Mississippi River Odyssey

Explore a stunning historic mansion—one of the finest in the South—and its spectacular gardens. The former Burnside estate was established in the late 18th century and became known as the “Sugar Palace,” producing 20 million pounds of sugar each year at its peak. Completed in 1828, the Greek Revival–style main house is filled with elegant period furnishings. Among its most striking architectural elements are the 14 Doric columns lining three sides, the spiraling main staircase and two rare octagonal bachelor’s quarters known as garçonnières. The gardens sprawl over 38 acres and teem with both indigenous and exotic plants, bridges, sculptures, courtyards and water features. They are renewed seasonally, so there is always a burst of color and fragrance to enchant you.

Visit a historic Creole mansion and see how the French, native Acolapissa and West African people intertwined. During a Privileged Access visit, go behind the scenes for a closer look at artifacts and enjoy exclusive tours of the original home and gardens. Laura Plantation is one of only 15 Louisiana estates to still have completely intact outbuildings, but its centerpiece is the 19th-century main house, which was home to four generations of the Duparc-Locoul family. Their heirlooms can be viewed alongside exhibits that relate the personal stories of the Creole, Native American, and enslaved African men, women and children who worked the land. Because of its importance, Laura Plantation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visit two historic homes for a candid look at how Louisiana’s estates operated. St. Joseph is a working sugarcane farm still owned by the family who purchased the land in 1877. Its history dates to 1803, and you will see how the laborious farming process has evolved over the years at the estate’s sugarcane museum. Known for its authenticity, St. Joseph has served as a film and television set, including 12 Years a Slave, All the King’s Men and the Oprah Winfrey–produced drama Queen Sugar. Whitney is the only home in Louisiana with an exclusive focus on the lives of enslaved people. It provides detailed information on how the farm’s sugar, rice and indigo fields were maintained for more than 100 years; as a place of remembrance, it features several powerful memorials.

Explore the teeming ecosystems and hear the lore of Louisiana’s bayou country on a boat tour of Manchac Swamp. Your covered swamp boat will set out from Frenier, a Cajun town set on an isthmus between Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas. As you cruise with a knowledgeable guide, you will learn about the natural history of the Manchac Swamp and the diverse wildlife that thrives in these dense, beautiful wetlands. Please note that many of the creatures—alligators, turtles, raccoon, wild boar and more—are unafraid of humans and may approach the boat. You will also gain insight into the dramatic history of Frenier, which was devastated by a hurricane in 1915—an incident that expanded the town’s already deep canon of Cajun folk myths and legends.

Enjoy a special cooking demonstration of traditional Louisiana cuisine at a historic estate. This celebrated regional fare, renowned for its bold flavors, is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, African and Indigenous influences, featuring dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo and boiled crayfish. Upon arriving in Darrow, you will take a short walk from the ship and arrive at Houmas House, an impressive Greek revival-style mansion built during the early 19th century. Here, you will meet your expert chef, who will put on a palate-whetting cooking demonstration, showing you how to prepare chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, as well as crab cakes. As you observe this delight for your senses, sip a complimentary glass of wine, and after the demonstration, take a seat and indulge in the freshly prepared food. Appetite sated, you will return by foot to your ship.

Savor the flavors of Louisiana during a tour and private cocktail-making workshop at the Sugarfield Distillery. Operated by brothers Thomas and Andrew Soltau, Sugarfield Spirits distillery creates its spirits, wines and ciders with an eye to the culinary arts, with each batch culminating in a unique expression of the ingredients used in the distilling process. You will transfer to the distillery in nearby Gonzales, where you will meet your guide and tour the facilities. Taste a selection of Sugarfield products, then continue to your private cocktail-making workshop. Here, choose from an array of ingredients, then learn how to mix your own delicious, Louisiana-inspired cocktail. Afterward, you will return to your ship; as you sail this evening, you can relax in the Living Room with a cocktail made with your favorite Sugarfield spirit, which is offered on board the Viking Mississippi.

Explore a historic Creole mansion and an iconic estate, learning the stories of those who lived and worked there. Go behind the scenes at Laura Plantation, a National Register of Historic Places site, for a Privileged Access look at the artifacts on display in its 19th-century main house, once home to the Duparc-Locoul family. Their heirlooms can be viewed alongside exhibits that relate the stories of the Creoles, Native Americans and enslaved Africans who worked the land. Continue to Oak Alley, a 200-year-old mansion named for its impressive alley of live oaks. Enjoy lunch, then tour the lavishly furnished rooms, many with original period antiques. Browse the archive that documents the lives and contributions of the enslaved laborers that once resided here and learn about the Centennial (or papershell) pecan that played a pivotal role in the development of Louisiana’s pecan industry.

Discover the cultural influences that shaped one of America’s most distinctive food traditions Accompanied by a renowned culinary historian, you will explore the historic French Quarter, strolling along the Mississippi River waterfront, through the French Market and around iconic Jackson Square while uncovering the stories behind the city’s world-famous cuisine. Learn how African, French, Spanish, Native American and Caribbean traditions blended over centuries to create the flavors and culinary customs that define New Orleans today. Along the way, gain fascinating insights into the role of the Mississippi River as a gateway for people, ingredients and ideas from around the world. At the Williams Research Center, view rare artifacts, including historic menus, antique china and vintage cooking equipment. Cap your excursion with a multi-course lunch of Creole fare, featuring some of the region’s iconic dishes.