Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
You’re in for a true taste of Southern charm and hospitality during the Spring Tour of Homes where you’re invited to step into history, grace, and elegance in pure Natchez style.
It will be a delight for all your senses as we wander through Natchez’s most iconic historic treasures from stately antebellum mansions to romantic Victorian retreats and hidden architectural jewels, many of which have never been previously open to the public.
This isn’t just your average tour, historic homes will open their doors into a living history, one that is experiential within sunlit parlors and among graceful staircases worn smooth by generations.
Natchez’s history will be brought to life through meaningful interplay that delves into the architecture’s essence revealing the narrative of the people, traditions, and spirit that shaped the region across generations. As we wander, re-enactors, storytellers, and artisans blend historical depth with personal narration filled with fresh perspectives all stemming from a sense of community.
This experience provides more than just an admiration of how wealthy people once lived, it invokes a deeper appreciation of the contribution of those enslaved whose craftmanship and labor made it all possible.
Overview:
The history doesn’t begin and end here, we’ll stay among the stories of the past in one of the historic homes that will envelope us in its luxuries.
The diverse, vibrant town of Natchez welcomes us with doors open wide where there’s something for everyone and the Natchez landscape of iconic cypress trees and waterfront bluffs provides peaceful escapes.
So don’t miss the chance to journey through time, beauty, and southern grace within these loved and preserved treasures of the south!
Day One: Heard Dat Kitchen
After arriving in New Orleans, we’ll head straight to what may be one of the best lunches you’ve ever eaten!
Hope you’re hungry because at the authentic N’awlins spot, Heard Dat Kitchen, each dish is prepared with the heart and soul of the humble chef and owner and you’ll want to try them all.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center:
Let’s stop along our journey to step into nature at the hidden treasure Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center.
Follow the gravel paths and boardwalks that wind through cypress tupelo habitats filled with diverse wildlife and take time to visit the exhibits with live animal displays, wood carvings and a real working beehive.
The Burn Luxury Inn:
We’ll travel north along The Blues Highway that runs straight into the heart of the Mississippi Delta, birthplace of the blues, and will soon be in Natchez, a vibrant town just oozing with history, Southern charm and hospitality.
After arriving at our new home among the elegance of The Burn Luxury Inn or Devereaux Shields House, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you please with many choices for dinner a few blocks away downtown.
Day Two: Natchez Carriage Ride
Let’s start the day as if we’re back in the 1800s as we hop aboard a horse drawn carriage ride through the historic district.
A local narrator will take us into the past with stories of significance of the area as you enjoy your ride through history.
Historic Homes:
Now it’s time to tour some historic homes! Step inside and experience all the elegance and grace from the past.
Sit back and relax for an included southern lunch at a great local spot before spending the rest of the afternoon wandering through the charms of more historic homes.
Natchez Bluff:
Enjoy the night as you please and if you’re up for a walk, take a scenic stroll along the Natchez Bluff Walking Trail with lovely views of the Mississippi River and past several beautiful Victorian era homes.
Day Three: Grand Village of the Natchez
Today we go back further in history to a time when Natchez Indian tribes created their main ceremonial site, The Grand Village of the Natchez.
Two of the original mounds, the Great Sun’s Mound and the Temple Mound have been excavated and rebuilt in their original size and shape.
Take time here to explore the Visitor Center featuring Native American crafts and wander along the nature trail.
More Historic Homes!:
The remainder of the day will be spent among the exquisite charms of the historic houses taking in all their treasures.
Take a break for lunch on your own downtown and a lovely spot, and we’ll meet this evening for an included dinner or perhaps a fabulous event as it unfolds.
Candlelight Ghost Tour:
This evening join an optional candlelight wander through the haunted halls and rooms of the 200-year-old Glenfield Plantation where spine tingling ghosts from the past still linger.
Led by the fourth generation owner, this ghostly exploration leads you deep into the paranormal history of the house with tales of personal encounters.
It’s the perfect way to experience the mysterious other side of these historic homes. Sleep tight!
Day Four: Natchez Trace Parkway
More history awaits along the Natchez Trace Parkway that links Natchez with Nashville and crosses through 10,000 years of North American History. We can’t see it all, but we’ll have a good taste of some of the earliest history of the old Southwest Territory.
