Can't-Miss Learning Adventures Down Under & Beyond
Can’t Miss Learning Adventures Down Under & Beyond
Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, the not-for-profit world leader in educational travel since 1975.
Thank you for asking to learn more about our educational travel adventures. Inside, you’ll find a collection of inspiring programs we think you’ll love. When you travel with Road Scholar you’ll be an active learner, not a passive tourist. Every adventure is thoughtfully planned to open your eyes to new discoveries, ideas and people. We can’t wait to see you on an upcoming program!
Scan the QR code to find your next adventure or visit www.roadscholar.org/find
WHY GO WITH US?
OUR MISSION
At not-for-profit Road Scholar, our mission is to inspire adults to learn, discover and travel. Our learning adventures engage expert instructors, provide extraordinary access and stimulate discourse and friendship among people for whom learning is the journey of a lifetime.
OUR LEARNING ADVENTURES
We've studied what makes an unforgettable learning experience, and we offer a variety of adventures across the world and online, with different levels of structure and activity to appeal to everyone.
OUR EXPERTS
Our experts range from professors to writers to historians and so much more. Each instructor brings a wealth of knowledge through their research, professional work or lived experience.
OUR COMMUNITY
Road Scholars are lifelong learners typically over the age of 50 from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. They've led interesting lives because they're interested in everything. And they are exactly the kind of people you want to be learning with as you explore the globe.
ROAD SCHOLAR
WHO IS FOR?
Are you inquisitive? Ready to explore new places and meet other interesting people? Do you love to find new perspectives and challenge yourself to expand your mind? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you’re a Road Scholar!
Here are a few fellow participants you might meet on a Road Scholar adventure.
Robert, 74 & Linda, 72 — Road Scholar Class of '05
• Retired architect and retired professor
• Two children, three grandchildren
• Both are bookworms, nature lovers, play bridge and value their grandkids and each other's company
• Have attended 17 Road Scholar programs
• They just took their first grandparent programs with their 12-year-old granddaughter, Natalie
• Mary loves the camaraderie of Road Scholar learning adventures — she celebrated the New Year with Road Scholar at the Rose Parade
Barbara, 77 — Road Scholar Class of '98
• Retired elementary school teacher
• Travels with friends
• Two children, two grandchildren
• Enjoys gardening, walking, needlecra s, her Lifelong Learning Institute and thinks of herself as an adventurer
• Has attended 30 Road Scholar Programs
• Discovered Road Scholar's virtual classrooms during the pandemic and has enjoyed more than 15 lectures and three Adventures Online programs
How Active Do You Want to Be?
FOR OUR TRADITIONAL ADVENTURES:
You know what moves me? Exercising my mind. Let’s keep walking to a minimum and avoid stairs when we can.
FOR OUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES:
I exercise for fun, not to win contests. I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses. Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme.
Some walking is okay during the day. I can get on and off a coach, and I’m ready to stroll through cities and to stand for a few hours when we’re learning in museums.
I enjoy getting my heart going on my bike or on trails. Nothing beats the thrill of taking on a rewarding climb or ride on varied terrain with inclines. Let’s keep moving — occasional stops only, please.
I like to spend most of the day exploring. I want my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
I love pushing myself, and I can keep a steady pace on rugged and steep terrain. This is as challenging as it gets? Great. Let’s do this. At the end of the day, I want to feel like I’ve had a real workout.
I’m energetic and enjoy a good physical challenge — let’s spend the day on the move! Whether riding public transit, or walking city streets or village cobblestones, I’m game.
OR, CHOOSE THE PACE THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU!
Don’t push too much — or too little! Here’s the chance to select your desired physical challenge by date.
As outdoor enthusiasts know, some days can bring new variables — the weather, the terrain, my energy level — so I enjoy the flexibility of choosing from multiple options of length, challenges and pace.
Want All the Activity Details? You can find the exact physical demands of your learning adventure by visiting us at www.roadscholar.org or by calling toll free at (800) 454-5768, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET.
