My wife/I will be visiting New Orleans from Europe in October, staying 2 weeks.

Can someone suggest an itinerary enabling us to see the main curiosities, yet leaving us with 3-4 days beachside stay (isn't the coast too far from New Orleans) & where?
We are interested in typical sights, e.g. bayou, plantations, nature, Mississipi cruise (is a multi-day cruise worth, between which towns) etc.

Does the NOLA atmosphere justify staying 3-4 days there?

You'll find plenty to do in NOLA. There are several recent trip reports on here that I would first peruse. Depending on how far you care to drive, I would venture over to Fla. (probably 4 hours or so to Destin) for beaches, w/perhaps a stop in Mobile en route. The Mississippi cruises are not cheap although I believe some daytrips type cruises may be available. If you opt for that, I would make sure that Natchez (MS) is included in the itin. If you don't care to go as far as Destin then http://www.gulfshores.com/ would be a closer option. This is probably the best NOLA site - http://www.neworleanscvb.com/ Particularly for things that are going on.

You've got a couple of options on the plantations. Many are located on Hwy 18 (the River Road) which you can take out of NO and up to Baton Rouge. See Oak Alley, Nottoway, Madewood, Laura to name a few. Some have overnight accommodations (we've stayed at Nottoway) which can be a real treat. Others are located along US 90, like Homas House.

www.seelouisiana.com/plantations will give you a good overview and specific locations.

If you continue further on US 90 up to Lafayette, you'll pass through Cajun Country which is quite enjoyable. You'd also be near Avery Island where they make Tabasco, which has a nice interesting tour.

One loop: Take the River Road to visit the plantations mentioned above, then cut over from Baton Rouge to Lafayette and return to NO on US 90 through Cajun Country and Houma (and Houmas House).

I agree with SAnParis about beach options. The Destin/Pensacola area has some very nice beaches with endless accommodation options. The Orange Beach area of AL (near Gulf Shores mentioned above) is also nice, and sometimes offers better deals than the Destin area.

Forgot to mention the cruises. Agree that they can be somewhat expensive. One complaint is the fact that the river-level views are often obstructed by the levy and dike system - you simply can't see over them at times. But it is a different experience and agree that Natchez should be on the itinerary (and would seriously consider a drive up there even if you decide not to take the boat)

Another option: There are also a number of "day trips" out of NO on riverboats that last several hours.

thks for all these nice advices. Pls keep posting!

I agree with the above comments (NO can easily fill 3-4 days and more), and don't have much to add, but I wanted to add my .02 that you should definitely visit the plantations along River Rd.

I used to live in NO and always took visiting friends on a tour up River Rd. and they were usually a big hit. We always liked Oak Alley and Laura but I guess Laura has since been damaged by a fire.

The link above doesn't work for me but this one does:

www.seelouisiana.com/planti.htm

I assume you will be renting a car (you will need one to get to the good beaches of Gulf Shores, Ft. Walton or Destin), and you can visit River Rd. on a leisurely pace if you are driving (and you have time to go all the way up to Natchez for a couple of days, which is worth a visit). Alternatively, there are a lot of day trips from the city.

PS - I meant to say that, if you don't want to drive, there are a lot of "tours" doing day trips from the city, as mentioned above. I think there are coach tours along the road as well as river cruises.

don't forget that a significant portion of any visit to New Orleans should be devoted to eating.

there have been a few threads here and a lot of suggestions over at www.chowhound.com

If you like food, make sure to read NeoPatricks' recent 'foodie' report while he was in NOLA.

Which one of Destin or Pensacola would be a nicer place to stay at? Would the beach in Pensacola be as nice? Also, I notice the temperatures seem to be relatively cold to stay on the beach toward end October; is this right?

I guess 'cold' is a relative term. If you are seeking 'bathwater-type' ocean temps those will be long gone, however, we go to the beach nearly every October (to NC or N. Fla.) & have never NOT been able to get into the water. I guess I am curious as to what your expectations are for that time of year ?

Water temps should be okay in October. I would plan the beach portion on the early side of your stay to guarantee warm weather and temps. The temps will be way warmer than anywhere in Europe than you happen to be from, so you will probably be fine. It's just we're used to very hot conditions in the summer which aren't present in October.

I haven't seen this recommended here, but you did ask about it in your original post. You asked about visiting a bayou. I would recommend a swamp tour. There are several companies that offer this and are usually only 30 to 45 minutes from New Orleans (or you can drive).

If you want to stay overnight in a plantation, I hear Madewood is the best for that. Oak Alley, Nottoway, and Laura Plantations are all must sees as well.

It is just great receiving all these opinions, tx.
SAnParis2, I was afraid that air temperature would not allow to sit outside in swimwear anymore; it now looks like I was wrong & this is just fine.

Dear all,
I start figuring out the 14-d long trip; your comments/answers to the following will be appreciated.
* 3 days in NO (is a 1-d steamboat cruise worth? I ain't seen it in any of the trip reports I reviewed)
* 1 day Natchez-Lafayette, including a Plantation
* 2 days around Lafayette (Tabasco factory & jungle gardens, Lake Martin Swamp Tour including bayou scenery), New Iberia, S Martin
* 1 day Lafayette/Madewood Plantation + site tour + overnight
* 1 day Madewood/Pensacola
* 3 days "beaching" with some light sightseeing (is Pensacola worth?)
* 1 day back to NO
* 2 last days in NO

PS. What would we miss if we miss Natchez?
PS(bis). Any suggestions as to possible sightseeing on the driving days?
PS (ter) Best rental car company to secure a convertible at reasonable rate?

A full day steam cruise isn't worth it IMO. But there are some that are just a few hours long which is a nice experience.

If you're planning to drive up to Natchez in the morning from NO, visit it and then go to Lafayette the same evening, that's too much. You need almost a full day. Go up the night before, see Natchez and then to Lafayette that evening - still a push but doable.

If you miss Natchez - you'll miss major Civil War historical sites and the antebellum homes. The homes aren't on plantations like in Louisiana, so it's a very different experience. If you enjoy those, then I'd say it's worth the trip.

Not sure of your exact dates you are traveling but you may be in Natchez for the Fall Pilgramage, which means it may be difficult to find a place to stay, but also means you'll have access to some places you otherwise may not. I believe it runs through Oct. 10th. http://www.natchezms.com/, http://www.visitnatchez.com/

I need this holiday to be relaxing. My trip schedule could only permit 24 hrs in Natchez. From scanning the web, I could spot a couple of antebellums & old Natchez as main spots. I am not talking about the Natchez Trace (444 Mi long). Is there anything important I missed?
Also, wondering if anyone has suggestion for accommodation in Natchez & in/around Lafayette? I like them like cottages by a lake or typical local ones (comfortable, quiet). Thks once more for your feedback.

And the most competitive car rental company for a convertible car?

Maison des Amis is a great place to stay in the Lafayette area. It's in Breaux Bridge but fits your requirements.

All car rental companies offer convertible cars.

Please be sure to write up a trip report when you return.

Hi & thks for the latest advisory. I booked at Cajun Cottages nearby Lafayette (good comments on Fodors & Tripadvisor). Not all car rental companies do offer convertible. I will feedback upon return. I the meanwhile we are looking forward to the trip.