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PROVO / OREM, UTAH

Hot-Air Ballooning and Outdoor Adventure With Your Grandchild in Provo-Orem

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Road Scholar
Program #4760RJ
6 Days | 5 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderately Challenging
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.
Elevation Note
Provo's elevation is approximately 4,000' with hikes and tram rides (6,000'-11,000').

Itinerary for Jul 22 — Jul 27, 2012

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Type: Hotel

Description: Conveniently located next to many shops and stores to purchase souvenirs or forgotten items.

Contact info:
2230 N University Parkway
Provo, UT 84604 USA
phone: 801-373-7044
web: www.cottontreeinns.com/provo/index.html

Room amenities: Cable television with in-room movies, private bath, full-sized iron and ironing board, coffee and in-room coffee maker.

Facility amenities: Indoor pool and hot tub. Outdoor pool. Free high speed wireless internet. Laundry room. Business Center in lobby.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $71 +tax
Based on availability. Must speak with group sales representative.

Check in time: 3:00 PM


Day One: Sunday, July 22 - Arrival & Check In/Welcome & Orientation 
Afternoon: 3:00 - 5:45 Check into hotel 5:45 Road Scholar registration at PM in the conference room.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner from our private chef in our conference room at 6 PM.

Evening: 6:45 - 8:00 PM Introductions and overview of the week's activities and events in our conference room.

Lodging: Best Western Cotton Tree Inn

Meals Included: Dinner
Type: Hotel

Description: Conveniently located next to many shops and stores to purchase souvenirs or forgotten items.

Contact info:
2230 N University Parkway
Provo, UT 84604 USA
phone: 801-373-7044
web: www.cottontreeinns.com/provo/index.html

Room amenities: Cable television with in-room movies, private bath, full-sized iron and ironing board, coffee and in-room coffee maker.

Facility amenities: Indoor pool and hot tub. Outdoor pool. Free high speed wireless internet. Laundry room. Business Center in lobby.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $71 +tax
Based on availability. Must speak with group sales representative.

Check in time: 3:00 PM


Day Two: Monday, July 23 - Challenge yourself on a Ropes Course. Discover Thanksgiving Point... 
Challenge yourself on a Ropes Course. Discover Thanksgiving Point Museum of Ancient Life. Learn all about Mountain Men and Utah History.

Note: Wear casual clothes and closed-toed shoes for Ropes Course.

Breakfast: Enjoy an expanded continental breakfast in the hotel which include eggs, waffles, hot and cold cereals, muffins, bagels, toast, juice, fruit, etc.

Morning: Challenge yourself on CLAS ropes course. CLAS stands for: Challenging Leadership Adventure Systems Please wear casual clothes and closed-toe shoes for this activity. You will be climbing, swinging and participate in group experiences on and off the ground. Mission: To improve personal effectiveness and group dynamics through comprehensive experiential challenges. Vision To facilitate opportunities for people to tangibly recognize and internalize their own personal worth/value and realize their fullest potential, both as individuals and as part of the group dynamic of home, work and society as a whole. To assist individuals in developing leadership potential so that they may become a more positive and effective influence for good in their personal environment and in relationship to all those with whom they interact. Introduction People learn more through experience than through any other method of learning. Challenge course participants learn techniques in problem solving, leadership, human relationships, communication skills, conflict resolution, group cooperation, building self-confidence and esteem, trust, self-direction, motivation, and values. Analogies can be made to life-relevant topics, helping to increase understanding and strengthen character. The aim is to allow the participants to view themselves as increasingly capable and competent. By attempting a graduated series of activities which involve physical or emotional risk, and succeeding (or sometimes failing) in a supportive group atmosphere, an individual may gain confidence in himself/herself and others. Each activity is based on the assumption that anyone who conscientiously tries will be successful. Success is in making an effort. A cooperative, supportive atmosphere tends to encourage participation. The use of teams, points, and timed competition has consciously been minimized to allow participants to succeed without fear of failure.

Lunch: 12:00 PM Enjoy a picnic lunch at CLAS Ropes Course by our private chef.

