Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans
4.5
Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans
By Gray Line
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About
A day trip with transportation from New Orleans to the Whitney Plantation Museum lets you explore the legacy of antebellum Louisiana on a former sugar plantation. Unique to area plantation museums, this one focuses on slavery. Learn about plantation life from the perspective of slaves through exhibits and narratives, and walk in the footsteps of those who lived and toiled here as you visit preserved slave cabins and see the Spanish Creole Big House. Download the Whitney Plantation app for the self-guided tour of Whitney Plantation Museum.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 1-99, max of 55 per group
Duration: 5h 25m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Visit the historic Whitney Plantation Museum on a day trip from New Orleans
- Louisiana’s only plantation focused on the history of slavery
- Learn about plantation life through recorded narratives and exhibits
- Transport from New Orleans is included, so no need to rent a car
- 2 hours to spend touring Whitney Plantation
- Round-trip transport from central New Orleans
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Audio Tour Via Whitney Plantation App
- Entry/Admission - Whitney Plantation
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Board a coach in the French Quarter and leave New Orleans behind for the swampy shores of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River. Arrive at Whitney Plantation, a one-time sugar and indigo plantation that dates back more than 260 years. Unique among Louisiana’s historic plantations, Whitney is dedicated to promoting an understanding of slavery in the American South. Hear firsthand accounts of the hardships of plantation life through narratives recorded by the Federal Writers’ Project, and browse historic artifacts in a series of exhibits. See some of the surviving slaves cabins, which stand in sharp contrast to the stately Big House, considered one of Louisiana’s best surviving examples of Spanish Creole architecture. Several memorials and pieces of art dedicated to the memory of enslaved people offer a chance to reflect before the return drive to New Orleans. The tour ends at the original departure point.
- Start:
- Gray Line New Orleans, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USADeparts from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River, just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3780P41- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- Check-in is 15 minutes prior to start time.
- If the guest needs a wheelchair lift equipped bus, then special arrangements need to be made with the supplier. This must be arranged 48 hours prior to tour date. Contact details will be on your voucher.
- Guests visiting Whitney using a wheelchair will have access to the gift shop, restrooms, and museum. The plantation grounds are accessible; however, there are uneven gravel paths. The main house tour is not accessible to guest traveling in wheelchairs and is not required to be modified as it is a historic home; however, the first floor is accessible. Guests would be able to view the slave quarters, but would not have access to enter.
- Tour at Whitney Plantation is Self Guided
- This tour includes 2 hours dedicated to exploring the grounds of Whitney Plantation. The remaining time consists of travel to and from the destination.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 55 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Where is the departure point for the Whitney Plantation Tour?
- The tour begins at the Gray Line "Lighthouse" Ticket Office in the French Quarter at Toulouse Street & the Mississippi River - at the Steamboat Natchez Dock (400 Toulouse Street.)Answered Jun 2021
- Is there parking near the departure point for the Whitney Plantation Tour?
- There are public parking lots on Decatur Street that charge hourly rates. Some require prepayment through an automated kiosk on site. The parking lot closest to the tour departure point is Jax Lot # P401, 500 Decatur St.Answered Jun 2021
- What should I wear for the Whitney Plantation Tour?
- Casual attire is appropriate. Walking portions may be on uneven sidewalks and streets, so please wear comfortable shoes. During warmer months we recommend lightly colored clothing. Caps/hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen are also suggested.Answered Jun 2021
- Can I take photos/videos during the Whitney Plantation Tour?
- For the most part, yes. However, flash photography and/or video is not allowed in some locations you will visit. Your tour guide will be sure to inform you.Answered Jun 2021
The tour operator has provided the following answers to customers’ questions.- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3780P41
From
$82.00
per adult
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Itinerary
- 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USADeparts from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River, just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding.
