New Orleans Private City and Cemetery Tour – Up to 24 Passengers

Explore the Best of New Orleans in a Private Setting

The New Orleans Private City and Cemetery Tour offers an intimate way to experience this vibrant city, tailored for groups of up to 24 people. Priced at $800 per group, this 2.5-hour tour provides a personalized look at some of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods and historic sites. An excellent choice for those wanting a flexible, guided experience with a small group size, this tour emphasizes comfort, insider knowledge, and convenience with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

This tour stands out for its careful selection of stops—from the French Quarter to City Park and the Garden District—and its focus on both architecture and history. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and want to see a variety of highlights without rushing. The knowledgeable guides make the experience engaging, and with free admission to all sites, the value remains high, especially considering the personalized approach.

Key Points

• Private group experience with up to 24 participants for a personalized feel
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the French Quarter and Business District
• Visit notable sites like St. Louis Cathedral, City Park, and St. Louis Cemetery #3
• Enjoy beignets at the City Park sculpture garden and Café du Monde
• Learn about New Orleans architecture, history, and culture from licensed guides
• Completely flexible cancellation policy with full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance

Pickup and Drop-Off at Your Hotel in New Orleans

The tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup, available within the French Quarter and Business District. This personalized service means no worries about transportation logistics, especially for travelers unfamiliar with the city. The group size typically remains under 15 participants, with a maximum of 24, ensuring that everyone receives attention from the licensed guides.

After the tour, guests are dropped back at their hotel, making it easy to continue exploring or relax without the need to navigate public transit. The professional driver and guide team work together to keep the experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.

Highlights of the City Neighborhoods and Architectural Gems

The tour passes through iconic neighborhoods such as Treme, French Quarter, and Garden District. As the bus travels along St. Charles Avenue, travelers gain insight into the distinctive architectural styles of the historic mansions lining the street. The guides highlight the unique features of these buildings, offering a window into New Orleans’ elegant past.

Along With the neighborhoods, the tour provides exterior views of many other local highlights, making it an efficient and engaging way to grasp the city’s diverse character. This approach allows for an overview of the city’s visual history without the need for extensive walking.

Visiting St. Louis Cathedral and the French Quarter

One of the tour’s key stops is at the St. Louis Cathedral, the most recognizable symbol of New Orleans. While the tour does not require an entry ticket, the exterior and surrounding architecture are worth noting for their historical significance and classic French Gothic style. This site is a central point in the French Quarter, and the guide shares stories about its history and role in the city’s development.

The French Quarter itself is a highlighted area along the route, with plenty of exterior sights and lively streets to observe from the bus, offering a snapshot of New Orleans’ colonial and Creole influences.

City Park and the Sculpture Garden Stop

A major feature of this tour is a stop at City Park, home to the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Here, guests can stretch their legs and explore the art installations set in a lush garden setting, providing a peaceful contrast to the bus journey.

The sculpture garden is free to enter, and the tour includes about 20-30 minutes to enjoy the exhibits and the surrounding park. Plus, guests can visit the Morning Call Cafe within City Park for some famous beignets—a sweet, crispy treat that’s a must-try in New Orleans.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 3: An Iconic Cemetery Tour

The tour stops at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, a Roman Catholic Cemetery dating back to one of the city’s oldest burial sites. This stop offers about 10 minutes for guests to explore on their own, following a guided tour of the famous gravestones. The cemetery’s unique above-ground tombs and historical significance make it a standout for those interested in New Orleans’ mortuary traditions.

This stop is particularly valuable for visitors wanting an insider perspective on the city’s cemetery culture. Since admission is free, it complements the overall cost-effectiveness of the experience.

Café Beignets and Bathroom Break in City Park

A quick 20-minute stop at Café du Monde located within City Park gives guests a chance to enjoy fresh beignets and use the restroom facilities. The free admission to the cafe means no extra charge for this sweet treat, which is a popular local specialty. This break also offers a chance to snap photos and enjoy the lively park atmosphere.

The convenient timing allows guests to indulge in the classic New Orleans experience without extending the overall tour duration excessively.

Expertise of the Licensed Guides

All guides leading this tour are licensed professionals who have deep knowledge of New Orleans’ history, architecture, and culture. Their insider insights help bring the city’s stories to life, making the narrative engaging and informative. The guides’ friendly demeanor and local expertise add a personal touch that elevates the experience beyond just a sightseeing bus ride.

Their explanations help visitors understand the context behind the stately mansions, historic cemeteries, and artistic highlights, providing a richer appreciation of what makes New Orleans unique.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour costs $800 per group, accommodating up to 24 participants comfortably. It is recommended to book approximately 6 to 7 months in advance, as the experience is popular and tends to fill quickly. The duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, a well-balanced timeframe that allows for sightseeing without fatigue.

The cancellation policy is flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. The tour requires good weather, but if canceled due to poor conditions, guests are offered a full refund or rescheduling.

Why Choose This Private Tour in New Orleans

This private city and cemetery tour provides an inclusive, well-rounded overview of New Orleans’ most recognizable sites, tailored for small groups seeking a personalized experience. The hotel pickup and drop-off add a layer of convenience that makes it suitable for visitors with limited time or those preferring a less hectic exploration.

The tour’s focus on architecture, history, and local culture, combined with stops for beignets and cemetery exploration, offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, education, and treats. The high ratings and positive reviews reflect the quality of guides and the overall experience.

New Orleans Private City and Cemetery Tour: Final Thoughts

For travelers eager to experience New Orleans’ neighborhoods, historic cemeteries, and local flavors in a private, guided setting, this tour presents a compelling option. The small group size, expert guides, and carefully planned stops ensure that visitors get a personalized and insightful tour of the city’s highlights within a manageable timeframe.

While it excels in providing a rundown with notable sites, it does not include interior access to buildings or extended walking. Still, for those who want an efficient, informative, and comfortable introduction to New Orleans, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the French Quarter and Business District.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

What stops are included?
Stops include St. Louis Cathedral, City Park (with sculpture garden and beignets), St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, and a drive through neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Garden District.

Are the sites paid for separately?
No, all site admissions are free; the tour covers the entry costs.

How many people can join this tour?
Up to 24 guests can participate, maintaining a private, intimate experience.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour suitable for mobility-impaired travelers?
The information suggests most travelers can participate, but specific accessibility details are not provided.

What is the cost of this tour?
The fee is $800 per group, suitable for small or family groups.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations are recommended in advance, especially since the tour is popular, with bookings made on platforms like Viator.

This private tour offers an engaging, streamlined way to experience New Orleans’ most iconic sights comfortably and with expert guidance, making it a fantastic option for first-time visitors or those seeking a flexible, personalized city overview.