New York
The Chautauqua Experience in Summer
Program No. 20581RJ
Founded in 1874, the Chautauqua Institution is a celebration of art, history and culture. Join us for classes, lectures and performances, all in a uniquely American lakeside village.
Participant Reviews
Based on 43 Reviews
SHOWING
Absolutely outstanding week; accommodations, meals, Road Scholar lectures, were fantastic and the Chautauqua experience, as always, was exceptional. A truly memorable experience!
— Review left January 31, 2026
An absolutely fabulous experience! The hotel accommodations, the Chautauqua lectures, and the Road Scholar lecture series were all thought provoking, educational, and life altering in the most positive way. Sandy did a great job at keeping us all informed and was always available for us when we needed any direction or assistance. The Road Scholar Chautauqua summer experience will be a regular summer experience for me from now on.
— Review left October 4, 2025
We really enjoyed this program. Our Road Scholar speaker (Molly) was great but we needed more time with her. She only gave one talk a day. The Chautauqua speakers were variable but on the whole were very good, expecially Thomas Friedman. We didn't find the afternoon activities at Chautauqua to our liking and would have liked more Road Scholar activities.
— Review left August 26, 2025
Road Scholar at Chautauqua is the perfect way to experience all that this amazing Institution has to offer. The fee includes accommodations, most meals, and a week's Traditional Gate Pass ... so it is a very good deal financially as well.
— Review left August 19, 2025
Very laid back and difficult to participate with the lectures offered
Met some wonderful other guests and some days thought dinner was one of the best events
— Review left August 16, 2025
You couldn't choose a more beautiful setting than Lake Chautauqua to learn more about a topic of interest to you. With eight weeks of their summer program to choose from, it's likely there will be one you just can't miss.
— Review left August 12, 2025
Another well managed and interesting program.
— Review left August 9, 2025
Always an amazing experience! Interesting, intellectual programs with lots of time for terrific freetime activities. Concerts, dance programs, lectures, plays, films, discussion groups, fabulous historic hotel, lovely food - they have it all!
— Review left August 2, 2025
Guest Scholar, Andy Roth's lectures were outstanding...stimulating and informative. I enjoyed the assembly discussions and The tour group and leaders were wonderful and supportive especially when I arrived without a suitcase (United's Fault). Our Group Leader was wonderful. She and Emily helped me every step of the way trying to recover my bag.
This was my first Road Scholar trip, my first Chautauqua experience, and my first time as a solo traveler. I planned my arrival a day early. As a 'first timer' I would have appreciated an orientation to the campus, venues and overview of procedures. For instance I had to return to the hotel when I was told I could not take my bag into the Assembly because it wasn't transparent. I was late to, or even missed some events when I couldn't find I the venue.
I really enjoyed the whole Chautauqua/Road Scholar experience and would like to return next year for 2 weeks, so please put me on your list.
— Review left July 27, 2025
Great way to participate in the Chautauqua experience!!!
— Review left July 19, 2025
Worth the time, money and effort to get there!
— Review left July 13, 2025
Experience Chautauqua at least once! It is unique and a VERY full week of learning and thoughtful reflection.
— Review left July 11, 2025
This was my second trip to Chautauqua with RS but my first during the Summer. While understanding RS does not oversee the all summer content, the Philip Shull daily lectures on China, were great. I walked away with a greater understanding of what one should expect in attending Chautauqua in the Summer. RS may want to consider offering an afternoon excursion outside the gate to local museums, such as the Lucille Ball Exhibit in Jamestown or even a ride on the Chautauqua Belle.
I love the old Hotel, old being the operative word, but I guess this is part of the charm. With only one elevator, I chose to take the stairs throughout my stay. Next year, I will request a room on the second floor as the third staircase was a bit too much. This, of course, is a personal preference. The Staff at the Hotel were very pleasant and accommodating. The food options were good and much better than last Fall. The separation of RS guests from other Hotel guests was appreciated in the dining room. Wait Staff were very attentive.