Learning
Through Travel Has Never Been So... Possible
As a not-for-profit organization, Road Scholar is dedicated to making its learning adventures accessible to the widest possible audience of lifelong learners.
Yes, it’s included!
On average, you save 20% per night compared with commercial tour companies.
That’s because all Road Scholar Learning Adventures include: LODGING & MOST MEALS
BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCES
EXPERT LECTURES & A GROUP LEADER
GRATUITIES, TAXES & EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Learn more at www.roadscholar.org/valuepromise
X Australia & New Zealand
An Odyssey Down Under: Australia and New Zealand
Alongside experts, discover natural wonders, Native cultures and cosmopolitan cities as you learn what makes Australia and New Zealand so connected and yet both so unique.
Length: 31 Days/30 Nights Meals: 73 Refer to 16434TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Learn the story of New Zealand’s settlement by Maori and Europeans.
• Witness the eruptions of spectacular geysers in the Rotorua geothermal region and experience the magnificent Piopiotahi/Milford Sound.
• Examine a delicate natural wonder — the Great Barrier Reef — and learn about efforts to protect it.
Itinerary: Arrival Auckland (New Zealand), 4 nights; Rotorua, 2 nights; Christchurch, 2 nights; Invercargill; Te Anau, 1 night; Queenstown, 2 nights; Wellington, 3 nights; Sydney (Australia), 4 nights; Melbourne, 3 nights; Alice Springs, 2 nights; Ayers Rock/Uluru, 1 night; Cairns, 3 nights; Sydney, 1 night; departure.
Per-person prices starting at:
$15,999 DBL | $18,399 SGL
X New Zealand
A New Zealand Odyssey: Indigenous Culture & Natural Beauty
Explore the unique story of New Zealand as you learn of its distinctive natural environment and rich Maori and European history from local experts.
Length: 16 Days/15 Nights Meals: 36 Refer to 22753TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Learn from experts about New Zealand’s settlement by Maori and Europeans.
• Witness bubbling mudpools in a volcanic park.
• Experience the majestic Piopiotahi/Milford Sound.
An Australian Odyssey: From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef
Marvel as you explore Australia’s unique heritage: astounding Outback, natural wonders, iconic architecture, Aboriginal art and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.
Length: 17 Days/16 Nights Meals: 34
Refer to 22754TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Snorkel along the wondrous Great Barrier Reef or explore it via semi-submersible vessel.
• Discover the giant red rock formation known as Uluru and learn about its sacred meaning to the Aboriginal people.
• Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House and take in a performance.
Itinerary: Arrival Melbourne, 4 nights; Alice Springs, 2 nights; Uluru/Ayers Rock, 1 night; Cairns, 3 nights; Sydney, 4 nights; departure.
Per-person prices starting at:
$8,499 DBL | $9,799 SGL
X New Zealand
New Zealand’s Best: Natural Marvels and Cultural Heritage
With nearly one-third of its land dedicated to national parks, New Zealand is ideal for exploring natural treasures like harbors, fjords and snowcapped mountains.
Length: 12 Days/11 Nights Meals: 20
Refer to 22090TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Experience traditional Maori customs.
• Stargaze in the Mackenzie Basin, home to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, located in New Zealand's only International Dark Sky Reserve.
• Witness spectacular landscapes during a study cruise.
We’ve been offering educational travel adventures for decades, so we are experts at making your experience comfortable, enriching and worry free — every step of the way.
FINDING THE RIGHT EXPERIENCE.
Finding the right experience starts with knowing the details. Every learning adventure you see in this publication is also available on our website, where you can find a wealth of information.
The amount of activity you can expect each day, lodgings and special dietary considerations are all online for you as you do your research.
Visit www.roadscholar.org and search by the program number to get all the details.
ENROLLING.
You can enroll in almost all of our programs on our website 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you have any questions or feel more comfortable having someone enroll you, you can give us a call Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET.
When you first sign up, you only have to put down a low deposit to secure your space. Be sure to read the transfer and cancel conditions before you enroll to understand your options.
See all the ways you can enroll with peace of mind at www.roadscholar.org/benefits
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT.
