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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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
Profile Image
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.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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113 days
112 nights
330 meals
111 B 108 L 111 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive London, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
London
D
Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton Hotel

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: After transferring to the hotel for check-in, take some time to freshen up and relax. The Road Scholar educational program consists of lectures and presentations exclusively for our group as well as educational field trips. These Road Scholar expert-led field trips, included in the cost of the program, will typically be for the members of our group aboard our own designated vehicles (depending on group size). In the event of any significant changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
3
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey
London
B,D
Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down; driving about 7 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; mainly flat terrain, steps at field trip sites.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach for a field trip to St. Paul’s Cathedral, an unmissable silhouette on the London skyline and often considered to be Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece. It has been standing in its current form since 1711 and its tranquil interior is majestic in its Baroque splendor. Our Group Leader will take us through its turbulent and fascinating history as we explore its magnificent three-domed structure.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Next, we will ride to Westminster Abbey. Raised from the foundations of several previous churches on this site, the Abbey as we see it today was first begun in 1245 by Henry III and was granted cathedral status by Henry VIII in 1540. It is perhaps best known worldwide as the site of coronations, numerous royal weddings, and the funeral of Princess Diana.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out, transfer, and embarkation tomorrow.

DAY
4
Transfer to Southampton, Embark QM2
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down; driving about 85 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Boarding Queen Mary 2.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel and board a motorcoach for the two-hour ride to Southampton, where we will embark the Queen Mary 2, our home for the next 102 days! Upon arrival, we will complete embarkation procedures. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. Port stops are subject to change as weather and ocean conditions could affect the progress of the vessel. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The time in each port is set by the cruise line. The cruise line reserves the right change the itinerary without prior notice.

Lunch: Late aboard ship.

Afternoon: We will have some time to unpack and begin to familiarize ourselves with the ship. We will participate with everyone on board in the ship’s muster drill when announced and proceed to our assigned muster stations.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: The Road Scholar educational program consists of lectures and presentations exclusively for our group as well as designated field trips.

DAY
5
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. Please refer to the ship’s daily program for a list of activities.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Tenerife, Spain, La Laguna, Anaga Biosphere
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will depart for a brief panoramic visit of the port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. We then head to the nearby town of La Laguna - a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique Canarian architecture, which would later be imitated by many countries in the "New World". We will have a short walking visit of the town with our local experts.

Lunch: We travel by motorcoach to the Anaga Natural Park where we will enjoy some traditional local produce with a glass of wine from the region.

Afternoon: We will continue through the Anaga Biosphere, ascending over 3000 feet (960 metres) to the Pico del Ingles viewpoint - from where on a clear day it's possible to see Spain's highest point, and active volcano, Mount Teide. We will continue on through the island's most important sub-tropical Laurisilva (Laurel Forest), as we discover rare woodlands dating from the Tertiary Period. Finally we will stop at the fishing village of San Andrés - where we will learn how in the 1970s sand from the Sahara desert was used to create the Las Teresitas beach. Later in the afternoon, the ship will leave Tenerife on our journey to Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
13
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
14
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
15
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
16
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
17
Walvis Bay-Namibia, Topnaar Community, 4x4 Exploration
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off 4x4 vehicles. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours. Riding on bumpy uneven desert roads in 4x4 vehicles

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: After disembarking our ship in Walvis Bay, Namibia, we will board 4x4 vehicles for our adventurous exploration of Walvis Bay. Our first stop will be at Scheppmanskirche 'the church in the desert'. We will then continue to a Topnaar community southeast of Walvis Bay near Rooibank. Here, we will be joined by a local expert who will provide more information on the Topnaar. The Topnaar are an offshoot of the Khoi Khoi peoples who used to be found from the Western Cape in South Africa all the way up to Walvis Bay (also used to be known as Strandlopers, or “Beach walkers”), and are one of the rare communities that still maintain a unique way of life that is distinguishable from the neighboring populations. The community that we will visit live along the Kuiseb River and make a living harvesting the !Naras melons that grow there. Our visit with the Topnaar will be interactive, allowing us the opportunity to meet community members, learn about their cultural history, as well as observing their traditional activities such as harvesting. Our adventure in our 4x4 vehicles continue through the Kuiseb Delta where we will stop at a look out point on a sand dune where we will be treated to local oysters and sparkling wine. Midday, we will return to the ship in time for a late lunch.

