One Week in New Orleans, Florida & Atlanta

Welcome to New Orleans, USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 6 pm. As there's a great deal to do in New Orleans, we recommend arriving early to make the most of this exciting city. After your welcome meeting, and mindful of the long drive in store for tomorrow, you might like to stretch your legs and head into the French Quarter for a po’boy or gumbo, while keeping an ear out for some late-night jazz.

Otherwise known as the 'Big Easy', New Orleans's eclectic mix of European, Creole and Cajun culture manifests itself in every aspect of the architecture, cuisine and music scene. Take in the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street, relax in the Garden District and absorb the ambience of the French Quarter, known also as just 'The Quarter'.

It's quite a long drive today from New Orleans to Panama City Beach (around 6 hours), but once there, the best way to recover is to relax on some of the 14 kilometres (9 miles) of pristine white sand beach, and take a swim in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Panama City Beach is also renowned for its night clubs and parties and is a popular spring break destination, so if you have enough energy left at the end of the day, definitely hit the town and live a carefree life like you’re back at school.

Head from Panama City Beach to the heart of Florida. The third largest city in Florida, Orlando has a lot going on, including a heap of shops and outlet malls to check out and an exciting and varied nightlife. If there's time on arrival, you may like to go out and explore International Drive, have a walk around Lake Eola, or spend some time working out what theme park to hit up tomorrow.

Today is a free day to explore Orlando's famous amusement parks and attractions. Most people opt for Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort as they are the two of the most well known and both feature multiple theme parks, but there are over a dozen other parks that might take your fancy. If you’re graced with nice weather, Orlando has some water parks such as Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, for those who love to get soaked. Each park is a full day's worth of action, so choose wisely. If theme parks aren’t your thing, do not fear! Your group leader can suggest other, less thrill-seeking activities to fill your day.

Head away from theme park mania and into the historic Georgian town of Savannah. Antebellum mansions, towering oak trees and colonial buildings coexist with dive bars, mingling university students and delicious down-home cooking. Enjoy some southern food on arrival with an included lunch, then head to legendary local ice creamery Leopold’s for a scoop of dessert. Enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon. Maybe explore the historic district of town, take a seat with a box of chocolates in Chippewa Square and recreate the famous Forrest Gump scene, or learn more about southern plantations at the Wormsloe Historic Site.

With the flexibility to explore Savannah at your own pace, allow yourself time to wander the streets of the oldest city in Georgia. Later be treated to a slice of traditional peach cobbler - a classic Southern dessert!  A popular optional activity in Savannah is a ghost tour, which will be sure to prickle the skin and spook even the most courageous at heart.

On your way to Georgia’s capital, Atlanta, stop by the Lane Southern Orchards: a peach and pecan plantation where you can check out the farm, take a free tour (season depending) and indulge in the homegrown produce. Upon arriving in Atlanta, say farewell to your group leader. There is no accommodation provided for tonight, however there is so much to do and explore in happening Atlanta if you have the time. Learn more about North American history at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, visit the CNN Center, sample more than 100 different beverages at the World of Coca-Cola, or find out everything you ever wanted to know about the life of Martin Luther King Jr.