Tours/New Orleans/Highlights of New Orleans Private Driving Tour
Viator · Private tour

Highlights of New Orleans Private Driving Tour

5.0(16)New Orleans1 hour
VIATOR5.0(3)TRIPADVISOR5.0(13)

Description

1. Authentic Local Experience: Experience New Orleans through the eyes of a true local. Michaela, a 7th generation Orleanian, provides an authentic insight into the city's rich history, architecture, and culture. 2. Tailored Luxury Tours: Enjoy a unique and personal experience with each tour customized to your specific interests. Explore New Orleans' historic neighborhoods and vibrant city life at your own pace. 3. Expertise and Passion: With over 25 years of experience in the tourism industry, Michaela's deep knowledge and passion for New Orleans ensure an unforgettable tour experience that truly captures the magic of the city.

Tour Options

Morning Highlights Tour
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

Pass by

Founded by the French in 1718, the Quarter is New Orleans oldest neighborhood. From cast iron balconies and walled courtyards, to colorful Creole cottages and townhouses, the “Vieux Carré” is a unique collection of historic French, Spanish, Creole, and American architecture.

Pass by

Designated as an official Historic District, the Faubourg Marigny was one of the first "suburbs" in New Orleans,is filled with stunning and well-preserved historical buildings and landmarks. Originally a residential neighborhood filled with Creole cottages, the Marigny’s geographical location soon transformed the neighborhood into a small business and industrial area

Pass by

Laid out in 1833, Annexed by New Orleans in 1852 Grand mansions, St. Charles Streetcar, Magazine Street shopping, Famous universities, Audubon Park and Zoo Filled with stunning, grandiose mansions, colorful Creole cottages. Uptown and the Garden District are known for the variety of historic homes, from colorful row houses to Classic Revival mansions and charming cottages shadowed by giant oak trees.

Pass by

Serving as New Orleans' largest outdoor attraction since 1854, City Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in the country. With its iconic oak trees and picturesque moss canopies, this 1,300 acre green space brings in millions of visitors each year. People come from near and far to enjoy the beautiful trails and scenery, as well as the endless amount of vendors, museums and activities within the park itself. With multiple themed gardens, biking and walking paths, live concerts, an amusement park and the World's largest grove of mature live oak trees, City Park has something for everyone!

Highlights

Private transportation
Luxury Executive Transportation (Sedan, SUV, Van)
Fully Narrated Tour
Air-conditioned vehicle
Licensed Tour Guide/Driver

What's included

Included
Private transportation
Luxury Executive Transportation (Sedan, SUV, Van)
Fully Narrated Tour
Air-conditioned vehicle
Licensed Tour Guide/Driver
Not included
Coffee and/or Tea
Snacks
Alcoholic Beverages

Pickup Locations & Times

All local New Orleans Hotels

Traveller Ratings

5.0
16 reviews
5
16
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Please use the Special Requirements field for Hotel/Pickup information at the time of booking

Reviews(16)

A
Andrew_D
April 6, 2026
Andrew was the best! This...

Andrew was the best! This was well worth it. We had a great time with him. It is the perfect amount of time too.

Operator response

Hi Andrew! It’s Michaela here—though after such a kind review, I’m tempted to change my name to Andrew if it means keeping you as a happy guest! I am so glad to hear you enjoyed the Highlights of New Orleans Private Driving Tour. Striking that balance of "the perfect amount of time" is always my goal, so I’m thrilled it hit the mark for you. It was a pleasure having you along for the ride and sharing a bit of the city's magic. Thank you for the 5-star shout-out and for being such a great sport! Warmly, Michaela

B
Brina_M
March 15, 2026
Best driving tour of NOLA

Michaela is the best tour guide ever! We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and about her city. Great drive and great information! We saw parts of NOLA we had never seen before and Michaela gave us some great ideas for our next trip.