Emerald Mound:
Our first stop is the Emerald Mound, the second largest pre-Colombian earthwork in the country.
This ceremonial mound dates from the period between 1200-1730 and is 35 feet high, quite a sight to see! Soil was collected in baskets by groups of people who carried them to the mound site, emptied them, stomped the soil down, and repeated.
Old Natchez Trace:
Now we take a step on historic ground along the “sunken” Old Natchez Trace. The trace first started as animal trails that were then used by Indian tribes. As early travelers passed through the area, the trail was trampled into a clearly marked path.
Where the ground was soft with loess soil, thousands of walkers, riders, and wagons wore down these paths into sunken sections and this is what we’ll walk upon today.
As you wander, ponder all the endless hardships that a journey along this path travelers would have endured.
Southern Lunch:
We’ll take a break for lunch at a delicious Southern local spot, so have a seat and relax.
Cypress Swamp:
Nature will then lead us deep into the Cypress Swamp where a scenic boardwalk winds past towering tall cypress and tupelo trees with chances to spot local wildlife along the way.
Charming Canton:
Let’s make a stop in the small, historic town of Canton, one that maintains its authenticity from the past from its old storefronts to Coca Cola murals and two stops on the Mississippi Blues Trail.
Take a wander and see what surprises await!
It’s time to head back home to Natchez where you can get comfy in our own historic home and wander into town if you’re up for a bite to eat.
Day Five: Natchez Historic Photographs
We start the day going back in time through historic photographs depicting life in Natchez and along the riverfront from about 1845-1910.
Housed in the Stratton Chapel, these family portraits and street scenes among town and on steamboats will keep you mesmerized.
William Johnson House:
A short walk away is the preserved William Johnson House, a must visit to learn more about the life of free African Americans in the pre-Civil War South.
William, a free black barber in Natchez used bricks from buildings destroyed by an infamous tornado to construct his home combined with a business commercial area.
His extensive diary brings history to life as it details everyday living in Natchez from 1835-1851.
More Historic Homes!:
It’s our last day to delve into the last glorious splendor of historic homes we missed, so let’s get started!
An included lunch at a great local spot downtown will fuel our way.
The evening is yours to enjoy, make it a great one!
Day Six: Breakfast & Flight Home
We must wave goodbye to our charming Southern hospitality and make our way back to New Orleans Airport where all the Southern goodness will follow us to our own charming home.
Pricing & Departures:
*Van Adventure Small Group Tour, max 10 people*
Air transportation is provided by United Airlines. A surcharge will apply if United Airlines increases the price of its airfare. One piece of luggage per person (baggage fee by United is not included) and one small carry-on are permitted. A valid, government-issued picture ID is required to board the plane.
Wednesday, March 17: Flight # departs Newark at PM and arrives in New Orleans at PM
Monday, March 22: Flight # departs New Orleans at PM and arrives in Newark at PM
Price per person is $ Twin & $ Single. . No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to “Educated Wanderer” and mail to our address above. Final payment is due January 15, 2027. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after January 15, 2027. The Educated Wanderer is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change the itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended, but not included. This tour will run rain or shine.
*Due to the changes in airline booking policies, airfare will need to be booked before the cancellation date, Once flights are booked, we cannot refund that portion of the tour unless you’d like to pay an additional cost for refundable tickets.
Upon submitting final payment you are agreeing to our new policy.
Wet Blanket Policy:
Wet blanket
– a person who makes it difficult for other people to enjoy themselves by complaining, acting negatively, creating drama, etc.
– one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure
- Our philosophy of travel involves getting out of the ordinary to experience other cultures and places with an open minded attitude and flexibility. Since as in daily life, anything can and will happen, let’s embrace these situations with acceptance and understanding because they will either lead to an unexpected, amazing experience or positive learning experience.
- If anyone brings along excess baggage such as incessant complaining, under the breath rude comments, outward negativity or other such behaviors that infect the entire group or individuals, we have the exclusive right to remove them from the tour at their own cost with no refunds. (yes, this means you)
- If any major concerns arise during a tour, please just come talk to us and we’ll work it out!
The Educated Wanderer
PO Box 35 Henryville, PA 18332
973-513-9001
