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Massachusetts

On the Road: Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket

Program No. 21005RJ

In some of New England’s most idyllic seaside towns, discuss whaling history, Victorian architecture, influential artists and unique ecology with naturalists and local experts.

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8 days

7 nights

16 meals

7B 4L 5D

Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Boston, MA

Ferry to MV, Walk to Tabernacle, Introduction to Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard

Exploring Martha’s Vineyard, Historic Edgartown

Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard

Nature Preservation, Vineyard Haven

Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard

Historic Cape Cod, Sandwich Glass Museum, JFK Hyannis Museum

Hyannis, MA

Exploring Nantucket, Whaling Museum

Hyannis, MA

Exploring Scenic Cape Cod & the Arts, Provincetown

Hyannis, MA

Program Concludes

Hyannis, MA

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At a Glance

Examine history and culture past and present on an exploration of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Learn how fishing and whaling brought about economic development and explore the diversity of Martha's Vineyard with regard to its iconic island lifestyle and traditions. Contrast the history and island life of the Vineyard to those of the island of Nantucket and discover the arts and culture of Cape Cod, as well as the natural beauty that inspires so many.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to 2 miles per day; standing in museums. Some unavoidable stairs in historic sites. Getting on and off coach.

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…

Learn about the historic role played by the region’s whaling history on a day trip to Nantucket.
Live the island life on Martha's Vineyard while learning about its history, diversity and unique Victorian architecture.
Study the unique ecology of the sand dunes of Cape Cod National Seashore with a naturalist.

General Notes

Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials. All rooms in the Martha Vineyard hotel have only one queen-sized bed; therefore, we cannot offer roommate matching services on this program or guarantee 2 bed room requests. Please see lodging description for more information.

Featured Expert

All trip experts

Carol Carson

Carol “Krill” Carson is a marine biologist who has worked in the New England area since 1980. She spends her summers watching whales and studying the Northern Diamondback Terrapin, a threatened species of marsh turtle. In the fall, Krill and her team rescue marine wildlife that strand on Cape Cod. Krill is the founder and president of the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA), and the author of the book “My Friend Salt: The story of Salt, the most famous humpback whale in the world!”

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

Gayle Felix View biography

Gayle Felix has been a Road Scholar group leader since 2015. She grew up and raised her family outside of Boston and now resides in Hingham, Massachusetts. With a history/American studies degree from Boston University, she enjoys sharing the history of Boston and surrounding areas. Gayle has led programs in New England; Washington, DC; and other areas in the United States. Gayle enjoys being with her family and friends, biking, kayaking, golfing, and hiking. She especially enjoys traveling and meeting new people.

George Schmidt View biography

George Schmidt has been leading groups along the East Coast – from Williamsburg to Boston – for over 15 years. He now focuses on Boston, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. He has had an eclectic career, spending time in industry, academia, and being self-employed. George has traveled to over 100 countries and all seven continents. He is active in his hometown of Mashpee, where he has served on the Finance and School Committees, both of which he has had the privilege of chairing.

Carol Carson View biography

Cheryl Sennett View biography

Cheryl Sennett grew up in Pittsburgh and has lived all over the U.S. including Hawaii, Texas, and Alaska. She currently resides in Bradenton, Florida. She has led groups since 2007, when she received her certification from the International Guide Academy. She’s led groups in Alaska, Colorado, and New England, as well as a number of international destinations. In her personal travels, she’s been to all 50 states and traveled extensively in Latin America. Cheryl loves to volunteer with animals in her spare time.

Ellie Rose View biography

Ellie Rose was born in Scotland and raised in Canada and the U.S. She had the privilege of being able to travel globally and has always brought her children with her. She worked for over 40 years for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. When she retired, she knew she wasn’t ready to really stop working. Her passion was traveling and working with people, which led her to her current career.