Lunch: Late lunch aboard ship.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Walvis Bay or enjoy the activities onboard before the ship leaves port.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Walvis Bay on our journey to Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

DAY
18
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
19
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
20
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
21
Port Elizabeth, SANCCOB Rehabilitation Centre, Game Drive
Port Elizabeth
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 3 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will board our motorcoach with our group leader and meet out local expert at Port Elizabeth to depart for Cape Recife Nature Reserve. Our first stop will be a visit to the SANCCOB’s Gqeberha centre (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). Here we will learn about the center's rehabilitation, chick-rearing and breeding programs. We will then stop at the idyllic Pebbles Beach for light refreshments before continuing to the Cape Recife lighthouse. The Portuguese name Cape Recife, translates to 'Cape of the Reefs'. A reference to the geological features of the south-eastern part of South Africa's coastline upon which many ships met their end. It's for this reason this historic lighthouse was built in 1851. Located next to the lighthouse is a military lookout bunker from WW2, marking it's historically strategic location.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We continue to the Bellevue Forest Reserve where we will have an exciting afternoon of safari and wildlife spotting. We will board our open air safari vehicles with our rangers for an opportunity to spot the Big 5. We will also have the chance to join a giraffe tracking safari on foot through the heart of the Addo Valley bushveld accompanied by a highly experienced FGASA trained, armed trails guide. After an incredible day immersed in nature, we will reboard our motorcoach and return to the ship early evening.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will remain in port overnight.

DAY
22
Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours, riding in 4x4 vehicles on bumpy, uneven terrain

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll be met early this morning at Port Elizabeth harbor by our local expert for a drive through the city en-route to Addo Elephant National Park. Commonly referred to as “The Windy City,” Port Elizabeth was founded in 1820 and is the most populous city in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. We’ll continue to the Addo Elephant National Park, where we will trade the motorcoach for open-air 4x4 vehicles and embark on a morning safari drive. Each safari vehicle will have its own safari specialist who provides commentary on the animals seen during the drive. Addo Elephant National Park is the third largest national park in South Africa, and where we may spot elephants, lions, spotted hyenas, antelope, warthog or zebra among the numerous bird, reptile, and amphibious species. Our game drive will last for approximately 2 hours, after which we will have the midday at leisure in the park.

Lunch: At a local restaurant located in the Addo Elephant National Park.

Afternoon: This afternoon we will participate in another game drive with our experienced local rangers who will educate us on the ongoing conservation efforts of the Addo Elephant National Park in addition to taking us to some of the most likely spots to witness the local wildlife. In the late afternoon, we will reboard our motorcoach and head back to Port Elizabeth to rejoin our ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Port Elizabeth on our journey to Cape Town, South Africa.

DAY
23
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
24
Cape Town, South Africa, Table Mountain
Cape Town
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will be met by our local Cape Town expert and board our motorcoach for the drive to Table Mountain. At Table Mountain, we will ascend the steep granite slopes by cable car (weather permitting), allowing us splendid views of the city and peninsula; it is perhaps one of the most magnificent views in the southern hemisphere. After descending in the cable car, we will embark on an exploration of the city with our local expert. Sites we will visit include: the Bo Kaap, a colorful and predominantly Muslim neighborhood; the Company Gardens, a lovely garden in the heart of city center that is surrounded by the Houses of Parliament; the Anglican Cathedral of South Africa, where Desmond Tutu was bishop; Greenmarket Square, a historic and vibrant meeting place in the business district; the Castle of Good Hope, a former fort that is the oldest building in South Africa; and District Six, which serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of apartheid. The District Six museum contains exhibits that invite a very visual and interactive understanding of what life was like in the area, and of apartheid’s impacts on the residents in the neighborhood. We will return to the ship for lunch on board.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Cape Town or enjoy the activities onboard.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will remain in port overnight.

DAY
25
Cape Town, Cape Point, Boulders Beach
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 - 3 miles on sandy, uneven terrain; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: By motorcoach, we will depart the harbor toward Cape Point via the coastal route passing through South Africa’s famous beach resort town of Camps Bay, past the Twelve Apostle Range, through Hout Bay, and along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular coastal roads to be found in Africa, finally arriving at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Cape Point, the southwestern-most point of the African continent, is one of the world’s most beautiful places – a stretch of rocky mountain jutting southward into the sea. We will board the Flying Dutchman funicular, which will bring us up to a viewpoint walkway on the peak, the lower station; the upper station, where the lighthouse is located, is accessible by stairs from here. At Cape Point we will find a myriad of pristine beaches, sheltered bays and coves, as well as a rich array of indigenous flora. The fynbos reserve (a unique vegetation type of the Cape Floral Kingdom) is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. Whales (dependent on season), penguins and seals may be spotted from this point.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, we will continue to Boulders Beach to view the resident African penguin colony. Our local expert will lead us to the beach, which is nestled in a sheltered cove between Simon's Town and Cape Point, and introduce us to the penguins. In the late afternoon, we will return to the ship with time to freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Cape Town on our journey to Durban, South Africa.