- Pass byLake Pontchartrain
- 1Arrive at the Whitney Plantation, which dates back more than 260 years and is now a working museum dedicated to the understanding of slavery in the American South. Visit museum exhibits and restored buildings including historical slave cabins, some of which remain from the original 22 on-site. See the Big House, which is one of the finest surviving examples of Spanish Creole architecture in Louisiana, and learn about the daily life of former slaves at Whitney as recorded by the Federal Writers' Project. Tour at your own pace, and if you choose, download the Whitney Plantation app for the self-guided tour of the plantation. At the end of your experience, you're returned to central New Orleans.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Nisha P0 contributionsBest part of our trip!Worth every penny! This being our first trip to NOLA,we wanted our visit to be a cultural and historic learning opportunity foremost. This pkg ( Oak Alley plantation and Swamp tour combo) didn't disappoint! Guides at the plantation were knowledgeable and nice. The plantation restaurant had amazing food and warm, friendly staff. Grayline bus was clean, and timely and the bus guide kept us learning and entertained the whole round trip. Captain Danny at the swamp boat was equally funny, wise, and a great tour guide. My family loved meeting Mike and Ike ( baby turtles), Bruce the alligator, Bonney and Clyde ( Craw fish), and also learning a lot about the swamp ecosystem. Greatly recommended!Written December 1, 2024
- Inna D0 contributionsExcellent tour, highly recommendExcellent tour combination of swamp and plantation. We really enjoyed it. Swap tour was excellent on a quiet boat, saw lots of wild life including gaiters. Spend 2.5h at plantation, it was enough time to see the grounds of a plantation, take tour of the house and listen to the talk.Written December 1, 2024
- NinaK35360 contributionsTake this tour, it's worth it!Highly recommend this tour. Easy pick up by the bus from the tour stop at the river front. Kate, the guide, was incredibly knowledgeable, I learnt so much. She told so many interesting stories. Robert the driver was professional, safe and very courteous. Lovely air conditioned and large bus. It was super comfortable and a really enjoyable drive. I recommend you take snacks/lunch with you so you can optimize your time at Oak Alley. There are cafés but it would eat into your time touring the grounds. Captain Dan at Cajun Pride was also really friendly, knowledgeable, and funny.Written November 30, 2024
- Maggie L0 contributionsIncomplete tourWe couldn’t complete the tutor because the windshield wipers were not working. We only had one day in town and the day was wasted.Written November 30, 2024
- W7839CKcc0 contributionsInformative and educationalBryant our driver was professional and knowledgeable. The plantation reflected grander. Slave quarters man's inhumanity to man. Slaves Antoine, Meanna and others showed ingenuity and inspiration. Informative and educational. I would recommend.Written November 28, 2024
- Julie P0 contributionsBest way to explore Louisiana history!The swamp tour was the absolute best! Doing it at the end of November I was nervous we wouldn’t see anything but we saw so much! The Oak Alley Plantation was beautiful!! Don’t skip the restaurant best po boy and spinach and artichoke dip I have EVER had! The tour of the big house was a disappointment I don’t know if it was tour guide or the tour it self but I have seen better tours at different plantations.Written November 28, 2024
- G6477VOmelissar0 contributionsExcellent tourThis is a must tour! It was full of history past and present. The driver Robert was so nice. And the tour guide Kate was very knowledgeable. On the ride to the plantation she gave us some history lessons. She also talked about the different plantations that were on the way to Oak Alley. Oak Alley was just so beautiful. Full of history and they had the slave quarters which you can walk thru and read about how life would have been in those times. The main house was beautiful and well preserved. We got a drink from their bar, which was great. We also ate at the restaurant. We didn’t think we would have enough time to eat there before our tour bus left, but the staff made it happen. We had the fried green tomatoes, shrimp po boy, and pescan chicken. Everything was excellent!!! Finally we went on our swamp tour. The tour guide was funny and awesome. I can’t remember his name. Best part was that I got to hold an alligator. This is a must tour! Kate and Robert were the best!!!Written November 27, 2024
- Road314208320410 contributionsBryant the bus driver was great and the tour was very informative.The tour was awesome, even the ride over with Bryant. Bryant was informative on the trip over and even made stops along the way so he could give us some information about the other plantations we drove by and the history of those on River Road. I highly recommend. The plantation was also interesting. We self-toured the grounds and replica slave houses. It's sad, but it's history and worth the time. There was a tour for inside the big house and our guide was very informative. She was good about talking about the owners but also giving insight into what it was like for the slaves, which was appreciated and needed. I recommend this tour.Written November 27, 2024
- F7831SImelissag0 contributionsIf you can do it.This was fun, if you like watching gator shows you will like this even if you don't watch it. The driver was excellent. The pick us up and took us to the Bayou to see some gatorsWritten November 26, 2024
- Companion055730060810 contributionsThe plantation , food and alligator tour was great.. the guide on the bus was long windedThe food at the plantation, oak alley presentation restaurant was awesome… food fantastic and service outstanding.. the plantation tour was informative and good.. the guide for black slaves was extremely informative and excellent.. the swamp tour guide and alligator trip was fun and good and informative.. unfortunately the guide on our bus was long winded and talked and talked.. she had a great opportunity to inform us of many things about Louisiana and did so at first but then half way through and the way back from the plantation she would talk about stuff that no one seem to care about .. she was the only difference of this being a five star review.. I would give her a two star review and the rest a over the top five star review..Written November 25, 2024
