Apr 27 - May 2, 2025
California
Bridge at Hidden Valley
Program No. 23081RJ
Learn to evaluate your hand properly, master bidding conventions and acquire new techniques from experts as you immerse yourself in bridge at Hidden Valley Institute.
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800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & PRICES
May 11 - May 16, 2025
Sep 28 - Oct 3, 2025
Oct 12 - Oct 17, 2025
Nov 16 - Nov 21, 2025
Apr 26 - May 1, 2026
May 10 - May 15, 2026
Sep 27 - Oct 2, 2026
Oct 11 - Oct 16, 2026
DATES & PRICES
Apr 27 - May 2, 2025
May 11 - May 16, 2025
Sep 28 - Oct 3, 2025
Oct 12 - Oct 17, 2025
Nov 16 - Nov 21, 2025
Apr 26 - May 1, 2026
May 10 - May 15, 2026
Sep 27 - Oct 2, 2026
Oct 11 - Oct 16, 2026
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5B 1BR 3L 5D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Carmel Valley, CA
2
Responses to 1NT and Redbid, Ragtime Music
Carmel Valley, CA
3
Coastal Field Trip, Suit Play Techniques
Carmel Valley, CA
4
Defenses in No Trump and Suit Leads, Local Wines
Carmel Valley, CA
5
Suit Establishment, Free Time
Carmel Valley, CA
6
Final Session of Play, Program Concludes
Carmel Valley, CA
At a Glance
Elevate your bridge game with expert instruction at the serene Hidden Valley Institute on the central California coast. Immerse yourself in the world of bridge each day, learning techniques and strategies in sessions with a master instructor followed by supervised play reflecting the skills learned in class, complete with scoring and discussion and relaxed play in the evening. The combination of bridge lessons and practice gives you the discipline to play your hands properly and communicate with your partner at a higher level. Between bridge sessions, discover the fascinating Monterey region with a free afternoon and presentations from local experts. By week’s end, be amazed at how much fun you had while your skills improved.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Minimal walking along flat terrain.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Become a better bridge player by immersing yourself completely in the game, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts.
- Enjoy the nature and beauty of sunny, oak-studded Carmel Valley with classes and lodgings at Hidden Valley Institute.
- Master bidding and perfect play-of-the-hand techniques in interactive classes with expert teachers. Bridge topics and levels vary by date.
General Notes
Bridge levels and topics vary by date. The standard intermediate program is designed for players who have mastered basic bridge concepts and scoring and are excited to move to the next level. Appropriate for social, party and tournament players. Two program dates per year are for advancing players and one program date in 2025 is for beginner bridge players. The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, locally sourced meals, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Frank Smoot
Frank Smoot is a popular teacher from the San Francisco Bay Area, with over 30 years experience teaching bridge to all levels. His wonderful sense of humor and common-sense style keeps his students coming back again and again. Frank was raised in New England and has degrees from Carnegie-Mellon University and Santa Clara University. Frank worked in Silicon Valley for many decades, starting when it produced silicon chips next to fruit orchards. When he is not enjoying bridge, he likes to be outdoors.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Rick Yramategui
View biography
Rick Yramategui first performed a Joplin rag at Shakey's Pizza Parlor in Los Alamitos, California while in high school in the 70s. He received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Whitworth College. He serves as pastor of Carmel Valley Community Chapel, performs with the Carmel Piano Trio, and was the pianist for a revival of George Gershwin's musical, “Oh, Kay!” He is passionate about the connection between music and spirituality.
Gael Gallagher
View biography
Gael Gallagher has a passion for the Monterey Bay area and pursues ongoing coursework in local history, ecology, architecture, and the natural sciences. Gael serves as a docent a the Point Lobos State Reserve and is a guide/trainer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. She is also docent at the National Steinbeck Center and is an instructor for the National Wildlife Federation's Conservation Summit.
Frank Smoot
View biography
Frank Smoot is a popular teacher from the San Francisco Bay Area, with over 30 years experience teaching bridge to all levels. His wonderful sense of humor and common-sense style keeps his students coming back again and again. Frank was raised in New England and has degrees from Carnegie-Mellon University and Santa Clara University. Frank worked in Silicon Valley for many decades, starting when it produced silicon chips next to fruit orchards. When he is not enjoying bridge, he likes to be outdoors.
