.
3 Nights Room Only From £849pp
4 Nights Room Only From £909pp
5 Nights Room Only From £969pp
Including flights
Operated by Purely America
4* The Omni Royal Orleans
The four-diamond Omni Royal Orleans anchors the beautiful French Quarter at the fashionable intersection of St. Louis and Royal streets. From the marble lobby to the crystal chandeliers overhead, our historic Four Diamond New Orleans hotel reflects a more sophisticated time. Step onto the rooftop pool deck or the wrought iron balcony of select guest rooms to look down on the street activity below.
3 Nights Room Only From £889pp
4 Nights Room Only From £989pp
5 Nights Room Only From £1,089pp
Including flights
Operated by Purely America
5* The Ritz Carlton New Orleans
At The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans located on the edge of the French Quarter, the experience of the city comes to life as soon as guests cross the threshold of the historic luxury hotel. Set within the 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building, our hotel highlights traditional Southern ambiance with an elegant interior that reflects the graciousness of Garden District mansions.
3 Nights Room Only From £1,149pp
4 Nights Room Only From £1,289pp
5 Nights Room Only From £1,429pp
Including flights
Operated by Purely America
Find Your Adventure in Louisiana
Louisiana, celebrated for its vibrant blend of Creole and Cajun influences, is a true cultural and culinary melting pot. At its heart lies New Orleans, the crown jewel of the state, alive with music, art, and unforgettable dining experiences. Stroll through the historic French Quarter, savour spicy gumbo and jambalaya, or lose yourself in the captivating jazz rhythms of Bourbon Street. But the magic of Louisiana extends beyond New Orleans. Explore the tranquil bayous and swamps, where diverse wildlife and exotic flora provide a peaceful retreat into the wild beauty of the Deep South. In Lafayette, discover the soul of Cajun culture and the famous home of Tabasco. Baton Rouge, the state capital, brims with excitement, especially as home to the legendary LSU Tigers. Further north, Shreveport-Bossier holds a unique place in music history, where the iconic words “Elvis has left the building” were first uttered.
Cuisine
Louisiana’s cuisine is a rich tapestry of Creole and Cajun flavours, offering an exciting culinary adventure for any food lover. Visitors can dive into iconic dishes like gumbo, a flavourful stew made with seafood, chicken, or sausage, and thickened with okra or filé powder. Jambalaya is another must-try, blending rice with a mix of sausage, chicken, and seafood, spiced to perfection. Red beans and rice, served traditionally on Mondays, and crawfish étouffée, a savoury dish smothered in a rich sauce, are also beloved staples.
Foodies can explore New Orleans’ vibrant food scene, from savouring beignets dusted in powdered sugar at Café du Monde to tasting fresh Gulf oysters or fried catfish. Local seafood boils are a communal experience, where crawfish, shrimp, and crabs are boiled with corn and potatoes, then spread out to share. In Lafayette, enjoy authentic boudin sausage or sip on local craft beer while listening to live music. For an unforgettable spicy experience, head to Avery Island for a tour of the famous Tabasco factory, learning about its storied history and production process.
Music
Here’s the low-down on the music places not-to-miss on a trip to Louisiana…
- Frenchmen Street – This iconic New Orleans street is renowned for its live music scene, offering a diverse array of jazz, blues, funk, and other genres in its numerous clubs, bars, and venues including The Spotted Cat Music Club
- Blue Moon Saloon – Lafayette’s beloved cultural hub where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy live music, Cajun cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere
- Tipitina’s – A New Orleans institution, Tipitina’s has been a cornerstone of the city’s music scene since 1977. Known for its legendary performances by local and international artists, this iconic venue offers an authentic experience of the city’s rich musical heritage, with genres ranging from jazz and blues to funk and rock
- Festival International de Louisiane – Held annually in Lafayette, this world-class music and arts festival celebrates the diverse cultures of the Francophone world. Featuring performances by artists from around the globe, it offers a unique blend of Cajun, Zydeco, Caribbean, and African rhythms, making it a must-visit event for music lovers
Culture
Louisiana’s culture is a vibrant fusion of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, creating a lively, distinct atmosphere. While music remains a vital part of the state’s identity, with jazz, zydeco, and blues resonating in New Orleans and beyond, Louisiana’s cultural richness extends far beyond its musical heritage.
The state is steeped in history, offering visitors fascinating insights into its past. The Louisiana State Museum and Whitney Plantation provide powerful perspectives on the region’s involvement in the Civil War and the history of slavery. In Baton Rouge, the Old State Capitol and Louisiana’s State Capitol offer a peek into the state’s political past and architectural splendor.
For art lovers, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art showcases exceptional works by regional artists, while Nottoway Plantation, the largest antebellum plantation in the South, reveals the grandeur of pre-Civil War life. Lafayette serves as the heart of Cajun culture, where visitors can explore local history at the Acadian Cultural Center.
Whether through its captivating history, vibrant art, or cultural landmarks, Louisiana’s dynamic spirit enchants travellers at every turn.
Outdoor Attractions
Louisiana offers a wealth of outdoor attractions that immerse visitors in its unique landscapes and wildlife. The state’s famed bayous and swamps are a must-see, with boat tours providing a chance to glide through cypress-lined waterways teeming with alligators, turtles, and exotic birds. Popular spots like Honey Island Swamp and the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp in the U.S., offer unforgettable experiences in Louisiana’s natural beauty.
For nature lovers, Kisatchie National Forest provides excellent hiking, biking, and camping opportunities amidst pine forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Those seeking coastal adventures can visit Grand Isle, a barrier island known for its pristine beaches, birdwatching, and world-class fishing.
History and nature come together at Avery Island, home to the famous Tabasco factory and lush botanical gardens. For a peaceful retreat, visit Lake Pontchartrain, perfect for scenic drives, walking trails, or picnicking by the water.
Birdwatchers flock to Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, while adventure seekers can kayak through the state’s winding bayous or experience the charm of Louisiana’s state parks, such as Fontainebleau State Park, where oak trees and wildlife meet the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.
Explore Louisiana’s Year of Music
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