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Party and nightlife
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Itinerary

There’s no better time to experience New Orleans than during Mardi Gras, when the city pulses with color, music, and celebration. The streets come alive with parades, costumes, and a festive spirit unlike anywhere else in the world. Our journey begins just outside the famous French Quarter, close enough to feel the rhythm but far enough for a peaceful retreat. For a warm welcome, we’ll savor iconic Creole flavors—from seafood boils and gumbo to jambalaya and muffulettas—each bite a love letter to the city’s rich culinary soul. As the parades roll through, we’ll join the revelers, dancing through the streets and catching beads with the locals, lost in the joy of celebration. We’ll float down the Mississippi River aboard the legendary Steamboat Natchez, jazz music drifting on the breeze, the city skyline shimmering in the twilight.

But New Orleans is more than parties—it's a city of mystery. We’ll explore the haunting beauty of the bayou, where moss-draped trees hide alligators, raccoons, and whispers of folklore. As night falls, we’ll step into the shadows of the city’s haunted past. Witches, vampires, and restless spirits linger in the French Quarter’s alleyways. Our nighttime ghost walk will reveal the darker, enchanting side of New Orleans. We’ll end each night on Bourbon Street, where every doorway offers a different melody, a different story—jazz pouring into the night air, hearts full, and souls stirred by the magic of New Orleans bourlesque shows. Are you ready to discover New Orleans-Louis Armstrong’s and the vampires’city?

A stylized map of New Orleans showing a travel itinerary with start and end points marked.
A close-up of a metal tray with a seafood boil of shrimp, crab legs, clams, corn, and potatoes covered in a red sauce.

Let the adventure begin—meet your fellow explorers!

What better way to kick off our New Orleans adventure than with a welcome dinner bursting with flavor, soul, and Southern charm?

Our first night together will be a celebration of Creole cuisine—think spicy jambalaya, hearty gumbo, crispy fried catfish, and the legendary muffuletta. Have you ever heard of Seafood boil? It’s not just dinner—it’s your first taste of New Orleans magic.

We’ll take this time to relax, connect, and get to know each other as fellow travelers and soon-to-be friends.

Pair it with a classic Bloody Mary (yes, they do it better here) or a local cocktail, and let the jazz-filled night begin. This welcome feast is all about gathering, savoring, and setting the tone for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Crescent City.

Will our night end with cocktails in hand, dancing our way down Bourbon Street?

A crocodile rests on a large log in rippling water, with a close-up on its head, scaly skin, and front claws.

Gators and Racoons

Step into the mysterious beauty of Louisiana’s bayou—a lush, tangled world where nature rules and legends live. Aboard a classic swamp boat, we’ll glide through still waters and beneath moss-draped cypress trees, led by a local guide who’ll share the rich history and folklore of the region.

This journey takes us through a true wildlife refuge, where rescue animals live freely and safely in their natural habitat. You’ll see wild alligators, curious raccoons, and more—up close, but always with deep respect for their space and wellbeing.

Ever fed a gator? You just might. Just keep your hands and feet inside the boat!

This unforgettable experience brings us face to face with the untamed soul of Louisiana—a rare glimpse into one of America’s most unique ecosystems, steeped in story, spirit, and swamp magic.

Let the Carnival begin..Parades!

Get ready to become part of Mardi Gras history as we join a vibrant walking parade through the iconic French Quarter! This isn’t just watching—this is full-on participation. Dressed in dazzling colors, surrounded by music, laughter, and the beat of the city, we’ll dance through centuries of tradition and celebration.

Feel the rhythm of brass bands echo off centuries-old buildings, exchange smiles with locals, and compete for the best beads in town. Mardi Gras is more than a party—it’s a living, breathing celebration of New Orleans’ soul.

The colors, the culture, the joy—there’s truly nothing like it. Fun, music, and magic have never been better. Come walk the streets where legends, like Louis Amstrong are born and memories are made.

A WeRoad group trip of four people posing in elaborate, colorful costumes with headdresses and face paint against a blue wall.

The Garden District

Step into one of New Orleans’ most iconic neighborhoods—the Garden District, where history, elegance, and Southern charm come alive.

