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Virginia

The Islands of Virginia's Eastern Shore: Chincoteague, Assateague and Wallops

Program No. 2018RJ
Experience the wonders of Virginia’s Eastern Shore islands as you explore local museums, see the wild ponies of Assateague and enjoy special access to unspoiled Wallops Island.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Apr 6 - Apr 11, 2025
Starting at
1,249
Apr 27 - May 2, 2025
Starting at
1,249
Sep 21 - Sep 26, 2025
Starting at
1,249
Oct 19 - Oct 24, 2025
Starting at
1,249
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Apr 6 - Apr 11, 2025
Starting at
1,389
Apr 27 - May 2, 2025
Starting at
1,389
Sep 21 - Sep 26, 2025
Starting at
1,389
Oct 19 - Oct 24, 2025
Starting at
1,389
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Wild ponies, fresh and saltwater wetlands, sand dunes and small town hospitality await you in one of Virginia’s most unique settings among the barrier islands of the Delmarva Peninsula. Experience Chincoteague, Assateague and Wallops Island with Chincoteague Bay Field Station. Chincoteague’s fascinating history of the settlement of the Eastern Shore sets it apart. Gain access to NASA’s restricted Wallops Island to study an environment left unspoiled. And explore Assateague’s forests and discover the wild ponies.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking up to a quarter-mile at a time.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Stroll the beach and collect seashells on restricted-access Wallops Island, where we may just be the only group there all day.
  • Learn about the art and history of the waterfowl decoy as a local carver demonstrates his skill.
  • Learn about the Tales of Chincoteague from local experts.

General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room. ATTENTION FOREIGN NATIONALS: Part of this program takes place on Wallops Island, which is a restricted access NASA base. In order to participate in the Wallops Island activities, all foreign nationals must complete additional paperwork at least 6 weeks in advance to be allowed access onto the base. Access is then subject to approval by NASA Wallops Island base. If you are a foreign national enrolled in this program, please contact the program provider directly at julie@cbfieldstation.org to request the required forms.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Nancy Richards West
Nancy Richards West has lived on Chincoteague Island for three decades, using this picturesque setting as inspiration for her paintings. The first resident artist chosen by the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the thrill of painting en plein air often lures her out of the studio and into the field, where she captures the effects of changing light, weather and seasons. Nancy has extensive training in classical drawing and color theory, and her delicate treatment of oils is subtly elegant.

