Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Departure Day

Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Europe. Students and teachers begin a shared journey centered on music as cultural expression, art as storytelling, language immersion, and identity across borders. This program is designed to go beyond sightseeing, offering meaningful opportunities to engage with history, creativity, and global connection through performance and the arts.

Day 2 – Arrival in Paris & Seine River Cruise

Arrive in Paris, one of the world’s great cultural capitals. Upon arrival, the group meets the local Program Director and transfers to the hotel. After time to settle in, head out on a walking orientation, gaining an initial sense of Parisian life, architecture, and neighborhood culture.

In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner, followed by a Seine River cruise. As the group glides past illuminated landmarks such as Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, participants begin to understand how geography, history, and creativity intersect in shaping the city.

Day 3 – Art, Impressionism & Montmartre

Begin the day with a guided walk through the Notre Dame area, exploring the historic heart of Paris. The group examines Gothic architecture, public space, and the role of religion and art in shaping European cities over time.

In the afternoon, take part in an interactive painting workshop, exploring Impressionist techniques. This hands-on experience is followed by a visit to the Musée d’Orsay, where the group views original works by artists such as Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh, connecting creative practice with historical context.

Tonight, explore Montmartre, beginning in the lower neighborhood to trace the history of Black artists and musicians who shaped Paris in the 1920s. Students learn about the Jazz Age in Paris, including the influence of African American musicians such as the Harlem Hellfighters, before continuing uphill to upper Montmartre and its long-standing legacy as a center for artistic innovation and creative expression.

Day 4 – Versailles & Performance

This morning, travel by RER to Versailles, where the group explores the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles. Highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments, and time to wander the expansive gardens that reflect the power and symbolism of the French monarchy. After the palace visit, enjoy free time in the town of Versailles to explore local markets and have lunch, experiencing daily life beyond the palace walls.

Later in the day, the group presents a singing performance (venue to be confirmed, with efforts to arrange a community or church setting, such as an African Gospel church). This performance serves as a meaningful cultural exchange, highlighting music’s ability to connect people across cultures, languages, and lived experiences.

This evening, visit the Eiffel Tower area to walk around beneath the iconic structure, take photos, and experience Paris illuminated at night. Seeing the tower sparkle after dark provides a memorable close to a full and impactful day.

Day 5 – Arrival in Madrid, Retiro Park & Paella Cooking Class

Fly to Madrid, Spain’s capital and political heart. After transferring to the hotel and settling in, head out to Retiro Park, one of the city’s most beloved green spaces. Once a royal retreat, the park offers time to relax, walk, and reflect while learning how public spaces play an important role in daily life and community culture in Madrid.

In the evening, take part in a paella cooking class, where the group learns about Spanish ingredients, regional traditions, and the cultural importance of shared meals. Preparing and enjoying dinner together reinforces food’s role in storytelling, community, and cultural identity.

Day 6 – Old Madrid Walking Tour, Prado Museum & Performance

Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Old Madrid, exploring historic plazas, royal landmarks, and neighborhood streets that reveal the city’s layered past and vibrant present-day life. The tour provides context for Madrid’s role as a cultural, political, and artistic center of Spain.

Continue to the Prado Museum, home to one of the world’s most important art collections. The group explores works by artists such as Velázquez and Goya, discussing how art reflects political power, social values, and national identity. Connections are drawn between visual art, storytelling, and musical expression.

Later in the day, the group takes center stage with a singing performance (venue to be confirmed), sharing their voices with a local audience. This experience highlights performance as a powerful form of cultural exchange—one that transcends language and creates meaningful connection through music.

Day 7 – Toledo Excursion & Farewell Tapas Dinner

Travel to Toledo, a city known for centuries of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim coexistence. As the group explores historic streets and landmarks, participants examine how architecture, language, and art reflect cultural exchange and shared history. Toledo offers a powerful lens through which to understand collaboration, conflict, and coexistence over time.

Return to Madrid in the evening for a farewell tapas dinner, celebrating performances, creative growth, and the relationships formed throughout the journey.

Day 8 – Return Home

Transfer to the airport for the flight home. Students and teachers return with strengthened confidence, artistic inspiration, and a deeper understanding of how music, art, language, and culture connect across borders, carrying these perspectives back into their classrooms and communities.