DAY
26
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
27
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
28
Durban,Nelson Mandela Capture Site
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will depart the port of Durban with our local expert and travel by motorcoach to the Nelson Mandela capture site, located just outside the city of Howick. During the journey to Howick we will learn about the life of Nelson Mandela leading to his arrest in 1962. Visit the museum at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Next we drive a short distance to the capital city of Kwa Zulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg. Here we will learn about another incredible person that influenced South Africa and the world, Mahatma Gandhi. It was in Pietermaritzburg where Gandhi was thrown off the train when refusing to obey orders to change his train carriage even though he held a first class ticket. We will visit the train station and city hall before returning to the ship in Durban.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Durban on our journey to Le Port, Reunion.

DAY
29
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
30
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
31
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
32
Le Port, Reunion, Vanilla Plantation
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning leaving the pier, we will head to the Northern Coast of Reunion Island by the seashore road. We will cross the capital of St Denis taking the Eastern direction towards Ste Marie and Ste Suzanne. Arriving in St André, we will discover a vanilla plantation and learn about the history and the culture of this precious orchid which is an integral part of the past and of the heritage of the island. After the visit, we will take the road leading to the Cirque. Salazie is a long, deep, sheer-walled canyon full of twisted hills and valleys, and waterfalls tumble down the rocks on every side. Although the cirque is generally swathed in mist and cloud, the most breathtaking sites of this cirque is the towering waterfall known as “Le Voile de la Mariée”.

Lunch: After a photo stop, we will head to the picturesque creole village of Hellbourg where we will have a local lunch.The creole lunch will allow us to taste the famous vegetable called “chouchou”, largely cultivated in the Cirque.

Afternoon: On the way back, we will stop in St. Denis for an orientation drive. Passing by the Hindu temples and the Christian Cathedral we will make a short stop at the State Garden or Jardin de L’ etat, boasting one of the most interesting botanical collections in the Indian Ocean before returning to the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Le Port on our journey to Port Louis, Mauritius.

DAY
33
Port Louis, Mauritius, Pamplemousses District
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: In the morning we will head out to explore Pamplemousses. In 1735 the French Govenor Francois Mahe de Labourdonna broke ground in the district of Pamplemousses near Port Louis to create a garden for his family. The garden he began now houses more than 650 varieties of plant including the famous giant Victoria amazonica water lilies, which form the centrepiece of the gardens splendid pond, and 80 different varieties of palm trees. It also houses the funeral shrine of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, ‘the father of the nation’ and the island’s first prime minister.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: In the afternoon we will head out on a drive to Moka, where we will visit the 19th century Eureka Colonial House, one of the oldest colonial houses on the island. Enjoy a guided exploration of the house with its authentic antique furniture, which provides an interesting glimpse into colonial life. We will enjoy refreshments on the terrace with a view the peaceful garden before proceeding up the hill to the church of Marie Reine de la Paix, where Pope John Paul II officiated his first mass on the island in 1989. Return to the ship for dinner.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Port Louis on our journey to Fremantle, Australia.

DAY
34
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
35
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
36
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
37
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
38
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
39
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
40
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
41
Fremantle, Perth, Kings Park
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: From the historic port town of Fremantle, today we explore Perth, the capital of the state of Western Australia. Delightfully dissected by the Swan River, the city enjoys many scenic surf beaches and well-kept parklands including centrally-located Kings Park where native wildflowers flourish. We will first enjoy a walking exploration of the city, taking us to the Perth Town Hall, Wolf Lane, Cathedral Square, Stirling Gardens and Government House. Next, we travel to Kings Park for an expert-led exploration of the gardens that offer wonderful views over the city.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: After lunch we have a stroll in Fremantle with our local expert introducing us to the history and lifestyle of this sought-after beachside suburb. We will gain an understanding as to why the city is considered the best-preserved example of a 19th century port street scape in the world. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Fremantle allowing the chance to return to the ship when you feel so inclined.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Fremantle on our journey to Adelaide, Australia.

