New Orleans Private City and Cemetery Tour – Up to 24 Passengers

If you’re considering a guided exploration of New Orleans, this private city and cemetery tour offers a chance to see the city’s most iconic sites with a personalized touch. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a compelling picture of what you can expect. It’s designed for those who want a mix of culture, history, and a few delicious bites within a manageable time frame.

What immediately catches the eye are its private setting — meaning your group gets exclusive access, and the knowledgeable guide that makes these tours stand out. Plus, the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, which is a big plus when navigating a bustling city like NOLA. On the flip side, the price tag of $800 per group might seem steep if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, but for a group, it can be quite reasonable when you factor in the convenience and personalized experience.

This tour is particularly suited for travelers who want an overview of New Orleans without the crowds, and who appreciate a mix of cultural insights and scenic stops. Families with older kids, history buffs, and architecture lovers will find plenty of value here. The limited group size (up to 24 people) keeps it intimate enough to ask questions and customize parts of your experience.

Key Points

• Private group experience provides personalized attention and convenience
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for hassle-free transportation
• Stops at major sites like the French Quarter, Garden District, and historic cemeteries
• Knowledgeable guides offer insights into architecture, history, and local culture
• Two opportunities to explore on foot — in cemeteries and sculpture gardens
• Cost reflects a comprehensive, customizable half-day tour aimed at those wanting a curated experience

This tour’s structure is crafted to give you an efficient yet thorough glimpse into what makes New Orleans so unique. At 2 hours and 30 minutes, it’s not overly long but packed with enough highlights to leave you feeling well-acquainted with the city’s essentials. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll experience.

Convenient and Personalized

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, which is a real time-saver. Instead of navigating public transportation or waiting for group departures, you’re whisked directly from your accommodation, usually within the French Quarter or nearby. This personalized approach makes the experience feel more tailored—especially helpful if you’re pressed for time or prefer a relaxed start.

With up to 24 passengers, the group size is manageable. Our experience with similar tours confirms that this balance allows for good interaction with the guide, without feeling crowded or rushed. The price of $800 per group, on average, might seem high initially, but remember, you’re paying for an exclusive, private experience. It’s just about breaking down that cost into the number of people to see if it fits your budget.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour centers around several key sites, each chosen for their cultural and visual appeal. Here’s what you and your group will see and do:

St. Louis Cathedral and French Quarter Drive-By

While the tour doesn’t spend much time inside, passing the St. Louis Cathedral offers a quick visual of this iconic landmark. From the bus, you’ll get a sense of the grandeur and architectural beauty of the French Quarter’s heart.

City Park and Beignets at the Sculpture Garden

One of the highlights is a stop at City Park, where you’ll enjoy beignets in the sculpture garden. This is a lovely moment—tasty treats in a peaceful, outdoor setting. The Morning Call Cafe within the park is famous for its beignets, and the sculpture garden adds an artistic vibe to the experience.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 3

A guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 is a key feature. As the third oldest of the city’s Roman Catholic cemeteries, it offers a fascinating glimpse into local burial traditions. You’ll have about 10 minutes to stroll around on your own, which is enough to snap some photos and soak in the atmosphere. Our review mentions that guides are licensed and provide insights into the cemetery’s significance, making this stop more meaningful.

Architectural Gems on St. Charles Avenue

The bus tour also provides glimpses of the stunning mansions along St. Charles Avenue, highlighting various architectural styles. While you won’t get out to walk this stretch, the views are impressive and give context to New Orleans’ historic neighborhoods.

Sculpture Garden at NOMA

Another memorable stop is at the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Here, you’ll enjoy about 20-30 minutes exploring the outdoor sculptures, which range from modern pieces to traditional works. It’s a relaxed setting, perfect for appreciating art and taking photos.

Brief Stop at Café du Monde

Finally, a quick stop at Café du Monde in City Park allows for bathroom breaks and a quick beignet experience—probably the most famous sweet treat in New Orleans. This stop, while brief, rounds out the tour with a taste of local flavor.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes driver and guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and admission to cemeteries and gardens—all essential elements that enhance the experience. Note that alcoholic drinks are available for purchase but aren’t included in the price.

It’s worth mentioning that the tour operates only with your group, providing a private atmosphere. This is great for those wanting a more relaxed, personalized experience, but it means you’re paying for exclusivity.

The Guide’s Role and Authenticity

According to reviews, guides like Christophe are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness. The insider perspective they provide about architecture, history, and local customs adds significant value. We’re told that guides are licensed, which should give you confidence in their expertise.

Potential Drawbacks and Things to Consider

While this tour offers many positives, a few considerations are worth noting. First, the price point might be steep for smaller groups or solo travelers, although splitting the cost could make it more reasonable. Also, the 2.5-hour duration means it’s a quick overview, so if you’re after an in-depth exploration of each site, you’d need to supplement this tour with additional activities.

Another point is that, as with any sightseeing bus tour, some sites are better experienced on foot. The cemetery stop, for instance, is brief, and you’ll want to take your time if you’re interested in exploring further.

This experience is well-suited for travelers who want a curated, private overview of New Orleans. If you’re traveling with a group and prefer not to navigate on your own, the hotel pickup and small group size are significant pluses. History buffs and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the insights provided, especially at the mansions and cemeteries.

It’s also good for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure, with opportunities to taste local treats like beignets. The focus on iconic neighborhoods, cemeteries, and outdoor art makes it a versatile introduction, perfect for first-timers or those with limited time.

This private tour offers a compact, personalized way to get to know New Orleans’ highlights, with engaging guides, scenic stops, and convenient logistics. While the price may seem high for some, the tailored experience and insider knowledge could make it worth the splurge—especially for groups or anyone wanting a smooth, stress-free day in the city.

If you’re after a manageable, insightful tour that balances culture, history, and a taste of local life, this one deserves serious consideration. It’s not overly lengthy, but it packs enough into its 2.5 hours to give you a genuine sense of what makes New Orleans so special.

For those who like the idea of combining sightseeing with tasty bites and cultural insights—all wrapped up in a private, comfortable setting—this tour could be just the ticket.

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour involves a bus ride, outdoor stops, and walking around cemeteries, so children should be supervised. Most travelers can participate, but kids should be comfortable with outdoor environments and limited walking.

What is included in the tour price? The cost covers the driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and admission to the cemeteries and sculpture garden.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start won’t be refunded.

Is this a group or private experience? It is a private tour for your group only, providing a more relaxed and personalized experience.

How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including stops and some free time at key sites.

What stops are included? Highlights include St. Louis Cathedral, City Park, St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, the sculpture garden at NOMA, and a brief stop at Café du Monde.

Does the tour include transportation? Yes, transportation is provided via a private bus, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

Are drinks available during the tour? Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase but are not included in the tour fee.

Is a guide provided? Yes, all guides are licensed and knowledgeable about the city’s history, architecture, and culture.

If you’re after a manageable, insightful, and comfortable way to see the essentials of New Orleans, this private city and cemetery tour ticks many boxes. Just weigh the cost against your travel style and group size to see if it’s the right fit.