Cumberland and Amelia Island Travel | Road Scholar

Betsy – Class of 2015 | Waltham, MA

I loved this trip! Amelia Island is lovely. We visited some interesting places on the island as well as the picturesque town of Ferdnandina . The counterpoint to this developed island is Cumberland Island, across a channel from Amelia Island but a world apart. You gain an insight to what Amelia Island once was. Cumberland Island is a magical place, with wild horses, deer and other animals freely wandering everywhere. It has over 17 miles of pristine coastline - the largest of all the barrier sea islands of Georgia. It is unlike anywhere else - basically unspoiled except the remains of a former grand home and another that the National Park Service opens sometimes for tours as well as a few remaining primitive buildings and chimneys of houses once occupied by former slaves. We stayed in the Greyfield Inn on the island, the only lodging available other than campsites. It is fabulous. It was the former home to one of the Carnegie family members and is beautifully restored. The building is elegant and so are the meals - and delicious. John F. Kennedy Jr and his bride Carolyn Bessette chose to stay there for their honeymoon - and get married in the primitive church where the former slaves used to gather on Sundays. This trip to Cumberland Island, where we were lucky to stay for two nights, is a unique opportunity to spend time in this incredible place. Our tour leader Terrie was wonderful, too.

— Review left July 3, 2026

Elizabeth – Class of 2010 | Bristol, RI

I highly recommend this trip if you're interested in history and nature. The small group experience was excellent - only 16 participants - which allowed participants to get to know one another. Terrie Dal Pozzo's outgoing personality really helped make the trip a success. Chris, the naturalist on Cumberland Island was an outstanding teacher, as was the Fort Clinch guide. If you enjoy learning about history and nature, this is an excellent choice.

— Review left February 10, 2026

Chris – Class of 2018 | Pound, VA

BOGO! Visiting two diversely different islands, this felt like two trips in one. More bang for your buck.

— Review left February 19, 2025

Gordon – Class of 2022 | Chicago, IL

THANKYOU TERRIE DAL POZZO YOU DID A GREAT JOB.

— Review left February 13, 2024

Lori – Class of 2023 | Fort Atkinson, WI

Cumberland Island is a gem. Not fancy, not exciting, but a step back in time without the distractions found in most places.

— Review left January 21, 2024

Bruce – Class of 2018 | Manassas, VA

Thanks

— Review left December 26, 2022

William – Class of 2016 | Durham, NC

If you like human history and the natural beauty of barrier islands, this trip is for you!

— Review left December 18, 2022

Marian – Class of 2021 | Windsor, CT

This was an outstanding trip to a beautiful location.

— Review left October 16, 2022

John – Class of 2021 | Windsor, CT

September was a wonderful time to be on these islands - not too hot, and certainly not cold. Having read "Untamed" about Carol Ruckdeschel, I was hoping to see her at her home site. Unfortunately I did not, but one member of our group did. It would be interesting if you could get her to make a presentation in future trips.

— Review left October 6, 2022

Barbara – Class of 2008 | Waukesha, WI

Cumberland Island was wonderful. We really enjoyed this trip!

— Review left January 31, 2022

Robert – Class of 2022 | Bloomington, IL

Cumberland Island is a fascinating and an interesting location. A lot of history and life that I was not aware of.

— Review left January 24, 2022

Katherine – Class of 2014 | Big Rapids, MI

Excellent adventure filled with a lot of interesting history.

— Review left January 24, 2022

Joanne – Class of 2019 | Sarasota, FL

The Amelia/Cumberland Island trip was a nice blend of history and nature outings. Staying on Cumberland for two days at the Greyfield Inn was far preferable to a quick day trip. Definitely like traveling back in time to the early 1900s.

— Review left December 19, 2021

Nancy – Class of 2021 | Savannah, GA

Greyfield Inn is an old mansion filled with history. One can feel immersed in the glory times past and the imaginings and feelings of how it used to be. The fourth floor bedrooms are really a workout to climb up to so beware, as you will be going up and down them many times during the day. All the rooms are different and have period furniture. Most bathrooms are shared, and a lot have the deep claw foot tubs, which can be a challenge. The library is a wonderful room to read in, and the front porch rockers and swings are a delight to relax and listen to the ocean.

— Review left December 18, 2021

David – Class of 2015 | St Augustine, FL

See a part of Florida that has not yet been obliterated by over-development, and a part of Georgia where the Gilded Age past has been preserved. A great learning experience!

— Review left December 17, 2021

Leslie – Class of 2019 | Brooksville, FL

Do this tour and you won't be sorry.

— Review left October 6, 2019

Connie – Class of 2014 | Gainesville, FL

To me, the good value of a Road Scholar trip is without question, but this adventure is truly exceptional. The exploration features compelling history, sun drenched ocean dunes, and delectable food. One day I'll do it again.

— Review left June 15, 2019

J Michelle – Class of 1999 | Southern Pines, NC

Amelia Island is delightful and Cumberland Island is a real treasure; great combination of history and nature!

— Review left March 11, 2019

History by the Sea: Study & Stay on Cumberland & Amelia Islands