Dive In & Discover: Snorkeling In Palau And Yap
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs February
Strung across the Western Pacific like a thousand green emeralds on a sea of blue are the islands of Micronesia, or “little islands.” Situated north of Indonesia, just north of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, these islands are steeped in ancient traditions, fascinating legends and a distinct culture. The result of volcanic activity millions of years ago, some of the islands are the tips of huge underwater mountains, some of the atolls are the rims of sunken volcano craters… more |
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The Gray Whales And Wonders Of Baja
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs February, March
Gray whales come to the warm waters off the Baja Peninsula each winter to deliver their calves, to mate, and it seems from their behavior, to enjoy a warm winter holiday. Making one of the longest migrations of any mammal, gray whales travel more than 5,000 miles each fall from the cold waters of the Bering and Chukchi Seas to the Baja Peninsula’s Pacific Coast. Beginning at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the oldest and most important marine science research… more |
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The Battle Of Gettysburg: Days Of Thunder
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs April-June, September
No more significant battle has been fought on North American soil than the Battle of Gettysburg. Its outcome turned the Civil War, which in turn redefined the United States, ending slavery and preserving a unified American nation. From July 1-3, 1863, Lee's 75,000-man Army of Northern Virginia met the 95,000 soldiers of Meade's Army of the Potomac on the fields of Gettysburg. Travel through the battlefields in chronological order to understand its scope and the courage of those who fought… more |
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Sedona To Grand Canyon: Walking Through Time
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs March, April, September, October
The best way to explore the great canyons of the Southwest is on foot -- and, put simply, Sedona and the Grand Canyon will take your breath away. As you walk through more than a billion years of geologic uplifts and erosion, scientists and Native Americans will unfold the canyons' remarkable tapestry of natural and human history. Geologist Stan Beus and anthropologist/archaeologist Chris Coder, both experts in the region, join you as you explore these ancient lands, sacred to Hopi,… more |
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Santa Fe And The New Tastes Of Southwest Cuisine
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs April, May
Since the ancient Anasazi harvested the first beans, corn and squash in Chaco Canyon, Southwestern cuisine has nourished and delighted countless generations. Through the centuries, chile caribe, tamales and native game have simmered on hearths in relative obscurity. But in the 1960s and 1970s, Southwestern fare arrived on the national table and today is an inseparable part of American cuisine. At the heart of this culinary movement is sun-drenched Santa Fe, home to exceptional galleries and world-class restaurants -- the… more |
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History Of The Ancients: Copper Canyon And Casas Grandes
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs January, April, May, September, October
In the grandeur and desolation of Copper Canyon, nature dominates -- a land of steep ups and sharp downs, of spires and rocks, and of abundant vegetation. Four times the size of the Grand Canyon, Copper Canyon is so narrow that the river sees only an hour or two of direct sunlight each day. But this land is more than a natural wonder -- it is home to the reclusive Tarahumara. Board a moving classroom for a ride in the… more |
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Criminal Forensics: Extracting The Evidence In Riverside
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs March
It's nearly impossible to overstate the impact of modern forensic science on crime scene investigation. Learn firsthand the secrets of solving crimes as you trace the cycle of a forensic detective's work from the crime scene to autopsy techniques and incarceration. Meet leading experts, such as Dr. Frank Sheridan, chief medical examiner for San Bernardino County, and Steven Staggs, Captain (retired) Riverside Police Department, who introduce modern crime-solving methods, including gathering forensic evidence and using autopsy techniques. Discussions led by… more |
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Austin Express: Ridin' The Music Train
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs October
Rockin', Rollin' and a-wringin' the blues out of a battered guitar is all in a night's work inside Austin city limits. From honky-tonks to blues joints, beer halls to BBQ shacks, Austin isn’t called the "Live Music Capital of the World" for nothing. How's this for a list of Austin alumni (and adopted favorites): Muddy Waters, Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Pinetop Perkins, Joe Ely, Patty Griffin, Lyle Lovett and Shawn Colvin? With more live music venues per… more |
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Alaska: Enlightenment Under The Midnight Sun
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs June-August
Discover the rare natural treasure that is Alaska, and come away with a perspective far deeper than the typical visitor gains. Your journey through America’s last frontier — under the midnight sun provided by the summer solstice — will take you into the backcountry of Denali and the Kenai Peninsula, where you’ll stay in remote wilderness lodges that emphasize the Alaska experience. With an intimate group of fellow learning-adventurers, you’ll explore the diverse wild lands of Alaska, from the rocky… more |
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The Living Heritage Of Turkey
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs May
