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

If you’re thinking about visiting New Orleans and want to cover both its historic plantations and city highlights in one day, this tour might be worth considering. It’s a full-day adventure that combines a visit to the iconic Oak Alley Plantation with a comprehensive city and cemetery tour, giving you a broad taste of what makes this city so unique.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances the picturesque, historic plantation with the lively city vibe and its fascinating above-ground cemeteries. Plus, the hassle-free hotel pickup makes it a smooth option for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without worrying about logistics. On the flip side, keep in mind that some reviews mention the bus ride can be a bit long and that the city tour is mostly on the bus, which might not suit everyone looking for a more in-depth walking experience.

This tour is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors who want an overview of the city’s highlights without multiple bookings. It’s also a good pick for history buffs eager to see plantation life and learn about New Orleans’ burial traditions. If you’re traveling with kids or prefer a slow-paced, highly interactive experience, you might want to consider other options, but for a quick, informative day, this tour hits many of the right notes.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines a classic plantation visit with city highlights and cemetery insights.
• Hassle-Free: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown, saving you time and effort.
• Visit Iconic Sites: See Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Oak Alley, and the St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.
• Educational & Visual: Offers guided historical commentary and stunning views, especially at Oak Alley.
• Group Size & Comfort: Small groups (max 28) and air-conditioned transportation make for a comfortable day.
• Cost & Value: At $125 per person, it’s a reasonable price considering the full-day itinerary and included admissions.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Introduction to the Tour Setup

This tour lasts about 8.5 hours, offering a good chunk of time to explore New Orleans’ highlights without feeling rushed. Starting early at around 8:15 am, it kicks off with convenient hotel pickup in downtown New Orleans, which is a real plus if you want to skip the hassle of navigating city streets or finding parking. You’ll be riding in a comfortable, air-conditioned mini-bus, which makes the long drive between stops much more bearable, especially on hot days.

The City and Cemetery Overview

The first part of the day is dedicated to a city drive, lasting roughly three hours. This is where you get the broad strokes of New Orleans’ history, architecture, and culture. Your guide will point out Jackson Square, a hub of activity and the site where the Louisiana Purchase was made—a pretty historic spot to start with. Passing the oldest cathedral in North America gives you a sense of the city’s colonial past, and the nearby Cabildo adds to that narrative.

Your guide also highlights architecture along Esplanade Avenue, showcasing century-old homes, including the famous homes of Ann Rice and Governor Claiborne’s Daughters from the 1840s. The bus also passes through a bustling six-block outdoor market, giving you a glimpse of local commerce and vibrant street life.

Visiting the Cemeteries

A highlight for many visitors is the stop at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. Here, you’ll tour the above ground graves that are a hallmark of New Orleans burial customs. Your guide will explain the practical reasons behind above-ground tombs—namely, dealing with the city’s high water table—and how these re-usable tombs have become part of the city’s visual identity.

While 30 minutes might seem short, it’s enough to get a good feel for the cemetery’s atmosphere and historical significance. Several reviews praise this part, with one noting it as “a unique experience” and appreciating the guide’s storytelling.

Exploring the Garden District and Esplanade Avenue

After the cemetery, the bus takes a slow drive down St. Charles Avenue, famous for its historic mansions. You’ll pass notable homes, including the ones of Ann Rice and Governor Claiborne. This route offers a quick but inspiring look at the grandeur of New Orleans’ American side, giving you a sense of the wealthy neighborhoods and architecture.

The Trip to Oak Alley Plantation

The journey out to Oak Alley takes about an hour and 15 minutes, which some travelers find a bit lengthy, especially if they’re eager to get right to the plantation. But the drive is part of the experience—you’re transported through the scenic Louisiana countryside, with the towering alley of 28 oak trees guiding you to the plantation.

Once there, you’re given about two hours to explore. The house, built in 1837, is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture and looks like it came straight out of a movie or a period drama. The grounds include antique farm equipment, a restaurant, blacksmith shop, and a souvenir shop, giving you a well-rounded visit.

The Plantation Tour and Grounds

Guides in authentic attire lead tours of the house, sharing stories about plantation life, including the stark differences between the owners’ quarters and those of enslaved people. Many reviews highlight how impactful it is to see the plantation’s grounds and learn about the history behind it. One reviewer mentions, “The plantation was great, very beautiful, learned a lot,” which sums up the general sentiment.

