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 Alaska
Discover Alaska by Rail: A Traveling Adventure
Learn about the Alaska Railroad while journeying its entire length. Explore a cross-section of Alaska life (and wildlife) in Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage and Seward.
Length: 11 Days/10 Nights Meals: 25 Refer to 1014TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• View stunning scenery and wildlife on a journey into Denali National Park.
• Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska's diverse array of cultures and traditions.
• Explore Kenai Fjords National Park by boat to spot glaciers, marine mammals, birds and the rugged coast.
Scenic Railroads of Arizona: Sedona and Grand Canyon
Experience the wonders of Sedona and the Grand Canyon via two historic railways as you join experts to learn about the local history, culture and charm of these iconic landscapes.
Length: 6 Days/5 Nights Meals: 13 Refer to 1083TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Enjoy a guided exploration of Sedona’s red-rock vistas.
• Travel through dramatic Oak Creek Canyon en route to historic Williams for embarkation on the Grand Canyon Railway.
• Stay overnight at a Grand Canyon lodge, explore historic village sites and absorb incomparable canyon views.
Itinerary: Arrival Sedona, 3 nights; coach to Grand Canyon South Rim, 2 nights; coach to Sedona; departure.
River Rafting & Railroads: The Grand Canyon With Your Grandchild
Share the journey of a lifetime with your grandchild as you visit the Grand Canyon via train, raft the Colorado River and see amazing animals at Bearizona Wildlife Park.
Length: 6 Days/5 Nights Meals: 14 Refer to 5831TYG online or when calling. For grandchildren ages 9-12.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Raft the Colorado River beneath 800-foot towering sandstone cliffs, and stop for a short hike to see 1,000-year-old Native American petroglyphs.
• See amazing animals at Bearizona Wildlife Park and participate in a fun, interactive activity about Native American culture and history at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
• Enjoy a Western shootout show on your train ride to the South Rim and help the good guys capture the bandits on board.
Per-person prices starting at:
$2,349 Adult Price | $1,699 Child Price
X Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park and the Durango and Silverton Railroad
From a historic train ride to a legacy of mining, from ancient Puebloan architecture to the inspiring landscapes of Mesa Verde National Park, learn the story of the Four Corners region.
Length: 6 Days/5 Nights Meals: 13
Refer to 1263TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Study the cultural, artistic, engineering and farming advancements of these prehistoric people during visits to ruins on the mesa-top and to view cliff dwellings at Spruce Tree House and Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde’s showpiece.
• Learn about the CCC boys at Mesa Verde, railroads, miners, cowboys and Navajo inhabitants of this Western region.
• Ascend nearly 3,000 feet by steam train through some of the most dramatic terrain ever traversed by rail; return to Durango on the Million Dollar Highway.
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 Colorado
The Best of Colorado’s Historic Railroads
The story of Colorado is stitched together with mining seams and railroad lines. Come learn why as you ride historic trains, visit historic towns and witness grand feats of engineering.
Length: 9 Days/8 Nights Meals: 20 Refer to 4345TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Compare riding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway with the historic Durango and Silverton, as well as the Cumbres and Toltec steam-powered narrow-gauge railways.
• Experience the engineering marvel of Georgetown Loop as you cross bridges and climb the narrow canyon, and journey by 4x4 through the spectacular San Juan Mountains.
• Ride along the Royal Gorge Route, Colorado’s oldest scenic railroad, to learn about its complicated history.
All Aboard! Discover New England’s Railroad Legacy
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.
From the Essex Steam Train in Connecticut to the Cog Railway up New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, discover the history and charm of New England’s railroads.
Length: 6 Days/5 Nights Meals: 14
Refer to 12310TYG 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.
• Hear about New Hampshire’s railroads from a railroad historian, and then join him aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad for an excursion along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.
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.
• Board the Mount Washington Cog for a journey to the highest peak in New England.
• Ride the beautiful Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train on a scenic journey along the Pemigewasset River.
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 Tennessee & Georgia
Trains, Cherokee and Culture in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Ride historic rails across scenic mountains as you learn about Appalachian culture, Cherokee heritage, traditional music and regional cuisine.
Length: 6 Days/5 Nights Meals: 11 Refer to 21267TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Ride the original railroad line in Chattanooga across four bridges and through the pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel.
• Tap your toes to the music of the Cherokee and to performances of Southern Appalachian music.
• Travel by train along the Toccoa River through the North Georgia countryside to two quaint sister towns nestled deep in the mountains of Georgia and Tennessee.
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.
Western Canada by Train & Ferry: Grizzlies, Orcas & Totems
Breathtaking vistas, unique wildlife, ancient cultures and traditional ways of life — discover this and more as you explore Western Canada from Alberta to the Inside Passage.
Length: 13 Days/12 Nights Meals: 29 Refer to 21439TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Explore Banff and Yoho National Parks with experts and learn about their rich ecology and geology.
• Experience British Columbia’s diversity of landscapes aboard Via Rail's Skeena train and on a BC Ferry ride.
• Learn about the bioregion of the grizzly bear and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Itinerary: Arrival Calgary, AB, 1 night; Banff, 2 nights; Jasper 2, nights; Kamloops, 2 nights; Prince George, B.C., 1 night; Prince Rupert, 3 nights; Port Hardy, 2 nights; Vancouver, 1 night; departure. Some itineraries run in reverse.
Per-person prices starting at:
$7,399 DBL | $8,919 SGL
X Alberta & British Columbia
READY
The Best of the Rockies by Rail: Western Canada's Splendor
Journey to the heart of the Canadian Rockies by train — and glassenclosed gondola! — discovering ancient glaciers, unique wildlife, isolated towns and stunning alpine views.
Length: 12 Days/11 Nights Meals: 26 Refer to 3748TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Enjoy some of the world’s most magnificent stretches of railway aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
• Ride a glass-enclosed gondola to the peak of Sulphur Mountain for 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies.
• Journey along the famed Icefields Parkway through the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Southern Africa by Train: South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini & Zimbabwe
On an epic train trek across four nations in Southern Africa, learn about life and culture in small African villages and capital cities and visit national parks and reserves for safari.
Length: 17 Days/16 Nights Meals: 42 Refer to 22912TYG online or when calling.
Go online to see available dates.
Best of all, you’ll ...
• Catch sightings of “The Big Five” — lions, buffalo, leopards, rhinos and elephants — on 4x4 wildlife safaris in three national parks and a game reserve.
• Learn about 20th-century South African history and the country’s new era of hope and freedom as a democracy during visits to Soweto and Pretoria.
• Visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the largest ancient monument south of the Egyptian pyramids, and Victoria Falls — one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Itinerary: Arrival Johannesburg (South Africa), 2 nights; board Rovos Rail train, 11 nights (with stops in South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini, Zimbabwe); disembark Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), 1 night; departure.
