What is it like to live and work in post-Communist Russia? Road Scholar®, a unique new learning-travel program for adults of all ages, offers an opportunity to find out. This September, Boston-based Road Scholar, a new program initiative of the not-for-profit Elderhostel lifelong learning organization, is sponsoring an 11-night odyssey, Politics, Art and Culture in the New Russia, that will take participants behind the scenes at some of Russia’s most treasured institutions and historic landmarks in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

With a focus on learning and understanding cultures, Road Scholar provides rare access to places and people that are not available to typical tours. Lovers of Russian history and culture will learn with a scholar from the Moscow Institute for Foreign Relations; enjoy special entry to Russia’s parliament; go backstage at the Bolshoi Theater to learn about its grand history; and visit Yusupov Palace, former home of Russia’s wealthiest family, and the opulent Catherine Palace.

The program will run from September 30 - October 11, 2004. The price, $2,950 per person, covers all lectures and presentations, field trips and activities, transportation during the program, 10 nights of accommodations at the Golden Ring Hotel in Moscow and D’Angleterre Hotel in St. Petersburg, 24 meals, taxes and gratuities.

For more information about Road Scholar or Politics, Art and Culture in the New Russia, call toll-free: 1-800-466-7762 or visit their website at www.roadscholar.org.