Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in New Orleans & Cultural Introduction

Your journey begins as you depart from Boston and travel to New Orleans, a city unlike any other, where history, music, food, and cultural traditions come together to create one of the most unique destinations in the United States.

Upon arrival, meet your Program Director and transfer into the heart of the city. Begin your experience at Armstrong Park and Congo Square alongside local guides from Our Sacred Stories (requested guide: Ms. Denise). Students will learn about the origins of jazz, African cultural traditions, and the profound influence Congo Square had on the development of music, storytelling, and community in New Orleans and throughout the United States.

This experience offers a meaningful introduction to the city’s cultural roots while exploring themes of resilience, expression, and identity that continue to shape New Orleans today.

This evening, head to Rock’n’Bowl for a fun and energetic welcome experience. Students will enjoy a group dinner followed by bowling and live local music, a perfect introduction to the spirit and energy of New Orleans.

Day 2: Bayou Ecosystems, Mardi Gras Culture & Evening Exploration

Begin the day with a journey outside the city for a Honey Island Swamp tour, one of the most authentic ways to experience Louisiana’s natural environment. Travel by boat through cypress forests and winding bayous while spotting wildlife such as alligators, turtles, birds, and other native species. Along the way, students will learn about wetlands protection, coastal ecosystems, and the environmental challenges facing southern Louisiana.

Return to New Orleans for lunch before diving into one of the city’s most iconic traditions at Mardi Gras World. Here, students will go behind the scenes of Mardi Gras float building, learning about the artistry, craftsmanship, engineering, and cultural significance behind this world-famous celebration through a highly visual and engaging experience.

If time allows, stop at the legendary Café du Monde for fresh beignets - one of New Orleans’ most iconic food experiences.

In the evening, students will take part in a hands-on cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Working together, they’ll prepare traditional Creole and Cajun dishes while learning how food reflects the diverse cultural influences of New Orleans—including French, African, Spanish, and Caribbean traditions!

The night continues with a guided, history-focused ghost tour through the French Quarter, where storytelling, legends, and local history bring the city’s past to life as students explore the atmospheric streets of New Orleans after dark.

Day 3: Resilience, Culture & Community Voices

Begin the day in the Lower Ninth Ward, one of the areas most impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Meet with community leaders from the Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED) to learn about environmental initiatives, rebuilding efforts, sustainability projects, and the resilience of the local community.

Students will also take part in hands-on environmental resiliency projects, gaining a deeper understanding of how communities continue working together to address environmental and social challenges throughout the region.

After lunch, visit The Presbytère, located in Jackson Square and home to two of the city’s most important cultural exhibits. Students will explore the powerful Living with Hurricanes exhibit, which examines Hurricane Katrina and its lasting impact on New Orleans, as well as exhibits focused on the history, traditions, and cultural significance of Mardi Gras.

Continue into the historic Tremé neighborhood to visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum, a small but incredibly important community museum dedicated to preserving the traditions of Black Masking Indians, Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, second lines, and jazz funerals. Through exhibits and storytelling, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the role these traditions play in identity, heritage, and community pride.

Later, cool off with a stop at Chance in Hell SnoBalls, a local favorite known for classic New Orleans-style sno-balls and creative flavors.

The day continues in the creative Bywater neighborhood with a guided visit to Studio BE, an immersive art space created by local artist Brandan ‘BMike’ Odums. Through large-scale murals and installations, students will explore themes of social justice, equity, identity, and the power of art as a tool for storytelling and change.

This evening, enjoy a traditional crawfish boil for your farewell dinner in New Orleans!

Day 4: World War II History & Departure

On your final day, visit the National WWII Museum, one of the top-rated museums in the country and an immersive exploration of the American experience during World War II. Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, oral histories, and multimedia presentations, students will gain insight into the global impact of the war and the stories of those who lived through it.

Following a final group reflection, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Boston, bringing home new perspectives, meaningful connections, and unforgettable memories from your time in New Orleans.