New Mexico
Santa Fe Landscapes: Art, Culture and History
Program No. 11009RJ
Get an insider’s perspective on Santa Fe alongside local artists, exploring several world-class museums, enjoying traditional music and learning about Indigenous cultures.
Participant Reviews
Based on 74 Reviews
SHOWING
I cannot believe it's taken me so long to sit down to write this review, mainly because I have nothing but wonderful things to say. We enjoyed our trip immensely from the first morning, with a presentation on the long history of Santa Fe, to the last evening, which we spent in fellowship with everyone on the tour. Of course, the southwest itself was its own amazing character. Road Scholar introduced us to experiences like the School for Advanced Research, the weaving studio tour, and the fabulous dinner at Rancho de Chimayo that we could have had nowhere else.
We enjoyed meeting many new people on the tour. But the week was special largely because of our leader, Sheryl. Her deep knowledge of the region, her humor and kindness were always available to us.
— Review left January 1, 2026
Visiting Santa Fe’s high desert felt truly special — its layered cultural history, striking landscapes, and vibrant arts scene came alive in powerful ways. This trip offered context about the past and deeper compassion for the present, revealing the depth of cultures that have shaped this region for millennia.
Our leader, Kate, was warm, flexible, and knowledgeable. Her engaging style set the tone each day, and the group was a joy to travel with. Highlights included the Taos Pueblo and a behind-the-scenes visit to the School for Advanced Research. It was an extraordinary gift to learn so deeply, and so intentionally, in such a short time.
— Review left November 24, 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed our Santa Fe Landscapes trip November 3-9. Terri Ross was a phenomenal leader: very knowledgeable, a motivating and effective leader, excellent at "crowd control", a delightful sense of humor, and provided many free-time ideas. Highlights on the trip were nearly all of them! We loved hearing Omar play his classical guitar and learning about the rich guitar program he teaches at the Albuquerque high school. Jerry gave a very informative overview of Georgia O'Keefe including his personal photos shown side-by-side with her abstractions of the same location. Lois Frank and Walter provided not only a delicious 5-star dinner but she gave an informative and excellent talk about Native food and contemporary healthy food. We felt privileged to visit the School for Advanced Research, learn history from the docent, and see and even touch some of the vast artifacts. Visiting the Taos Pueblo and learning about its history and a presentation from the native docent was valuable and enlightening. Visiting the weavers, learning about the different styles, seeing the hand-dyed wool was also a great highlight. I was under-impressed with the tour at the Millicent Rogers museum because the guide talked way too much, was much too loud, and didn't give an opportunity to meander and absorb on our own. I felt safe in the capable hands of Anthony the bus driver and appreciated his friendliness. There was a good balance of planned meals and on-your-own opportunities. The hotel accommodations were very comfortable, the hotel food was decent and plentiful, the staff were very friendly and helpful, and the proximity to town was wonderful. This was an outstanding trip, and I have already recommended it to many of our friends. Ann Shulse
— Review left November 19, 2025
This trip fulfilled a life long dream to see and experience the beauty of Santa Fe. An added bonus of this trip was the connections I made with the other participants of the trip. The whole trip was an absolute delight from the beautiful city and surrounding area of Santa Fe, our knowledge engaging guides and a very welcoming and friendly group; a truly wonderful experience.
— Review left October 26, 2025
Santa Fe Landscape, art and culture was much more than what I had anticipated. Learned so much, ate so well, and met some people awesome people.
— Review left September 27, 2025
MY SANTA FE TRIP WAS JUST AS EYE OPENING AND STIMULATING AS I HAD HOPED IT WOULD BE, FROM THE PLANNED EXCURSIONS AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES TO THE LECTURES AND INTERESTING PEOPLE IN OUR GROUP. IT WAS MY FIRST AND DEFINITELY NOT MY LAST ROAD SCHOLAR TOUR.
— Review left September 19, 2025
The program provide an enjoyable and informative experience through effective presentations, leadership and multiple quality venues.