DAY
42
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our new lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
43
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
44
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
45
Adelaide, Wine Country, Australian Museum
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we explore Adelaide, the capital of the state of South Australia. The city was named for Queen Adelaide at the command of her husband, King William IV, and is the only freely-settled colony of Australia. Its people have embraced multiculturalism, providing a cohesive society on which to build the State. The draft of the Australian Constitution was prepared in South Australia, in the ballroom of St. Mark’s College’s Downer House. This morning, we will board our motorcoach and enjoy a scenic journey through the Adelaide Hills to the Barossa Valley, Australia's premier wine region.

Lunch: At a local winery.

Afternoon: After lunch we will visit the Australian Museum. The museum holds a collection of national and international significance, and Australian and Aboriginal heritage and scientific research over 5 floors. The museum is one of the most visited in Australia and is a leader in remote and community engagement. We will then board our coach and return to the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Adelaide on our journey to Melbourne, Australia

DAY
46
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
47
Melbourne, Aboriginal Art
Melbourne
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning's field trip will focus on Aboriginal art in Australia. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria's Australian collection, housed in the intriguing buildings that make up Melbourne's Federation Square. Here, a local art historian and author will introduce us to the Gallery's wonderful collection of Aboriginal and wider Australian art.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Join a local expert for a walking exploration through some of Melbourne's famously funky laneways. As we wander through the back streets and laneways, we will gain an understanding of how livable Melbourne is and how the city interacts with its river. We conclude our exploration at the Melbourne Skydeck, on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower, where the expansive views will give us an understanding of the city’s layout and allow us to track where we have walked. Reboard our coach and transfer back to the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will remain in port overnight.

DAY
48
Melbourne,Moonlit Animal Sanctuary
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will travel outside of Melbourne's CBD to discover and interact with some of Australia's unique wildlife. The morning will be spent at the Moonlit Sanctuary, an award winning wildlife park that gives the opportunity to see and interact with over 70 Australian wildlife species. There will also be the opportunity to learn about the important conservation efforts currently in Australia. We will return to the ship early afternoon for lunch onboard.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Melbourne or enjoy the activities onboard. Later in the afternoon, the ship will leave Melbourne on our journey to Sydney, Australia.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
49
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
50
Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach
Sydney, New South Wales
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Walking of about 3 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we begin our exploration of Sydney, Australia's largest city and the capital of the state of New South Wales. The city is renowned for its stunning harbour and the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. This morning we will walk around the Quay to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House, where we will have an expert-led exploration of this truly wonderful, iconic building, a masterpiece of late modern architecture. Exactly which areas of the Opera House we see will depend upon what performances and rehearsals are taking place at the time. There are five main performance spaces at the Sydney Opera House — the Concert Hall, the Dame Joan Sutherland Theatre (formerly the Opera Theatre), the Drama Theatre, the Playhouse and the Studio — and the availability of these spaces open to visits changes from day to day. Following our visit we continue our walking discovery towards the Royal Botanical Gardens, Australia's oldest botanical gardens overlooking Sydney Harbor.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit one of Australia's most iconic destinations, Bondi Beach. Enjoy free time exploring the stunning coastline and wandering the vibrant beachside streets before returning to the ship in the early evening.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will remain in port overnight.

DAY
51
Sydney, Historic Sydney Rocks
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Walking of about 3 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Beginning this morning at the base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, led by our local expert, we will have a walking exploration of The Rocks area giving us insights into Sydney’s colonial past. The Rocks was the area of Sydney first settled by the British and it has a fascinating history and wonderful sandstone buildings. We will have time on our own to explore The Rocks market before returning to the ship for lunch.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Sydney or enjoy the activities onboard.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Sydney on our journey to Yorkeys Knob, Australia.

DAY
52
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
53
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
54
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
55
Yorkeys Knob, Great Barrier Reef
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours. For those that want to snorkel, snorkel equipment will be provided.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we will enjoy one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. The day will be spent on a comfortable marine vessel that will cruise the outer reef sites, with the oppurtunity to swim and snorkel. Snorkelling equipment will be provided and we will enjoy an informative presentation by a Marine Biologist who will explain the array of sealife and the works being done to protect this treasured underwater world.

Lunch: Lunch on the vessel.

Afternoon: We will return to the ship in the afternoon for free time on board the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Yorkeys Knob on our journey to Darwin, Australia.

