Took a tour with Tree years ago and we still all talk about how fantastic it was to this day. Reviewing now in case I ever make it back there in the hopes we could see Tree again. read more

I am so bad about doing reviews. For example, I contacted Racontours for a custom group tour a YEAR ago, and I'm just now finally doing a review. But I'm here on Yelp and figured it was time! I can't even BEGIN to tell you how AMAZING Tree is. I called Racontours because the reviews were outstanding on TripAdvisor. Not just good, but outstanding. Not even one complaint, that I could find. Instantly upon talking to Tree, I knew I'd made the right choice. I had a group of 20-30, ranging from my 8 year old daughter to older grandparents, and knew we needed something that would both entertain all ages, and not be too strenuous, etc. My husband and I were looking for a walking tour of the quarter, with a mix of history, voodoo and hauntings for the night before our wedding (instead of a rehearsal). Right up front, Tree told me something I will never forget, and something that as a lover of all things paranormal, I respected immensely. (Now, forgive me for not remembering his exact words ...) He said he didn't really do haunted history tours. That he respected the haunted history of his beloved city too much to possibly tell a story incorrectly or not do the haunted history justice. Wow. I was really impressed by that. Especially in a city where so many of the haunted history tour guides can come across almost comical. Needless to say, Tree had my respect immediately. We began working out the details and Tree was 100% accommodating and patient as I gathered details, made travel plans (most of us were coming from California), tried to obtain head counts, scraped payments together, etc. And remember, we're talking about 20+ people - none of whom were from NOLA. Anyway, to begin the tour, Tree met all of us at Pat O's (another place I was truly impressed with service wise). He and his assistant painted the kids' faces while the rest of us finished our cocktails and dinner. He brought fantastic goodie bags for the kids with some of the items NOLA is famous for. The fact that he went out of the way to include the two kiddos that were with us, was way above and beyond what he had to do as a tour host, and something I truly appreciated. I won't get into too many details about the tour, but let's just say it was FANTASTIC. From the voodoo history and knowledge Tree shared with us, to the personalized lover's candles my husband and I lit at the last stop, to the ridiculously amazing cocktails we had at a few locations ... and all of it meshing together, combining with Tree's awesome personality and head full of so much knowledge ... I can't even successfully put into words how perfect the entire experience was. Tree made this aspect of our wedding trip something that people are still talking about a year later. And I am so thrilled to still keep in contact with Tree to this day. I can't wait to get back to NOLA and connect with him again. Though this next time, I'll be sure to do the Commander's Palace/Garden District tour. I can't wait for that opportunity! All in all, I'd give Tree and Racontours WAY more than 5 stars, but that's all I'm allowed to give. So just know there's a bunch of invisible stars floating behind the five you see here. read more

Do Not Take a Tour with Racontours, If . . . You really enjoyed learning history as taught in elementary school (memorization of names and event dates) Or . . . . You want to be told some trite stories that make for tourist sound bites that any guide can learn in a brochure But, if you really want the "low down" on how things happened in New Orleans history due to greed, human nature, culture/religion, etc then Tree is your man. He is more than a local history buff, I'd say a fanatic with in depth knowledge in wide ranging areas from architecture and symbolism to "following the money". As a result, he can put together a fascinating tale of the people and places you visit under his guidance as well as answer any question that you might wonder about during the tour. To top it off, we finished with a memorable lunch at Commander's Palace where the wait staff treated Tree and our group as if we were dignitaries. A very civilized ending to our tour! Checking his website for another tour with Racontours for the next time we are in New Orleans is at the top of my planning list. You can't go wrong! Thanks Tree (Randi and Jim) read more

We spent an awesome day dining and touring with Tree. Tree was very knowledgable and entertaining. I enjoyed learning about the History of the people, and homes that make up this beautiful unique city. Brunch at Commanders Palace was outstanding... The atmosphere, the staff and OMG the food! Fabulous!!! After brunch we were treated to a tour of the restaurant, including the wine cellar and all of the various dining rooms-beautiful place! Highly recommended Racontours with Tree-quite an interesting and entertaining character- he really has a passion for history (or her-story) and spins a great tale! read more

The BEST tour in New Orleans!! Just can't miss Tree's Garden District tour!! Educational, witty, fun!! Brunch at the Commanders Palace should be REQUIRED!! The food and service were an incredible touch of southern class!!!!! Just a great day!!! The bonus tour of Palace after brunch was a super treat!!! read more

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Tree is an absolute pro. He gives such an engaging and insightful tour, you cannot get something better from anyone else. He is personalized yet comprehensive. He knows so much about the culture from a very unique perspective. He provides small pieces of personalized art that remind you of the culture. He's the best around. read more

Great tour! Tree does a fantastic job telling the stories of the Garden District.

