World

World Academy on Queen Mary 2: Australia, South Africa & Beyond

Program No. 22978RJ
On an epic voyage onboard the legendary Queen Mary 2, explore 20 countries on four continents with our experts, on what is undoubtedly the learning adventure of a lifetime!

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Protecting the Environment

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At a Glance

Are you ready for the voyage of a lifetime? Join us for a 112-night adventure that begins with two nights in London and continues onboard the incredible Queen Mary 2 for a 108-night voyage that leads through Western Europe, South Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. You’ll explore 20 countries on four continents, learn about numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and even sail through the Suez Canal. Time at sea allows you access to our expert instructors who will lead lectures and discussions exclusive for Road Scholars. There’s no end to what you’ll discover and the friendships you’ll make during this epic voyage!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.

What You'll Learn

  • Begin your learning adventure with two nights in London, with field trips to St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
  • Delight in a memorable voyage through the Suez Canal, as you journey from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.
  • Go on a one-day safari in South Africa, experience the desert city of Dubai, marvel at the biodiversity of the island of Mauritius and much more!
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Ioanna Kopsiafti
Ioanna Kopsiafti is an art historian, professor and writer living in Athens for the past 20 years. She earned her master’s degree from St. Andrews University and her doctorate from Oxford. Ioanna currently lectures in Athens and Rome, primarily on ancient Greek and Roman art and civilization. Her publications include “Style City Athens” (Thames & Hudson 2006) and “Thinking Space, Advancing Art: Cassirer with Crowther” (Routledge 2015) on the philosophy of symbolic forms that explores language, myth, religion and art within the philosophy of culture.

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

Profile Image of Ioanna Kopsiafti
Ioanna Kopsiafti View biography
Ioanna Kopsiafti is an art historian, professor and writer living in Athens for the past 20 years. She earned her master’s degree from St. Andrews University and her doctorate from Oxford. Ioanna currently lectures in Athens and Rome, primarily on ancient Greek and Roman art and civilization. Her publications include “Style City Athens” (Thames & Hudson 2006) and “Thinking Space, Advancing Art: Cassirer with Crowther” (Routledge 2015) on the philosophy of symbolic forms that explores language, myth, religion and art within the philosophy of culture.
Profile Image of Spencer Jones
Spencer Jones View biography
Dr. Spencer Jones is an award-winning historian and author with a special interest in the First World War, Second World War and the life of Sir Winston Churchill. He is a Senior Lecturer in Armed Forces and War Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, UK, and serves in the British Army as the Regimental Historian of the Royal Artillery. His most recent publication is "The Darkest Year: The British Army on the Western Front 1917."
Profile Image of John Cerone
John Cerone View biography
Professor John Cerone holds faculty appointments at The Fletcher School-Tufts University, American University-Washington College of Law, and the University of London. As a practicing international lawyer, he has worked for numerous IGOs and NGOs, served as Special Adviser to the first U.S. delegation to the U.N. Human Rights Council, and has extensive field experience in conflict and post-conflict environments. He has taught in more than 40 countries around the world and is the author of dozens of articles and book chapters on international law.
Profile Image of Roula Skoula
Roula Skoula View biography
Roula Skoula was born in Heraklion, Crete. She studied journalism in Athens and worked as a freelance print and radio journalist. After enrolling in the School of Professional Greek Tourist Guides, she travelled with university professors, learning history, philosophy, archaeology, and more. Roula has been a professional exploration leader since 1987. In addition to Greek, she speaks English and Italian. She continues learning to increase her vast knowledge of Greek history and culture and has worked with Road Scholar for the past 13 years.
Profile Image of Ngaire Douglas
Ngaire Douglas View biography
Dr. Ngaire (NY-ree) Douglas is a retired senior university professor. She is published widely on Pacific studies, history, and cruise ship management. Since 2006, she has worked with Australian Business Volunteers, a government-funded organization placing short term expertise into projects in developing countries. Her contribution is in university locations across Southeast Asia, training academics in the development of education materials and improving teaching skills. Ngaire is passionate about food, wine, travel, and sharing Australia and New Zealand with Road Scholars.
Profile Image of Chris Benn
Chris Benn View biography
Chris Benn is head of astronomy at the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes on the island of La Palma in the Canaries. He trained as a physicist and radio astronomer, and worked at Britain's first hands-on science center before taking up a post with the Royal Greenwich Observatory in 1986. He is also the author of the world's first four-dimensional crossword.
Profile Image of Jenny Cordon
Jenny Cordon View biography
Jenny Cordon has been working as a group leader for Road Scholar for about 9 years. She was previously an assistant head teacher in a secondary school in England teaching 11- to 16-year-olds. She started out as a physical education teacher, undertaking many sports trips abroad for adults as well as children, which was an excellent grounding for her present role.
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.





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