Guests arrive at the New Orleans International Airport and transportation from the airport to the hotel is on your own. (refer to the FAQ tab). Check into the ST. James Hotel (after 4 p.m.) If you arrive early, the hotel will store your bags and you are free to explore the city on your own. Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome get together at Dominic's, a hot place to see and be seen, on our way to dinner. This evening we'll enjoy dinner at the Palace Cafe one of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans. Of course, our STI travel director is available to meet and greet and get you oriented on your first day in the Big Easy.

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at Harrah's Casino, upscale culinary treats featuring indigenous, traditional fare at this scrumptious 7-station buffet, just 2 blocks from our hotel. Following breakfast we'll meet our local guide in the lobby. Our city tour includes the Garden District, Audubon Park, City Park and the area devastated by hurricane Katrina. After our city tour, we'll take a short drive outside the quarter to Oak Valley Plantation, the “Grande Dame” of plantations, where we'll tour the mansion and enjoy a delicious Cajun Buffet. Next we'll get an insider's peek at the glitz and glory of the famous Mardi Gras celebrations with a guided tour of Mardi Gras World. See the awesome floats and props and even dress in authentic, ornate carnival costumes. Don't forget your cameras. This is a perfect photo opportunity! After our exciting day we return to the hotel. Tonight dinner is on your own. There are many mouth watering options from which to choose and our STI travel director is available to assist with your plans.

We'll enjoy a full buffet breakfast at Harrah's Casino. Today is at leisure to do whatever you wish. There are so many fun and interesting things to do. STI offers some optional tours to choose from including a Swamp and Bayou Tour ($59) and the River Boat Cruise ($29). Now the party starts. Tonight, the highlight of our tour, the St Patrick’s Day Parade in the French Quarter at 6:00 p.m. Our STI tour director will coordinate the event. Following the parade we'll enjoy a Cajun style dinner at Mulate’s Cajun Restaurant with live music & dancing! If you're not exhausted yet enjoy the festivities on famous Bourbon Street until the wee hours! OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS: Creole Queen River Boat Cruise. $29 Join us on America's oldest continuously operating cruise line.We'll cruise the Mighty Mississippi past the French Quarter and through one of the world's busiest ports. Swamp Tour. $59 We'll head down to the swamp on a real life adventure with a professional Captain as he/she leads us on this journey into the past. We'll view fascinating plant life, live alligators and many other wild creatures as we glide down haunting bayous lined with moss-draped cypress trees. Transportation from the hotel is included. French Quarter Walking Tour. $39 We'll explore the storied streets of the Vieux Carre, where legend and documented history converge. From the dynamic Mississippi River to the serene courtyards, we experience the Vieux Carre with the city's best guides. We'll discover everything from the outrageous colonial history to Creole Culture, from piracy to architectural masterpieces. Also we'll enjoy a few of the stops along the way: the French Market, Jean Lafitte Blacksmith Shop, Jackson Square and the Saint Louis Cathedral. Cajun Cooking School with Lunch. $39 Hey Good Lookin' - Whatcha' Got Cookin'? The cooking demonstration will be taught by a well known local chef, skilled in the arts and traditions of Cajun and Creole Cuisine. We'll be treated to a wide range of local classics such as Jambalaya, Gumbo, Corn & Crab Bisque and Pralines. The class takes place 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, it's a short walk from the hotel.

Enjoy continental breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Super shuttles are available for your transport back to the airport (on own). We Hope you enjoyed your stay in fabulous New Orleans!