Operator response

Hi Brina! "Best tour guide ever"?! You’re going to make me blush under this Louisiana sun! It was truly a joy getting to know you while we cruised around. Showing off those hidden gems and the parts of New Orleans that don't always make it into the brochures is exactly why I love what I do. This city has so many layers, and I’m so glad we could peel back a few together. I’m already looking forward to your next visit—you’ve certainly got a head start on that itinerary now! Thank you so much for the wonderful review and for spending part of your trip with me. Warmly, Michaela 🫓🎷

J
J M
June 26, 2025
New Orleans through the eyes of a Lover

This tour was the highlight of our visit to New Orleans. Micheala’s family has lived in New Orleans for many generations so she knows the true history of the city she loves. Her talk is presented with humor and insights that only a person who has lived it would know. All four of us agreed that our view of New Orleans changed after our excursion. It is wonderful to be in the presence of someone so passionate about their subject. On a scale of 1-5 I’d rate it a 10.

Operator response

Wow, what an incredible review! Reading "New Orleans through the eyes of a Lover" truly made my day—that's exactly what I hope everyone feels after a tour. It means the world to me that my family's history and my passion for this city resonated with you and your group so deeply. The history here is complex, beautiful, and sometimes a little bit quirky, and presenting it with both humor and insight is the whole goal. Hearing that your view of New Orleans changed is the biggest compliment I could ever receive. And a 10 out of 5? I'm not sure how I can top that, but I'll certainly try for every future guest! Thank you so much for choosing Highlights of New Orleans Private Driving Tour. I hope you carry a piece of the Crescent City with you until your next visit. Warmly, Michaela

N
N4477AXmarks
October 27, 2023
Outstanding tour guide

Michaela's knowledge of New Orleans and the south is astounding. We've taken a number of different tours and Michaela's tour is by far and away the best and most comprehensive. Highly recommended.

Operator response

Thank you for your glowing review! It warms my heart to know that you found my tour of New Orleans and the South to be both astounding and comprehensive. As a passionate guide, I strive to create memorable experiences for every visitor. Your recommendation means the world to me, and I hope to welcome you back soon for more captivating adventures in our vibrant city. Warm regards, Michaela

L
Lexingtonhammer
April 27, 2023
Amazing Tour!

As part of a pilgrimage to NOLO to take my father in law to the WWII museum, we booked a tour with Michaela and it was nothing short of spectacular. She was great with my 77 year old father and law, as well as my two teen aged sons. Her knowledge of the area is amazing- and her personality and storytelling really adds to the experience. Its like hanging out with an extremely knowledgeable old friend. I cannot recommend her enough and cannot imagine a better way to experience the city. As an added bonus, Michaela also essentially planned the entire trip for me when I called her a few weeks in advance…she recommended hotel rooms and even made dinner reservations. She is the best!!

Operator response

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your heartfelt review! It was an absolute joy to share the magic of New Orleans with you, your father-in-law, and your sons. I’m thrilled that my knowledge and storytelling resonated with you—it truly feels like spending time with old friends. Planning your trip was my pleasure, and I’m delighted that the hotel recommendations and dinner reservations added to your experience. New Orleans is a city that captures the soul, and I’m honored to have been part of your journey. Wishing you more wonderful adventures ahead, and remember: the Big Easy always has its arms wide open for you! Warm regards, Michaela

A
AndreaBMcP
December 19, 2022
Amazing Tour of New Orleans

Micky's tour was one of the highlights of our trip to New Orleans. Her knowledge, energy, enthusiasm, and passion for her city made the tour so memorable. I loved how we were able to customize the tour based on our interests. My sisters have been on tours all around the world and said that Mickey was the best tour guide that they've ever had. I would highly recommend Micky's tour of New Orleans!

Operator response

Your heartfelt review brings immense joy to my heart! It was an absolute pleasure sharing the vibrant tapestry of New Orleans with you. I’m thrilled that our customized tour resonated with your interests and that my passion for this city left a lasting impression. To hear that your sisters, seasoned travelers, found me to be the best tour guide they’ve ever had is truly an honor. Thank you for your kind words and for recommending my tour. New Orleans awaits your return, ready to weave more enchanting stories and memories. Warm regards, Michaela

R
Ron J
October 24, 2022
N'awlina

Michaela was excellent! We thourghly enjoyed and learned tons about N'awlins. We will be scheduling again when we return in the future.

