New Orleans has an incredibly vibrant soul that can never be kept down. Today, you will experience its heart with a combo city tour that will take you deep into the splendor of the French Quarter, and then out towards the levee system along Lake Pontchartrain before heading back through the mansions around town. It is sure to be a delight! We first stop by the French Market, for a taste of New Orleans' rich culinary history. We'll then head out to the old U.S. Mint and the stately mansions along Esplanade Ave. Here you can dream of what life must have been like 100 years ago, and see the vibrancy that still remains. Next we'll walk into St. Louis Cemetery #3. One of the fascinating things about a New Orleans cemetery is that everything is above ground, since the city technically lies below sea level. For this reason, St. Louis is a fascinating journey into the quirks about this city, and you will see some famous residents as well. Riding along peaceful Bayou St. John, we view houses from the late 1700's. Driving through City Park, see the antique carousel and centuries-old live oaks.

Stop to explore the Besthoff Sculpture Gardens at City Park. This exquisite 8 acre park is definitely worth the time.

Stroll along meandering walking paths and water features amid centuries-old, moss-draped live oaks surrounding two lagoons.

Along Lake Pontchartrain's shores our levee system is explained and the longest of all Causeway bridges is seen. Then we'll head uptown to Carrolton, the Tulane and Loyola Universities, the 160-year-old streetcar line and St. Charles Avenue's grand colonial mansions. Finally, we'll head back downtown around the Superdome and through the heart of the business district before returning to your hotel. You will see how vibrant and exciting New Orleans is again today, and we look forward to sharing our home with you.