What is Road Scholar? It's more than the name implies, because this group offers exciting travel to heritage sites across America and the world in all-inclusive packages that include hotels and restaurants. If you were picturing elder hostels, bunk beds and backpacks, think again.
Road Scholar has grown from its early days in the 1970's to a world-wide organization offering trips for the traveler who wants to go biking, hiking, and learning. These trips can feature choices of travel, hotel accommodations, add-on events that complement the trip, and one or more days with world-class 'guides' with impressive credentials. The program covers 150 countries and ranks trips on the physical activity level you can expect, and options for small groups that don't leave you feeling as if you're in a cattle pen. They run the gamut from museums to cruising up the Amazon.
A fascinating trip from Sacramento to the High Sierras this spring offers a good example of the kind of programs you can expect. The Gold Rush High Sierra tour includes a day with a published author of “The Donner Party Chronicles,” a history buff whose in-depth knowledge of Gold Rush history will add to the fun and relaxation of a trip that's educational, diverse and hands-on.
See how the Sierra Nevada evolved as a triumph of American grit and determination, at sites in Carson City when silver was king, along with Gold Rush era stops along the way. Learn about the railroad’s historic impact on the area and its inhabitants, including Native Americans. See historic Sacramento as an insider.
Highlights
• Experience the rugged grandeur of the Sierra Nevada from the observation car as your train trek follows this historic transit. Watch for spectacular geologic formations.
• Field trips include the California State Railroad Museum, Nevada State Museum and the site of the Comstock Lode, plus Virginia City, with expert-led visits to Fourth Ward School and Piper’s Opera House. Watch for wild horses in the steep ravines outside Carson City. Enjoy lunch on the shore of sparkling, deep blue Lake Tahoe on the return to Sacramento.
• Hear from the author of the definitive book on the Donner Party and visit Donner Memorial State Park and Museum, site of the tragic pioneer group.
Tours are easily sorted on the website by state and country. You can meet up with old friends and leave the planning to someone else, or travel by car and meet up with the groups when you want to, and enjoy the flexibility of taking detours along the way. With five million satisfied customers, Road Scholar clearly has something for every taste.
© Copyright 2012 Mary Holman. All rights reserved. This article and content may not be republished, rewritten or excerpted.
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