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Washington, D.C.

Spies, Lies & Intelligence: The World of International Espionage

Program No. 16126RJ
Discover a world of espionage and learn about spy history and 21st-century intelligence threats as you explore the nation’s capital and its museums with intelligence experts.

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DATES & starting prices
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Oct 30 - Nov 3, 2024
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1,549
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Mar 19 - Mar 23, 2025
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1,649
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Apr 2 - Apr 6, 2025
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Apr 9 - Apr 13, 2025
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May 7 - May 11, 2025
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Full Inventory
Aug 27 - Aug 31, 2025
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1,649
Itinerary Note

GROUP - OLLI-Cincinnati and ILR-Miami University

Sep 3 - Sep 7, 2025
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1,649
Sep 24 - Sep 28, 2025
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1,649
Oct 1 - Oct 5, 2025
Starting at
1,649
Oct 15 - Oct 19, 2025
Starting at
1,649
Nov 5 - Nov 9, 2025
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1,649
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Oct 30 - Nov 3, 2024
Starting at
1,999
Mar 19 - Mar 23, 2025
Starting at
2,199
Apr 2 - Apr 6, 2025
Starting at
2,199
Apr 9 - Apr 13, 2025
Starting at
2,199
May 7 - May 11, 2025
Starting at
2,199
Full Inventory
Aug 27 - Aug 31, 2025
Starting at
2,199
Itinerary Note

GROUP - OLLI-Cincinnati and ILR-Miami University

Sep 3 - Sep 7, 2025
Starting at
2,199
Sep 24 - Sep 28, 2025
Starting at
2,199
Oct 1 - Oct 5, 2025
Starting at
2,199
Oct 15 - Oct 19, 2025
Starting at
2,199
Nov 5 - Nov 9, 2025
Starting at
2,199