Holy balls. This tour was a little difficult to schedule and was a more expensive than the other tours I've done in NOLA, but was SO worth it. I did the Garden District tour, which comes with lunch at Commander's Palace (with super cheap martinis, if you're so inclined). The lunch, drinks, and company would have been worth it alone, but the tour itself was delightful. You can tell that Tree either loves history or puts a lot of work into making it up. He presents a view of the Garden District with a unique perspective, complete with grimaces, body language, and hand gestures that really allows you to imagine the Garden District as it was. This was hands-down my best experience in New Orleans. Usually, as a solo traveler, I feel like a second thought on most tours, but this one does a stupendous job of including everyone and making you feel like you've spent a lovely afternoon with particularly knowledgeable friends instead of a bored tour guide, regurgitating the same lines. I'd definitely go again if I happen to go back to New Orleans. Again, not sure if he's just a great actor, but it doesn't really matter. I would recommend calling, if you can, because it's much easier to make reservations that way. read more

We went on the Garden District Tour with Tree on Nov 12. Tree is just amazing. He may be the best story-teller I have ever met. He brought the houses and history of New Orleans to life. He made the tour very personal. He brought along small tri-pod chairs which was perfect for me since I am 65 and my back hurts if I stand up for too long. The tour ended at lunch in the Commanders Palace where Tree and the staff spent considerable time explaining the various dishes and their history. It was an elegant meal. read more

If you are looking for a tour and guide that is as colorful as New Orleans, you can stop searching now. Tree and his Garden Tour will be a highlight of your visit! Tree was genuine and an extraordinary historian with that extra special flair! What a character! He is overflowing with information and obviously truly cares about his customers by providing walking sticks with seats, water, and if you are lucky a little something special!! We were lucky enough to have Tree secure a table at Commander's Palace on Christmas Eve - no small feat! Our meal was absolutely stellar - we will never forget our tour and meal. Thank you Tree and Tania. You made our visit to New Orleans extra special and we will never forget our experience with you. Until we meet again.......Thank YOU!! read more

It was my birthday weekend and as an added treat my husband arranged a surprise Garden District tour. We were so amazed by Tree's vast knowledge of everything New Orleans. You will be thoroughly entertained as well as gain amazing knowledge of the wonderful, eclectic NOLA. Tree even surprised me with a lovely bottle of chilled wine which we all shared to celebrate my bday. He is a true gem. New Orleans is lucky to have him. And you will be lucky to partake of the Racontours experience. Do it!! read more

Tree treated my wife and me just fine! My wife is "Jennifer O", but her last name is really B. I thought I wrote my own review, but I just noticed I didn't... But! Back to the story! As you'll see on her review we called him up last minute and he was very accommodating. We took both of his tours Garden District and VooDoo. I learned so much more about New Orleans with Tree's tour than I had on my numerous previous visits. If you're looking for a tour in New Orleans, save yourself some time and call Tree up. Don't worry about anybody else. Trying to find a better tour is an exercise in futility! :) read more

Garden District Tour w/lunch at Commander's Palace! Tree is an absolutely AMAZING tour guide, and the lunch at Commander's Palace is a fantastic experience. I can't recommend enough. Trust me, if you take this tour, by the end of the tour you will be a Tree-hugger. Tree is so very passionate about the history and culture of New Orleans, and he's very passionate about getting it right. He has such a wonderfully unique and inspiring way of presenting the wealth of information he has to share. Truly wonderful. And, if lunch at Commander's Palace isn't your thing, there's now an option to take the tour without the lunch. And another thing to check off your list: it's fun to take the St. Charles Streetcar to the meeting place in the Garden District. read more