- pauladJ8338GM0 contributionsWorth the visitBeautiful plantation, and wonderful guide who kept your attention with information about the big house. Grounds are well taken care of.Written November 24, 2024
- Janette13040 contributionsNapoleons BathtubKate was very knowledgeable. Lilian was a safe driver. The plantation was lovely and the swamp tour was super fun! Will talk about for awhile!Written November 24, 2024
- 881shelleyd0 contributionsDisappointedWell… I would have loved to write a review… but unfortunately it turned out to be quite a disappointment. It was canceled about two hours before we were supposed to go. There was no reason given just canceled.Written November 24, 2024
- Scenic4337800 contributionsWorth every penny!Very educational and interesting ghost tour of the French Quarter. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and an excellent storyteller. The augmented reality feature was interesting but had some hiccups. I do appreciate having it to add to the experience. It was definitely worth the price!Written November 23, 2024
- Camper251586158840 contributionsGreat experience!We went on this excursion with Gray Line. It was excellent and the guide with excellent. The property and grounds were absolutely beautiful!! A must see!Written November 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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549 reviews
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citi
1 contribution
May 2022
We got to spend less than 2 of the 5 hours of this trip actually at the plantation. Next to a ~1 hour drive there and back, the final hour was spent picking up and waiting for people who visited another plantation but were taken there with the same bus. In the bus it was freezing cold from the AC and the music & mic audio was set to a deafening volume. The plantation itself was very nice. There could have been some more (visual) aids to help you imagine what life was like on the plantation, but walking on the grounds and seeing the buildings was impressive. The audio tour told nice stories about the things you were looking at, though sometimes it was a bit hard to understand. So, Whitney Plantation is definitely worth a visit, but as the plantation entrance fee is only $25, I recommend finding a more comfortable (and perhaps cheaper) way to travel there than this Gray Line tour.
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Avkar
Wailea, HI8 contributions
We met at 12 for the tour which is a good time as we did our breakfast without a rush, and walked to the meeting point. The drive to the plantation was an hour. Our guide Mary E. explained the history of the area, the places we drove by, effects of the hurricane at the city. The hour passed by quickly. When we arrived, we had 15 minutes to buy a snack or use the restroom. Then we had a 2 hour tour at the plantation. It was very informative, very sad. We had enough time to take a look at and read the stories of slaves. Tour focused mainly on slaves at the plantation. Main house is not really visited. We had another 15 minutes at the end for the gift shop and other needs. We drove to Oak Alley to pick up the people from the other tour, and got a glimpse of that plantation. Looked nice. Heard that plantation’s focus is on the main house. On the way back we listened to more facts from our guide along with a selection of songs with significance for NOLA. Arrived back at 5.10. Perfect time to walk to French Quarter and have a nice dinner. We had a 13 and 9 year old. They both liked the tour.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard F
3 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
The Whitney Plantation itself is a must-see whilst on holiday in New Orleans. We did the audioguide self tour, which was very easy to follow and really gave a lot of detail to the history of the experiences of the slaves at the plantation, as well as the slave trade as a whole. It was a real eye opener and pulls no punches. I would whole heartedly recommend.
With regards to Gray Line, the tour operator - our driver was very friendly and gave some commentary of some of the sights as we drove out of the city and also pulled over to allow us to take photos when it was safe to do so.
The major downside is that this tour is advertised as three hours at the plantation. However, when we arrived at 2:15PM we were told quite clearly to be back on the bus at 4:15PM - only two hours which was no where near enough time for us to fully take in the exhibits. The advert also doesn't explain that the bus driver will be dropping off at two different plantations and so the journey back is somewhat longer than the journey out.
I would fully recommend visiting the Whitne Plantation. I would recommend that if you have a hire car or your own car, to make your own way there as the cost of the self guided tour is only $25!!!
With regards to Gray Line, the tour operator - our driver was very friendly and gave some commentary of some of the sights as we drove out of the city and also pulled over to allow us to take photos when it was safe to do so.
The major downside is that this tour is advertised as three hours at the plantation. However, when we arrived at 2:15PM we were told quite clearly to be back on the bus at 4:15PM - only two hours which was no where near enough time for us to fully take in the exhibits. The advert also doesn't explain that the bus driver will be dropping off at two different plantations and so the journey back is somewhat longer than the journey out.
I would fully recommend visiting the Whitne Plantation. I would recommend that if you have a hire car or your own car, to make your own way there as the cost of the self guided tour is only $25!!!
Written February 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The tour is posted as 4h45min (Duration of experience).
That includes transportation from downtown New Orleans (minimum 1 hour) and back and time for the tours of the grounds and the buildings. Gray Line eliminates personal car traffic and fuel, insights by the driver guide, avoidance of sold out times, etc. We hope that it taken into account when planning your next excursion.
