NEW ORLEANS ILLUMINATED AUTHENTICALLY & ETHICALLY
We connect guests to the stories that define the culture, history, and spirituality of New Orleans. Not sensationalized. Not commercialized. Just the raw, authentic truth, and the people shaped by it. In our classes & on our tours, we emphasize the importance of marginalized histories often overlooked by tour companies.
The REAL story of New Orleans culture.
Black history, Indigenous history, Immigrant history, LGBTQ+ history, and Women’s history
Connecting the past to the present
History is what connects our past to our present. By investigating the breadth of history our city has to offer, we aim to connect guests with stories they can identify with and draw inspiration from.
New Orleans through a decolonized lens
We reject whitewashing, patriarchal narratives, and sensationalizing violence against marginalized groups
Inherently Spiritual
Everything starts with why New Orleans is an inherently spiritual city.
Conversational Format
We encourage guests to investigate, ask questions, and think critically.
Small Groups
Maximum of 15 people per Tour Group, other companies send out 28 at once.
Featured product
THE ILLUMINATED NEW ORLEANS TOUR-COMING SOON!
Frequently asked questions
Why should I choose your tour company over others?
All of our histories are well researched and take into consideration hundreds of years of nuance & intersectionality. We touch on many topics including New Orleans Spirituality, The experiences of Enslaved peoples in New Orleans & the Surrounding Area, The History & Significance of Immigrants to New Orleans, New Orleans LGBTQ+ History and Politics.
What should I wear/bring/know ahead of time?
Heat
It's hot here many months out of the year. When temperatures climb over 85 degrees and the humidity can be very high. You may need to drink electrolytes to stay hydrated as water alone does not work in this climate if you're sweating a lot. Taking frequent breaks in the Air Conditioning helps as well as planning to be indoors during the hottest part of the day in the late afternoon.
Rain
Weather in New Orleans can sometimes be unpredictable. In the summer months, afternoon rain is often light and fairly pleasant. Often times we can keep a tour group under the galleries (balconies) in the French Quarter to avoid getting wet. However, it is advised to have rain gear when traveling especially if there is rain in the forecast. Many French Quarter shops offer ponchos and umbrellas.
Traffic
A lot of our local drivers consider traffic laws to be more suggestions than hard and fast rules. Do not trust that cars will stop in cross walks automatically or use turn signals. Remain aware of your surroundings whether driving or walking. Please be aware during festivals, Mardi Gras and other peak times that traffic gets very backed up and may alter travel times. There is limited parking available in and around the French Quarter. Public transportation is widely available in New Orleans, and info regarding streetcar and bus routes can be accessed on the city's LePass app.
Alcohol Consumption
While alcohol is very much a part of French Quarter culture, we always advise guests to exercise caution in the warmer months due to risks presented by the combination of heat, humidity, and high alcohol percentage daiquiris and hurricanes.
Walking Around & Terrain
Sidewalks in New Orleans are often uneven simply due to their age and wear. We always advise guests wear comfortable closed toed shoes. French Quarter streets are not often ADA compliant, however, we strive for inclusivity of our guests and will do our best to accommodate disabilities and guests with mobility aids however, French Quarter sidewalks can limit our ability to accommodate. If you have questions about accessibility in the French Quarter, please feel free to contact us directly for info regarding accomodations.
Overall, New Orleans is one of the most magical places in the world. They call it the Northern Most Caribbean City, the Western Most African or European City etc. So long as you prepare and keep an open mind, you'll be able to Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler (Let the good times roll) with the rest of us
Why can't I book on TripAdvisor/Viator Etc?
These sites are commonly used by other tour companies, we choose not to for several reasons. 1. They take a large cut of each tour booked and we want to be able to afford to pay our guides well for their expertise and experience. 2. They often limit how much information is shared with the customer before booking and we want to make sure that our customers know exactly what to expect on our tours. 3. Sometimes these sites limit direct communication so we have any trouble reaching you or if anything changes, we cannot get in touch without the booking company acting as a liaison.
Will New Orleans be overwhelming if I’m spiritually sensitive?
New Orleans is a spiritually powerful, complex, and dynamic city. We often find that guest may experience strong spiritual and even physical responses to some of the locations we visit, and history we investigate. Our company owner is a respected spiritual practitioner in New Orleans and often recommends spiritually sensitive guests bring hats, bandanas, etc., to cover their heads with if they suspect spiritual overwhelm may be an issue for them. The head is widely regarded as being the spiritual center of the body in cultures around the world; covering the head can lead to a more grounded experience in New Orleans. Our guides are all sensitive to and respect the spiritual complexity of our city and are happy to support more sensitive guests in navigating their tour experience.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Tours will go out in light rain but be cancelled or rescheduled in Stormy or Inclement Weather. If tours are cancelled due to the weather, you will be eligible for a refund or rebooking.
Bookings can be cancelled for a full refund at least 1 week in advance, we can reschedule you to the best of our ability with at least 24 hours notice.
Our goal is for every customer to be totally satisfied with their purchase. If this isn't the case, let us know and we'll do our best to work with you to make it right.
Featured product
Cord cutting capitalism: A Folk Magic Class for Reconnection and Resistance
Pickup currently not available