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The red and white Assateague Lighthouse towers above misty trees and wetlands in Virginia, with white birds wading in the calm reflecting water.
Virginia

Island Adventure: Discover Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

Program No. 10545RJ
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
4 days
3 nights
What's Included
8 meals ( 3B, 2L, 3D )
3 expert-led lectures
5 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
3 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program registration 3:30-4:30: After checking into the hotel and receiving your room assignment, please visit the Road Scholar table in the hotel lobby to meet your Group Leader and receive your welcome packet. If you arrive late, your welcome packet will be at the front desk.
Dinner:
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
After dinner, we will gather in the hotel conference room for orientation. Your group leader will facilitate introductions, allowing you to get to know other participants in the program. They will also go over any itinerary changes, guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; on/off a pontoon boat. Walking up to 3/4 mile; undeveloped beach.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will climb aboard our bus to embark on a driving tour of the Island. We will learn about local history and view several key landmarks. Our bus tour will continue onto the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the longest stretch of undeveloped beach on the Mid-Atlantic Coast. Your group leader will point out interesting bird and animal species you may see along the way. We will then head to the Museum of Chincoteague Island where staff will introduce the exhibits. Participants will be able to explore the Museum at their own pace.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will head over to explore the Museum of Chincoteague Island, and then have a short period of free time prior to dinner..
Dinner:
After lunch, we will head to Curtis Meritt Harbor, where a pontoon boat will be waiting for us. Once aboard we will sail through the Assateague Channel looking for birds, ponies, and other wildlife while enjoying the spectacular natural vistas of the area. Our boat captain will also point out key landmarks visible from the water.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus.
Breakfast:
In the motel cafe.
Morning:
We will be joined in the hotel conference room by a local expert, who will share her passion for the Chincoteague ponies. Next, we will hop aboard our bus and travel to the Beebe Ranch, where Marguerite Henry met the Beebe's and Misty of Chincoteague, and where Misty spent much of her life. We will have the opportunity to meet a couple of Misty's descendents!
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Local wildlife artist Nancy Richards West is internationally recognized for her sensitive interpretations of this beautiful coast and its wildlife and waterfowl. Through a presentation and an actual painting session, Nancy will demonstrate how she is inspired by nature and how she captures the subtle patterns of color, light, and movement distinctive to the waterways, creatures, and skies of Chincoteague.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
In the museum pavilion, we’ll enjoy entertainment by Salts, a trio of seasoned singers/players who present energetic and eclectic performances of Celtic, nautical, traditional, and contemporary music. They will entertain us with witty banter while also teaching about their songs and instruments. Returning to the motel, prepare for check-out and departure after our closing session in the morning.
Activity Note
Motel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our group leader will join you in the motel cafe for a closing round table, highlighting the events of the week. This will conclude our program.
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