Double Plantation Tour: Oak Alley and Laura

Explore Louisiana’s Historic Plantations with a Private Guide

This Double Plantation Tour offers a deep look into Louisiana’s antebellum past through visits to Oak Alley and Laura Plantation. Priced at $435.00 per person, this private experience lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours and provides an intimate, docent-led exploration of two of the best-preserved plantations near New Orleans. The tour includes private transportation, so no rental car is needed, making it both convenient and comfortable.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on educating visitors about the complex history of the rural South, including the lives of both free and enslaved people. The tour’s high praise—a perfect 5-star rating from 9 reviews—reflects its engaging guides, meaningful storytelling, and well-paced itinerary, making it ideal for those keen on understanding Louisiana’s past beyond just the scenic views.

Key Points

• Private tour with exclusive group access for a personalized experience
• Visits to Oak Alley and Laura Plantation, both within an hour’s drive of New Orleans
• Guided tours reveal stories of both free and enslaved residents
• Educational insights on plantation life, including the contrast of mansions, gardens, and slave cottages
• Tour duration of 5-6 hours, with transportation included for ease of travel
• Admission tickets included for both plantations, plus bottled water

Visiting Oak Alley Plantation: The Iconic “Grand Dame of River Road”

The tour begins at Oak Alley Plantation, famously called “The Grand Dame of River Road”. Built in 1839, this plantation was initially named Bon Séjour and is renowned for its stunning quarter-mile avenue lined with 28 towering live oaks. These grand trees, which lead up to the mansion, give Oak Alley its iconic, postcard-perfect look.

This site was nicknamed “Oak Alley” by steamboat passengers due to this impressive canopy. Visitors spend approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes exploring the grounds, taking in the magnificent mansion and its carefully maintained gardens. The guided tour at Oak Alley explains its history and architecture, providing insight into the wealth and status of its original owners.

The tour also emphasizes the lives of both free and enslaved people who inhabited the plantation, helping visitors understand the stark contrast between the elegant mansion and the slave cottages on the grounds. Admission to this plantation is included in the overall tour price, ensuring a comprehensive visit without additional costs.

Discovering Laura Plantation: A Creole Heritage Site

After Oak Alley, the tour moves to Laura Plantation: A Creole Plantation, located about an hour from New Orleans. Known for its authentic Creole architecture, Laura offers a 70-minute guided tour based on over 5,000 pages of documents from the French National Archives.

Guides at Laura Plantation share stories of seven generations of families, including both free and enslaved residents. Visitors explore 11 structures on the property, such as the restored Manor House, Creole cottages, and slave cabins. Highlights include the formal and kitchen gardens, the Banana-Land grove, and the stories from West-African folklore related to the former slaves’ tales of Brer Rabbit, recorded in the 1870s.

Laura Plantation’s focus on personal stories and folklore makes it stand out. The admission ticket is included, so visitors can also walk through the plantation’s grounds at their own pace and appreciate its restored historic buildings.

Transportation and Comfort Throughout the Day

The entire tour features private transport from New Orleans, eliminating the need for self-driving. This setup allows for a relaxed, informative experience, with the driver-guide available to answer questions and provide additional context after each stop.

Bottled water is provided, helping visitors stay refreshed during the approximately 6-hour adventure. While there is an option to stop for lunch, the cost of food is not included, giving flexibility for personal preferences.

The Educational Focus on Slavery and Plantation Life

Both plantations place a strong emphasis on educating visitors about the history of slavery in Louisiana. The guides explore how enslaved people lived, including the slave cottages and families’ stories, complementing the more glamorous aspects like the mansions and gardens.

At Oak Alley, the contrast between the magnificent mansion and the slave quarters highlights the social hierarchy. Laura Plantation’s storytelling, especially around West-African tales, adds depth to understanding African-American folklore and the voices of enslaved ancestors.

Reviews Highlighting the Tour’s Quality

The tour consistently receives perfect ratings, with reviews praising knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling. One reviewer calls the experience “just wonderful,” noting the sense of having an old friend guiding through Louisiana’s history. Others emphasize the value for money and the pleasure of exploring Laura Plantation, which is described as “definitely one to visit.”

Guests appreciate the personalized experience that a private tour offers, along with the friendly and well-informed guides like Ben, who is highlighted for his informative and personable approach.

Practical Details and Booking Information

This private tour is designed for most travelers, with service animals allowed and its proximity to public transportation making it accessible. It is recommended to book about 65 days in advance, considering its popularity and the limited group size. The total cost is $435.00 per person, reflecting the personalized nature and inclusiveness of the tour.

Cancellation policies specify that the experience is non-refundable, so travelers should plan accordingly. The tour does not include lunch, but it provides a flexible window for self-arranged dining.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour is ideal for visitors who want more than just scenic views; it appeals to those interested in learning about the social history of Louisiana, including the lives of enslaved people. It suits travelers who prefer guided, educational experiences with personalized service and historical depth. The private transport and comprehensive storytelling make it a comfortable and insightful way to understand the complex past of the Deep South.

The Sum Up: A Thoughtful and Educational Plantation Visit

The Double Plantation Tour offers a well-rounded, educational experience with visits to Oak Alley and Laura Plantation. Its price reflects the personalized attention, admission to both sites, and private transportation, making it a worthwhile investment for history enthusiasts.

While the tour emphasizes history and storytelling over leisure activities, it provides a compelling look into Louisiana’s plantation era, including the difficult truths behind slavery. The guides’ expertise and wholesome pacing are praised, making this tour especially suitable for those eager to understand the human stories behind historic architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, including transportation, visits, and guided tours.

Are admission tickets included?
Yes, admission to both Oak Alley and Laura Plantation is included in the $435.00 per person price.

Is food included in the tour?
No, lunch is optional and not included, giving flexibility to bring your own or dine at nearby options.

What features are at Laura Plantation?
Visitors explore 11 historic structures, including the restored Manor House, Creole cottages, and slave cabins, along with gardens and folklore stories.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, with service animals allowed and easy access due to proximity to public transportation.

Can I ask questions during the tour?
Yes, the private driver-guide is available to answer questions and provide additional insights after each stop.

Is this tour good for history buffs?
Absolutely; the tour’s focus on personal stories, architecture, and African folklore makes it especially engaging for those interested in Louisiana’s complex history.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to reserve about 65 days ahead, as it is a popular choice among visitors.