DAY
56
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
57
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
58
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
59
Darwin, Northern Territory, Royal Flying Doctor Service
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning, we will transfer from the ship to explore Darwin. We will visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and learn how aircraft and technology are used to deliver medical services in the huge distances of centraland northern Australia. Founded in 1928, the RFDS is now one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world, providing primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to people over an area of nearly 3 million square miles. While in the city, we will also visit the Defence of Darwin exhibition. Here we learn about the bombing of Darwin during World War II. We will gain an understanding of the impact of the war on Darwin and its inhabitants, both civilian and military. We will return to the ship in time for lunch

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Darwin or enjoy the activities onboard.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Darwin on our journey to Bitung, Indonesia.

DAY
60
Day At Sea, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
61
Day At Sea, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
62
Bitung, Indonesia, Minahasa People & Culture
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning, we will transfer from the ship to explore the Minahasa people & culture. We will first stop to visit Waruga, the ancient cemetary of the Minahasa Tribe. We will then take a motorcoach to a local village where we will enjoy a cultural performance of local music & dance.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Next we will drive to Linow Lake to take in the beauty of this volcanic lake that changes colors often ranging from red, dark green, or dark blue due to the changing chemical composition of the water. Please note that you will smell sulfur when visiting the lake, this is from a volcanic eruption that happened hundreds of years ago. We will then head back to port.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Bitung on our journey to Hong Kong, China.

DAY
63
Day At Sea, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
64
Day At Sea, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
65
Day At Sea, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
66
Hong Kong, Victoria Harbor, History Museum
Hong Kong
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will ride the historic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong’s Central District. Even after 100 years, this ferry remains an important commuter link from Kowloon to Hong Kong island. The eight-minute crossing provides spectacular 360 degree views of Hong Kong’s magnificent harbor. We will then drive to the base of Victoria Peak and take the funicular up the highest mountain on the island where spectacular views stretch across gleaming skyscrapers to the blue harbor beyond.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: At the colorful and dynamic Hong Kong History Museum, we will learn about the unique origins of this beautiful city – from the history of its original inhabitants and colonial past to its present-day status as a distinctively international port and financial center.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will remain in port overnight.

DAY
67
Hong Kong, Chi Lin Nunnery, Local Markets
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will board our motorcoach where we will begin our day at the Chi Lin Nunnery, a Buddhist temple complex located in Kowloon. The temple halls contain statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha, the goddess of mercy Guanyin and other bodhisattvas made from gold, clay, wood & stone. We will also have time to explore the surrounding gardens. Finish the morning with visits to some of Hong Kong's famous local markets. We will return to the ship at approximately 2pm for lunch onboard.

Lunch: Late lunch aboard ship.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Hong Kong or enjoy the activities onboard.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Hong Kong on our journey to Chan May, Vietnam.

DAY
68
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
69
Chan May, Hue, Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles, walking on uneven ground; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will depart for Hue, Vietnam. The city is home to the eclectic and mesmerizing tombs and mausoleums of the last emperors of Vietnam, revealing fascinating insights into the lives of the imperial families and their subjects. We will first visit the impressive Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The ancient citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern. Next, we will visit Thien Mu Pagoda, it is the tallest and most important pagoda in Vietnam. The pagoda dates back to 1601 and sits on a hill where a woman once proclaimed that a Lord would build a temple on this site.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Following your meal hop aboard a cyclo (modern day rickshaw) where we will see the daily life of the city inhabitants. Later this afternoon, we will visit the Mausoleum of former emperor Khai Dinh which is located on the side of a mountain near Hue. This monument was built in traditional Vietnamese design with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Vietnam.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Chan May on our journey to NhaTrang, Vietnam.