— Review left September 17, 2025
If you've never been to the Santa Fe area, this is the trip for you! We visited 4 museums, the Taos Pueblo, the Pecos National Historic Park, and had a once in a life time meal prepared by Dr. Lois Frank and Walter Whitewater at her private home. The high desert plains and mountains are stunning. We had a very cohesive group and I attribute it to our leader, Sheryl Russell. Our bus driver, Anthony, did a great job too. All in all, a very special program.
— Review left September 15, 2025
Wonderful way to travel; like-minded people and terrific learning experience. I really appreciate not having to deal with any of the planning and execution of the details involved in traveling.
— Review left May 26, 2025
While taking the shuttle from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, I was reminded about why I signed up for this trip in the first place. The dramatic skies and the vastness of the landscape are awe inspiring.
Other highlights included the visit to Taos and the pueblo there, but for some unknown reason, we were in a rush to leave the area. I also enjoyed walking outside at the Pecos National Park. I
think overall, I would have liked a greater balance between indoor visits to museums and outdoor adventuring, though I realize that the weather can be so changeable.
The pottery you will see at the School for Advanced Research will amaze you.
The food prepared for us by chefs Lois and Walter was probably one of the best meals I've ever had. Try not to eat much before going there!
— Review left May 19, 2025
loved walking around the Taos pueblo and talking to the inhabitants.
— Review left May 14, 2025
I loved this program! I went at the end of March and the blue sky, sunshine and mild warmth was wonderful. Our leader Christine was tops. I am an able bodied 82 year old and the fact that we spent a considerable time walking outdoors was very enjoyable.
— Review left April 3, 2025
My husband and I were part of the Road Scholar Santa Fe experience, October 28- November 3, 2024. We especially enjoyed the Red Mesa Culinary experience with Chefs Lois Frank and Walter Whitewater. Their dietary and spiritual commentary on Native American food prep and health were meaningful to us given our interest in heart healthy cooking as well as the customs and foods of Indigenous People.
We loved the grand-scale beauty of the Santa Fe urban and rural environment. Adobe architecture, thoughtful neighborhoods, emphasis on artful aesthetics, walkable streets and never-ending shops, sites, and light-scapes of Southwest panoramas, all will stay with us. We credit Road Scholar and its selected leaders with an overall exhilarating experience.
Other highlights were: Georgia O'Keeffe, interpreted cleverly by our guest docent, a very moving tour of a working pueblo by one of its retired governors, Pecos National Historical Park with its Kivas, abandoned adobe church and stunning rock scapes, a brilliant guitar recital by a local musician, and especially, Ellen Bond's thoughtful guidance throughout the entire week. Her style was both gentle and captivating.
— Review left December 16, 2024
This was my 11th Road Scholar trip, and the nicest group of fellow travelers I have encountered. The program has much variety and is well paced, with the right amount of free time for independent activity. The tour leader, Kate Burleigh, was wonderful. As a long time resident of New Mexico, her personal insights added a great deal to the program. On evenings when dinner was "on your own" Kate made arrangements for the solo participants to go out to dinner together if they wanted. This was something I had not experienced before as a solo traveler, and it was very thoughtful. I would like to have been able to go to Chimayo, but there is nothing I would want to cut from the itinerary. I highly recommend this program.
— Review left December 3, 2024
This program offered the back stories of this interesting place. I especially loved learning more about the blending of cultures and the challenges of co-existing while maintaining and appreciating each culture.
— Review left November 11, 2024
Awesome art- and history- filled experience. Excellent expert presentations by leader and local guides. Immersive and perspective changing!
— Review left October 13, 2024
A great tour! Santa Fe deserves to be on the map as a vibrant and welcoming place to visit.. A week is barely enough time to explore all that the city has to offer.
— Review left September 27, 2024
There is a lot to see in New Mexico. Be prepared with other diversions if you do not like visiting museums though.
— Review left September 27, 2024
This amazing trip will give you an understanding of the history, people and culture of this part of New Mexico. Santa Fe is a great place to visit and the weather was perfect in early September.
