For six unforgettable days, step beyond the classroom into real life, immersed in the French language and culture of Guadeloupe. Traveling in a small, supportive group, navigate daily interactions in French—ordering meals, exploring local markets, connecting with people, and discovering the island’s unique blend of Caribbean and French influences.

The itinerary includes a balance of structured educational, cultural, and service-learning experiences such as:

• Guided cultural excursions

• Language practice in real-world environments (markets, shops, restaurants)

• Gwo Ka drumming workshop

• Art and craft workshops with local artisan

• Culinary experience with local chef

• Service-learning experience with community outreach organization

• Free time for reflection and small group activities

The journey begins with departure from Washington, D.C., connecting through Miami en route to Guadeloupe. Upon arrival, the island’s warm air and vibrant atmosphere will welcome you—an immediate introduction to the French Caribbean.

After settling into the hotel and taking time to recharge, head out for a first taste of island life at La Datcha Beach. Overlooking turquoise waters, enjoy a relaxed coastal setting while sampling a local favorite—the delicious bokit, a beloved Guadeloupean street food.

It’s the perfect start: unwind, connect, and ease into the rhythm of the island.

The day begins along Grande-Terre’s eastern coastline, where soft white sand, limestone cliffs, and brilliant turquoise waters set the stage for a day of discovery and adventure. Explore some of the island’s most memorable natural sites, starting with the hidden coastal beauty of Trou à Man Coco—a peaceful, picture-perfect spot shaped by the sea. The journey continues to La Pointe des Châteaux, where dramatic cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean and panoramic views stretch endlessly across the horizon.

Beyond the landscapes, experience the vibrant rhythm of Guadeloupean culture through an engaging drumming experience. You won’t just observe— you will listen, feel, and discover how music carries history, identity, and community. The day winds down in the lively coastal town of Sainte-Anne, where one of the island’s most beautiful beaches meets a colorful open-air market. Relax by the water, explore local crafts, and take in the atmosphere—an ideal ending to a day rich in culture, connection, and discovery.

The day begins with meaningful engagement as you take part in a service-learning project or visit the Memorial ACTe Museum, one of the Caribbean’s most powerful cultural institutions. Time to reflect, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of history, identity, and global connections.

Continue your journey into the lush beauty of Guadeloupe National Park, for a short, guided walk to the refreshing Cascade aux Écrevisses—a hidden waterfall surrounded by tropical forest. It’s the perfect moment to reconnect with nature.

Midday brings a relaxed beachfront lunch in Bouillante to enjoy local flavors just steps from the Caribbean Sea. The adventure will continue on the water at the legendary Cousteau Reserve where a glass-bottom boat excursion reveals vibrant marine life beneath the surface, offering a unique window into one of the region’s most protected ecosystems.

From reflection to exploration, rainforest to reef, Day 3 offers a powerful blend of learning, nature, and unforgettable discovery.

Board the boat in Pointe-à-Pitre and arrive in Marie-Galante, an island celebrated for its stunning beaches and slower, authentic rhythm, and one of the most traditional in Guadeloupe. Explore dramatic coastal formations at Gueule Grand Gouffre, then dive into local production and get a taste of sugar cane sirup when visiting Les Délices de Siblet. Continue to Distillerie Bellevue to experience one of the island’s most rooted traditions of sugarcane cultivation and its role in Marie-Galante’s economy. Pause for a beachfront lunch les pieds dans le sable, with time to relax and take in the island setting. End the day with a hands-on art and craft workshop at the hotel, using creativity to reflect the experiences of the day.

Marie-Galante delivers —exploration, culture, taste, and creativity woven into every stop.

Start the day with an eco-mangrove kayaking experience, gliding through calm waters and navigating the rich mangrove ecosystems of Guadeloupe. Move through narrow natural channels, observe wildlife up close, and experience one of the island’s most important coastal environments from the water. Pause for lunch at Port de Sainte-Rose, enjoying a relaxed coastal setting with time to recharge by the sea.

In the afternoon, step into a hands-on cooking workshop with a local chef, exploring Caribbean flavors through fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. Prepare, taste, and connect with the culinary heritage of the island in an interactive, immersive setting.

From paddling through mangroves to cooking, Day 5 blends nature, culture, and hands-on discovery into one immersive experience.

Begin the final morning with a visit to the Aquarium de la Guadeloupe, exploring the island’s marine life through engaging exhibits that highlight the richness of the Caribbean ecosystem. Enjoy a relaxed final lunch, taking in the last flavors and views of Guadeloupe before departure. Afterward, transfer to the airport for the journey home, closing an unforgettable experience of exploration, culture, and connection. A final day that brings the journey full circle—blending discovery, reflection, and lasting memories.

Here are some basic French phrases that can be helpful when traveling to Guadeloupe:

1. Hello: Salut Response: Salut

2. Thank you: Merci

3. Please: S'il te plait/S'il vous plait

4. Yes: Oui

5. No: Non

6. Excuse me / Sorry: Pardon

7. How much?: Combien?

8. Goodbye: Au revoir

9. Where is...?: Où est....?

10. I don’t understand: Je ne comprends pas

Learning these basic phrases can make your interactions with locals much smoother and more enjoyable.