DAY
70
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
71
Nha Trang, Cai River Cruise, Long Son Pagoda
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Getting on/off local small boats. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: After meeting our local expert at the pier, we will drive into Nha Trang where we will reach the harbor to take a boat trip up the Cai River. During the river cruise we will see a boatyard where typical fishing boats are made. We will stop and visit a family who makes traditional clay stoves and then visit a colorful local market.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: This afternoon we will visit the Po Nagar Temple Tower which was built in the 8th century. The temple is located on Mount Cu Lao which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. This unique structure is a symbol of Hindu Champa culture. The tower was named in honor of a princess who introduced her people to weaving and wet rice cultivation. Today the tower remains a place of worship for many. Next is a stop at the Xom Bong Bridge where former Cham spiritual mediums used to live. Today we can admire the colorful local fishing boats in the river below. Then we come to Long Son Pagoda with the huge statute of Buddha, founded in the late 19th century. If you are up to the challenge, you can climb the 152 stone steps leading to the giant white Buddha seated on a lotus blossom. There are wonderful views over the whole city from this spot. Our last stop we will visit the Dam Market for shopping and learn about the market culture of the Vietnamese people. We will stroll amongst thousands of locals who are purchasing their daily food, clothes and more. We will see fruit, vegetables and seafood, plus local Nha Trang specialties such as dried seahorses and lizards. We will return to the ship where later in the afternoon, the ship will leave Nha Trang on our journey to Phu My, Vietnam.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
72
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
73
Phu My, Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: The journey from the port of Phu My to Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 1 1/2 hours each way. Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will meet our local expert dockside at the Phu My Port and drive for 1 1/2 hours to Ho Chi Minh City to begin a city exploration of vibrant Saigon, including the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace. It was towards this modern building that North Vietnamese resistance fighter's tanks (Viet Cong) rolled on the morning of April 30, 1975 as Saigon fell. This fascinating building is filled with history still fresh in the minds of many.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: This afternoon we will discover the Old Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Return to the ship for dinner.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Phu My on our journey to Singapore.

DAY
74
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
75
Singapore, Botanical Gardens, Merlion Park
Singapore
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Our morning journey begins with a visit to Singapore’s UNESCO Heritage site – The Botanical Gardens where we will see where the first rubber tree was planted that started the Rubber Boom in the late 19th century. We will also discover the National Orchid Garden Enclosure and then head towards the civic district with a visit to Merlion Park. From here we will walk towards the Old Singapore Parliament House which is known today as the Art House for a visit. We will pass by Victoria Memorial Hall and Theatre and Raffles Landing site along the Singapore river. Our final stop will be the Singapore History Museum to discover one of the best kept secrets, a bronze bell donated to Singapore by the daughter of famous American Patriot Paul Revere, Marie Revere who lived and died in Singapore.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will head to the Urban Renewal Authority Gallery to learn about Singapore’s development.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will remain in port overnight.

DAY
76
Singapore, Fort Canning Spice Garden, Peranakan Culture
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today is about discovering a new hybrid culture. Arriving at Fort Canning Spice Garden we take a little walk to learn about the different spices used in Peranakan cooking like nutmeg, Assam Gulagor, tamarind, cinnamon, pepper and more that influence the Peranakan cooking. After which we will rejoin the coach and depart for Joo Chiat location, passing the colourful heritage Peranakan houses located in the Joo Chiat area. We will then visit a famous Peranakan Deli for a Peranakan experience and enjoy a talk on Peranakan culture and fashion. The highlight of our discovery is visiting a traditional Peranakan Home to see how the Perankans live.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Singapore or enjoy the activities onboard.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Singapore on our journey to Penang, Malaysia.

DAY
77
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
78
Penang, Georgetown, Botanical Gardens
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will first head along the 'Street of Harmony' in Georgetown and witness various places of worship including a church, mosque and temple. One of the highlights of our morning is a visit to the Penang Musuem before we visit the Thai temple of Wat Chayamangkalarm. We end our morning exploration of Penang with a visit to the Botanical gardens.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Penang or enjoy the activities onboard.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Penang on our journey to Langkawi, Malaysia.

DAY
79
Langkawi, Rice Garden Museum, Machinchang Mountain
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we will drive by motorcoach to the Rice Garden Museum, here we will view the traditional tools that are used to tend paddies, and learn about the island’s history of rice cultivation. Next we will head to Machinchang Mountain get in a gondola and begin the steep climb up the mountain by cable car. Once we arrive at the top, admire the sweeping panoramas where we will see the tree-blanketed hills melt into the Strait of Malacca.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Langkawi or enjoy the activities onboard.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Langkawi on our journey to Phuket, Thailand.

DAY
80
Phuket, Phi Phi Islands
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will transfer to a nearby pier where we will board a speedboat to cross the Andaman Sea to the scenic Phi Phi Islands. The journey takes around 45 minutes, passing spectacular limestone karsts that jut out from the blue seas. Pass by Maya Bay, arguably one of Thailand's most beautiful locations, made famous by the Hollywood movie, 'The Beach'. We continue towards the islands of Phi Phi Cove and Monkey Beach before stopping for lunch.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will cruise to Bamboo Island where we will have the opportunity for some snorkeling and swimming. We will then return to Phuket and transfer back to our waiting ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Phuket on our journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

DAY
81
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
82
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
83
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
84
Colombo, Galle, City Discovery
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: After meeting our local expert we will board our motorcoach and drive to UNESCO Galle via the southern expressway. Once we arrive at Galle Fort we will enjoy a walking exploration including a visit to the Church and Maritime Museum.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch we will board our motorcoach and return to Colombo for a panoramic drive through the city. We will rejoin the ship in the late afternoon.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Colombo on our journey to Doha, Qatar.