For the people of this region where mountains meet the sea, living in two worlds is nothing new. In a land that bespeaks empires of millennia past, a modern Turkey turns to its people to lead it into the 21st century. Among the palaces, museums and excavation sites, Turks are building a new tomorrow. From prehistoric cave dwellers to the Hittites to Greeks and Romans, Turkey has had a long history of conflict -- conflict of ideas and attempts to… more |
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Ansel Adams, Yosemite, And Mono Lake: A Photo Expedition
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs June
Follow in the footsteps of the iconic American photographer and ardent environmentalist Ansel Adams, as you embark on a photo safari and workshop designed to bring you closer to the beloved places and masterful techniques of the artist. Under the tutelage of professional photographer and former Ansel Adams assistant Mark Citret, journey from San Francisco and the central coast of California to Yosemite National Park for hands-on opportunities to learn Adams’ innovative techniques and to create your own portfolio of… more |
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Umbria And Tuscany: The Heart Of Italy
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs May, September
What makes central Italy the country’s historical and emotional heartland, as well as one of the world’s most distinctive regions? Come explore this rugged, beautiful land, and discover Italy’s spirited soul, expressed in the passion and traditions of its people. Trace the 3,000-year-old Etruscan roots of Umbria and Tuscany’s inhabitants, and learn what makes them the fiercely independent people they are today. Through an examination of Etruscan architecture, study of ages-old agricultural, craft and olive oil industries, visits to museums… more |
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Everyday Venice: Beyond The Piazzas
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs September
The exact origins of this watery civilization are as mysterious as its location was once protected. After retreating to the chain of 118 islands dotting a salty lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, refugees fleeing the barbaric Roman invasions of the fifth and sixth centuries are rumored to have constructed a city of rafts moored to wooden posts, laying the foundation for today's enchanting city. Though most have seen the images of Venice -- the romantic gondolas and clothesline-strung canals --… more |
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Tulips And Traditions: Cruising Holland's Canals
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs September
Board the luxury barge Iris in Amsterdam for a cruise through the history and artistic heritage of the Netherlands -- lush and lovely countryside, important cities and charming castles -- to discover the heart and soul of the Dutch people. Through the centuries, the Dutch have constantly altered their landscape -- reclaiming land from the stormy North Sea and utilizing every corner of their tiny country. What remains constant, however, is Holland’s passion for freedom of expression and individual enterprise,… more |
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Scandinavia: Design For Life
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs May, August
In the years following World War II, a group of craft artisans, designers and architects began creating products and buildings in a style that captured the European zeitgeist of hope, harmony and the dream of a better world. Traveling through Denmark, Sweden and Finland, study the rise of Scandinavian design and the many forms it has embodied over the decades, from industry and architecture to everyday items and textiles. Observe how design informs daily life, and see firsthand the national… more |
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The Art Of Living: Italy's Amalfi Coast
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs April, September, October
Amid ancient Greco-Roman ruins, the Bay of Naples, framed by the Amalfi Coast, forms a picturesque region rich in history and contemporary life. From Naples to Salerno, the people share a passion for music, humor and romance -- not to mention their world-famous cuisine. While you are ensconced in this idyllic landscape, gain firsthand insights into the area’s geology, history, folklore and contemporary culture through the eyes of Study Leader Dr. Candace d’Esposito, a graduate of the University of Naples… more |
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Malta: Mediterranean Rock Of Ages
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs March, May, September, October
In 1530, a group of second-tier aristocrats rented the islands south of Sicily and north of Africa from the Spanish King for an annual sum of one Maltese falcon. Three decades later, the Knights of St. John had fortified the rocky outcropping against invading Turks and constructed the capital city of Valletta, resplendent with architecture, embattlements and a cathedral to rival any in Sicily. And that was in Malta’s later years. Experience Malta’s astonishing historical and cultural timeline in journeys… more |
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Iceland: Immersed In Nature
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs June, August
Iceland rises from the frigid North Atlantic, verdant and vibrantly alive. A land birthed violently from the sea, transformed by glacial and volcanic activity, and settled by Vikings and Celts, Iceland stands today as a testament to the power of nature and the fortitude of the human spirit. Discover this land primeval in emerald valleys, lava flows, creeping glaciers and towering mountains as you venture from cosmopolitan Reykjavik to remote but remarkable corners of the country. Literally immerse yourself in… more |
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Florence: The Heart Of The Renaissance, The Soul Of A City
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs October
Contemporary Florence lives side by side with the history writ large by her citizens. Discover them both during a journey to the heart and soul of this Tuscan jewel. Created as administrative districts during the Renaissance, Florence’s Four Quarters are the pulse of the city. Discussions and walks with a local expert let you discover the history and development of Florence through the perspective of the original neighborhoods: San Giovanni, Santo Spirito, Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella. After a… more |
