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NAPLES, FLORIDA

Secrets of Southwest Florida: From the Gulf to the Glades

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 FL

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 Natural History

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Road Scholar
Program #20896RJ

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6 Days | 5 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Itinerary for Mar 31 — Apr 5, 2013

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Type: Hotel

 Description: The Port of the Islands is a very unique property located in the heart of the Everglades. Please note that the resort is located in a remote area 15 miles from Everglades City, Marco Island, and East Naples, and that there are no shops or other facilities nearby or within walking distance. While this helps to add to the exclusiveness of the program, we want to make sure that you are prepared by bringing any necessities you need with you. We will be making a trip to a local grocery store on Day 2 of the program, so you may be able to pick up any items you may have forgotten, but if you do not have your own vehicle you will not be able to travel throughout the area on your own.

Contact info:
25000 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34114 USA
phone: 239-394-3005
web: www.poiresort.com/

Room amenities: Complimentary light service replenishing towels Trash removal is provided to all guests on a daily basis Start up Complimentary Coffee and Toiletries are provided in your unit. Complimentary Direct TV including HBO Microwave Mini Refrigerator DVDPlayer 4 Cup Coffee maker

Facility amenities: Heated outdoor swimming pool Picnic area/Chickee Hut Fitness Center and Locker/Shower Area Free Parking Game room with poker and pool tables Internet access in public areas Coin-operated laundry facilities "The Catch" Restaurant and Bar: Open 12 pm-l0 pm Tuesdays- Sunday (Closed Monday} Full-service marina on site Resort hours are 8:30am-5pm,daily. If returning to the property after office hours, be sure to have a room key with you to enter the building. If you arrive late and need to contact someone, please call the Road Scholar Emergency Cell phone at: 617-780-4318

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: Price based on availablility
Call Port of the Island Resort at 239-394-3005 to book pre and post nights. Make sure to let hotel know that you are with the Road Scholar group.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day One: Sunday, March 31 - Welcome and meet others/Introductions and program review 
Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN AND REGISTRATION between 3:00-5:30 PM.

After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar desk in the lobby to pick up your arrival packet containing your name tag, the up-to-date schedule, and to confirm the time of the orientation session. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hotel

Evening: Orientation in hotel meeting room. We'll review the schedule and any changes; discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures; and answer any questions you may have. You'll also have an opportunity to meet the program staff and your fellow participants.

Lodging: Port of the Island Resort

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: The Port of the Islands is a very unique property located in the heart of the Everglades. Please note that the resort is located in a remote area 15 miles from Everglades City, Marco Island, and East Naples, and that there are no shops or other facilities nearby or within walking distance. While this helps to add to the exclusiveness of the program, we want to make sure that you are prepared by bringing any necessities you need with you. We will be making a trip to a local grocery store on Day 2 of the program, so you may be able to pick up any items you may have forgotten, but if you do not have your own vehicle you will not be able to travel throughout the area on your own.

Contact info:
25000 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34114 USA
phone: 239-394-3005
web: www.poiresort.com/

Room amenities: Complimentary light service replenishing towels Trash removal is provided to all guests on a daily basis Start up Complimentary Coffee and Toiletries are provided in your unit. Complimentary Direct TV including HBO Microwave Mini Refrigerator DVDPlayer 4 Cup Coffee maker

Facility amenities: Heated outdoor swimming pool Picnic area/Chickee Hut Fitness Center and Locker/Shower Area Free Parking Game room with poker and pool tables Internet access in public areas Coin-operated laundry facilities "The Catch" Restaurant and Bar: Open 12 pm-l0 pm Tuesdays- Sunday (Closed Monday} Full-service marina on site Resort hours are 8:30am-5pm,daily. If returning to the property after office hours, be sure to have a room key with you to enter the building. If you arrive late and need to contact someone, please call the Road Scholar Emergency Cell phone at: 617-780-4318

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: Price based on availablility
Call Port of the Island Resort at 239-394-3005 to book pre and post nights. Make sure to let hotel know that you are with the Road Scholar group.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Two: Monday, April 01 - Introduction to the Everglades with an expert Naturalist/ Field trip... 
Introduction to the Everglades with an expert Naturalist/ Field trip to The Fakahatchee Strand/Lecture on the birds of the Everglades

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: John Owens, a naturalist will introduce you to the fascinating Everglades. He will discuss the the diverse Terrestrial, Freshwater, Marine, and Coastal ecosystems and to some of the "critters" which comprise the Everglades.

Lunch: Lunch at hotel

Afternoon: After lunch board the motor coach and listen to stories of the area by John Owens followed by a docent guided tour of Fakahatchee Strand. Fakahatchee Strand, probably one of the best examples of subtropical, strand swamp in the US. There is an active eagles nest along the Board walk. After the guided walk board the motor coach to the Big Cypress Welcome Center.

