17 days in New Orleans, Lafayette & Shreveport Itinerary

Known for its Creole cuisine, rich musical tradition, and nearby swamps and plantations, New Orleans is one of the nation's oldest cities.

Kids will appreciate attractions like Jackson Square and Audubon Park. Venture out of the city with trips to Whitney Plantation (in Wallace), Houmas House Plantation and Gardens (in Darrow) and Vacherie (Oak Alley Plantation & Laura Plantation: Louisiana's Creole Heritage Site). There's still lots to do: get to know the fascinating history of Garden District, get to know the resident critters at Audubon Zoo, meet the residents at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, and take a stroll through Royal Street.

To see maps, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our New Orleans holiday planner .

If you are flying in from United Kingdom, the closest major airports are Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Gulfport Biloxi International Airport and Lafayette Regional Airport. In April, plan for daily highs up to 25°C, and evening lows to 25°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) so you can drive to Lafayette.

Lafayette is a city located along the Vermilion River in southwestern Louisiana. On the 19th (Sun), take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, then get to know the fascinating history of Vermilionville, then appreciate the history behind Urns of Justice, and finally explore the activities along Lake Martin Rookery. On the 20th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: identify plant and animal life at Jungle Gardens, then get to know the fascinating history of Acadian Village, and then explore the activities along Lake Martin.

To see reviews, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Lafayette trip itinerary maker tool .

Traveling by car from New Orleans to Lafayette takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from New Orleans in April: highs in Lafayette hover around 30°C, while lows dip to 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) to allow time to travel to Shreveport.

Shreveport is the third-largest city in the state of Louisiana and the 113th-largest city in the United States. Start off your visit on the 21st (Tue): contemplate the long history of Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store, then contemplate the long history of Caddo Parish Confederate Monument, and then cool off at Splash Kingdom Waterpark. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed): admire the masterpieces at R. W. Norton Art Gallery, get curious at Sci-Port Discovery Center, and then try to win big at Margaritaville Resort Casino.

For traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Shreveport online trip itinerary planner .

Traveling by car from Lafayette to Shreveport takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car. Traveling from Lafayette in April, plan for slightly colder nights in Shreveport, with lows around 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 23rd (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.