Deanna Ross
View biography
Deanna Ross is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Born in California, she began her studies at age seven at the Redwood Empire Ballet in Santa Rosa, then spent 12 years at the San Francisco, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee Ballet Schools, the HARID Conservatory, and the North Carolina School of the Arts. Deanna lives in Monterey, Ca., where she has choreographed numerous works, and has served as Bay Area guest artist. She also teaches ballet, modern dance, dance improvisation, E-STRETCH, slow breathing and stretching.
Matthew Shea
View biography
Matthew Shea’s roots in the Carmel Valley go back two generations. The son of a master gardener, Matthew grew up with an inherent understanding of the valley, its horticulture, and ecology. After graduating from Oregon State University and successfully managing 1000’s of acres of vineyards in Oregon, he returned to focus on the Estate Vineyards of Bernardus Winery in Carmel Valley. Using his background in organic, sustainable agriculture, Matt has brought a balance to the vineyard through increasing diversity, composting, and water and soil management.
Peter Meckel
View biography
Peter Meckel is the founder and General Director of Hidden Valley Music Seminars. Born and raised in the Midwest, he attended university at Rockford University in Illinois, and Occidental College in California. His leadership of Hidden Valley has resulted in one of the most respected opera training centers in America and a major contributor of arts education programs for vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers. Students from throughout the world come to study with master teachers from many of America’s most prestigious orchestras and opera companies.
Jenny Peterson
View biography
Jenny Peterson is a life-long Minnesotan, with a long career in local government first in health care, then in labor relations. Jenny has graduate degrees in Public Health and Law. She has been married to her husband for over 30 years. Their greatest joy and challenge was adopting and raising their four children, all from the Philippines. Jenny has led Road Scholar programs for more than 10 years in Minnesota, California, Switzerland, and the Great Lakes. Her hobbies include bridge, walking, biking, and travel.
Suggested Reading List
(1 books)
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.
Bridge at Hidden Valley
Program Number: 23081
Declarer Play the Bergen Way: How to Make More Contracts
Year
- 2025
- 2026
Date
- Apr 27 - May 02
- May 11 - May 16
- Sep 28 - Oct 03
- Oct 12 - Oct 17
- Nov 16 - Nov 21
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Nov 16 - Nov 21, 2025 Itinerary Differences: This date is the Advancing B course; bridge topics include responses to 1NT and rebids, suit play techniques, defenses in no trump and suit leads, and suit establishment. Day 3 Point Lobos Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- 2026
- Apr 27 - May 02
- May 11 - May 16
- Sep 28 - Oct 03
- Oct 12 - Oct 17
- Nov 16 - Nov 21
Nov 16 - Nov 21, 2025 Itinerary Differences: This date is the Advancing B course; bridge topics include responses to 1NT and rebids, suit play techniques, defenses in no trump and suit leads, and suit establishment. Day 3 Point Lobos Field Trip. Maximum of 16 participants.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals (
5B, 1BR, 3L, 5D
)
8 expert-led lectures
1 expert-led field trip
14 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Carmel Valley, CA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Lubow Lodge
Activity Note
Check-in from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 2:00-5:00 p.m. When you arrive at Hidden Valley’s campus, come over to the main office next to the parking lot to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. At 5:00 p.m., we’ll meet our fellow participants for a wine and cheese reception in the Fireside Room and Dining Room. We’ll enjoy some California wines and/or juices and savor cheese and crackers before dinner.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, locally sourced meals, and evening entertainment. Every day before breakfast, there will be a popular class of long, slow stretching and breathing in the dance studio. Toast and juice will be available in the dining room before class. This is not an aerobics class and there is no need for special clothing or shoes and no need for a shower afterwards. Food selections will be healthily prepared with local ingredients. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Public bus service will be available across from the campus driveway. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Responses to 1NT and Redbid, Ragtime Music
Location:
Carmel Valley, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lubow Lodge
Activity Note
Stretching and breathing class in dance studio before breakfast. Minimal walking, flat terrain.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast, in our classroom, our master bridge instructor will lead a bridge class focusing on responding to 1NT including Stayman and Jacoby transfers. We will participate in an interactive discussion of the morning’s topic, solidify our mastery with exercises, then play deals to reinforce the concepts.