Afternoon: Enjoy the Museum of Ancient Life, which has the distinction of having the world's largest display of mounted dinosaurs. Not only will you meet the fierce prehistoric friends at the museum, you will also become a part of their world. While you're weaving through the exhibits, chirps of insects and growls of ancient creatures greet you in each hall. Exhibits like the Erosion Table and the Fossil Dig give you an opportunity be a part of the science of palaeontology. Needless to say, this is not an ordinary museum! You will be guided through the museum by the museum curator who designed it all. MUSEUM FACTS: * Opened to the public in June of 2000 * The defining characteristic of the Museum of Ancient Life is found in its hands-on approach to exhibits * Guests are invited to touch actual fossils and feel real dinosaur bones and eggs, as well as other displays * Exhibit halls are designed to immerse guests in the subject matter, using expansive murals, soundtracks, plants and gurgling streams * There are 50 interactive, hands-on displays within the exhibit halls * With 60 complete skeletal displays, the Museum of Ancient Life is the world's largest dinosaur exhibit * The Museum of Ancient is home of the most extensive display of original fossils in the state of Utah * A working palaeontology lab operated by Western Palaeontology is located within the museum and can be observed by guests as they tour the exhibit halls 2:00 After exploring the Museum, view an award-winning movie at the "Xango" large-screen 6-stories high theater! "DINOSAURS PASSAGE TO PANGAEA" in 3D When two children embark on a geology field trip back in time, they are thrown into a fantastic voyage where they witness incredible geological wonders and learn the mysterious process that created our present-day continents. From racing across the landscape atop Dinosaurs to plummeting to the center of the Earth. Get an educational glimpse at the tectonic forces that forged our world.

Dinner: 6:00 Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our private chef.

Evening: Enjoy an evening of learning about Utah history and the Mountain Men who were the first "white-men" who moved into the local mountains. Understand what life was like and how they lived from our Expert Instructor and Utah Historian, Debi Brady. Mountain men were trappers and explorers who roamed the North American Rocky Mountains — from about 1810 through the 1880s (with a peak population in the early 1840s) where they were instrumental in opening up the various Emigrant Trails (widened into wagon roads) allowing Americans in the east to settle the new territories of the far west by organized wagon trains traveling over roads explored and in many cases, physically improved by the mountain men and the big fur companies originally to serve the mule train based inland fur trade. They arose in a natural geographic and economic expansion driven by the lucrative earnings available in the North American fur trade, in the wake of the various 1806–07 published accounts of the Lewis and Clark expeditions' (1803–1806) findings about the Rockies and the (ownership disputed) Oregon Country where they flourished economically for over three decades.

Lodging: Best Western Cotton Tree Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Type: Hotel

Description: Conveniently located next to many shops and stores to purchase souvenirs or forgotten items.

Contact info:
2230 N University Parkway
Provo, UT 84604 USA
phone: 801-373-7044
web: www.cottontreeinns.com/provo/index.html

Room amenities: Cable television with in-room movies, private bath, full-sized iron and ironing board, coffee and in-room coffee maker.

Facility amenities: Indoor pool and hot tub. Outdoor pool. Free high speed wireless internet. Laundry room. Business Center in lobby.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $71 +tax
Based on availability. Must speak with group sales representative.

Check in time: 3:00 PM


Day Three: Tuesday, July 24 - Hot-Air Ballooning, Explore the world-famous Olympic Park, home of... 
Hot-Air Ballooning, Explore the world-famous Olympic Park, home of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Enjoy "Adventure at Every Turn" as you zip down the mountain on a zip-line, alpine slide, alpine coaster and more!

Note: Morning Ballooning can be cool so bring a sweater. Wear closed-toed shoes this day for ballooning, exploring the Olympic Park and "Adventure at Every Turn" zip-line, alpine coaster, alpine slide at Park City Mountain Resort.

Breakfast: Enjoy an expanded continental breakfast in the hotel which include eggs, waffles, hot and cold cereals, muffins, bagels, toast, juice, fruit, etc.

