Tour de Forks - A Taste of New Orleans

Pricing Notes

Cost: $995 per person, based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: On request

This is an independent package.

Price Includes:

Hotel accommodations as indicated in the itinerary; meals listed on the itinerary; cooking class; market visit; drinks at All That Jazz; admission to Southern Food & Beverage Museum; private car/driver for 3 hours

Not Included:

International and domestic airfares; excess baggage charges; airport arrival and departure taxes; travel insurance; meals, wines, or sightseeing not included in itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry and communication charges; gratuities, email/fax/telephone charges, and hotel minibar.

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Sweet & Savory New Orleans

May 14-17 & October 22-25, 2012

New Orleans is one of the top food destinations in the world and possesses a culinary legacy like no other city. They create, consume, and celebrate food and drink here with their own brand of Southern joie de vivre and honor their history - from Po boys to the classic crawfish etouffee. The French Quarter's landmark restaurants, with their long storied pasts, and the other legendary eateries have contributed to the legacy and the building of a contemporary Creole movement. New restaurants offer exciting riffs on traditional dishes. Combine that foodie ambiance with art and architecture, an indomitable spirit - and all that jazz.

Our 4-Day/3 Night independent package will envelop you in New Orleans' celebrated foodie culture with a unique cooking lesson and special-to-New Orleans-dining experiences, market and museum visits. There's a just-right combination of guided and hosted components with flexibility to explore and discover this city on your own.

Day 1, Monday

Arrive New Orleans and check-in to the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

In the heart of the historic French Quarter the Royal Sonesta bows to the tradition of grand hotels. Located on world-famous Bourbon Street, it embodies old-world Southern charm.

Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the French Quarter. Two stops we recommend are the Louisiana General Store for Cajun spices and sauces and the Kitchen Witch to browse it's amazing collection of regional cookbooks.

Dinner will be on your own this evening. Consider a legend like Galatoire's, or Susan Spicer's modern cuisine at Bayona. Before or after dinner, enjoy jazz and cocktails at the hotel's Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse (Gift card provided, use as it suits you and the hotel concierge will help with reservations)

Day 2, Tuesday

Perhaps start your day with an early morning walk to the legendary Cafe du Monde for a breakfast of beignets and cafe au lait. Located on the upper end of the French Market, it is a New Orleans institution. Their beignets are a scrumptious just-out-of-the-fryer confections, and the coffee and people-watching are divine. (voucher provided for your use)

Mid-morning, New Orleans culinary icon Poppy Tooker will take you on a tour of the Crescent City Farmer's Market. Local chefs - celebrities in their own rights - are often seen at the markets buying for their restaurants. Poppy is the author of the acclaimed Crescent City Farmers Market Cookbook.

Lunch (a shrimp po'boy at Johnny's?) and the remainder of the afternoon are on your own.

Tonight you will learn the secrets of Louisiana cuisine with a cooking lesson - southern-style - at the New Orleans Cooking School Experience. The school, ensconced in an artfully renovated Victorian home includes a state of the art kitchen and a charming period dining salon where dinner with wine will be served.

Day 3, Wednesday

Your package includes a gift card for Stanley's one of the city's newer restaurants. They serve breakfast all day long - and a great lunch too.

Late afternoon, you'll join your fellow foodies for a special visit and program at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum. Exhibits include the history of Absinthe with a fascinating look at the elusive green fairy that was adored and credited as the muse of artists and poets.

Tonight's dinner will be at the award-winning Cochon. Their mission is to stay true to locally sourced ingredients and authentically prepared Southern and Cajun cuisine. Pork is king here! Libations include interesting bourbons, local beers, traditional southern cocktails - and moonshine.

Day 4, Thursday

Breakfast at the hotel. Individual departures to the airport.

Royal Sonesta Hotel

Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse

Cafe du Monde

Crescent City Farmer's Market

Shrimp Po Boy

Chef Donald Link at Cochon