Lunch:
In the dining room.
Afternoon:
Our afternoon lesson will focus on the responder’s rebid including New Minor Forcing. Fun and challenging deals will follow! Time before dinner is free to relax and enjoy the atmosphere at Hidden Valley’s campus. You might like to take a walk in the valley to the local park and village, with its historical center, local art galleries, and wine tasting rooms.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
A talented pianist, teaching from the keyboard, will introduce us to the music, composers, and history of American Ragtime. Ragtime emerged in African-American communities like St. Louis in the late 19th century and became popular nationally into the early 20th century thanks to the works of great ragtime composers, including Scott Joplin and his work “Maple Leaf Rag”.
Day
3
Coastal Field Trip, Suit Play Techniques
Location:
Carmel Valley, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lubow Lodge
Activity Note
Stretching and breathing class in dance studio before breakfast. Getting on/off a bus, driving about 30 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles leisurely with stops; those who prefer not to walk may remain near parking areas and still view the area. Dress in layers for the weather.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
We’ll board the bus for a field trip to a state park, perhaps Point Lobos State Natural Preserve, along the coast with our local expert. Upon arrival, we will enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the famous coast and hear stories connecting us with the nature, history, culture, and peoples of the area. Our expert will also lead nature walks as we enjoy the ocean panorama.
Lunch:
In the dining room.
Afternoon:
Today's bridge class will focus on suit play techniques. In the second half of the class, we will play supervised hands of cards that have been set up by the instructor to reflect the lesson. Time before dinner is free to see and do what interests you most.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
We’ll gather with our fellow bridge enthusiasts for an evening of supervised free play. Our instructor will be available for advice and questions that come up.
Day
4
Defenses in No Trump and Suit Leads, Local Wines
Location:
Carmel Valley, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lubow Lodge
Activity Note
Stretching and breathing class in dance studio before breakfast. Minimal walking, flat terrain.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
In today's bridge class, we will focus on defense in no trump contracts, including leads, signals and strategy. In the second half of the class, we will play supervised hands of cards that have been set up by the instructor to reflect the morning lesson.
Lunch:
In the dining room.
Afternoon:
The afternoon lesson will focus on defense in suit contracts including leads, signals and strategy. Fun and challenging deals follow! Before dinner, a local winemaker or vineyardist will join us for an introductory class to learn about local wines, the process that goes into producing them, and ultimately experience them through a tasting. Carmel Valley is perhaps the most distinct of the seven appellations comprising Monterey County’s diverse wineries.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
We’ll gather with our fellow bridge enthusiasts for an evening of supervised free play. Our instructor will be available for advice and questions that come up.
Day
5
Suit Establishment, Free Time
Location:
Carmel Valley, CA
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Lubow Lodge
Activity Note
Stretching and breathing class in dance studio before breakfast. Minimal walking, flat terrain. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
In today's bridge class, we will focus on suit establishment – turn a five card suit into extra tricks. In the second half of the class, we will play supervised hands of cards that have been set up by the instructor to reflect the morning lesson.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. There are several markets, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance in Carmel Valley Village as well as many restaurants offering a wide variety of local cuisine in Carmel and Monterey.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to your booklet or the office for Free Time opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Public bus service is available across from the campus driveway.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
We’ll gather with our fellow bridge enthusiasts for an evening of supervised free play. Our instructor will be available for advise and questions that come up. Prepare for check-out and departure following our closing session in the morning.
Day
6
Final Session of Play, Program Concludes
Location:
Carmel Valley, CA
Meals:
B,BR
Activity Note
Stretching and breathing class in dance studio before breakfast. Minimal walking, flat terrain. Check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
Light offerings before brunch.
Morning:
We’ll have a final morning of bridge and review everything we have mastered during the week. With our newly learned knowledge, we’ll return home bridge stars!
Brunch:
In the dining room. 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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MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
1 Brunch
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
- Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
- May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025
- Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
- Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
- Apr 26, 2026 - May 01, 2026
- May 10, 2026 - May 15, 2026
- Sep 27, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026
- Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
Participant Reviews
Based on 14 Reviews
Sort By:
This program is perfect for the intermediate bridge player.
