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It’s Always Happy Hour with our Craft Cocktail Waking Tour in New Orleans!
French Quarter courtyards, classic cocktails, entertaining history and a little jazz. This small insider tour is quintessential New Orleans!
New Orleans has long been a muse with an unquenchable taste for revelry, muddling sophistication and fancy in equal parts. It’s no wonder the cocktail scene began early…1850 to be exact. Drink in her rich history as you explore the French Quarter, where the hour is always happy.
Enter the Court of Two Sisters’ Carriageway Bar through the charm gates, wrought in Spain and blessed by Queen Isabella. Now a restaurant world famous for its jazz brunch and courtyard canopied by a 130 year old wisteria vine, the block has maintained a lively history since 1726.
Taste the timeless elegance of Arnaud’s, steeped in 100 years of rich traditions and culinary excellence. Your visit includes a viewing of the iconic restaurant’s Mardi Gras Museum, a private collection of the family’s royal costumes, vintage photographs and more.
Relax in the former residence* of Antoine Peychaud, the Creole apothecary who prescribed and dispensed his patented herbal Peychaud’s Bitters, which would later become the key ingredient in the Sazerac, America’s first cocktail and the official cocktail of New Orleans.
At the intersection of two cobblestone alleys in the shadows of the St. Louis Cathedral, is a legendary pirate hangout. There you’ll meet the “green fairy” known as Absinthe, the mystical herbal elixir that induced intoxicating creativity in many authors, artists, poets and musicians.
There’s nothing like soul-stirring jazz to raise your spirits. Your tour ends on a high note at Fritzel’s, not your typical dive bar. This jazz pub features the who’s who of New Orleans jazz, drawing jazz aficionados from around the world. You’re welcome to stay for the show, then walk to dinner at one of many fine French Quarter restaurants nearby.
Come see why New Orleans is #MoreThanBourbonStreet.
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- 2.5 hour guided walking tour with a local, licensed guide
- 3-4 stops at iconic French Quarter establishments
- 3 classic cocktails, including taxes and service gratuities
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- Valid ID/Driver’s License
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- Minimum age is 21 years. Valid ID required.
- Please dress comfortably as this is a walking tour! Please no flip flops or tank tops due to dress codes in some establishments.
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Guests must arrive 15 minutes prior to departure at 400 Toulouse Street and check in with a ticket agent at the ticket office.
- In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point – just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
- Due to the historic nature of the tour, some venues are not accessible to guests traveling in wheelchairs. Special arrangements can be made with your tour guide at the beginning of the tour.
- Adult pricing applies to all travelers
- You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity upon arrival.
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Toulouse Street Wharf
Carriageway Bar at the Court of Two Sisters Restaurant
The 1726 property changed hands twice before Emma & Bertha opened a notions shop there. The two sisters, born in 1858 and 1860 respectively, belonged to a proud and aristocratic Creole family. It was for these sisters that “The Court” was named. Their shop outfitted many of the city’s finest women with Mardi Gras costumes, formal gowns of the “Gay Nineties”, lace and perfumes imported from Paris. It’s said that occasionally the sisters would serve tea and cakes to their favorite customers in the large courtyard beginning the tradition continued today.
Peychaud’s Cocktail Bar & Courtyard in the Maison de Ville
Once the residence of Antoine Amédée Peychaud, a Creole apothecary from the French colony of Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) who prescribed and dispensed his patented herbal bitters, Peychaud’s Bitters, which would later become the main ingredient to the famous and official cocktail of New Orleans – the Sazerac.
Arnaud’s
In 1918, a colorful, French wine salesman named Arnaud Cazenave opened the grand New Orleans restaurant that bears his name with a commitment to serving quality Creole cuisine. Arnaud believed, quite simply, that the pursuit of the pleasures of the table is as worthy as anything else one chooses to pursue in life.
Sixty years later, in 1978, Arnaud’s was acquired by Archie and Jane Casbarian, the second family of proprietors the restaurant has ever known. Casbarian sought to return Arnaud’s to the roots from which it had strayed by both restoring the property and reinvigorating the cuisine. In so doing, Casbarian brought world renown and widespread acclaim to Arnaud’s.
Presently, Arnaud’s Restaurant is being operated by a fourth generation of owners, Katy and Archie Casbarian along with their mother Jane. They, too, remain committed to carrying on the traditions originated by Arnaud Cazenave. More importantly, they are committed to staying true to the vision of their father as the restaurant nears one hundred years of operation.
Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum – Private Collection
The Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum, named for successor and daughter of Count Arnaud, opened in the French Quarter restaurant on September 15, 1983. Wells reportedly reigned as queen of over twenty-two Mardi Gras balls from 1937 to 1968, more than any other women in the history of Carnival.
The museum brings together more than two dozen lavish Mardi Gras costumes, including 13 of Mrs. Wells’ queen costumes, one of her mother’s and one of her daughter’s, as well as four king’s costumes worn by Count Arnaud, (whose title was entirely local and honorary) and six children’s costumes.
The collection is enhanced by more than 70 vintage photographs, fabulous Carnival masks and faux jewels, elaborate krewe invitations and party favors. The traditional colors of Mardi Gras–purple, green and gold, symbolizing justice, faith and power–shimmer throughout.
Pirate’s Alley Cafe & Old Absinthe House
The fun bar is located in Pirates Alley only a few feet from the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest Cathedral in North America, and the Cabildo, former center of government where the Louisiana Purchase was signed. Subject of much legend and lore, it is known to have been a meeting place for pirates and scallywags, as well as for men of means who sought out their services. Locals purchased black market merchandise which was displayed along the Church fence, giving rise to the expression “fencing stolen goods.” In later years it became known for serving Absinthe, the green fairy!
Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub
Situated in a historic 1831 building in the heart of the French Quarter, Fritzel’s is the home of traditional New Orleans jazz. Since its founding in 1969, it has become a mecca for jazz lovers and musicians alike. Relax and enjoy a cocktail and a Jazz Show before heading off to dinner after your tour ends. Many great New Orleans restaurants are a short stroll away.
Napoleon House (Alternate Stop)
Renowned for its refreshing Pimm’s Cup cocktail, warm muffuletta sandwich, and history as a proffered refuge for the embattled and exiled ex-Emperor of France, the century-old Napoleon House is a French Quarter icon exuding the patina, charm, and authenticity of living history. This 200-year old landmark was recently awarded 2019 “Timeless American” award by Tales of the Cocktail for being a pillar in the community and having provided a benchmark for the industry.
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Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.