Morning: HOT-AIR BALLOONING: Soar over beautiful Park City or Heber Valley. Olympic venues from a bird's-eye view (ski-jump 90 & 120 meter ramps or Soldier Hollow, home of Nordic biathlon). Depending on the size of the group will depend if the group gets split into group "A" and group "B" for their one-hour ballooning experience. Lear the history of hot-air ballooning and how to navigate balloons. You may also get to help inflate the hot-air balloons and experience the whole ballooning process from beginning to end. DID YOU KNOW: On the 19th September 1783 Pilatre De Rozier, a scientist, launched the first hot air balloon called 'Aerostat Reveillon'. The passengers were a sheep, a duck and a rooster and the balloon stayed in the air for a grand total of 15 minutes before crashing back to the ground. The first manned attempt came about 2 months later on 21st November, with a balloon made by 2 French brothers, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier. The balloon was launched from the centre of Paris and flew for a period of 20 minutes. The birth of hot air ballooning!!! Just 2 years later in 1785 a French balloonist, Jean Pierre Blanchard, and his American co pilot, John Jefferies, became the first to fly across the English Channel. In these early days of ballooning, the English Channel was considered the first step to long distance ballooning so this was a large benchmark in ballooning history. OLYMPIC PARK: Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of 2002 Olympic Games venues, including ski-jump ramps (athletes jump on astro turf during summer), bobsled and luge tracks, and freestyle/aerial ski-jumping athletes using a specially designed pool to train.

Lunch: 12:00 Noon Boxed Lunch at Olympic Park

Afternoon: Experience a full afternoon with "Adventure at Every Turn" as you ride the Alpine slide, Zip Line, Alpine Coaster, and Legacy Launcher (Bungee trampoline). Experience the Climbing Wall, Human Maze, and Putt-Putt Mini Golf--all at Park City Mountain Resort!

Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our private chef in our hotel conference room.

Evening: Group Announcements , then watch a fascinating DVD of Timpanogos Cave National Monument in preparation for exploring the caves the following morning.

Lodging: Best Western Cotton Tree Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Type: Hotel

Description: Conveniently located next to many shops and stores to purchase souvenirs or forgotten items.

Contact info:
2230 N University Parkway
Provo, UT 84604 USA
phone: 801-373-7044
web: www.cottontreeinns.com/provo/index.html

Room amenities: Cable television with in-room movies, private bath, full-sized iron and ironing board, coffee and in-room coffee maker.

Facility amenities: Indoor pool and hot tub. Outdoor pool. Free high speed wireless internet. Laundry room. Business Center in lobby.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $71 +tax
Based on availability. Must speak with group sales representative.

Check in time: 3:00 PM


Day Four: Wednesday, July 25 - Explore Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Cool off at Utah's largest... 
Explore Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Cool off at Utah's largest water park: Seven Peaks. Relax in the evening and enjoy a movie together with your new group of Road Scholar Friends!

Note: Mid-summer temperatures on the trail can reach 100 degrees F. However, temperatures in the caves average 45 degrees, so a sweater or light jacket is recommended. Hiking shoes, lots of water, and sunscreen will make your visit safe and enjoyable. There are no drinking fountains along the trail so bring at least 1 to 2 quarts of water per person. You will stop at the hotel after exploring Timpanogos Caves and change into your swimming suite to cool off at Seven Peaks Water Park!

Breakfast: Enjoy an expanded continental breakfast in the hotel which include eggs, waffles, hot and cold cereals, muffins, bagels, toast, juice, fruit, etc.

Morning: Hike Timpanogos Mountain and explore the captivating Caves! The cave system is uniquely known for its high abundance of helictites, its coloration in its formations, its display of fault-controlled passages, its alpine surroundings, and its unique history. You will have 1.5 hours to hike the 1.5 mile long paved trail which has a 1,092 feet elevation gain to the cave entrance. The pace will be deliberately slow so everyone in the group should be able to do the hike. Bring at least 1 to 2 quarts of water per person because there are no drinking fountains along the trail. Sunscreen is a must! There are no restrooms inside of the caves. Visitors are encouraged to use the last chance restrooms outside of the Hansen Cave entrance before taking their tour. The 1.5 mile long trail provides spectacular views of the geology of the American Fork Canyon and the expanding cities of the Utah Valley. Once in the cave with your expert instructor and guide, you will get to explore an underground world that would naturally go unseen. Get a taste for the thrill of caving as you twist and bend around formations to enter decorated rooms. Learn the science behind formations and colors once thought of as mysterious. Leave some room for discovery too- not everything about caves is completely understood, but your expert instructor and cave guide will help answer the many questions you may have.

Lunch: Picnic lunch at picnic tables across the street from Timpanogos Cave Visitor's Center.

