First Place Photos
United States
Morning at the Bend
Dan Hartford
International
Costa Rican Paradise
Claudia Seelig
Ply some of the most historic water routes in North America and retrace the pioneering paddles of great explorers and common men as they pushed westward from the Atlantic Ocean into the heart of North America. Contemplate eons of geographic, geologic and human history, from the Ice Age glaciers that formed the Great Lakes to the 19th-century engineering marvels of the Erie and Welland canals
Program Particulars
Walking up to two hours on city sidewalks, streets, uneven terrain, hills. Singles looking to be matched a roommate, may do so by enrolling in Category 2.
Date Specific Information
5-18-2011
Singles wishing to be matched with a roommate should enroll in Cat 2.
Itinerary At-a-Glance
Aboard Grande Mariner, 15 nights.
Day 1:
Arrival Warren, RI / embark Grande Mariner:
Your onboard historian will begin on-deck observations about the waters you are sailing.
Day 2:
Hudson River:
Enjoy a narrated tour of West Point Military Academy.
Day 3:
Erie Canal:
As your ship enters the historic Erie Canal, learn about how "Clinton's Ditch" -- once scorned as a colossal waste of money -- became a driving force in making New York the Empire State.
Days 4–5:
Lake Ontario:
Sail into the first Great Lake along the journey and explore historic sites in Oswego.
Day 6:
Rochester, N.Y.:
Visit the George Eastman Museum of Photography and Film, housed in Eastman’s 35,000-square-foot Colonial Revival home.
Days 7–8:
Niagara Falls/Buffalo, NY:
See one of the natural wonders of the world -- Niagara Falls, including a laughter-filled excursion aboard the Maid of the Mist for an "up close" view of the dramatic Horseshoe Falls. Then, enjoy a docent-led visit to a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home and museum and, on a private, narrated coach excursion, discover the stunning Art Deco architectural treasures of downtown Buffalo.
Days 9–10:
Cleveland, Ohio / Detroit, Mich.:
Explore the Henry Ford Museum, 12 acres of artifacts from the carmaker’s career and personal life.
Days 11–12:
Lake Huron:
Enjoy a full day on magical, relaxing Mackinac Island, including a narrated horse-drawn carriage tour.
Days 13–14:
Lake Michigan:
Visit a museum that commemorates the maritime heritage of the Manitowoc area.
Days 15–16:
Chicago / disembark / departure:
Take in the Chicago skyline from the sea, and then enjoy a delightful narrated excursion on a river boat that introduces you to dozens of architecturally important buildings that line the historic Chicago River.
The Grande Mariner
This three-deck American ship fits in smaller areas that large cruise ships cannot navigate. At 183 feet long by 40 feet wide, it can carry up to 86 passengers on an exclusive sailing for Road Scholar. Public areas linked by stairs. NOTE: The additional cost for single occupancy guarantees that you will have a cabin to yourself but does not necessarily guarantee more cabin space.
Select Date/Prices Starting From:
Special Offers
5/18/2011: Save $500 off of the original program price when you enroll by December 3, 2010
What's Included...
The Historic Waterways of America: The Great Lakes, Hudson River and Erie Canal
You won't find a better value. Included at no additional cost on this date...
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15 nights accommodations
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45 meals:
15 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 15 dinners
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Expert-led lectures: 17
Expert-led lectures
Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
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Field trips: 5
Field trips
The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
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Excursions: 5
Excursions
Not necessarily tied directly to the educational theme of your program, excursions include visits to sites of general interest and may be as much for pleasure as for learning.
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Performances: 2
Performances
A performance can range from a night at the opera to a visit from a local performer at your hotel.
Plus these special experiences...
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Visit the famed house (a National Historic Landmark) and gardens (12 acres) of George Eastman in Rochester.
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Prepare to laugh and get wet (just a little!), while experiencing Niagara Falls "up close and personal" on the fabulous, historic "Maid of the Mist."
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Step back in time on magical (and car free) Mackinac Island where horse-drawn carriages serve as the island taxis and fudge is the food of choice.
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Relax on a narrated cruise on the Chicago River and see dozens of the city's landmark buildings while learning about their architectural importance.
And more...
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Call us toll free
at 800-454-5768