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Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs May, June, September, October
Istanbul is the only place on earth where you can experience two continents, 17 centuries and the customs of dozens of ethnic groups within the confines of a single city. Founded in 303, Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world, with centuries-old bazaars and fashionable stores, street vendors and fine restaurants, Byzantine ruins and skyscrapers, horse-drawn carts and expensive sports cars side by side. After capturing the Byzantine capital of Constantinople in 1453, Ottoman Turks created a… more |
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Honduras, Guatemala And Belize
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs February
The bustling marketplace of Chichicastenango is a thriving legacy of a Mayan civilization that at its peak spanned from northern Central America into southern Mexico. The ancient Maya built massive pyramids and complexes, created the only sophisticated writing system in the Americas, mastered mathematics and astronomy, and perfected a calendar that is more accurate than ours today. While their greatest architectural accomplishments were eventually reclaimed by the jungle, the Maya dialects, traditions and cuisine live on today. With noted archaeologists,… more |
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The Infinite Variety Of China
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs April, May, September, October
China is the world’s most populous nation and oldest continuous civilization. What few visitors experience, aside from the vastness of it all, is its diversity of cultures and nationalities. Throughout the program, practice the gentle exercise of tai chi at pre-breakfast sessions. Begin at Tiananmen Square, the focal point of officialdom but also where Beijing families stroll and fly kites. A presentation by a university professor introduces China’s land and peoples. Explore the vast Forbidden City and meet locals in… more |
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China, Tibet And Yangtze River
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs May, September
China’s landscape, art and philosophies are central to its identity. Remarkably diverse, China’s artistic heritage extends uninterrupted to 6000 B.C., and composed in one of the world’s first written languages, Chinese books were published as early as the eighth century. Through conversations with experts, guided visits of museums, and meeting local people, you’ll lift the veil of China’s long history and complex culture. Beijing is a testament to China’s educational and cultural commitments, with scores of universities, museums, concert halls… more |
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Bhutan: Into The Land Of The Thunder Dragon
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs September, October
With Tibet to the north and India to the south, the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan has been protected and preserved throughout history by formidable mountains and a rugged landscape. Known to its people as Druk Yul, or “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” it is the last bastion of Himalayan Buddhism in the region. Although the Buddhist philosophy is present in every aspect of life for all Bhutanese, there is a surprisingly rich cultural diversity and variety of customs. Above all,… more |
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Egypt: Cairo, The Nile And The Western Desert
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs October
Few Westerners visit Egypt's Western Desert, where you'll peel away a few more layers in a program encompassing the ancient civilization of the Pharaohs, classic Greece and Rome, and Bedouin tradition predating Muhammad, Islam, the Ottoman Empire and modern times. Visit the museum where the Golden Mummies, unearthed in 1999, are displayed, not far from deposits of coins from Greek and Roman times. When you travel across the Black Desert to Farafra Oasis to see new settlements designed to ease… more |
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A Spiritual Journey Through India
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs October
You don't have to be a follower of Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism to be forever changed by the spiritual wealth of Indian culture. Hindu holy men, Buddhist monks and Islamic scholars are your guides into the Eastern mind and soul. Learn the history and origins of the major Eastern religions, as well as the significance of spiritual customs and practices, including yoga and meditation. Whether walking through ancient temples and monuments with religious scholars, watching in awe as the sun… more |
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Cape Town Extension
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs May, October
To make the most of your journey to Zambia and Botswana on An African Safari Along the Zambezi River (12849BH), you are invited to join Road Scholar for four extraordinary days (three nights) in Cape Town, South Africa, following your program. Discover the lovely landscapes, vibrant culture, unique history and 21st-century trends of cosmopolitan Cape Town. Overshadowed by a towering plateau-capped mountain and set on a dramatic peninsula near where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet, Cape Town is a… more |
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An African Safari Along The Zambezi River
by Road Scholar (0 testimonials)
Departs May, October
Step back in time on a classic African safari, where big game is found at every turn and where tented camps and lodges provide a respite from a day of guided bush walks and game drives. Discover primordial Africa, where the survival of the fittest is the rule and where the heartbeat of Africa still pulses over the plains. Your introduction to Africa begins with a profoundly human touch in Johannesburg as you trace the evolution of South Africa from… more |
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