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

Profile Image of Nancy West
Nancy Richards West View biography
Nancy Richards West has lived on Chincoteague Island for three decades, using this picturesque setting as inspiration for her paintings. The first resident artist chosen by the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the thrill of painting en plein air often lures her out of the studio and into the field, where she captures the effects of changing light, weather and seasons. Nancy has extensive training in classical drawing and color theory, and her delicate treatment of oils is subtly elegant.
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.
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
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals ( 5B, 4L, 5D )
7 expert-led lectures
4 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Chincoteague Bay Field Station check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please contact the Chincoteague Bay Field Station (CBFS) to find out where to meet the group.
Dinner:
In the CBFS cafeteria.
Evening:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to our COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. On Day One, we’ll receive menus for each of the restaurants we’ll visit this week and make our selections in advance. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off buses or vans; driving about 12 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Short walks to/from visitor centers in the refuge.
Breakfast:
In the CBFS cafeteria.
Morning:
We will ride to the Visitor Center of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (CNWR) and gather in the auditorium where our CBFS educator will present an engaging lecture. We’ll learn all about the history and unique features of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Lunch:
We will ride to a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Returning to CNWR, we will venture into one of the little-seen restricted access areas of the Refuge. Here, we will search for wild ponies, birds, and other amazing wildlife.
Dinner:
In the CBFS cafeteria.
Evening:
Chincoteague Bay Field Station educators come from a variety of backgrounds within the natural sciences. We will gather in our Education Center classroom to learn more about the natural history of the area through a lecture on a topic of their choice that features their unique expertise.
Activity Note
Getting on/off buses. Walking less than 1/3 mile; wet, muddy, and/or sandy terrain. Walking and standing approximately 1.5 hours at beach.
Breakfast:
In the CBFS cafeteria.
Morning:
We’ll watch a painting come to life as a local professional artist talks about and demonstrates the techniques used to render our natural world on canvas.
Lunch:
In the CBFS cafeteria.
Afternoon:
We will set out on another field and ride to the restricted access area on the NASA Wallops Island base that left an environment that is great for education as well as shelling. Our CBFS educator will stop to identify and explain any neat shells or specimens we may find as we stroll along the beach. Note: Our access to Wallops Island will depend on the security level of the base at the time that is determined by factors independent of the Chincoteague Bay Field Station.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
We’ll be joined by a local waterman who will tell us about local fisheries and life on the water.
Activity Note
Getting on/off buses; driving about 13 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Short walk to/from museum.
Breakfast:
In the CBFS cafeteria.
Morning:
We will ride to the Delmarva Discovery Center, a wonderful place to learn about the history of the Eastern Shore. We’ll wander through a cypress swamp, watch river otters play, learn about Native American history, and step aboard a life-size steam ship, all within the Center’s walls. A museum docent will take us through the fascinating cultural and natural history of the region as we explore the museum’s engaging exhibits.
Lunch:
In the CBFS cafeteria.
Afternoon:
Free time. This block of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
In the cafeteria.
Evening:
An accomplished carver will demonstrate their skill in creating a waterfowl decoy. As they carve, we’ll learn about the art’s fascinating history that includes hunting, 1920s fashion, and worldwide competitions.
Activity Note
Getting on/off buses; driving 15 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time with frequent off/on boarding at specific sites. Walking between buildings at Wallops Island; standing up to 1/2 hour at a time, chairs available.
Breakfast:
In the CBFS cafeteria.
Morning:
We’ll learn even more about the wild Chincoteague ponies during a fascinating lecture by a local expert on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Lunch:
In the classroom, we’ll make our own sandwiches. We’ll watch the 1961 film “Misty” that helped to put Chincoteague on the map as a destination and further solidify the wild ponies into the history and lore of this area.
Afternoon:
We’ll board a bus and take a quick trip to Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center, where we will hear an exciting lecture about the history of NASA and Wallops Island. We’ll also learn about some of the amazing projects happening at NASA.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
We’ll enjoy entertainment by talented local musicians and storytellers. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
CBFS check-out 9:30 a.m.
Breakfast:
In the CBFS cafeteria. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Pescatarian
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
  • Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
  • Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
  • Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
  • Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
  • Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
  • Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
5 nights
Location: Wallops Island