A little extra time allows you to wander the grounds, enjoy the scenery, or grab a bite at the restaurant. The blacksmith shop and gift shop add a nice touch, making it more than just a quick photo stop.

Additional Highlights

You’ll also see the Elms Mansion and explore the architecture of the American side of New Orleans. The tour ends with a scenic drive back to the city, passing through some of the most charming neighborhoods.

Understanding the Practicalities

Transportation & Group Size

The small group size of up to 28 travelers ensures that you won’t feel lost in a crowd. The air-conditioned mini-bus makes long drives comfortable, which is especially appreciated given the length of the tour. Some reviews mention the bus rides are long, and that’s true—about an hour and 15 minutes to the plantation, plus city tour driving time.

Pricing & Value

At $125, this tour offers a decent value considering the multiple stops, guided visits, and included admissions. The experience provides a rundown of New Orleans, balancing history, architecture, and culture in one day. If you’re keen on seeing the city’s highlights without booking separate tours, this package is convenient.

What’s Not Included

Food and drinks aren’t included, so it’s worth bringing snacks or planning for a meal during your free hour at Oak Alley or after the tour. The focus is on sightseeing, so travelers who want a culinary experience might want to explore local eateries on their own.

Flexibility & Limitations

The tour is designed for most travelers, but keep in mind that some reviews point out that the city tour is primarily on the bus, which isn’t ideal if you prefer more walking or getting up close and personal with the sites. Also, the duration can be tiring if you’re not used to long days on the road.

What People Are Saying

The majority of reviews are positive, highlighting the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and good value. One reviewer called it “Money well spent,” appreciating the way the tour showcased plantation life and city history. Others mentioned that the guides added humor and personal touches that made the day enjoyable.

However, some reviews point out frustrations, such as feeling rushed or disappointed with the limited time at key sites. One reviewer was upset about the way the plantation tour was presented, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the slave quarters and the history of slavery. It’s worth noting that the tour provider does not own Oak Alley but facilitates transportation, so the quality of the actual plantation tour depends on the plantation’s guides.

A few travelers found the bus ride long and the city tour somewhat superficial, with some describing it as just a “ride” rather than an in-depth exploration. If you’re after a deep dive into New Orleans’ neighborhoods or history, you might find this tour a bit surface-level.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of New Orleans’ highlights in one day. It’s suitable for history buffs who appreciate guided insights and picturesque scenery, especially at Oak Alley. If you prefer a relaxed pace, more walking, or in-depth exploration of specific neighborhoods, you might want to look elsewhere.

Families with older children who enjoy history and architecture could find this engaging, especially the plantation and cemetery visits. However, for younger kids, the long bus rides and limited interactive elements might be less appealing.

In summary, if you’re after a comfortable, well-organized introduction to New Orleans with some stunning sights and manageable logistics, this tour offers a lot for the price.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown New Orleans, making it easy to start your day without stressing over logistics.

How long is the bus ride to Oak Alley?
The drive to Oak Alley takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, which is factored into the overall duration. Some travelers find the bus ride long, but it’s part of the experience.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation, guided visits to Oak Alley Plantation, the city tour, cemetery admission, and some scenic drives. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a packaged tour, modifications aren’t typically available. However, you can choose to spend your free hour at Oak Alley as you like or explore the grounds.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The plantation grounds, Oak Trees, and historic architecture are very photogenic. Be sure to bring your camera or smartphone.

What if I want a more in-depth city tour?
This tour provides a broad overview, mostly from the bus. For more detailed or walking-focused exploration, consider other options or additional tours on your own.

Are children allowed?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s design suits older children interested in history and architecture. Check with the provider if traveling with younger kids to ensure it’s suitable.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid introduction to New Orleans, blending history, architecture, and scenic beauty. It’s especially valuable if you want an organized, hassle-free experience with a knowledgeable guide. The included visits to Oak Alley Plantation and the cemeteries provide memorable visuals and stories that stick with you long after you leave.

For those who enjoy guided tours that cover a lot of ground in one day, and don’t mind the bus rides, this is a good option. It’s less ideal if you crave more in-depth exploration or a slower pace, but for many, it’s a practical way to get a taste of New Orleans’ diverse charms.

Whether you’re a history lover, a first-timer, or someone eager to see iconic sights without multiple bookings, this combination tour could be just the thing to make your trip to The Big Easy memorable.