Oak Alley Plantation and 3-Hour New Orleans City/Cemetery Tour

Experience Overview: A Day of History and Charm in New Orleans

Starting at $125 per person, the Oak Alley Plantation and 3-Hour New Orleans City/Cemetery Tour offers a solid introduction to the city’s captivating culture, architecture, and history. With approximately 8.5 hours of adventure, this tour combines a scenic drive out to the iconic Oak Alley Plantation with a comprehensive city tour that highlights major landmarks and the city’s unique burial traditions. Included are hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown, making it a hassle-free way to explore.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is the combination of a fascinating plantation visit—not just the house but also the grounds and exhibits—and the insightful city tour, which takes you through historic neighborhoods and iconic sites like Jackson Square, the French Quarter, and the Garden District. The guides seem well-informed and friendly, and the ride between locations is comfortably air-conditioned, providing a welcome relief on hot days. The inclusion of a cemetery visit gives a rare chance to learn about New Orleans’ above-ground burial practices—something truly distinctive to the city.

One aspect to consider is the relatively long bus ride between locations, which may feel a bit tiring, especially if you’re eager to spend more time exploring each stop. Also, since this tour blends city sightseeing with a plantation visit, it might feel a bit rushed, but for many, the value of visiting both makes up for it. This tour is especially well-suited for history buffs, first-time visitors, and families looking for a well-rounded overview of New Orleans in one day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience blending plantation history and city sights.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off for stress-free planning.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of local stories and customs.
• Includes iconic sites like Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral.
• Visit to Oak Alley features stunning oak trees and Greek Revival architecture.
• Cemetery tour explains New Orleans’ unique above-ground burial traditions.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Off: A Scenic Drive and City Highlights

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup around 8:15 am, meaning you can relax without the hassle of figuring out transportation. We love how this simple touch sets the tone for a stress-free day. The bus is air-conditioned and comfortably seats up to 28 travelers, creating an intimate yet social atmosphere.

The guide, whose name might come up in reviews as knowledgeable and engaging, begins with an overview of New Orleans’ diverse neighborhoods and vibrant culture. Expect to see Jackson Square, the heart of the French Quarter, where the Louisiana Purchase was formalized. You’ll also pass the St. Louis Cathedral, North America’s oldest cathedral, and the historic Cabildo, which served as Spanish colonial city hall.

The city drive offers a window into New Orleans’ varied architecture, from Creole cottages to grand mansions along Esplanade Avenue. We found this part especially helpful because it provides context and visual cues for exploring later on your own.

Cemetery Visit: A Peek into Above-Ground Burial Practices

One of the tour’s unique features is the stop at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, where a short guided tour introduces you to the city’s above-ground tombs—a necessity because of its high water table. A reviewer remarked, “You learn how the people of New Orleans bury their dead above ground in re-usable tombs, and it’s a tradition born out of necessity, not choice.”

The 30-minute visit is enough to get a sense of the somber beauty and historical significance of these crypts, some dating back over a century. Expect to see some intricate ironwork and learn stories about the city’s funeral customs, which are deeply rooted in French and Spanish traditions.

Exploring the Garden District and Esplanade Avenue

After the cemetery, the bus slowly makes its way down St. Charles Avenue, famous for its historic mansions and lush live oaks. You’ll pass by notable homes, including those linked to authors like Ann Rice and early governors. The leisurely drive allows you to appreciate the diverse architecture that characterizes New Orleans’ upscale neighborhoods.

The Jewel: Oak Alley Plantation

The highlight for many travelers is the visit to Oak Alley Plantation, about an hour and fifteen minutes from downtown. This historic site, built in 1837, is renowned for its 28 majestic oak trees, which form a shaded corridor leading to the main house—a scene straight out of a movie. Many reviewers have called it “breathtaking” and “a must-see”.

Guided tours of the house explore the Greek Revival architecture and plantation life, including insights into the plantation economy, the slave quarters, and the lives of those who worked there. The grounds also feature a blacksmith shop and a souvenir shop, offering a chance to reflect and pick up a memento.

