Southern Plantation Homes Self-Drive

Depart the UK, land in New Orleans and head into the city for a three-night stay. Over three days you'll discover the faded grandeur of the old colonial French Quarter and the legendary jazz clubs of Bourbon Street. And, with a dining scene that's one of the most celebrated in the US, there's plenty of opportunity to tuck into authentic jambalaya to shrimps, grits and broiled oysters.

Stay: Bienville House (Superior)

Leaving New Orleans behind, you'll collect your hire car and travel through Louisiana's rural idyll, visiting opulent plantation homes, learning about the changing fortunes of their owners and watching the mighty Mississippi roll by from the banks of the Levee. Tonight's accommodation is at the The Inn at Houmas House, a traditional plantation house just steps from river. Expect old-world furnishings and the warmest of southern welcomes.

Louisiana's state capital, Baton Rouge, and the haunted Myrtles Plantation are well worth a stop en route to Natchez, where Stanton Hall, Dunleith and Longwood are two of the finest antebellum mansions in the region. The following day is free to explore more of the area's beautiful plantation homes, take a ride on a Mississippi paddlewheeler, learn more about the Civil War at the visitors centre or perhaps drive north to the battlefield site of Vicksburg.

Cajun Country was first settled by the Acadians following their expulsion from Nova Scotia and the region bares witness to their struggles. Today, visitors will find some of the region's best soul food restaurants as well as a lively music scene. The next day, consider travelling to the wetlands of the Atchafalaya Basin – the largest swamp in the USA – or perhaps visit the home of Tabasco on Avery Island for a tour of its Jungle Garden and the chance to feast on yet more delicious Cajun cooking.

Stay: Doubletree by Hilton Lafayette (Standard)

Drive back east to New Orleans and return your hire car. Then, say goodbye to the Deep South as you check in at the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving on day 10.