The Chincoteague Bay Field Station is a residential environmental learning center and field station. Participants are accommodated in modern, suite-style rooms with four double-occupancy bedrooms with central heat and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are not connected to bedrooms but are shared by only two rooms. All rooms have two twin beds. The two-story residence halls have no elevator and are across campus from meeting spaces and the cafeteria. A large campus lounge allows for camaraderie with fellow Road Scholars, with comfortable chairs and sofas, tables to play games and a TV. Meals are served in a common dining room where residents other than Road Scholars will dine. Good to know: No TVs in rooms. Wi-Fi in main Education Center. Coin-operated laundry room. Housekeeping once a week. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Location: Wallops Island
The Chincoteague Bay Field Station is a residential environmental learning center and field station. Participants are accommodated in modern, suite-style rooms with four double-occupancy bedrooms with central heat and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are not connected to bedrooms but are shared by only two rooms. All rooms have two twin beds. The two-story residence halls have no elevator and are across campus from meeting spaces and the cafeteria. A large campus lounge allows for camaraderie with fellow Road Scholars, with comfortable chairs and sofas, tables to play games and a TV. Meals are served in a common dining room where residents other than Road Scholars will dine. Good to know: No TVs in rooms. Wi-Fi in main Education Center. Coin-operated laundry room. Housekeeping once a week. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Location: Wallops Island
The Chincoteague Bay Field Station is a residential environmental learning center and field station. Participants are accommodated in modern, suite-style rooms with four double-occupancy bedrooms with central heat and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are not connected to bedrooms but are shared by only two rooms. All rooms have two twin beds. The two-story residence halls have no elevator and are across campus from meeting spaces and the cafeteria. A large campus lounge allows for camaraderie with fellow Road Scholars, with comfortable chairs and sofas, tables to play games and a TV. Meals are served in a common dining room where residents other than Road Scholars will dine. Good to know: No TVs in rooms. Wi-Fi in main Education Center. Coin-operated laundry room. Housekeeping once a week. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Location: Wallops Island
The Chincoteague Bay Field Station is a residential environmental learning center and field station. Participants are accommodated in modern, suite-style rooms with four double-occupancy bedrooms with central heat and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are not connected to bedrooms but are shared by only two rooms. All rooms have two twin beds. The two-story residence halls have no elevator and are across campus from meeting spaces and the cafeteria. A large campus lounge allows for camaraderie with fellow Road Scholars, with comfortable chairs and sofas, tables to play games and a TV. Meals are served in a common dining room where residents other than Road Scholars will dine. Good to know: No TVs in rooms. Wi-Fi in main Education Center. Coin-operated laundry room. Housekeeping once a week. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
5 nights
Location: Wallops Island
The Chincoteague Bay Field Station is a residential environmental learning center and field station. Participants are accommodated in modern, suite-style rooms with four double-occupancy bedrooms with central heat and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are not connected to bedrooms but are shared by only two rooms. All rooms have two twin beds. The two-story residence halls have no elevator and are across campus from meeting spaces and the cafeteria. A large campus lounge allows for camaraderie with fellow Road Scholars, with comfortable chairs and sofas, tables to play games and a TV. Meals are served in a common dining room where residents other than Road Scholars will dine. Good to know: No TVs in rooms. Wi-Fi in main Education Center. Coin-operated laundry room. Housekeeping once a week. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
Participant Reviews
4.86
Based on 7 Reviews
Sort By:
Carrie – Class of 2023 | Vincent, OH
It was a great experience. A big thanks to Mason and Hannah!
— Review left November 6, 2023
Lelane – Class of 2017 | Vero Beach, FL
Wonderful trip with several great speakers, beautiful scenery and lot of wildlife.
— Review left May 7, 2023
Peg – Class of 2019 | Benton, KY
Virginia's eastern islands are fascinating areas that are unknown to many. The Wallops Flight Facility is so interesting. Lectures about conservancy and study of the ecosystem were relatable and thought provoking. The scenery itself is memorable and photo worthy, including the beautiful wild ponies of Chincogteague.
— Review left May 1, 2023
Edward – Class of 2003 | Yorklyn, DE
A week not to be missed!
— Review left April 26, 2019
Anna – Class of 2019 | Montgomery Village, MD
This was my first time as a Road Scholar. I chose the program “Islands of Virginia's Eastern Shore Program” because all the activities seemed interesting. This trip exceeded my expectations. From the time we arrived, Claire, Shayla, and Ben were the perfect hosts. Their enthusiasm and love for what they do was infectious. The Chincoteague Bay Field Station accommodations were immaculate and the cafeteria workers a pleasure to talk to. Our guided tour of the NASA Museum was cancelled because of the Antares Rocket Launch. However, Emily surprised us and arranged a personal visit with an Astronaut! The Astronaut talked about the many hours of preparation and the countless of people that work to make a launch successful. Seeing the Rocket Launch in person was the icing on the cake. Another memorable moment was seeing the ponies up close! I am really looking in forward to my next adventure with Road Scholars!
— Review left April 24, 2019
William – Class of 2015 | Novi, MI
I have visited the area on my own dozens of times in about half a century; yet Road Scholar succeeded in introducing me to many new experiences daily.
— Review left April 19, 2019
Sabrina – Class of 2009 | Greenville, SC
All-around FAB! Great trip!! I don’t repeat programs, but I would definitely do this one again!!
— Review left April 19, 2019





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