One reviewer mentioned that the tour “had a lot of history on old plantation life in New Orleans, growing sugar cane,” and appreciated the comprehensive experience. Another noted that the grounds and the house felt like stepping into a film set, adding to the immersive feeling.

Additional Architectural Highlights

On the way back, the tour passes the Elms Mansion and other notable homes, giving a broader view of American architectural styles and the city’s affluent past.

Final Stop: A Taste of New Orleans

The tour concludes with a drive through the French Quarter, where guides point out areas of interest for further exploration at your own pace. This is a nice touch, providing direction and ideas for the rest of your stay.

The Experience in Practice: Pros and Cons

What Travelers Love

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides—their stories and personal touches make the history come alive. For example, one said, “The guides Brian and David were very friendly and informative, with a lot of humor,” which underscores the value of engaging storytelling.

The stunning views at Oak Alley and the authenticity of the plantation experience are also highly valued. Several visitors have described their time there as “beautiful” and “captivating,” making it a highlight of their trip.

The tour’s value for money shines through, especially given that it includes admission tickets to Oak Alley and the cemetery, as well as transportation and guided commentary. One reviewer summed it up with, “Money well spent,” emphasizing how much they appreciated the comprehensive nature of the experience.

Possible Drawbacks

The main complaint from some travelers revolves around the length of bus rides—the drive to Oak Alley takes about 75 minutes, which can feel lengthy, especially if you’re eager to explore longer on-site. One reviewer noted, “Way too much time on the bus,” which might be tiring if you prefer more walking or less sitting.

Another issue raised was the pacing—with so many stops packed into one day, some felt it was a bit rushed, particularly at the house and cemetery. If you love detailed exploration, you might wish for more time at each site.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts eager to learn about plantation life and New Orleans’ burial customs. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting a broad overview of the city’s highlights in one day. Families and those who prefer structured tours will benefit from the logistics provided. However, if you’re a slow traveler or prefer more time at each stop, you might find this tour somewhat brisk.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re seeking a well-rounded introduction to New Orleans that blends history, architecture, and culture, this tour offers excellent value. The combination of a rare cemetery visit, an impressive plantation, and a guided city drive means you get a taste of everything that makes this city special.

The guides’ knowledge and friendliness elevate the experience, making the history accessible and engaging. While the bus ride can be long, the comfort and convenience often outweigh the fatigue, especially for those new to the city or with limited time.

This tour is best suited for people who appreciate historical context, enjoy scenic drives, and want a hassle-free way to see key sights. If you’re up for a full day that balances storytelling with sightseeing, it’s a good choice.

FAQ: Common Questions about the Tour

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown New Orleans, so you don’t need to worry about transportation.

How long is the bus ride to Oak Alley?
The drive to Oak Alley is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, which can be a long stretch but is comfortable in the air-conditioned bus.

What sites are included in the city tour?
You’ll see Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, the French Market, Esplanade Avenue, and the Garden District homes, among others.

Can I explore the plantation grounds after the guided tour?
Yes, after the guided house tour, you have about an hour to explore the grounds, visit the gift shop, or enjoy the onsite restaurant.

Is admission to Oak Alley and the cemetery included?
Absolutely. Both entrance fees are included in the $125 price.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially those interested in history and architecture. The guided nature makes it manageable for children and adults alike.

Are there any food options included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but you might find options at Oak Alley’s on-site restaurant or bring your own snacks.

Final Words

This tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into New Orleans’ history, combining the allure of the plantation landscape with the city’s rich architectural and cultural tapestry. The knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and convenience of hotel pickup make it a practical choice for many visitors.

While the bus ride might be a bit lengthy, the overall experience is straightforward, educational, and beautifully curated—perfect for those wanting to understand what makes this city so unique. If your trip to New Orleans includes a day for sightseeing and history, this tour provides a balanced, authentic snapshot that’s hard to beat at this price point.