Travel through Louisiana’s capital city, Baton Rouge, en-route. Whether it’s Mardi Gras, the vivid food and music, or the tradition of tailgating at an LSU or Southern University football game, Baton Rouge takes advantage of every opportunity to revel in the good times. One of the most historic, vibrant and unforgettable cities in the South, it’s a place where Blues festivals and beignets are as beloved as football, where you can shop one day at the Mall of Louisiana and keep it local at the farmers' market the next. Here the history is as rich as the flavours, with plantations, memorials and museums bringing the character of the city to life, and hundreds of restaurants dishing it up on a plate. Perhaps take a trip up the Mississippi on an old fashioned paddle steamer or explore nature at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center.

Depart after breakfast for “Cajun Country”, the area settled by the Acadians following their expulsion from Nova Scotia by the British. Known as the “Happiest City in America,” Lafayette is at the heart of Cajun culture in south Louisiana. The local music, cuisine, cultural history, and friendly residents create a unique experience that can be found nowhere else in the world. Enjoy a day learning about the settling of the Acadians, dine on delicious jambalaya or étouffée, and dance to the sounds of zydeco as you make your way through the city.