I would suggest adding to your prep information for this particular program the following: a stadium seat cushion, insulated water bottle (RS provided a water bottle, however without insolation, it did not hold up to the task in the extreme heatwave), a personal fan or cooling device and comfortable walking shoes. I would also suggest you provide the weeks events in your pre-trip materials and to advise attendees many lectures require an additional fee.
A big negative was the transportation from Buffalo to the Hotel. The van did not look safe. It was dented and had the appearance of being side swiped. The bus was full and ten minutes into the drive, the AC went out making for a miserable one and a half hour ride in 94 degree weather. Conversely, the ride back to the airport at the end of the week was quite comfortable. This van look new and the driver was very nice and impeccably dressed. A complete opposite of our initial experience.
— Review left July 10, 2025
My program was fun and educational
— Review left July 6, 2025
Everything detail was attended to, we had a fantastic time. Tom DeAngelo was helpful and friendly and we felt well taken care of.
— Review left July 2, 2025
The Chautauqua Institute is jam packed with interesting talks and performances which you can choose to explore at your own pace from a centrally located historic hotel. It’s a great experience.
— Review left June 28, 2025
Road Scholar was the perfect way to experience Chautauqua.
— Review left August 20, 2024
It was my second time at Chatauquah and I hope to sign up for two weeks next year -- wonderful experience in a lovely locale.
— Review left August 18, 2024
This trip was all that I had hoped it would be! We specifically chose Session 1 "Evolving Role of the American Presidency", with Jon Meacham as the keynote. Throughout the week, there were other known speakers. The group was large (50+), but a really diverse group of interesting people. I suggest you choose your week based on the theme and booked speakers. The Athenaeum Hotel is elegant old world, but does need some "love". The programs, weather, good food, and company made this one of our most memorable RS trips.
— Review left August 10, 2024
If you ever have the opportunity to attend a lecture by Molly Williamson you will not regret the experience.
— Review left August 6, 2024
The Chautauqua Road Scholar program is well worth the cost! It adds an extra level of Community to the experience.
— Review left July 28, 2024
I love the program mixture of lectures and music and art. Food for the heart and mind.
— Review left July 28, 2024
I loved my week in Chautauqua. It is the perfect mix of learning, enjoying live music, sipping coffee/wine on the lovely porch of the very old hotel by the lake, good walks, and good company. I also appreciate the ability to make my own schedule and do what I want to do during the week.
— Review left July 2, 2024
I attended the Chautauqua Institute’s program on the National Parks arranged by Road Scholar earlier in August. The speakers, musical entertainment, and the setting of Lake Chautauqua were wonderful. The meals served buffet style at the Athenaeum Hotel were plentiful but not particularly good with the exception of one where we chose one of three items and were served dinner on a side porch.
My room at the Athenaeum Hotel for which I paid Road Scholar a single supplement was quite unsatisfactory. It was too small to accommodate more than one person so I am not sure why I paid a single supplement.
The floor in the entryway and bathroom were slanted downward. The walls were bare and thin (I could hear entire conversations in the room next to me) and the only chair was what I would call a “hard desk chair.”
The wireless connection did not stay connected.
I was told that for programs at Chautauqua, Road Scholar provides only the participants and that the Chautauqua Institute does everything else. In the future I would like to know about Road Scholar’s role in any trip I might book because I had no complaints on previous Road Scholar trips.
I was also told I would be given an opportunity to review this trip, but I am not sure where I might do that-thus this communication.
The bottom line is that I would not recommend this particular Road Scholar experience to anyone.
Thank you for your attention.
Anne Gillespie
— Review left August 23, 2023
What Road Scholar adds to the CHQ experience is to make it easier for those of us who are getting older and slower to continue to participate in this wonderful experience. They do that by housing and feeding us at the Athenaeum, which has unrivaled proximity to the Amphitheater and other CHQ events, very good food, and unbeatable views of Lake Chautauqua from the front porch. The extra Road Scholar specific program is the cherry on top.