Wander past grand mansions in a stunning mix of styles—Italianate, Gothic, Romanesque, and Greek Revival. Admire sweeping porches, wrought-iron balconies, turrets, colonnades, and towering 30-foot columns. Every home is a story, every street a work of art.

You’re walking in the footsteps of authors, poets, movie stars, artists, and sports legends who’ve called this neighborhood home.

Just beyond the gates, glimpse the city’s oldest municipal cemetery—Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 —a hauntingly beautiful landmark featured in countless films and TV shows.

This isn’t just a stroll—it’s a journey through the soul of New Orleans, where architecture meets fame, and every corner holds a secret.

Mardi Gras Parade

Get swept away in the magic of New Orleans, the American birthplace of Mardi Gras—a city where jazz flows through the streets and every moment bursts with celebration.

Wear the colors that tell a story: purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power—the very soul of Mardi Gras tradition.

Marvel as vibrant floats roll by, each one more dazzling than the last, with majorettes spinning and dancing, performers lighting up the streets, and a whirlwind of music, energy, and joy. From above and all around, beads, trinkets, and colorful gadgets fly through the air—a time-honored ritual of fun, luck, and a touch of mischief. Catch one, and you’re part of the legend.

This isn’t just a party. It’s a city in full bloom—a romance with life, a dance with history.
Come feel the rhythm, and the soul of New Orleans. Let the good times roll

A multi-deck ferry with passengers sails on the water, releasing a thick plume of black smoke from its smokestack against a pale sky.

Down the mississippi dream

Step beyond the city streets and wander to the water’s edge, where time slows and romance begins. Follow the path to the historic steamboat pier and take in the sweeping view of the mighty Mississippi, stretching into eternity.

Board an authentic paddlewheel steamboat, where vintage charm and Southern elegance set the scene. As you drift down the river, stories of the past come alive—from early explorers who mapped the unknown, to jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, who once played along these shores, to the golden age of steamboats that carried dreams downriver.

Feel the rhythm of the water and sing along to Armstrong’s soulful tunes, echoing into the open sky. The breeze carries his music like a memory, and suddenly, you’re not just cruising—you’re time-traveling.

This isn’t just a ride. It’s a journey through the soul of America.
Let the river carry you. Let New Orleans enchant you.

Haunted city

Get ready for a night where history haunts and spirits flow—literally. This Haunted Pub Crawl through New Orleans isn't just a tour—it's an unforgettable plunge into the dark, decadent soul of America’s most haunted city.

Begin at the Old U.S. Mint, then follow your guide through the shadowy streets of the French Quarter and Marigny, where the dead still whisper in the night. Hear chilling tales from over 300 years of murder, mystery, and madness, and visit infamous sites like the Lalaurie Mansion from American Horror Story, Lafitte’s Haunted Pirate Bar, the Dragon’s Den (former home of occultist Aleister Crowley), and the legendary Andrew Jackson Hotel. Dare to drink with the dead?

A large white cathedral with three steeples stands behind a green park containing an equestrian statue and people walking.

Check out and Goodbyes

All great adventures must come to an end, and today we bid farewell to this beautiful city.

After Checking out, we’ll have a bit of time to say our goodbyes before heading to the airport, carrying with us the memories of a trip filled with fun, thrilling adventures, and newfound friendships.

It’s been such an intense journey that it feels like we’ve known each other for years, yet these five days have flown by far too quickly. One thing is certain—we’ll meet again! See you soon, friends.

What's included

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Food and beverages when not specified
  • Tips

  • All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

  • Walking tour garden district - approx. USD 32

  • Treme district walking tour - approx. USD 32

  • Transfer to Bayou swamp - approx. USD 36

  • Bayou swamp tour - approx. USD 30

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Accommodation

    2-3* hotel/ hostel with single or bunk beds

  • Which Mardi Gras is right for you?

    If you’re looking for a more authentic, local vibe—where the magic happens in the streets and you become part of the parade alongside the locals—join us the week before Mardi Gras. It’s all about walking parades, music, and community spirit. If you’d rather dive into the full-on spectacle—massive crowds, dazzling floats, and the city at its wildest—then the Mardi Gras week itself is your moment.  

    Either way, you’re in for an unforgettable New Orleans experience. 

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalNew Orleans (MSY)
ReturnNew Orleans (MSY)
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WeRoadX

This is a WeRoadX

A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.

This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.

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