At a Glance

The United States’ 18 national intelligence agencies have always been shrouded in secrecy. Now, some of their covert cases have been marked unclassified. On this fascinating adventure at the front line of the world’s spy coterie in Washington, D.C., delve into the history of covert intelligence in America and hear about the changing role of the CIA through America’s changing culture, foreign policy and politics. Learn about the art of espionage, find out how spies are recruited and hear stories of the many women who fly below the radar as master spies.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Standing in museums for up to two hours. Walking up to a mile a day.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Uncover Washington D.C.'s seamy world, from lesser-known spy history to famous spy cases — both the cracked and the unsolved, with retired intelligence experts and an NSA officer.
  • Explore the NSA’s Cryptologic Museum and the Spy Museum to learn about the secret world of code making and code breaking.
  • Hear from a cyber security specialist, and examine the role of intelligence in 21st-century threats from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the September 11 attacks.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Jon Wiant
Professor Jon A. Wiant is a decorated Senior Intelligence Officer with a distinguished 36-year career working on assignments at the Department of State, the White House, the Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency. Since retiring, he has become an adjunct professor at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Jon has more than a dozen medals and awards for exceptional work in sensitive intelligence operations and has authored more than 50 articles and book chapters on intelligence and foreign policy subjects.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Jon Wiant
Jon Wiant View biography
Professor Jon A. Wiant is a decorated Senior Intelligence Officer with a distinguished 36-year career working on assignments at the Department of State, the White House, the Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency. Since retiring, he has become an adjunct professor at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Jon has more than a dozen medals and awards for exceptional work in sensitive intelligence operations and has authored more than 50 articles and book chapters on intelligence and foreign policy subjects.
Profile Image of Robert Wallace
Robert Wallace View biography
Robert Wallace is a retired senior CIA officer, author, consultant and lecturer. As a recognized authority on intelligence history and “spy gadgets.” He was an Army Ranger in Vietnam, a CIA intelligence officer for 33 years and now an author and frequent lecturer on espionage topics. His published books include Nine from the Ninth: A Vietnam Memoir; Spycraft: The Secret History of the CIA’s Spytechs from Communism to al-Qaeda, The Official Manual of CIA Trickery and Deception and Spy Sites of New York City.
Profile Image of Scott White
Scott White View biography
Scott J. White is an associate professor and director of the Cybersecurity Program and Cyber Academy at The George Washington University. He holds a B.A. from York University (Toronto), an M.A. from the University of Guelph, and a Ph.D. from the University of Bristol. He holds a Queen’s Commission and was an officer with Canadian Forces Intelligence Command. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. White was an officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. He has consulted with law enforcement agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
Profile Image of Ronald Marks
Ronald Marks View biography
Ronald Marks was a CIA spy for 16 years in the struggle against Russian espionage operatives. He served as Congressional interlocutor for five CIA Directors and guided America’s intelligence interests for Senate leaders Bob Dole and Trent Lott. Ron has been a national security entrepreneur, spy raconteur, cyber expert, and international affair commentator. He is the author of “Spying in America in the Post 9/11 World: Domestic Threat and the Need for Change” that focuses on the challenges and legalities of U.S. domestic intelligence collection.
Profile Image of Steve Flynn
Steve Flynn View biography
Steve Flynn was raised in Oregon. He pursued graduate work in intercultural studies and has extensive experience leading educational groups for students and adults both within and outside the U.S. A current resident of Washington, D.C., he has spent his professional career working in international student exchange programs for the University of North Carolina system.
Profile Image of Ella Schiralli
Ella Schiralli View biography
Ella Schiralli is a certified D.C. group leader with a passion for sharing the culture, history, and modern vibrancy of our nation’s capital. She graduated from George Washington University with a B.B.A. and E.M.B.A. Ella values diversity and is passionate about leadership. She has had the opportunity to work and volunteer in organizations that range from advanced homeland security solutions and public policy advocacy, to women’s military achievements, the performing arts, and children’s advocacy.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program No.
16126
Duration
5 days
Program Begins
Washington, DC
Program Concludes
Washington, DC
Activity Level
At a Glance
The United States’ 18 national intelligence agencies have always been shrouded in secrecy. Now, some of their covert cases have been marked unclassified. On this fascinating adventure at the front line of the world’s spy coterie in Washington, D.C., delve into the history of covert intelligence in America and hear about the changing role of the CIA through America’s changing culture, foreign policy and politics. Learn about the art of espionage, find out how spies are recruited and hear stories of the many women who fly below the radar as master spies.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Uncover Washington D.C.'s seamy world, from lesser-known spy history to famous spy cases — both the cracked and the unsolved, with retired intelligence experts and an NSA officer.
  • Explore the NSA’s Cryptologic Museum and the Spy Museum to learn about the secret world of code making and code breaking.
  • Hear from a cyber security specialist, and examine the role of intelligence in 21st-century threats from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the September 11 attacks.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Jon Wiant
Professor Jon A. Wiant is a decorated Senior Intelligence Officer with a distinguished 36-year career working on assignments at the Department of State, the White House, the Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency. Since retiring, he has become an adjunct professor at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Jon has more than a dozen medals and awards for exceptional work in sensitive intelligence operations and has authored more than 50 articles and book chapters on intelligence and foreign policy subjects.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Robert Wallace
Robert Wallace
Robert Wallace is a retired senior CIA officer, author, consultant and lecturer. As a recognized authority on intelligence history and “spy gadgets.” He was an Army Ranger in Vietnam, a CIA intelligence officer for 33 years and now an author and frequent lecturer on espionage topics. His published books include Nine from the Ninth: A Vietnam Memoir; Spycraft: The Secret History of the CIA’s Spytechs from Communism to al-Qaeda, The Official Manual of CIA Trickery and Deception and Spy Sites of New York City.
Profile Image of Scott White
Scott White
Scott J. White is an associate professor and director of the Cybersecurity Program and Cyber Academy at The George Washington University. He holds a B.A. from York University (Toronto), an M.A. from the University of Guelph, and a Ph.D. from the University of Bristol. He holds a Queen’s Commission and was an officer with Canadian Forces Intelligence Command. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. White was an officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. He has consulted with law enforcement agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
Profile Image of Ronald Marks
Ronald Marks
Ronald Marks was a CIA spy for 16 years in the struggle against Russian espionage operatives. He served as Congressional interlocutor for five CIA Directors and guided America’s intelligence interests for Senate leaders Bob Dole and Trent Lott. Ron has been a national security entrepreneur, spy raconteur, cyber expert, and international affair commentator. He is the author of “Spying in America in the Post 9/11 World: Domestic Threat and the Need for Change” that focuses on the challenges and legalities of U.S. domestic intelligence collection.
Profile Image of Steve Flynn
Steve Flynn
Steve Flynn was raised in Oregon. He pursued graduate work in intercultural studies and has extensive experience leading educational groups for students and adults both within and outside the U.S. A current resident of Washington, D.C., he has spent his professional career working in international student exchange programs for the University of North Carolina system.
Profile Image of Ella Schiralli
Ella Schiralli
Ella Schiralli is a certified D.C. group leader with a passion for sharing the culture, history, and modern vibrancy of our nation’s capital. She graduated from George Washington University with a B.B.A. and E.M.B.A. Ella values diversity and is passionate about leadership. She has had the opportunity to work and volunteer in organizations that range from advanced homeland security solutions and public policy advocacy, to women’s military achievements, the performing arts, and children’s advocacy.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Standing in museums for up to two hours. Walking up to a mile a day.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 12 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768





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