DAY
85
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
86
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
87
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
88
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
89
Doha, Katara Cultural Village, Museum of Islamic Art
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we will discover how the rapidly changing city of Doha is successfully blending the old and the new. First we will visit the artificial island of The Pearl Qatar, then we will stop at Katara Cultural Village. Next we will drive to the Souq Waqif, in this marketplace, we will see traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, & souvenirs for sale.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will visit the Museum of Islamic Art which houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world. The museum opened in 2008 and was designed by I.M. Pei. Its collection includes many prized examples of Arabic calligraphy, early Islamic books, ceramics, glass, ivory, jewelry, metalwork, miniatures, textiles, and woodwork.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Doha on our journey to Dubai, UAE.

DAY
90
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Modern Dubai Discovery
Dubai
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: See the amazing sights and structures of Dubai from the top of the world's tallest building. A panoramic drive brings us to Jumeirah where we will pass by beautiful homes and modern-day palaces. Make a photo-stop of Palm Jumeirah, a fully reclaimed palm-tree-shaped island. Drive along Sheikh Zayed Road to reach Mall of the Emirates for a photo stop outside Ski Dubai, the region's first and only indoor Snow Park with a ski slope. Afterward we will visit the Museum of the Future before returning to the ship for lunch.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Dubai or enjoy the activities onboard.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will remain in port overnight.

DAY
91
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Classic Dubai Discovery
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; standing up to 2 hours. NOTE: outside visit of Jumeirah Mosque only, we will not be going inside.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will proceed first to Jumeirah, the picturesque palace and residential area of Dubai, also home to the famous Jumeirah Mosque for an OUTSIDE VISIT ONLY, we will not be going inside. Our discovery then continues to Al Bastakiya, to take pictures of the 220-year old Al Fahidi Fort. After a visit to the Shindagha Museum we will then board an Abra (local water taxi) to cross the Creek to the Spice souk. Before you return, there is time to shop in the most famous landmark of Dubai … the Gold souk.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Dubai or enjoy the activities onboard.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Dubai on our journey to Salalah, Oman.

DAY
92
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
93
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
94
Salalah, Oman, New Salalah Souq
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles; uneven terrain including steps without railings; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will experience the contrast between verdant Salalah and its more rugged surroundings. Situated between the Arabian Sea on one side and a lagoon on the other, the two bodies of water provide a truly unique landscape to the beach and its surrounding areas. Dahriz beach is quite popular all year round, but does see a surge in visitors during the Khareef season, which brings rain to Salalah and the Dhofar Governorate during the summer months. Visit the bustling New Salalah Souq. Browse among the colorful vendors selling frankincense, myrrh, incense, fragrant perfume oils, and more. Travel to the unspoiled beauty of Al-Mughsail Beach—two miles of white, sandy beach capped with high cliffs at both ends.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Salalah or enjoy the activites onboard.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Salalah on our journey to Aqaba, Jordan.

DAY
95
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
96
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
97
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
98
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
99
Aqaba, Jordan, Petra
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: The drive from Aqaba to Petra is approx. 1 hr. 40 min each way (could be longer depending on traffic). Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. The walk from the Visitor Center to the Monastery takes about 2 hours at a reasonable pace, walking uphill and on uneven terrain; standing up to 4 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will board our motorcoah and ride for 1 hour and 40 minutes to Petra. Upon arrival, we will Visit the city of Petra, built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. Learn about this fascinating culture and the amazing relics they left behind. In the Nabataean era, Petra was a fortress, carved out of craggy rocks in an area that was virtually inaccessible from the outside. In the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, after the Romans invaded, the city reached the peak of its fame. Begin with a walk along the siq or canyon to visit Petra. Petra covers an area of about 38 square miles and about 800 monuments can be found here. It was once the crossroads of trading caravan routes but gradually fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was re-discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burkhart.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Return to Aqaba and enjoy a free afternoon in port or onboard the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Aqaba on our journey to Piraeus, Greece.