— Review left October 5, 2024
Do not attend this program unless you understand that days or weeks of study of program materials, after the program has concluded, are necessary to get the most out of the program. There is an avalanche of information dispensed during the sessions. You will not be able to absorb it all. In fact, most of the folks in our session, including me, were overwhelmed. That's fine with me. But you will need a doggy bag and several home sessions to actually learn and retain the the information to be a better bridge player.
— Review left February 4, 2024
An excellent intensive and enjoyable course in the limited stated subject matter.
— Review left November 17, 2023
This program provides an excellent set of lessons to intermediate or seasoned beginner bridge players in a serene setting. The instructor is excellent and will definitely add to your practical playing skills.
— Review left February 5, 2023
This class was just the right level to challenge me and advance my bridge skills in a fun and friendly way. I am an intermediate duplicate player. Plus Carmel Valley is very lovely.
— Review left October 16, 2022
Enjoyed the program very much and plan to attend the advanced class next year.
— Review left September 2, 2022
Bridge at Hidden Valley with Frank & Jenny exceeded our expectations. The 4 of us have played bridge together since the 1970s and Frank was able to penetrate and open us up to new perspectives and better approaches. We've already signed up to return next year!
— Review left April 2, 2022
My first experience with Road Scholar travel has opened new travel options for me. As a timid solo traveler I met several new friends on my first trip with Road Scholars and I'm eagerly looking forward to my next trip. The care, consideration and expertise of Road Scholars can't be beat!
— Review left February 6, 2022
Excellent program for players at all levels below expert. Focus on getting the main content, purposes and strategies of bid and play. Focus on actual deals, great pre-dealt hands, teaching by doing. Great surroundings and an excellent reasonably-priced program in the area.
— Review left September 18, 2019
Location: The Carmel Valley is beautiful; lots of trees, coastal mountains, green grass and vineyards.
Accommodations: The Hidden Valley Inst. is convenient. It's steps from your room to the bridge room, the commons, and the dining room. We stayed in the dorm instead of the nearby Lodge. That worked well for us because it was easy to get back to or room to use the bathroom or get some papers we might have forgotten. Peter, our host and the director of the Hidden Valley Inst was welcoming and set us all at ease the first evening when we had our wine and cheese followed by dinner and more wind welcoming party.
Meals: outstanding. The chef and her assistant prepare delicious meals with plenty of vegan and gluten free offerings. Three meals a day anbd all god. Excellent setting fgor geytting to know your fellow travelers. Wine always available..and good. This is CA after all. 24/7 there are snacks, coffee, and drink available. If you can't sleep escape to the dining room for reading and noshing.
Support: Jenny was the best. Behind the scenes, unobtrusive, helpful, always ready to fill out a foursome. Very good at bridge, too.
Teacher: Frank Smoot was unbelievable. Keeps his cool when the sound level in the room is 105 db; can answer any question; funny without being sarcastic; the women thought he was handsome and the men admired his intelligence. Can't say enough. Frank made the trip. All levels of bridge players can be helped. You might have 100+ MP's but I can assure you that the sample hands chosen to represent the day's lesson will challenge you. If they don't, move over Frank.
Conclusion: this was our first Road Scholar experience. We are very high on the program and already planning for this same trip next spring. We will also try another trip with more outdoor time. We did get an afternoon of hiking in. Also did the morning stretch. I do not like Yoga but would recommend the e stretch by Deanne.
— Review left March 22, 2019
Great program!
— Review left March 16, 2019
If you play bridge & want to improve this is a great class. Also Carmel is beautiful.
— Review left March 16, 2019
This course was an excellent value. It delivered very high quality instruction and interesting supplemental activities. My feeling was that the course was very well-described such that all participants were in similar enough range of ability to enable good learning for all. Enjoyed it and would recommend it highly.
— Review left March 16, 2019
Frank Smoot is a terrific bridge instructor. He has a high level of expertise and a very pleasant teaching style. He has a great sense of humor and his approach to teaching makes complex concepts easy to understand. I highly recommend him to bridge players at all levels.
— Review left March 15, 2019
