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Virginia

Island Adventure: Discover Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

Program No. 10545RJ
Get an insider’s perspective on Chincoteague and Assateague, where you’ll enjoy nature, attend cultural performances, search for wild ponies and wildlife and sample local cuisine.
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  • Two Chincoteague horses, one pinto and one brown, graze in a grassy marsh beside the water in Virginia.
National ParksRegional Discoveries
Length
4 days
Rating (4.93)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,149
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 )
1 expert-led lecture
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. Your group leader will close this session with an overview of Chincoteague & Assateague Island, getting you ready for your next few days of learning and exploration about the area.
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:
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
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 our key landmarks visible from the water.
Dinner:
We will have a small plates dinner, featuring examples of native island cuisine prepared by a local chef. He combines traditional island recipes with modern flair. Each course will be paired with a specially selected wine.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by local pony expert Darcy Cole. She will share her own experiences with the ponies and give insight into the importance of the herd to local culture and identity. Next, we will be joined by local historian, Cindy Faith. She will give an engaging lecture on local pirate lore and shipwrecks.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we will head to the historic Beebe Ranch. Staff will provide background of the property and introduce the exhibits. You will also get to meet some beloved Misty descendants who call the Ranch their home. You will also have a few hours of free time before dinner to explore more of the Island at your leisure.
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.
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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