Dinner: Dinner at hotel

Evening: After dinner, enjoy a beautiful presentation on "Birds of the Everglades" with expert birders Tom and Judy Gire. You will learn why the bird of the Everglades, the Anhigha spreads his wings to dry off before continuing on his flight, etc.

Lodging: Port of the Island Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: The Port of the Islands is a very unique property located in the heart of the Everglades. Please note that the resort is located in a remote area 15 miles from Everglades City, Marco Island, and East Naples, and that there are no shops or other facilities nearby or within walking distance. While this helps to add to the exclusiveness of the program, we want to make sure that you are prepared by bringing any necessities you need with you. We will be making a trip to a local grocery store on Day 2 of the program, so you may be able to pick up any items you may have forgotten, but if you do not have your own vehicle you will not be able to travel throughout the area on your own.

Contact info:
25000 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34114 USA
phone: 239-394-3005
web: www.poiresort.com/

Room amenities: Complimentary light service replenishing towels Trash removal is provided to all guests on a daily basis Start up Complimentary Coffee and Toiletries are provided in your unit. Complimentary Direct TV including HBO Microwave Mini Refrigerator DVDPlayer 4 Cup Coffee maker

Facility amenities: Heated outdoor swimming pool Picnic area/Chickee Hut Fitness Center and Locker/Shower Area Free Parking Game room with poker and pool tables Internet access in public areas Coin-operated laundry facilities "The Catch" Restaurant and Bar: Open 12 pm-l0 pm Tuesdays- Sunday (Closed Monday} Full-service marina on site Resort hours are 8:30am-5pm,daily. If returning to the property after office hours, be sure to have a room key with you to enter the building. If you arrive late and need to contact someone, please call the Road Scholar Emergency Cell phone at: 617-780-4318

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: Price based on availablility
Call Port of the Island Resort at 239-394-3005 to book pre and post nights. Make sure to let hotel know that you are with the Road Scholar group.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Three: Tuesday, April 02 - Find out more about the birds of the Everglades/Lunch at Seafood... 
Find out more about the birds of the Everglades/Lunch at Seafood Depot/Visit Shark Valley and enjoy a tram ride/Listen to a lecture given by a represtative of the National State Parks

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Enjoy the second part of the presentation with the Gires. You will learn how the Everglades and its birds have been affected by human activities and what actions are being taken to restore the ecosystem.

Lunch: Lunch in Everglades City

Afternoon: Listen to a lecture on the motor coach while on the way to Shark Valley. An expert guide will take you on a tram ride. See the Sawgrass Prairie unfold before your eyes.Have you ever been up close and personal with the Alligator? You will learn about their habits, etc. You will learn about their habits and see many beautiful Everglades birds.

Dinner: Dinner in the Hotel

Lodging: Port of the Island Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: The Port of the Islands is a very unique property located in the heart of the Everglades. Please note that the resort is located in a remote area 15 miles from Everglades City, Marco Island, and East Naples, and that there are no shops or other facilities nearby or within walking distance. While this helps to add to the exclusiveness of the program, we want to make sure that you are prepared by bringing any necessities you need with you. We will be making a trip to a local grocery store on Day 2 of the program, so you may be able to pick up any items you may have forgotten, but if you do not have your own vehicle you will not be able to travel throughout the area on your own.

Contact info:
25000 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34114 USA
phone: 239-394-3005
web: www.poiresort.com/

Room amenities: Complimentary light service replenishing towels Trash removal is provided to all guests on a daily basis Start up Complimentary Coffee and Toiletries are provided in your unit. Complimentary Direct TV including HBO Microwave Mini Refrigerator DVDPlayer 4 Cup Coffee maker

Facility amenities: Heated outdoor swimming pool Picnic area/Chickee Hut Fitness Center and Locker/Shower Area Free Parking Game room with poker and pool tables Internet access in public areas Coin-operated laundry facilities "The Catch" Restaurant and Bar: Open 12 pm-l0 pm Tuesdays- Sunday (Closed Monday} Full-service marina on site Resort hours are 8:30am-5pm,daily. If returning to the property after office hours, be sure to have a room key with you to enter the building. If you arrive late and need to contact someone, please call the Road Scholar Emergency Cell phone at: 617-780-4318

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: Price based on availablility
Call Port of the Island Resort at 239-394-3005 to book pre and post nights. Make sure to let hotel know that you are with the Road Scholar group.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Four: Wednesday, April 03 - Everything Everglades lecture/Take a boat ride around 10,000 Islands 
Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: "History of the Everglades" and the National Park. Presentation with Meda Jensen, active in "everything Everglades". Learn about Marjory Stoneman Douglass, author of several books including "River of Grass". Hear about early settler, Totch Brown who lived and raised his family in this area.