— Review left September 10, 2024
Colleen was wonderful! My sister and I enjoyed every minute! The hotel was amazing. The speakers were just the best. I think the highlight of the trip was dinner at the home of Dr. Lois Ellen Frank and Chef Walter Whitewater. I appreciate their kindness and the excellent information that I learned. I was overwhelmed by the deliciousness of the meal that was prepared and appreciated the blessing at the end of our time.
This trip was a mixture of planned and "free" time so that individuals could choose to see what interested them most. I would warn people who have allergies that we were there at the height of cottonwood blooming time (end of April) which really negatively impacted both my sister and I. If you have asthma, please check with your doctor before you go, and make sure you take the appropriate medication!
I would do this trip again. I really enjoyed it.
— Review left July 17, 2024
Loved this program; wonderful adventures every day and I learned so much on
this trip.
— Review left June 4, 2024
The Santa Fe/Taos tour was excellent. While we had visited the area previously,we were introduced to many new areas and concepts. Loved each days adventures.
— Review left June 2, 2024
As always, New Mexico does not disappoint. Santa Fe is an incredible city, warm and inviting, interesting and fun. This program is a great way to either start your New Mexico journey or continue it! Whether it's the arts, the landscape, food or Native history, you can find it all with this Road Scholar southwestern trek.
— Review left March 28, 2024
This was a fantastic trip in every way. The leader was fun, knowledgeable and very familiar with the area. The local experts were also excellent. The itinerary was very well chosen, with very interesting museums, and the Taos pueblo particular standouts. Also enjoyed the local restaurants.
— Review left March 17, 2024
Although I usually opt for European travel, this trip was wonderful. I highly recommend this great overview of the Santa Fe area which is both very scenic and interesting on many levels. The Group Leader, Sherry Moon, did an outstanding job and really showed her passion for the area. The excellent special speakers were an added bonus. So many beautiful museums, visiting a Pueblo with the former Governor of the Pueblo explaining it to us, and the special chef's dinner were highlights. This is a trip well worth taking!
— Review left March 14, 2024
I discovered so much more about Santa Fe & Taos along with New Mexico!
The field trips and the presentations provided a stellar education and experience!
— Review left March 11, 2024
This was a great program. Easily paced but still filled with interesting things to learn about.
— Review left December 19, 2023
This was an outstanding program about a diverse cultural experience. I gained understanding about the culture and people of New Mexico
— Review left December 5, 2023
i would have written more but when i returned home i fell and badly fractured my left arm.
CJ was terrific leader and the trip was excellent! Jane
— Review left November 7, 2023
The Santa Fe area lived up to its reputation in terms of the Arts and History. I loved the clean air and beautiful sky and surrounding
natural spaces.
— Review left November 1, 2023
THe Santa Fe program was very well planned and organized with just the right combination of (very good) lectures, field trips and free time. Bein there during the exlipse was frosting on the cake!
— Review left October 15, 2023
What a great adventure Bev and I experienced on our trip out west to Santa Fa and Taos. Leadership was outstanding with Scott as our mentor. Museums, authentic foods, great lectures followed by pleasant scenery and adventurous walks. We first ventured in 1989 and look forward to more adventures in LEARNING.
— Review left October 9, 2023
I was a first-time Road Scholar on a trip to Santa Fe and Taos. The variety of our program exceeded expectations on every level: tours, walks, lectures, meals, free time.
— Review left October 1, 2023
I had a wonderful time getting to know New Mexico on this well-organized and run trip. We saw beautiful cities and small towns, experienced wonderful activities, had great lectures, and dined on delicious food. I loved our hotel, our tour leader and everything we did. Extremely nice travelers were on this trip, and I felt so supported on my first Road Scholars trip.
— Review left July 25, 2023
I loved the Road Scholar tour of Santa Fe and Taos. Our tour director Sherry Moon was excellent. All the activities and presentations were interesting and engaging especially the Taos Pueblo and Chimayo. The dinner at Red Mesa Cuisine was a highlight. Road Scholar hits all the bases for a first class trip.
