New Orleans Getaway – 4‑Day Relaxed Escape (March/April)

Day 1: Arrival & Easy Stroll

Morning: Arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and take a short rideshare to your hotel in the French Quarter. Check‑in and settle onto the scenic balcony with views of historic streets.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Café du Monde for beignets and coffee, then wander the nearby Jackson Square and admire the St. Louis Cathedral.

Evening: Dine at Coquette on Magazine Street for contemporary Southern cuisine, then return to the hotel for a restful night.

Day 2: Culture & Cuisine

Morning: Start with the complimentary hotel breakfast on your balcony, then explore the Historic New Orleans Collection at the Preservation Hall museum.

Afternoon: Take a short streetcar ride to the Garden District for a guided walking tour of its mansions and the famous Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.

Evening: Return to the French Quarter for dinner at Antoine’s, followed by a low‑key live jazz set at Preservation Hall.

Day 3: Nature & Local Flavors

Morning: Grab a quick bite from the hotel, then board a short ferry to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve for a peaceful walk through the bayou trails.

Afternoon: Head back downtown for a light lunch at Coop’s Place, then browse the artisanal shops on Royal Street.

Evening: Treat yourselves to a dinner cruise on the Mississippi River with Steamboat Natchez, enjoying the city lights from the deck.

Day 4: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast on the balcony, then take a relaxed stroll along the Riverwalk to soak in the scenery.

Afternoon: Check out of the hotel and store luggage at the front desk while you explore the French Market for last‑minute souvenirs.

Evening: Catch an early evening flight from Louis Armstrong Airport back to Norfolk International Airport.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Round‑trip flights (Norfolk ↔ New Orleans) – 2 adults, approx. 5 hrs total travel time – $800
• Hotel (4 nights, French Quarter, balcony, breakfast) – 4 nights @ $120/night – $480
• Café du Monde breakfast & beignets – 1 hr – $15
• Preservation Hall museum visit – 1.5 hrs – $30
• Guided Garden District tour – 3 hrs – $45
• Jean Lafitte Bayou walk – 2 hrs – $20 (transport)
• Dinner cruise (Steamboat Natchez) – 2 hrs – $120
• Miscellaneous meals & transport – 2 hrs/day – $200
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,710

Tips

If you have extra time, add a fifth day to explore the Audubon Park and the National WWII Museum, or simply enjoy a relaxed spa morning at your hotel. To shorten the trip, combine the Garden District tour with the bayou walk into a single half‑day and replace the dinner cruise with a dinner at a nearby bistro, saving both time and a portion of the budget.