Lunch: Lunch at hotel

Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride along the mangrove's. Watch for birds, manatee, and other wildlife along the banks of the water's edge.

Dinner: Dinner in the hotel

Evening: Listen to Charlie Sobcyk talk about his latest book on the Everglades

Lodging: Port of the Island Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: The Port of the Islands is a very unique property located in the heart of the Everglades. Please note that the resort is located in a remote area 15 miles from Everglades City, Marco Island, and East Naples, and that there are no shops or other facilities nearby or within walking distance. While this helps to add to the exclusiveness of the program, we want to make sure that you are prepared by bringing any necessities you need with you. We will be making a trip to a local grocery store on Day 2 of the program, so you may be able to pick up any items you may have forgotten, but if you do not have your own vehicle you will not be able to travel throughout the area on your own.

Contact info:
25000 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34114 USA
phone: 239-394-3005
web: www.poiresort.com/

Room amenities: Complimentary light service replenishing towels Trash removal is provided to all guests on a daily basis Start up Complimentary Coffee and Toiletries are provided in your unit. Complimentary Direct TV including HBO Microwave Mini Refrigerator DVDPlayer 4 Cup Coffee maker

Facility amenities: Heated outdoor swimming pool Picnic area/Chickee Hut Fitness Center and Locker/Shower Area Free Parking Game room with poker and pool tables Internet access in public areas Coin-operated laundry facilities "The Catch" Restaurant and Bar: Open 12 pm-l0 pm Tuesdays- Sunday (Closed Monday} Full-service marina on site Resort hours are 8:30am-5pm,daily. If returning to the property after office hours, be sure to have a room key with you to enter the building. If you arrive late and need to contact someone, please call the Road Scholar Emergency Cell phone at: 617-780-4318

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: Price based on availablility
Call Port of the Island Resort at 239-394-3005 to book pre and post nights. Make sure to let hotel know that you are with the Road Scholar group.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Five: Thursday, April 04 - Visit the Collier County Museum/Botanic Gardens/ Everglades City... 
Visit the Collier County Museum/Botanic Gardens/ Everglades City Musuem

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Board the Motor Coach to the Collier County Museum where we will have a tour and a presentation on one of many subjects such as the prehistoric saber cat or the Calusa Indians to Spanish explorers and Seminole warriors.The two attractions of the Museum are the Genuine World War II Sherman Tank and the Dr. Frank C. Craighead, Sr. Laboratory and Florida Native Garden. After the Collier Museum visit the Botanic Gardens.

Lunch: Lunch at the Botanic Gardens

Afternoon: Visit the Everglades City Museum which is a showcase for the rich and colorful history of the region. Enjoy a lecture about Barron G. Collier's successful transformation of a pioneer village into a modern 1920' town.

Dinner: Dinner in local resturant in Everglades City.

Lodging: Port of the Island Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Six: Friday, April 05 - Wrap up the week with Everglades Museum Director 
Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Timothy England from the Everglades City Museum will visit with us to wrap up the week and to answer all your questions about what you learned this week.

Lunch: Box lunch to go

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


Free Time Opportunities


Naples, FL
Clyde Butcher Art Gallery / Big Cypress GalleryBreathtaking Black and White photos of the Southwest Florida. Enjoy this amazing collection of photographs, books, nature trail and tours that can only be brought to you by Clyde Butcher. Check out the annual Swamp Walk, where Clyde will take you out to the heart of the Everglades and shares his photography skills and the beauty that inspires him. 239-695-2428. 52388 Tamiami Trail • Ochopee, FL 34141
For additional information, visit: www.clydebutcher.com
Conservancy of Southwest FloridaLocated in the heart of Naples, it features an exhibit on natural history where visitors can touch a snake, count an alligator’s teeth and explore Southwest Florida’s underwater natural world. Visitors can watch recuperating patients through the O.W.L.S. online video monitoring system and see several of the Center’s permanent residents; including a bald eagle, hawks and owls. Naturalist-guided trail walks and boat tours through a mangrove forest are offered daily. The Nature Store carries hard-to find guide books and unusual, nature-related items. 239-262-0304 1450 Merrihue Drive • Naples, FL 34102
For additional information, visit: www.conservancy.org
Historic Smallwood Store & MuseumExperience the unique history of the 10,000 Islands in the Ole Indian Trading Post and Museum. 239-695-2989 360 Mamie Street • Chokoloskee, FL 33925
World’s Smallest Post OfficeThis closet sized, 7 x 8 foot building used to be an irrigation pipe shed for a tomato farm. It was pressed into service after a fire destroyed the Ochopee general store, which also housed the post office, in 1953. The town, which sits on the edge of the Everglades, and which reportedly has a population of 11, has been happy with it ever since. Everglades, FL
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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•5 nights of accommodations
•15 meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
•9 Expert-led lectures
•7 Field trips
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