— Review left July 4, 2023
This trip was fantastic! I loved pretty much everything about it, but I do think it was especially enhanced by Colleen, our tour guide, and by the individuals in our group. Santa Fe met all my expectations and then some. The art galleries, the architecture, and the cathedrals were magnificent. Our lodging and food were also very good. An experience I will never forget is going to the home of Lois Frank and Walter Whitewater for a delicious meal and entertainment. I will say that the least appealing meals we had were at the Hilton with the exceptions of breakfasts which were excellent. The lecturers were interesting and informative so I appreciated how well they prepared us for our excursions. Taos was beautiful and fascinating, as well. Touring the Pueblo was very moving, and I felt a new appreciation for the strength and values of the indigenous inhabitants. I would most definitely recommend this trip for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of this area for its history, art, and beauty.
— Review left June 4, 2023
Road Scholar has done it again! The program, Tale of Two Cities: Santa Fe & Taos, was an absolutely amazing experience. The group leader was perfect and the instructors were outstanding. At this age, we don't need more stuff - we need experiences, and this program is an experience I will treasure forever!
— Review left May 29, 2023
If you are interested in learning about our beautiful land, her history and arts, this program is for you.
— Review left May 29, 2023
Overall I enjoyed this program very much. The many museums, the lectures, the guitar concert, the guided walks, the welcoming and fun group of fellow participants, our amazing dinner with Red Mesa Cuisine, the evening guitar concert, the visit to the weaving studio in Chimayo. and even the surprise morning snow -- all were outstanding. Scott was an amazing guide, definitely one of the best I have had on my more than fifty RS programs. He provided so much information during the bus rides, the guided walks in Santa Fe and Taos, and his morning introductory "lecture." We appreciated his enthusiasm and sense of humor. He also tried to get to know each of us as individuals as he joined us for dinner each evening and chatted with us during the day. Unfortunately we were not able to see the Taos Pueblo as it closed unexpectedly. However, just a few days after the program ended, Scott emailed a great list of resources, including links to two videos of the pueblo, so we were able to do the visit virtually. Thank you so much, Scott.
It is important to note that even though the web site has the words "Small Group" on the main program page, only a minority of the dates are actually Small Groups. We had 28 participants for our week. Scott did a great job of keeping us organized, but I found it harder to get to know people well in the larger group. I will definitely recommend this program to my friends, but I will also suggest that they consider choosing a small group section.
— Review left May 18, 2023
Great option for a solo traveler.
— Review left April 12, 2023
Great trip! Good leader. It had a nice mix of art museums, and the highlight for me was a fascinating trip to the Taos Pueblo. Our guide was wonderful.
— Review left April 11, 2023
If you have never been to the Southwest, you will enjoy this well organized and thoughtful, culturally enriching tour through Northern New Mexico
— Review left December 15, 2022
A truly wonderful trip!
— Review left December 14, 2022
This program was an outstanding introduction to southwestern history and culture. I learned so much about the native people and what life was like before and after contact from the Spanish colonists. And the food is amazing! Dinner at Red Mesa Cuisine was an absolute highlight and exclusive to Road Scholar groups only
— Review left December 12, 2022
Loved our leader Vanetta Perry and our entire crew. Learned a great deal from the morning lectures which were a wonderful introduction to the days activities!
Would like to see more of Taos, the small city area looked interesting. Also, a walking tour of Canyon Road would be a great addition to the Santa Fe portion of the trip.
Highlights for me…the evening and meal at Chef Frank’s home, the chance to see Michael Martin Murphy’s Cowboy Christmas Show at the St. Francis auditorium and the visit to Taos Pueblo.
I would recommend a different hotel in Santa Fe. The location was excellent but the support services were really sub par! Without Vanetta’s constant attention to our needs we would have been a hungry and uninformed group.
— Review left December 8, 2022
Pick a place, any place, you would like to visit and sign up for a Road Scholar tour! The sooner, the better. Nothing beats being introduced to the history and culture of place by natives and experts before setting out to see it for yourself.