Written February 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mybeautifulsunshine
Logan, UT1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
It seems like an unfinished museum most of the time is spent reading plaques there are very few things to see. It was so expensive for what is there. The top floor of the home was closed to visitors. I only had time to view one plantation and I am so disappointed. I will not return and do not recommend this tour.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Whitney plantation is geared around the life and stories of the enslaved people who lived there. We are not sure what tour you took, but we offer a double plantation tour (choice of 2 plantations) as well one that is a plantation and swamp and another which is two plantations, brunch, and a swamp. If you visit again perhaps another choice would meet your expectations.
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ERICA J
Chicago, IL23 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
This was one of the worst tours I have ever been on. I paid $69 through Gray Line tours only to arrive at a location where 90% of the property were closed off due to COVID. They said they didn't have the staff for a guided tour. Everyone had to download an app for information. Ridiculous!! That should have been stated before I made the reservation so that my decision to go would have been more informed. All that we could do was walk around the outside of 3 of the structures and just look inside and take pictures from the doorway.. A total waste of time. I was truly looking forward to this experience but this was a huge let down. I have used Gray Line tours before but I will definitely look elsewhere for future tours. Please do not waste your money!!!
Written November 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave P
Nashville, TN2 contributions
The plantation tour itself is excellent. But one must be ready for the self guided devices or an app on the phone as opposed to a tour guide. However, there are a few docents on the premises and answer questions as well. What is especially disappointing with the fact that it is not a three hour tour is advertised but two hours. The bus also picks up people at the Oak Alley plantation but it stretches the whole trip five hours but only because they cut down on the amount of time when his head plantation. It is especially false advertising. The bus driver did a fine job and tried to make different remarks he is not a guide.
Written June 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyana F
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Went on the Saturday afternoon tour of Whitney Plantation and Kindrell was our bus driver and he was excellent. He made the hour long bus ride fly by he was funny and entertaining and had an extensive knowledge of the history of New Orleans. I highly recommend this tour and him as a guide they both do not disappoint. When I come back to New Orleans I would definitely do another plantation tour and hopefully I will be lucky enough to get him as a guide again! Chi- town native at its finest!
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a terrific review of the tour and of Kindrell - he is a great asset to our company
Written August 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve J
1 contribution
May 2021
An excellent Gray Line excursion with Alton as the driver on May 27, 2021. The museum is a very good tribute to the enslaved people who made the plantation (and most of antebellum agriculture) function. It would have been nice if the second floor of the big house had been open.
An added bonus was Alton's narration of regional features as we traveled to and from the German Coast.
An added bonus was Alton's narration of regional features as we traveled to and from the German Coast.
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan
New Zealand15 contributions
Would recommend a visit to the Whitney plantation as it gives a full and personal view of the lives of the enslaved people who lived there and didn’t shy away from the realities of plantation life. Our driver Kin was really great. He was very funny and informative, he gave a full hour of information about New Orleans and the other plantations, pointed out things to look at on the way as well as giving us a run down. Added in his own anecdotes that added a personal touch.
Written November 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We hope your review will encourage others.
Written December 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashley W
11 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Worth the visit for an accurate historical perspective. I thought this package was worth the deal for round trip transportation as the location is located on outskirts of New Orleans so as a tourist I did not have a means of transportation. The bus driver also gave great commentary of historical perspective of plantations along the way and a movie also played which ventured around the history of it. Upon arrival the staff did a great job with sanitising audio units and headphones. We were also provided mask upon arrival to wear inside the starting point which is the gift shop but after leaving and starting at the primary location, mask could be taken off. I learned a lot during this tour especially with the audio. Tour with audio about an hour, we explored about 2 hours on our own. Could relay audio and very easy to use. A must visit!
Written October 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whitney is definitely a "must do".
Written November 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Since we did not have a personal or rental car our only option was to book a tour. This tour was in high demand; the bus was packed. Plantation focus is unique from others which I believe explains the number of attendees.
Written September 25, 2021
Are there weight restrictions for the transportation or walking through the grounds?
Written February 22, 2020
We hired a car to drive to the Whitney which was easy to find, but if you want to travel by coach you’ll need to ask the company. Do go though - don’t let anything be a barrier. It’s a very beautiful place even though the truth it reveals and remembers is so ugly.
Written February 27, 2020
I have limited mobility, in that I can do some light walking and can climb stairs slowly with a banister. Is your tour a good fit for me?
Written February 12, 2020
The facility is very flat. Stairs into the church and slave quarters. A woman in a motorized wheelchair was able to navigate easily up ramps and the grounds.
Written February 19, 2020
For just the Whitney tour. Starts at 1pm and ends at what time?
I’m guessing the 5 hour one is for visiting both plantations.
Thanks
Written July 2, 2019
The Whitney Tour I think took about 1.5 hrs. It is a guided tour with a staff member taking you around the plantation and giving you history of what happened . Our guide was absolutely fantastic!
Written July 2, 2019
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