We like to think of your Road Scholar educational adventure as an investment in yourself. So you can have the greatest peace of mind, we o er the optional Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan with “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage. The plan has many benefits, such as a cash reimbursement of any Road Scholar transfer or cancellation fees you may incur for a reason covered by insurance, such as illness or injury. Your airfare is also covered whether you purchase it through Road Scholar or independently if you need to cancel your enrollment for a covered reason — an exceptional benefit and value o ered exclusively to Road Scholar participants.
The “Cancel for Any Reason” benefit provides a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar for the full amount of the Road Scholar cancellation fee if you cancel for any reason not covered by insurance.
See all the benefits at www.roadscholar.org/trip-protection
PREPARING.
Preparing for your program is almost as much fun as being there. You can dive into your reading list and research ways to get the most out of your experience. In the months and weeks leading up to your learning adventure, we’ll send you email communications with information and tips to make sure you are prepared with everything you’ll need. A er you enroll, you’ll also find all the details of your particular program in the “Upcoming Trips” section of your Road Scholar online account.
Visit www.roadscholar.org/my-account and click on “Upcoming Trips” to find your details.
HAVING THE LEARNING
ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME.
Once you arrive and your Road Scholar learning adventure begins, you can relax knowing that you’re in good hands. Your Group Leader is an expert and is there to make sure your experience is as enriching and memorable as possible. Since we don’t want you to worry about the details, we include everything in the price of our programs — lodging, most meals, lectures, field trips, gratuities and taxes. We also include the Road Scholar Assurance Plan. Designed especially for Road Scholar participants, the Road Scholar Assurance Plan provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
See all the benefits of the Road Scholar Assurance Plan at www.roadscholar.org/assurance
LOOKING FOR THE FINE PRINT?
Please refer to the Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy on program webpages for specific deposit amounts, transfer and cancellation fee schedules.
Visit www.roadscholar.org/terms-andconditions to see the details of our policies.
SELLER OF TRAVEL INFORMATION:
Road Scholar’s Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602244658. CST #2068427-40. Florida Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35594.
X Australia
Discover a Land Down Under: Melbourne, Adelaide & Sydney
Turn your world upside down on an adventure in Australia, where you will learn about iconic architecture, unique wildlife and the distinct cultures of Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney.
Length: 13 Days/12 Nights Meals: 20 Refer to 22091TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Journey the length of Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s greatest coastal drives.
• Enjoy time to explore Melbourne and Sydney on your own during full free days.
• Join an expert to explore the magnificent Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walking Australia: From Tasmania to the Great Ocean Road
I exercise for fun, not to win contests. I like to explore at an easy pace, stopping to snap photos and smell the roses. Varied terrain doesn’t scare me, but let’s not do anything too extreme.
Walk through the beautiful and unique landscape of Australia, joining local experts to discover national parks, pristine coastlines, myriad wildlife and colonial history.
Length: 16 Days/15 Nights Meals: 32
Refer to 20755TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
I enjoy getting my heart going on my bike or on trails. Nothing beats the thrill of taking on a rewarding climb or ride on varied terrain with inclines. Let’s keep moving — occasional stops only, please.
• Experience Tasmania’s pristine wilderness during walks through Mole Creek Karst, Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Parks.
I love pushing myself, and I can keep a steady pace on rugged and steep terrain. This is as challenging as it gets? Great. Let’s do this. At the end of the day, I want to feel like I’ve had a real workout.
• Marvel at Victoria’s coastline as you explore the Great Ocean Walk in the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks.
• Get a firsthand look at Australia’s native creatures, including wallabies, wombats, koalas and hopefully even the elusive platypus.
Itinerary: Arrival Launceston, 1 night; Cradle Mountain National Park, 2 nights; Strahan, 1 night; Hobart, 2 nights; Freycinet National Park, 2 nights; fly to Melbourne; Apollo Bay, 3 nights; Port Campbell, 1 night; Melbourne, 1 night; departure.
As outdoor enthusiasts know, some days can bring new variables — the weather, the terrain, my energy level — so I enjoy the flexibility of choosing from multiple options of length, challenges and pace.
