City Breaks, Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
Sample itineraries
Road Scholar - The Cajun Experience in Music, Food and Dance.
From £465
What does "Cajun" really mean? To find out, help yourself to a heaping portion of folk heritage and savor the history, lifestyles, food, language and music of Louisiana’s French-speaking communities. Learn about traditions old and new, explore a Cajun/Creole folklife village and watch local artisans at work. Tap your toes, waltz and dance the two-step accompanied by fiddle and accordion to the unique sound of Louisiana music. Just like local folks, enjoy down home cooking featuring dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya and etouffée. Best of all, get a full appreciation of what it really means when people say, "Laissez les bons temps rouler! -- Let the good times roll!" It's all here in the heart of Cajun Country.
Two hours west-northwest of New Orleans, Lafayette is vibrant with Cajun and Creole culture. The city hosts a number of arts, music and food festivals dedicated to preserving the Louisiana Acadian spirit, celebrated in the upbeat tempos of Cajun music.
Price per person includes:
- 5 nights accommodation in the Ramada Inn, Lafayette, Louisiana.
- 5 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners.
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Lectures, activities and tours as detailed in the itinerary.
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Tour Director services throughout your Learning Experience.
Day 1 Lafayette
Welcome/Orientation:
Afternoon: Travellers may check into the hotel after 2pm. We will meet at 4pm for the programme orientation, followed by a casual dinner. Lively discussion and fun activities make this orientation a session not to be missed.
Evening: View a documentary film on the history of Cajun and Zydeco music in the area.
Day 2 Lafayette
Jean Lafitte Acadian Culture Centre: Vermilionville
Breakfast: At hotel.
Morning: Field trip to Jean Lafitte Centre to view a film on deportation of the Arcadians, followed by field trip to Vermilionville and a guided tour of this historic village.
Lunch: At La Cuisine de Maman.
Afternoon: Lecture: The Cajun Cultural Gumbo- Our instructor will fill-in-the-blanks with answers to your questions about the expulsion from Nova Scotia and the migration of Acadians to the south of Louisiana. Learn about how Arcadians became Cajuns.
Dinner: In Layfayette.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3 Lafayette
![Cajuns-dancing-4[1]ELDERHOSTEL](/img/uploads/3716_fit588x588.jpg)
Cajun Song and Dance/The Culture of the Atchafalaya Basin
Breakfast: At hotel.
Morning: Classes-Learn the Cajun Waltz and the two-step in an entertaining dance lesson. Next, take a fascinating look at one of the earliest forms of Cajun home and entertainment passed along in a unique oral tradition.
Lunch: On site.
Afternoon: Class-The Culture of the Atchafalaya Basin- our instructor, who is an accomplished photographer and author, will give a visual presentation of his work, including images taken in the largest swamp in North America.
Dinner: Local Cajun Cafe.
Evening: Field trip to Martin Accordions, where we'll learn the secrets of the family trade and be treated to a jam session with the Martin Family Band.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4 Lafayette
![tchafalaya_Basin[1]ELDERHOSTEL](/img/uploads/3702_fit588x588.jpg)
Atchafalaya Basin Boat Tour
Breakfast: At hotel.
Morning: We'll take a trip on McGee's Landing in Henderson for a pontoon boat ride through the incredible Atchafalaya Basin.
Lunch: Cajun style!
Afternoon: Cajun activity TBA or free time.
Dinner: Lively local Cajun restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5 Lafayette
Cypress Lake/Dance Lessons
Breakfast: At hotel.
Morning: Class-Creole Crafts. Meet renowned craftsperson, Geraldine Robertson, who has been invited to exhibit her works internationally, as well as nationally at the Smithsonian. Her creations of white oak baskets, pine needle baskets, corn husk dolls and jewellery are a unique sight to behold. Hear her fascinating stories about growing up Creole in Louisana.
Lunch: Local Creole cafe.
Afternoon: See the swamp on campus at the University of Louisiana. Take a driving tour of Lafayette and view the murals by local artisits. Visit the 500 year old oak on the grounds of the St John Cathedral. Later in the afternoon, we'll take a second dancing lesson!
Dinner: We'll enjoy our favourite restaurant/dance hall for dinner and dancing to live music.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5 Lafayette
Depart after breakfast.
Let Bon Voyage plan your time in Louisiana or the surrounding Deep South States prior to you joining the Learning Experience. We'd be delighted to suggest possible extensions to your holiday, perhaps a few days in New Orleans or a visit to Graceland in Memphis? Or maybe even a bit of toe tapping in Nashville? Call us! We'll chat you through the options available.
