The Oak Alley or Laura Plantation tour from New Orleans offers visitors a profound and nuanced exploration of the complex history of southern slavery. Through guided tours of the plantations’ ‘Big House,’ slave quarters, and expansive grounds, guests gain a deeper understanding of the harsh realities that enabled these sites’ existence. Though the beauty of the historic architecture and landscapes is undeniable, the tour provides a balanced perspective that doesn’t shy away from the profound injustices and lasting impacts of the slave trade. For those seeking to engage with this challenging chapter of American history, this excursion presents a compelling and thought-provoking experience.
Key Points
- A 4-hour excursion that visits either Oak Alley or Laura Plantation, exploring the ‘Big House,’ slave quarters, and grounds to learn about the history of southern slave plantations.
- Includes a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets, and an intimate group size of up to 28 travelers for a personalized experience.
- Provides a comprehensive look at the dark history and lasting impacts of the slave trade that fueled the region’s economy and enabled the existence of these historic sites.
- Offers a balanced schedule to allow ample time for immersion in the complex realities of slavery while appreciating the beauty of the plantations’ stately columns and lush landscapes.
- Features a convenient cancellation policy, with a full refund available for 24-hour notice or in case of weather-related or minimum traveler cancellations.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Inclusions
- Logistics
- Cancellation Policy
- Reviews
- Plantation History
- Tour Activities
- Transportation and Pickup
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
- Are There Any Accessibility Options for the Tour?
- What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in New Orleans
- More Tours in New Orleans
- More Tour Reviews in New Orleans
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in New Orleans we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The tour offers a 4-hour excursion, including 2 hours of driving time, from New Orleans to either the Oak Alley or Laura Plantation, where visitors can explore the ‘Big House,’ slave quarters, and expansive grounds while learning about the plantations’ complex histories.
Travelers will have the chance to explore the dark past of these southern slave plantations, gaining insight into the realities of the slave trade and its lasting impacts.
The tour includes all entrance fees and round-trip hotel transportation, providing a convenient and comprehensive experience.
With a maximum of 28 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and immersive look at these historic sites.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New Orleans.
Inclusions
This tour includes a professional guide to lead the experience, as well as pickup and drop-off service from hotels.
Travelers will also have the opportunity to tour either Oak Alley Plantation or Laura Plantation, depending on the option chosen.
Both plantation tours will allow visitors to explore the ‘Big House,’ slave quarters, and grounds, providing a comprehensive look at the dark history behind these southern slave plantations.
The tour package includes all entrance tickets, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for guests.
With a maximum of 28 travelers, the tour offers an intimate setting for learning about these historic sites.
Logistics
Pickup for the tour occurs between 8:00 am and 8:30 am, with the tour starting promptly at 8:00 am.
The tour has a maximum of 28 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience, and it’s operated by Southern Style Tours and Transportation.
This allows for a personalized and engaging exploration of the historic plantations.
The tour duration is approximately 4 hours, including 2 hours of driving time to either Oak Alley or Laura Plantation, depending on the option chosen.
This balanced schedule provides ample time to learn about the tour while minimizing excessive travel.
With a focus on convenience and quality, the tour logistics are designed to enhance the overall experience for visitors.
Cancellation Policy
Travelers can cancel their tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, guests will be offered a different date or a full refund. Similarly, if the tour is canceled due to the minimum number of travelers not being met, guests will be provided the option of a different date/experience or a full refund.
| Cancellation Policy | |
|---|---|
| 24-hour cancellation | Full refund |
| Cancelled due to weather | Different date or full refund |
| Cancelled due to minimum travelers | Different date/experience or full refund |
Reviews
The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with 313 reviews earning it a Badge of Excellence. Customers consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who provide in-depth insights into the complex history of these southern plantations.
Many highlight how the tour strikes a balance between the beauty of the plantation homes and grounds, and the sobering realities of the slave labor that supported them. Reviewers also appreciate the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the reasonable duration of the 4-hour experience.
Plantation History
These plantation homes, with their stately columns and lush landscapes, were built upon the backs of enslaved individuals who toiled in the surrounding fields and orchards, their stories often overshadowed by the grandeur on display.
The dark history of these southern plantations is a sobering reminder of the inhumane practices that fueled the region’s economy.
Visitors to Oak Alley and Laura Plantation will learn about the brutal realities of slavery, from the cramped living conditions of the slave quarters to the backbreaking labor required to maintain these opulent estates.
Though the beauty of these historic sites is undeniable, it’s essential to grapple with the profound injustices that enabled their existence.
Tour Activities
On the Oak Alley or Laura Plantation tour from New Orleans, visitors can explore the grandeur of these historic sites while also learning about the dark realities of slavery that underpinned their prosperity. The tour allows guests to tour the ‘Big House,’ slave quarters, and expansive grounds of either plantation.
Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of:
- The lives and experiences of the enslaved individuals who toiled on these plantations.
- The economic and social systems that perpetuated the institution of slavery.
- The lasting impacts that these plantations and the slave trade have had on the region.
Through this immersive experience, guests can grapple with the complex history of these southern landmarks.
Transportation and Pickup
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour, with guests being collected between 8:00 am and 8:30 am from their accommodations in New Orleans.
The tour starts at 8:00 am, so guests should be ready for pickup during that time frame. This ensures everyone arrives at the plantation on time to begin the 4-hour experience.
The tour has a maximum of 28 travelers, providing an intimate group size for a more personalized experience.
The roundtrip transportation is provided by Southern Style Tours and Transportation, a trusted and experienced operator in the area. This convenient pickup and drop-off service makes the entire tour seamless and hassle-free for participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, it’s important to follow any specific guidelines or restrictions set by the tour operator or the plantation itself.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are typically no age restrictions for this type of plantation tour. Children are welcome, though parental discretion is advised due to the historical nature and potential subject matter. The tour may not be suitable for very young children.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Participants are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour, but the company recommends checking with them in advance as policies may vary. Consuming alcohol during the tour is typically prohibited.
Are There Any Accessibility Options for the Tour?
The tour offers accessibility options for guests with limited mobility. Wheelchair-accessible transportation is available, and the plantation sites have paved paths and elevators to accommodate visitors. Guests should contact the tour operator to discuss any specific needs.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no formal dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for tours. Visitors should dress respectfully as they’ll be touring historic sites. Light layers may be helpful in the southern climate.
Oak Alley or Laura Plantation Tour From New Orleans
“Morning of tour called twice 1 hour apart then was told they cancelled it . Feel very unsatisfied as had tour booked for 5months would not reco…”
Recap
The Oak Alley or Laura Plantation Tour from New Orleans offers a thoughtful exploration of the complex histories and lasting impacts of southern slave plantations.
Guests can expect a balanced perspective, as the tour juxtaposes the beauty of these historic sites with the profound injustices that enabled their existence.
This excursion provides valuable insights into a significant and often overlooked chapter of American history.