Afternoon: Stop by the hotel to change into your bathing suite. Yes, this means grandparents too! After a very hot and grueling hike to Timpanogos Cave National Monument, you too should cool off in the wave pool or float around in the lazy river even if you are not interested in all the water slides like the grandchildren will be. Wearing a T-shirt over bathing suits is recommended to keep from sun-burning.

Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our private chef in our hotel conference room.

Evening: Group Movie Night!

Lodging: Best Western Cotton Tree Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Type: Hotel

Description: Conveniently located next to many shops and stores to purchase souvenirs or forgotten items.

Contact info:
2230 N University Parkway
Provo, UT 84604 USA
phone: 801-373-7044
web: www.cottontreeinns.com/provo/index.html

Room amenities: Cable television with in-room movies, private bath, full-sized iron and ironing board, coffee and in-room coffee maker.

Facility amenities: Indoor pool and hot tub. Outdoor pool. Free high speed wireless internet. Laundry room. Business Center in lobby.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $71 +tax
Based on availability. Must speak with group sales representative.

Check in time: 3:00 PM


Day Five: Thursday, July 26 - Experience the Provo Canyon Limited Historic Railway as you travel... 
Experience the Provo Canyon Limited Historic Railway as you travel down the glacier-carved Provo Canyon. BBQ Lunch at Vivian Park on the Provo River Raft down the remaining glacier-carved scenic Provo Canyon. Program Finale Slide Show!

Note: Wear clothes and shoes you can get wet while on the rafting trip. This is more of a float-trip down a river with very few rapids. You will get wet from water fights more than from rapids. Leave valuables such as wallets and cameras locked in vans and do not take these items on rafting experience.

Breakfast: Enjoy an expanded continental breakfast in the hotel which include eggs, waffles, hot and cold cereals, muffins, bagels, toast, juice, fruit, etc.

Morning: Enjoy an open-air ride on historic "Provo Canyon Limited" Steam Engine Train (also known as the Heber Creeper). The trip parallels Deer Creek Reservoir with both wildlife and water sport enthusiasts on display. The line operated by the Heber Valley Rail Road was formerly part of a Denver and Rio Grand Western Railroad branch line that connected Heber City to Provo, Utah. The branch line was completed in 1899 and operated freight (and passenger) service until the line's abandonment in 1967. The line was saved for tourist use and was reopened in 1970 when Engine No. 618 and other equipment was brought up the line from Provo. The track between Provo and Vivian Park was later removed and converted into a recreational trail. During the 1970s and 1980s the railroad operated as the "Heber Creeper". In the late 1980s this railroad went out of business. Citizens in the Heber area successfully petitioned the State of Utah to help save the railroad, leading to creation of the Heber Valley Historic Railroad Authority in the early 1990s. Since this time the railroad has seen considerable growth. The railroad operates as a non-profit organization.

Lunch: Enjoy a BBQ Lunch at Vivian Park on the beautiful Provo River catered by our private chef.

Afternoon: Take a scenic rafting trip down one of Utah's "postcard" canyons, flanked by 12,000 ft. Mount Timpanogos and Devil's Slide. This rafting float trip is the Editor's Choice for Sunset Magazine. Float down the Provo River in 6-8 person rafts. (All guides are certified, and there is no whit water.) Thrill at the amazing geology and beautiful scenery through this glacier-carved canyon with snow-fed waters from high in the Uinta Mountains.

Dinner: Enjoy a delicious program finale dinner prepared by our private chef in our hotel conference room.

Evening: Program Finale: Receive certificates of completion and Road Scholar passport stickers Enjoy a digital slide show of our week's activities, say our goodbye's for those leaving early the following morning to catch early flights. Happy Trails and we hope you find your week spent in Utah one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences of your life!

Lodging: Best Western Cotton Tree Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Six: Friday, July 27 - Independant Departures 
Breakfast: Anytime 6:00 - 10:00 AM. Enjoy an expanded continental breakfast in the hotel which include eggs, waffles, hot and cold cereals, muffins, bagels, toast, juice, fruit, etc.

Morning: Program ends after breakfast.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.

Our Value Promise To You

You won't find a better value.

Included
at no additional cost on this date ...
5 nights of accommodations
14 meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
6 Expert-led lectures
14 Field trips
10 Hands-on experiences

Ratings

4.4
Ratings are determined by participant evaluations.

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