— Review left November 9, 2022
The art, the history and lots of it, the museums and churches, the food! were all just right. The group leader, the driver, the hotel and staff were just as nice as could be. I can't think of a thing I would change.
— Review left September 21, 2022
June 3, 2022
Scott Aarestad is an amazing person. He put such great thought, care, and feeling into every event, that we all shared his enthusiasm and joy for what the Santa Fe/Taos group was doing. Scott Aarestad is a natural leader and a natural teacher. Scott 'dug deep' and gave his Road Scholar job "all he had". Scott Aarestad was so knowledgeable and insightful about the Santa Fe and Taos landscape that group members were able to put each adventure (learning lesson) in a multi-dimensional and multi-contextual framework.
Scott’s lessons (lectures) were far superior to those of any college or university classroom, .... though I suspect his lectures consisted of content he gleaned from Road Scholar, as well as his own great personal readings and experiences.
Thank you for my amazing first Road Scholar trip. Please let me know about future Road Scholar southwestern trips Scott Aarestad will lead in the future. I would be lucky and blessed to go on another Road Scholar trip with him in the future.
As I said, I feel grateful and blessed to have had Scott Aarestad as my instructor, traveler-guide, and memory-maker on the Road Scholar Santa Fe and Taos trip.
Dr. Laura Gaudet
4 Sommerset Vale
Monterey, CA 93940
lgaudet@csc.edu
lauralattagaudet@gmail.com
— Review left June 3, 2022
WHat was promised was delivered!
— Review left June 2, 2022
I like the website, especially when looking for a trip that is going to a specific country or area. It's well laid out. Information for upcoming trips gives detailed information, account information, resources, etc.
— Review left May 29, 2022
The program was educational and fun! It was well organized and we had an excellent leader. New Mexico is a beautiful state, especially Santa Fe and surrounding areas. We also had an exceptionally nice group of people on our trip!
— Review left May 11, 2022
I prefer to not write a public evaluation, Thank you
— Review left April 11, 2022
Great trip to New Mexico. You can visit unique places with Road Scholar and know about the art and places from the talks and lectures earlier in the day.
— Review left April 6, 2022
I love art and history, and this program in filled with both. And you will really enjoy the food as well. Great adventure into the culture of northern New Mexico.
— Review left February 14, 2022
Road Scholar programs provide an amazing array of educational experiences, especially for older adults, and they provide an exceptional value for both couples and singles. We will continue to participate in Road Scholar programs in the future.
— Review left November 22, 2021
What an amazing trip! It was my first Road Scholar trip but won't be my last. Scott was an EXCELLENT leader. Very knowledgeable, paid attention to details (including staying on schedule and making sure solo travelers were included) and had a great sense of humor. And our guest speakers. Wow! They really knew their stuff and prepared us for what we would see after their talks. When we were out and about, the individual listening devices were a big help. You didn't need to be next to the leader to hear -- especially nice in museums and on walking tours. I really enjoyed getting to know the other people on the trip. We were from all over the country, but all very friendly and all life-long learners.
— Review left November 18, 2021
Our leader, Vannetta was tops!
— Review left November 7, 2021
Excellent trip. Learned a lot about the history of New Mexico as well as the various peoples who have created that history. My knowledge about the Pueblos and indigenous culture grew a great deal. Wonderful museums and beautiful landscape. Food was good too and group leader excellent. Highly recommend this trip.
— Review left November 7, 2021
This trip covered New Mexico's art and culture, as seen in two art-focused cities. The group leader Vannetta's NM history talk was very informative and we also toured several historic structures and museums. The lectures on art by Jerry were extremely interesting as well. I especially enjoyed the tour of the Poeh Museum (a substitute because all pueblos are closed due to covid) and the International Folk Art Museum on Museum Hill - that had an amazing collection of folk art from around the world and even a 'ghost experience' from Japanese folklore (it was close to Halloween). One tip: Reserve tickets online for the Georgia O'Keefe Museum at least a month ahead. It is a few blocks from the hotel and well worth seeing. (That Museum doesn't allow groups at this time due to covid.)