Awesome tour! We went on the French quarter voodoo tour with a beer, a very spicy homemade cocktail, chairs, and lots of fantastic information. He was so enthusiastic and you could tell he did his own research instead of just memorizing someone else's tour as evident by the numerous different tours Tree leads. Book one of his tours, period. read more

Early one Saturday morning in August. we decided to take an impromptu trip to New Orleans. We went to Bourbon Street Saturday night, and early Sunday morning we were looking for something to do. We remembered a coworker had mentioned Tree and his wonderful tours a few months ago. We called Tree up at 9:30 am, and despite it being last minute, he agreed to take us on both the Garden District and Voodoo Tour that day. We got really lucky that he was available at the last minute. We met him in the Garden District, where in spite of the light spattering of rain, he loaned us little stools and started right in with his enthusiastic spiel. The tour showcased beautiful homes, some of them inhabited by celebrities, and an amazing cemetery. We then went on to the Voodoo Tour, rife with fascinating history and great photo ops. Tree was so gracious and inspiring and informative. He is such an animated person who truly loves his job. We feel honored to have met him and so much more knowledgeable about this enchanting city. read more

Looked forward to their voodoo tour after reading about it on Tripadvisor but I never got to go...they didn't think our business was worth the time/effort to even get a phone call back. You call their number and they say on their voicemail for FASTER service to email them...I wrote them two emails and they never responded. I received one voicemail saying they usually only book the voodoo tour for four people, not two, but that we could "work something out..." IF I emailed them... It's a shame. Next time I'll book with the dude standing outside of Reverend Zombie. read more

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the Garden District with a fabulous lunch at Commanders Palace on March 16, 2016. Tree was a warm and wonderful host. As you will read in the other reviews, he is an animated and engaging storyteller. We appreciated that the tour group is limited to 12 and that he had cold water and stools to sit on. We passed other tours that looked like they were groups of almost 30 people. Lunch at Commanders Palace was truly special. We had snacks, an amuse-bouche, an entree (3 choices), dessert (3 choices), and bananas foster accompanied by champagne, up to three martinis and a szerac cocktail. In addition to the great food, Tree's personality and conversation fostered a warm environment with many conversations between the 4 parties in our tour group. The service was impeccable. We felt like we were given special treatment in Tree's company. The tour of the restaurant, including the kitchen and wine cellar, was a special ending. It was a long day (10:00-5:30) but totally worth it. read more

Last night we took the "into the night" tour with Tree of Racontours tours. I had taken his Garden District one a year ago and was delighted to find he offered this new evening tour. If you are looking for canned scripted tours he is not for you. But if you want accurate amazing facts about this incredible city provided with a entertaining theatrical air. This your tour. We saw more and learned more about the Quarter than ever before. Thanks so much Tree. Keep up the good work. read more

Tree was fabulous! I took my mom to New Orleans for her birthday and this tour was a wonderful way to spend the day. Tree thought of everything. He provided little chairs, water and a ton of entertainment. He's a wealth of knowledge and shares all that information so dramatically. After the great tour we stopped and had lunch at Commanders Palace which was also entertaining educational and delicious. The restaurant was so welcoming and took great care of us. Multiple delicious courses accompanied by more education (including delicious cocktails!) afterward we toured the restaurant including the kitchen and wine cellar. It was a spectacular day thanks to this stellar tour. Thanks so much Tree for making our trip." P.S. After I told my mother I left this review, she asked to me make sure that I mentioned Tree was a great guy who will"give you the shirt off his back." It was a little chilly in the restaurant and she was shivering and Tree took off this jacket for her to borrow. She was so touched by his kindness and generosity she asked the t make sure I included it in my review. read more

A great tour of the Garden District with Tree, ending with our best and most festive meal in NOLA at Commanders Palace! So much fun. Thank you Tree‼ read more

My family and I took our 4th and 5th tours with Racontours last week. In spite of the rains, the tours were the best tours ever, and Tree is the best tour guide ever. It's not even right to call him a tour guide. He is an historical story teller and philosopher. The difference between Tree and other guides is that he independently researches every subject he talks about. He is NOT reciting a memorized script. Just ask him a detailed question and you will see what I mean. The Garden District tour is awesome and worth the price for the fantastic lunch at Commander's Palace! read more