New Orleans Plantation Tour with Private Transportation
Skip the crowded buses and impersonal group tours — with La Vie NOLA Private Tours, enjoy a New Orleans plantation tour with private transportation, offering a comfortable, curated way to explore Louisiana’s most iconic historic estates. Travel in a private SUV with an experienced local historical guide who handles all logistics, allowing you to fully enjoy the history, culture, and architecture of the Deep South.
The plantations are guided by professional onsite docents, while your historical guide provides additional context about the region, architecture, and the lives of those who lived and labored on these estates. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a deeper, respectful understanding of Louisiana’s past — without the stress of navigating roads or crowds.
Many guests combine this tour with our private New Orleans city tour or private airboat swamp tour for a full-day Louisiana experience.
Book your plantation tour today — experience history, comfort, and private transportation.
Itinerary – New Orleans Plantation Tour
Scenic Drive - Begin with pickup from your New Orleans hotel and travel through the wetlands of the Mississippi River Delta, where your historical guide shares regional context and stories that set the stage for the day.
River Road - Follow the Mississippi River along the historic River Road, passing former sugar estates and centuries‑old live oaks as your guide highlights the area’s cultural and architectural significance.
Plantation Visits - Choose one or two antebellum estates to explore. The guided tours inside each home are led by professional onsite docents, while your historical guide provides additional insight before and after the docent portion and helps you navigate the grounds at your own pace.
Full‑Day Option - If visiting two plantations, enjoy a lunch stop at a local restaurant between estates.
Return to New Orleans - Relax on the drive back to your hotel or preferred drop‑off location.
Tour Options & Pricing
One Plantation: Half Day Option
Duration: 4 hours
Price: $535 for up to 4 guests; $65/pp additional
Includes plantation admission and private transportation
Two Plantations: Full Day Option
Duration: 7–8 hours
Price: $785 for up to 4 guests; $85/pp additional
Includes: Admission to both plantations and lunch stop (food & beverage not included)
Recommended Departure: 9:30 AM to avoid afternoon traffic
Suggested Plantations to Visit
Guests often choose from several historic plantations, each offering unique stories and architecture:
Destrehan Plantation: Founded in 1787, Destrehan is the oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi Valley. The estate features historical documents signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, along with sweeping views of the Mississippi River beneath moss‑draped live oaks.
Laura Plantation: A Creole estate known for its powerful storytelling, Laura offers a 70‑minute docent‑led tour based on 5,000 pages of French National Archives documents. Explore the restored Manor House, gardens, Banana‑Land grove, original Creole cottages, and slave quarters — each space revealing seven generations of family and enslaved history.
Oak Alley Plantation: Famous for its breathtaking alley of 28 live oaks, Oak Alley features a detailed slavery exhibit with six cabins illustrating daily life, medical care, and the experiences of enslaved people.
Houmas House Estate: Once the largest sugar producer in the nation, Houmas House — “The Sugar Palace” — showcases 16 lavishly furnished rooms and 38 acres of gardens, reflecting the wealth and grandeur of antebellum Louisiana.
Which Plantation Should You Choose?
Each plantation offers a different experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the one that best fits your interests:
Destrehan Plantation
Ideal for guests who want the closest plantation to New Orleans and a strong sense of early Louisiana history. Founded in 1787, it offers a quieter, more intimate experience with rare historical documents and beautiful river views.
Laura Plantation
Best for travelers who appreciate powerful storytelling and cultural depth. The tour is based on extensive archival research and focuses on the lives of the families and enslaved people who lived on the estate.
Oak Alley Plantation
Perfect for guests seeking iconic scenery and photography. The famous alley of 28 live oaks and the detailed slavery exhibit make this one of the most visually striking and educational plantations.
Houmas House Estate
A great choice for those who enjoy architecture, gardens, and grandeur. Known as “The Sugar Palace,” Houmas House features lavish interiors and expansive, meticulously maintained gardens.
When you’re ready, we’ll take care of the rest.
Book your private plantation tour and enjoy a seamless, comfortable experience from start to finish.
Arrival / Transportation
Pickup from your hotel or preferred location in New Orleans
Drop‑off at your hotel or chosen destination
Vehicle: Full‑size SUV with leather interior, 2nd‑row captain’s chairs, and 3rd‑row seating
Capacity: Up to 6 passengers
Add-Ons for the Single Plantation
Option 1 - Add a Private Airboat Swamp Tour with optional stop for lunch
Luxury transportation
Private airboat experience
Plantation admission included
Lunch stop at a local restaurant
Duration: 7 hours
Price: $1,195 for up to 6 guests (food & beverage not included)
Option 2 - Add a Private City Tour with optional stop for lunch
Plantation admission included
Private citywide driving tour
Lunch stop at a local restaurant
Duration: 7.5 hours
Price: $885 for up to 4 guests; $50/pp additional for up to 6 (food & beverage not included)
Payment / Refunds
Book your New Orleans plantation tour today with La Vie NOLA Private Tours and enjoy private transportation, expert guidance, and a respectful, immersive journey through Louisiana’s most storied estates.
Live Oaks of Oak Alley
Houmas House
Laura Plantation
Oak Alley Plantation
Whitney Plantation
Houmas House
Nottoway Plantation
Destrehan Plantation