New Orleans, Jazz Fest, & Cajun Country Itinerary

WEDNESDAY APRIL 22,  2026 - New Orleans


Check into our historic and elegant hotel in the heart of the French Quarter.  Located adjacent to Jackson Square, the Bourbon Orleans is the perfect location for exploring the Vieux Carre. Our luxurious hotel is filled with history and romance and  offers a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities.

Settle in, have a Mint Julep in the palm-lined courtyard, take a dip in the saltwater pool or wander the colorful streets of New Orleans!

Our tour starts tonight with a private dinner in the French Quarter at one of New Orleans finest restaurants. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres  followed by a classic Creole dinner. After New Orleans' famous bread pudding and chicory coffee  you can head out for fabulous New Orleans music. Or just stroll home through the Quarter to our swank hotel for an early night.

THURSDAY,  APRIL 23 - New Orleans

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival starts today! Revel in music from 11 am to dusk on 14 different stages – from rock to reggae, Americana to World Music plus Jazz, blues, Cajun, Zydeco and gospel.

Thursday tends to be the most relaxed day hence a great time to go. If you’re a  first timer, join us this morning so we can show you the ropes!  Your  days are free for you to structure your trip as you wish!  You can explore New Orleans before or after the festival or take a day off from Jazz Fest to truly enjoy all the city has to offer. There are  myriad levels of Jazz Fest tickets and prices  (not included in tour package) so you can design your own trip.  Full ticket information at www.nolajazzfest.com. We’re happy to advise.

With over 40 different food booths Jazz Fest is a true feast for all the senses! At nighttime New Orleans is filled  with music in every club, concert hall and street corner. 

Between club hopping, Jazz Fest and dinner by some of the world’s best chefs your only problem is how to get enough sleep. But when you are finally ready for sleep or swim return to the comfort of our elegant hotel, the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.

FRIDAY -  SUNDAY APRIL 24, 25 & 26 - New Orleans


Meet us for poolside coffee in the mornings to visit and chat about the Festival or last night's adventures. This  weekend you are free enjoy Jazz Fest  during the day and great music and restaurants in New Orleans at night!

Or spend some of your days exploring the city at your own pace! Hop on the historic streetcar in the Garden District, take a steamboat ride down the Mississippi or relax in a romantic horse-drawn carriage in the  French Quarter – the choices are endless!

MONDAY  APRIL 27 - Eunice - CAJUN TOUR begins!


Leaving New Orleans behind we head west driving past Lake Pontchartrain into the heart of the Cajun Country for a relaxing afternoon on the Louisiana Bayous. 

Person in a black shirt and pink wide-brimmed hat with a black ribbon sitting on a boat on a river surrounded by moss-draped trees under a blue sky.

After days in the city it’s time to immerse ourselves in nature! Glide down the bayou as you drift past lush cypress trees with our  personal  guide to help you spot birds and alligators.  

Enjoy a  delicious gumbo lunch  and Cajun music at gorgeous  Maison Madeline. We drive north to Eunice, the Cajun Prairie Capital, our base for the next two nights.

A garden pathway leads to a rustic house surrounded by lush green plants and large trees, with a stone birdbath near the path.

Tonight it’s Zydeco time! We join Grammy winner Geno Delafose for a private down home BBQ, cooked by Geno’s friends and family. We start the evening with fun dance lessons  then join the locals to try out our steps.  Eat, drink & dance your feet off  to the sounds of Geno’s French Rockin’ Boogie!! 

People at a nighttime barn dance with string lights, some socializing near the open barn door.

TUESDAY APRIL 28 - Eunice

Spend the morning exploring Eunice's tiny downtown starting with  a private tour of the famous Liberty Theatre  followed by a visit to Cajun & Zydeco’s KBON radio station. Enjoy free time to visit the Cajun Music Hall of Fame, the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center and have lunch in one of Eunice's down home cafes.

A wall decorated with framed photographs of various musicians and individuals, many of which have handwritten signatures and messages from the celebrities, along with some framed awards. The wall also has handwritten notes and messages surrounding the photos.

After lunch we visit  the Savoy Music Center to meet accordion maker and National Heritage musician, Marc Savoy. We have the privilege of sitting at the feet of the master in his workshop where the world's most famous Cajun accordions are built.

A man smiling while holding a vintage accordion, sitting indoors with a dark wooden background.

This afternoon we're invited to Marc & Ann Savoy’s country home for an exclusive Crawfish Boil on the Savoys' farm with their neighbors, family and friends - not open to the public! Spend a lazy afternoon under the trees listening and dancing to great Cajun music played by the Savoy Family and friends. Mingle with locals drinking Louisiana  brew and eating obscene amounts of crawfish, potatoes and corn piled high on long wooden tables outside while hot chicken sizzles on the BBQ. YUM! No wonder Marc & Ann and the entire Savoy family  look forward to this annual feast!

In the evening fireflies come out as we laze around a campfire under the stars. The Crawfish Boil is a truly memorable time and most people say it’s the highlight of their entire trip.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 29 - Lafayette / New Orleans


We drive south to Lafayette, the Cajun Country's most intriguing town for lunch and the most fun cooking class you'll ever have -- led by  renowned Cajun chef, Patrick Mould. After downing an oyster shooter we'll have a cooking demonstration to beat all others as we enjoy some of the finest food of the whole trip, with sweet fiddle music played between courses.  Life doesn't get better than this!

Group of people playing string instruments outdoors under a tree, sitting on chairs, with a house and cars in the background.

With full and happy stomachs we drive back into the Crescent City in the late afternoon arriving in time for dinner, an evening club hopping and a final night at our French Quarter hotel (not included in the Cajun Only Tour).

THURSDAY APRIL 30 - New Orleans

Louisiana Music Tour ends today after noon checkout. 

A smiling chef in a white chef's coat and apron standing next to a woman wearing sunglasses, a pink and colorful patterned dress, and a pink flower in her hair, in a bright dining room with chandeliers and large windows.
An elderly man and woman, both wearing black and white striped aprons, stand at their restaurant entrance, smiling. The background features a rustic wooden interior and a sign that says 'GUMBO'.