Operator response

Dear Ron, Thank you for your fantastic review! I'm thrilled to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed the **Highlights of New Orleans Private Driving Tour** with me. It warms my heart to know that you found the experience both enjoyable and educational. 🌟 New Orleans, or as we affectionately call it, "N'awlins," is a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant energy. I'm glad I could share some of its secrets and stories with you during our tour. 🏡🎉 Whenever you decide to return, I'll be here, ready to explore more hidden gems and create more unforgettable memories together. Until then, take care and safe travels! 🚗✨ Warm regards, Michaela 🌟

S
Sarahsmiles123
August 2, 2022
An unbeatable experience!

I cannot express how much we enjoyed Michaela's tour-it was such an excellent experience. First of all, she is just awesome and her ride is clean and slick. She is so fun, so friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We saw so much of the city that we would never seen without her. She showed us around and we made stops at places that were just not on my radar. In addition, she recommended the most fabulous places for dinner, lunch and brunch. We went to every single place she recommended and each place was better than the last. To top it all off she helped us arrange our swamp tour the next day and we talked her into joining us which was a blast! I would contact her any time I am in the area and recommend you do too!

Operator response

Dear **Sarahsmiles123**, Thank you for your enthusiastic review! I'm thrilled to hear that you had an unbeatable experience during the **Highlights of New Orleans Private Driving Tour** with me. 🌟 First and foremost, I appreciate your kind words about my ride—it's essential to provide a comfortable and enjoyable journey. But let's talk about the heart of the experience: exploring New Orleans together! 🚗🎉 I'm delighted that you found me awesome, fun, friendly, and knowledgeable. Sharing the city's secrets and stories is my passion, and I'm glad you appreciated it. The places we visited—those off the beaten path—make the tour truly special. 🏡 And those dining recommendations? I'm thrilled that you enjoyed every single place! New Orleans is a food lover's paradise, and I'm glad I could point you toward fabulous spots for dinner, lunch, and brunch. 🍽️ As for the swamp tour, joining you was an absolute blast! Experiencing the natural beauty of our Louisiana swamps together was unforgettable. 🌿🐊 Whenever you're back in the area, don't hesitate to reach out—I'd be honored to show you more hidden gems and create more memorable moments. Until then, keep smiling, Sarah! 😊 Warm regards, Michaela 🌟

A
annettec937
June 13, 2021
So much fun!

Micky was so entertaining! The tour went so great-saw so much and got to get some great food at great places! We were all vaccinated so we felt safe. Micky is so passionate about the city and so knowledgeable! Great value for the price!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for sharing your delightful experience! I’m thrilled to hear that you had so much fun during the Highlights of New Orleans Private Driving Tour with me. 🌟 Being entertaining and passionate about New Orleans is my goal—I want every guest to have an unforgettable time. And exploring the city together, seeing its vibrant sights, and indulging in great food are all part of the adventure! 🚗🎉 I appreciate your attention to safety, especially with everyone being vaccinated. It’s essential to prioritize well-being while enjoying the tour. 😷 Your kind words mean a lot, and I’m glad you found the tour to be a great value. If you ever return to our lively city, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d be honored to create more memorable moments together. Until then, take care and safe travels! 🌟 Warm regards, Mickey 🎉

D
DavidB7930
May 25, 2021
A Fun Morning in NOLA.

Michaela was so knowledgeable and fun! I booked the tour to help a friend learn more about the city on his first trip to New Orleans. I can’t wait to book other tours the next time I’m in town. You will not be disappointed! Even if you’ve been to New Orleans before, you will learn so much more with Michaela’s tours.

Operator response

Dear David, Thank you for your wonderful review! I'm thrilled to hear that you had a fun morning during the **Highlights of New Orleans Private Driving Tour** with me. 🌟 Being knowledgeable and fun is my goal—I want every guest to have an enjoyable and educational experience. It's fantastic that you booked the tour to help your friend learn more about our vibrant city on their first trip to New Orleans. 🚗🎉 And I'm excited to hear that you're already planning to book other tours next time you're in town! There's always something new to discover, even if you've been here before. New Orleans has layers of history, culture, and stories waiting to be explored. 🏛️🌆 Thank you for your recommendation—I truly appreciate it. If you ever return, don't hesitate to reach out—I'd be honored to create more memorable moments together. Until then, take care and safe travels! 😊 Warm regards, Michaela 🌟

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