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 Illinois
Go Solo: Art and Architecture in Chicago
Embark on an adventure with other solo travelers, learning about Chicago’s historic architecture and diverse neighborhoods with local experts.
Length: 6 Days/5 Nights Meals: 11
Refer to 24935TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Go inside the Art Institute of Chicago with an expert on the artworks of its world-class, 300,000-piece permanent collection.
• Learn about the life and work of the iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright through an expert-led exploration of his Prairie-style home and studio in charming and historic Oak Park, Illinois.
• Study city architecture on a walk with an expert and from a boat on the Chicago River, exploring the city with other solo explorers who love learning as much as you do.
On this adventure exclusively for solo travelers, immerse yourself in four of Europe’s cities, learning about monuments, cultural treasures and art.
Length: 18 Days/17 Nights Meals: 36
Refer to 25123TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Alongside other solo Road Scholars, enjoy a private concert at the Strahov Monastery and explore the library.
• Admire the illuminated city of Budapest on an evening river voyage along the Danube River, passing such important sights as parliament, Chain Bridge and Castle Hill.
• Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence and one of the most important cultural monuments in Austria.
Go Solo: Classic Tuscany and the Treasures of Florence
Explore medieval villages, discover Renaissance architecture and savor wine and cuisine as you learn the timeless story of Tuscany and Florence with other solo travelers.
Length: 13 Days/12 Nights Meals: 22 Refer to 25125TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Visit the quarries of Carrara to learn why great sculptors and architects choose this marble.
• View the great masterpieces in Florence: works by Donatello, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, Caravaggio, Cellini and Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture, 'David.'
• Visit a winery in the Tuscan countryside and explore San Gimignano, a beautiful walled medieval hill town with an unforgettable skyline, exclusively with other solo Road Scholars.
Go Solo: Explore Delhi, Agra & More Highlights of India
On this adventure exclusively for solo travelers, watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, experience the Ganges River and much more on this immersion into India.
Length: 12 Days/11 Nights Meals: 24 Refer to 25126TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Learn about Sikh culture as you observe prayer at a local temple and volunteer in their soup kitchen.
• Among your fellow solo travelers, watch the sun rise and set over the Taj Mahal in Agra and explore the gardens of Mehtab Bagh.
• Observe and learn about the daily rituals that people perform at ghats along the Ganges River in Varanasi, the holiest city in Hinduism.
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 Costa Rica
Go Solo: A Taste of Costa Rica
Explore the magic of Costa Rica with other solo travelers as you hike cloud forests, explore volcanic trails and savor the art of coffee-making and good conversation.
Length: 9 Days/8 Nights Meals: 22 Refer to 25139TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Hike through the mystical cloud forest at Monteverde and go whitewater rafting at Sarapiquí exclusively with other solo travelers.
• Discover scenic views of Arenal Volcano from up in the rainforest canopy during a walk on a combination of nature trails and hanging bridges.
• Enjoy an interactive presentation that introduces you to an important gourmet coffee roaster in Costa Rica.
Itinerary: Arrival San José, 1 night; Sarapiquí, 2 nights; Arenal, 2 nights; Monteverde, 2 nights; San José, 1 night; departure.
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.
Experience Buenos Aires like a local through the perfect combination of expert-led experiences and independent explorations, all with other solo travelers.
Length: 10 Days/9 Nights Meals: 12 Refer to 25117TYG 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.
• Explore independently and with other solo travelers with detailed advice from local scholars, resident experts and personalized leaders.
• Immerse yourself in the world of tango through a lecture, lesson and private performance.
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.
• Get a firsthand look at Gaucho culture on a journey to the Argentine countryside to a family ranch and enjoy a barbecue and music.
Itinerary: Arrival Buenos Aires, 7 nights; departure.
Per-person prices starting at:
$2,499 DBL | $2,499 SGL
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 Peru
Go Solo: Peru’s Sacred Valley, Lima & Machu Picchu
Get an introduction to the sites, cities and people of Peru alongside other solo travelers on this learning adventure that begins in the capital of Lima and ends in Cusco.
Length: 9 Days/8 Nights Meals: 17 Refer to 25140TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Thrill in the vast beauty and ancient history of Machu Picchu, a ceremonial and administrative epicenter for the Inca, as you experience it with other solo Road Scholars.
• Feel the fibers of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas in your fingertips as you learn about Andean weaving traditions.
• Meet local families in Maras and attend a traditional Pachamama ceremony led by a local shaman.
Discover the history, culture and natural beauty of Havana and the Viñales Valley as you meet with local Cubans and explore exclusively with your fellow solo travelers.
Length: 8 Days/7 Nights Meals: 17
Refer to 25119TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Enjoy a performance from an independent Cuban dance company and meet with the dancers to discuss and support their craft.
• Discover the magic of maintaining antique American cars with a visit to a mechanic's workshop.
• Learn about the history of Cuban music during a discussion with a Cuban expert and your fellow solo Road Scholars.
Dive into local life in Havana through conversations with Cubans and lessons on Cuban history and discover new connections with other solo travelers.
Length: 5 Days/4 Nights Meals: 9 Refer to 25118TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Gain an intimate understanding about life in Cuba — politically and culturally — as you meet local artists, musicians, dancers and farmers exclusively with other solo Road Scholars.
• Engage in a lecture about Cuban architecture from a renowned urban architect and city planner.
• Learn about Cuban organic farming and enjoy traditional dance from a private dance company.
Discover the wonders of the Aegean Sea aboard an elegant small ship. Sail from one idyllic island to the next as you learn the secrets of ancient Greece and explore scenic villages.
Length: 11 Days/10 Nights Meals: 25 Refer to 22869TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Examine Bronze Age architecture in Knossos, considered by many to be the oldest city in Europe.
• Explore Byzantine architecture in a medieval, hidden walled town.
• Discover the archaeological remains of the mighty Acropolis and learn about ancient Greek relics.
The Best of Portugal: From the Age of Exploration to Today
Discover the unique history of Portugal from a local perspective as you examine its architecture, heritage, universities and traditions of port wine on expert-led walks.
Length: 10 Days/9 Nights Meals: 16
Refer to 20983TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Examine architectural treasures of the Age of Discovery in Lisbon and enjoy a lively evening of music at a fado house.
• Set off on a trip to one of the world’s oldest universities, the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290.
• Taste and learn about port wine at the vineyards of the Alto Douro Wine Region.