X Australia
Great Australian Train Trek
Experience an immersive adventure through an incredible landscape — traverse Australia by rail on two iconic train journeys.
Length: 27 Days/26 Nights Meals: 66 Refer to 3110TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Journey on Australia’s two iconic trains: the Indian Pacific across the Nullarbor Plain and the Ghan from Darwin to Alice Springs.
• Enjoy a boat cruise through World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, a unique archaeological and ethnological reserve, to view Kakadu’s abundant bird life.
• Attend a performance at the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House and enjoy an expert-led exploration of this iconic building.
Itinerary: Arrival Sydney, 3 nights; Perth, 3 nights; board Indian Pacific train, 2 nights; arrive Adelaide, 1 night; Kangaroo Island, 2 nights; Adelaide, 1 night; Darwin and coach to Kakadu National Park, 2 nights; Darwin, 2 nights; board the Ghan train, 1 night; arrive Alice Springs, 2 nights; Uluru/Ayers Rock, 1 night; Cairns, 3 nights; Sydney, 1 night; departure.
Oceanic Treasures: The Cook Islands and French Polynesia
Delve into the Cook Islands and French Polynesia’s rich culture and gain a better understanding of past and present ecology, politics and traditional practices.
Length: 17 Days/16 Nights Meals: 35
Refer to 25485TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Keep an eye out for the kakerori, or Fly-Catcher, in the Takitumu Conservation Area and learn how this endemic species was brought back from the brink of extinction.
• Taste sweet fresh fruits and coconut-steeped ika mata and learn about the transmission of plants and agricultural knowledge by Polynesian voyagers.
• Visit a local elementary school on Rarotonga and learn about education, language and the Cook Islands’ international connections.
Itinerary: Arrival Tahiti, 5 nights; travel to Huahine, 2 nights; travel to Rarotonga, 6 nights; travel to Aitutaki, 1 night; departure.
Angkor Wat & the Mekong River: The Wonders of Cambodia & Vietnam
On a riverboat voyage along the legendary Mekong River, meet the people and discover the places that make Vietnam and Cambodia two of the most fascinating countries in Southeast Asia.
Length: 15 Days/14 Nights Meals: 33 Refer to 19033TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Go ashore in traditional villages along the beautiful Mekong River to discover their cultural heritage and learn their way of life.
• Explore the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat with an expert.
• Learn about the cultures in both city and village life.
Itinerary: Arrival Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), 2 nights; embark vessel, 7 nights (ports of call include My Tho, Sa Dec, Tan Chau, Phnom Penh [Cambodia], Kampong Chhnang, Tonlé Sap); disembark Siem Reap, 3 nights; departure.
The Best of the Mountain Kingdoms: Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan READY TO GO?
Sacred temples, hidden monasteries, magnificent palaces and ancient cities — learn about these and other enduring cultural treasures from the people who call the Himalayas their home.
Length: 21 Days/20 Nights Meals: 51
Refer to 21103TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Journey to Tibetan grasslands, a remote village in Bhutan and a tiny monastery tucked away in the midst of the incredible Himalayas.
• Discover the sacred and beautiful Hindu and Buddhist temples of the Kathmandu Valley.
• Learn about Bhutan's Gross National Happiness philosophy.
The People of the Mekong: Vietnam, Cambodia and Angkor Wat
Dive deep into the ancient cultures of the Mekong, learning about daily village life, grand temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and traditional artistry from the people who live here.
Length: 17 Days/16 Nights Meals: 35
Refer to 18681TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Spend one night on a Vietnamese barge among the stunning limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay.
• View the temple restoration in Siem Reap at Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm (the Jungle Temple) and Banteay Srei (the Citadel of Women).
• Encounter the history of the Khmer Rouge regime at a memorial and a security prison.
Itinerary: Arrival Hanoi (Vietnam), 3 nights; Ha Long Bay, 1 night; Ho Chi Minh City, 3 nights; Chau Doc, 2 nights; Phnom Penh (Cambodia), 2 nights; Siem Reap, 3 nights; departure.