DAY
100
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
101
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Transit Suez Canal, Egypt
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
102
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
103
Port of Piraeus, Athens, Acropolis, Acropolis Museum
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking up to 4 miles up/down a winding trail with many well-worn steps to Acropolis; no handrails; uneven, rocky, sometimes slippery surfaces; standing up to 2 hours. At Acropolis Museum, walking and standing for more than an hour. Popular sites may be crowded at certain periods.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will walk to our waiting motorcoach for a field trip to the city’s most iconic symbol, the Acropolis. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription: “The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world.” We will climb to the top of the rocky crag and stand in awe before ruins of the Parthenon and other temples. Built between 447-432 BCE, the Parthenon — named for the city’s patron goddess, Athena Parthenos — has been called “the supreme effort of genius in pursuit of beauty” and “the most perfect Doric temple ever built.” Its architectural proportions symbolize the ideals of Greek thought at the height of Greek civilization.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: The long-awaited Acropolis Museum was completed in 2007. We will explore the dramatic Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis. We will ascend floors of glass that seem to float above the excavations for an extraordinary perspective of the layers of Greek history that lie below. In addition to irreplaceable masterpieces, the exceptional collection includes items from everyday life and all historic periods. A recreation of the Parthenon’s frieze was based on existing original blocks as well as copies from museums in London and Paris.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Piraeus on our journey to Barcelona, Spain.

DAY
104
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
105
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
106
Barcelona, Gothic Quarter, Modernist Barcelona
At Sea
B,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles and standing during field trip; cobblestones, uneven terrain. Outside visit of La Sagrada Familia only, we will not be going inside.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will set out from the ship by motorcoach for a field trip through the Barri Gòtic — Gothic Quarter — that still has traces of its ancient Roman heritage. We will also see Las Ramblas, a colorful boulevard that runs through the heart of the city. Experience one of the most vibrant food markets in Europe, La Boqueria. We will have free time to explore the market independently where you can enjoy some of Barcelona's most famous dishes for lunch.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Continuing by motorcoach, we will see highlights of Gaudí’s “Modernist Route” with a local expert. Modernism was the Catalan version of Art Nouveau and its most important exponent was the visionary architect and designer Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926). We will stop to view the renowned towers of the Sagrada Familia church that remains Gaudí’s most famous legacy (OUSTIDE VISIT ONLY, we will not be going inside). The first stone was laid in 1882 and Gaudí took over design responsibilities the next year. Work continues to this day following his plans and is expected to be completed around 2026. It has become an internationally recognized symbol of Barcelona. We will also see emblematic sites including the famous Passeig de Gràcia with idiosyncratic buildings designed by Gaudí and other Modernists before returning to ship for the evening.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Barcelona on our journey to Cadiz, Spain.

DAY
107
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
108
Cadiz, Cathedral of Cadiz
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Walking of about 3 miles; uneven terrain including steps without railings and cobblestones; standing up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: The city of Cádiz has been since the Discovery of America a gateway to the New World and a bridge between Europe and Africa. Cadiz is also the oldest city in Europe. The golden cupola of the Cathedral looms above low white houses, and the whole place has a slightly dilapidated air. We will depart the pier on foot with a local expert to discover the oldest city in Western Europe, founded by the Phoenicians 3,000 years ago. We will visit the Cathedral of Cadiz and the Diocesan Museum. It took 116 years to complete this 18th century Baroque and neo-classical Cathedral, so the mix of styles is evident. Construction began in the Baroque style and was completed in the Neoclassic. Return to the ship at leisure for lunch onboard or remain in town and try some local cuisine.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Cadiz or enjoy the activities onboard.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will leave Cadiz on our journey to Southampton, UK.

DAY
109
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
110
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will gather with our lecturer for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
111
Day At Sea, Road Scholar Lecture, Independent Activities
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will come together as a group this morning for a final discussion on the 100+ days we have just spent together.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation tomorrow.

DAY
112
Southampton, UK, Disembark Ship, Transfer to London
London / Heathrow Airport Vicinity
B,L,D
Radisson Blu Edwardian Heathrow Hotel & Conference Centre

Activity note: Disembarkation. Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking of about 2 miles

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will complete disembarkation procedures, say a fond farewell to the Queen Mary 2, and board a motorcoach for our ride to our hotel near Heathrow Airport.

Lunch: On our way to our hotel, we will stop for a light lunch.

Afternoon: We arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon. We check in and have time to relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
113
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
In Flight
B

Activity note: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This concludes our program. 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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