— Review left July 17, 2023
Chautauqua is a truly unique location. It's a resort, a college campus, an entertainment venue, a think tank and a religious community all rolled into one. Dynamic speakers from varied walks of life and industries discuss the overarching topic assigned to each week. Afternoon interfaith presentations and dialogues are offered to explore the weekly theme from a spiritual perspective. Visitors can also take advantage of numerous course offerings, nightly entertainment, and recreational activities as desired. In short, the week is yours to decide how you want to spend your time. The Road Scholar-only supplemental presentations, led by Dr. Andrew Roth the week I attended, were outstanding. If you enjoy learning new things and thoughtful discussions with like-minded people, Chautaugua is an experience you won't want to miss.
— Review left July 12, 2023
Very interesting lectures and music
— Review left August 28, 2022
Chatauqua Institution is a "Shangri-la" of learning. The setting is in beautiful upstate New York. The programs offer variety, the food is delectable, and the evening entertainment in the spacious ampitheater offers first rate talent.
— Review left August 8, 2022
If you like intellectual stimulation, dynamic and dedicated speakers and want to be challenged to think Chautaugua and Road Scholar is the place for you.
— Review left July 31, 2022
This is a fabulous program in a beautiful setting with wonderful speakers. We plan to go back next year. There are so many choices to choose from each day and each person can decide what he or she wants to participate in, listen to, or attend.
— Review left July 30, 2022
Our Chautauqua experience was an excellent one! We knew Chautauqua by reputation but this week was our first actual experience..... and it was made so much better by RS! We're planning to return via Road Scholar next year!
— Review left July 19, 2022
This was a longtime dream to attend Chautauqua and after my experience, it has become a goal to return next summer. Everyone I met was interesting, curious and lifelong learners. We should all have this wonderful learning opportunity!
— Review left July 18, 2022
PROGRAM WAS EXTRAORDINARY!!!!!
— Review left July 18, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this program and plan to do it again in the future!
— Review left July 12, 2022
Chautauqua is an amazing, unique place. The Road Scholar program gives you the freedom to try whatever interests you each day. You go to the programs that interest YOU. Then you get together with other participants at mealtime and exchange information, thoughts and ideas.
— Review left July 9, 2022
Wonderful
— Review left August 30, 2021
Wonderful educational opportunity that incorporates learning with cultural experiences that are life-enriching
— Review left August 29, 2021
Chautauqua is an experience that keeps us all coming back to this spectacular location that provides us with a peaceful place and electrifies us with new information and requires us to make new commitments in our life journey.
— Review left August 16, 2021
Wonderful program. I am already signed up for next year!
— Review left July 28, 2019
Chautauqua provides a nice balance between relaxing, learning, and meeting new people. It gives you the feeling of being on a college campus for adults, and having lots of opportunities to enjoy many intellectually stimulating and cultural events.
— Review left July 14, 2019
Anyone who is familiar with Road Scholar should put "Chautauqua" on their bucket-list. Experiencing one week at Chautauqua may well result in many more trips in the future!
— Review left July 14, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed the week. All keynote speakers were professionel & interesting, but the Road Scholar morning sessions led by Ori D. Soltes were outstanding. He expertly interwove a review of key events in the history of mankind, and those in science, art, and music.
I for one, would love to see these lectures captured in an audio/video college level course like those produced by The Teaching Company, labeled "Great Courses". Prof. Soltes would consider doing this. I will ask the Teaching Company to work with the professor.
Fellow course participants who would be interested owning such a work should petition for this by contacting The Teaching Company @
1 800 832 2412 or Email: customerservice@thegreatcourses.com
— Review left July 10, 2019
My brother attended Road Scholar at Chautauqua Institute last year for the first time..he encouraged me to attend this year. He said had he known about this program and how amazing it is he would have been coming much sooner. I know can say after my first year at Chautauqua I will be coming back every summer. As one resident put it (that I met at the farmer's market) you will be a changed person every time you spend time at Chautauqua. I agree. I am a changed person. It was perfect and the right place for me to grow, experience and reflect.
— Review left July 4, 2019