— Review left November 5, 2021
Our trip to Santa Fe and Taos was so interesting and enjoyable. Our guide, Scott, was great, informative, and a good group leader. This was our first Road Scholar trip and we've already signed up for another.
— Review left November 4, 2021
I really enjoyed Santa Fe and Taos. The program activities and meals were high quality. The director, Colleen, was friendly and knowledgeable and easy going. The program pace was relaxed. The hotel was wonderful and had a fabulous buffet breakfast. The other participants were pleasant and friendly. I would highly recommend Road Scholar.
— Review left October 13, 2021
Great trip! A word of caution: ground transportation from Santa Fe Airport into Santa Fe is unreliable and expensive. Cheaper and easier to fly into Albuquerque and use Groome Shuttle.
— Review left October 5, 2021
Road Scholar provided an excellent program on the trip to Santa Fe and Taos. Focused on art and history of the area. Instructors were knowledgeable and interesting. Locations chosen were excellent.
— Review left September 29, 2021
This program is dynamite! The tour includes so many unique finds in the area that you will be blown away by the magical experiences that happen - special lecturers, dining experiences, unusual museums and historical settings, free time options to explore, and a group leader with an amazing personality and knowledge of the area.
— Review left September 20, 2021
If you have never been to the area, it is an informative and interesting experience. There were some organisational issues that, if fixed, could make the program a better experience. The bus sound system was unsatisfactory. A couple of the field trips could be better done or eliminated. The dinner at the home was truly outstanding. Overall a good trip but certainly could be made better with a bit of interest and organisation on the part of the provider.
In this age of technology and information, the Hilton Hotel's internet system was unsatisfactory.
— Review left October 8, 2019
An educational and interesting program with several unexpected and enjoyable surprises. There was diverse material and it is an area that invites additional exploration on one's own.
— Review left June 24, 2019
"A Tale of Two Cities' was a rich exploration of the area and I learned so much about the history of place, the courage and diversity of the people, and the extreme beauty of New Mexico. I felt friended and welcomed by the leader and many of the individuals on the tour! ~ Twyla Olsen
— Review left May 27, 2019
This was my first trip .I was immediately convinced I'd go on another.
— Review left May 20, 2019
An enriching experience of non-Eurocentric history, art, music, museums, pottery, sculpture, weaving and cuisine. Our group leader and docents were outstanding. It's very worthwhile to read at least a few of the recommended books beforehand.
— Review left May 15, 2019
Great diversity of learning experiences.
— Review left April 29, 2019
It was a good first-time experience with a Road Scholar group. We were all approximately in a similar age group, we were from across the country, we all had had similar work-related experiences, and we were all interested in learning about something new!
— Review left April 28, 2019
You can use what I have already written.
— Review left April 25, 2019
We had a very enjoyable and rewarding trip to Santa Fe and Taos Pueblo and Taos with Road Scholar. I highly recommend this program and organization.
— Review left April 22, 2019
I found this trip was a little too crowded with scheduled activities, and would have preferred a little more "on your own" time. That said, most of the destinations were interesting. The one major exception was the wacky museum, which could have been in any city anywhere and was only "kinda sorta" fun in a childish sort of way.
Our guide was fairly good - a bit flippant at times, but generally quite knowledgeable. She was a little too casual about shepherding the group at first, when about 8 or 10 of us were left behind at the designated meeting point as she took the rest to a restaurant, leaving at least 5, and maybe 10 minutes before the announced departure time. We had some words about this, and she was defensive rather than apologetic, which I thought was not a good attitude. However, I have to say she was more careful during the rest of the trip.
On the bright side, the meal put on by Lois Ellen Frank and the Red Mesa group was totally wonderful, a real highlight. And I got the impression this might have been made possible by a personal connection between Ms Frank and our guide.
— Review left January 22, 2019