Best of Road Scholar

Want to learn about somewhere new but are unsure where to start? Experience a well-rounded view of each destination as you study the best of vibrant cultures, historic gems and geological wonders with hands-on experiences and enriching field trips led by our expert faculty. Think of these as our “101” classes, with everything you need to know to introduce you to the world’s most interesting places, while learning alongside our local experts in fascinating campuses across the globe.

Best of Expert-Led Senior Travel

Road Scholar offers the best educational travel tours for seniors, with tours to more than 100 countries and all 50 states. From “Choose Your Pace” senior travel tours that adjust the level of challenge on a daily basis to gramping — the growing travel trend of grandparents and grandkids traveling together — Road Scholar has it all.

The following are samples of our best escorted senior tours, specially curated slower-paced programs perfect for the over-50 crowd.

Costa Rica at a Slower Pace: Natural Wonders by Water & Land

This is one of Road Scholar’s most enjoyable trips for seniors who want to explore nature at a non-strenuous pace. On this 11-day tour, travelers will visit San José, Sarapiqui, the Arenal Volcano National Park, and more.

Local experts teach travelers about the history, biodiversity, and culture of Costa Rica. Meander through rainforests, swim in the warm Pacific Ocean, interact with local farmers, and take boat and canoe excursions along the Sarapiqui and Tarcoles rivers. Pineapple plantations, orchid gardens, monkeys, and more make this Road Scholar tour a favorite.

An Australian Odyssey: From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef

Travel to the Outback, explore the Great Barrier Reef, and enjoy iconic architecture and Aboriginal art on this popular 17-day tour that is perfect for senior travelers.

Experts will guide travelers through the highlights of Australia on this once-in-a-lifetime educational tour. Visit the Sydney Opera House in the bustling metropolis of Sydney and explore the Great Barrier Reef by way of semi-submersible vessels. This Road Scholar small-group tour is one to remember.

Classical Greece: Islands of the Aegean

Take a small, elegant ship to sail through the islands of Greece. Discover the wonders of the Aegean Sea, learn the history of ancient Greece, explore scenic villages, and feast your eyes on Byzantine architecture in a hidden, medieval walled town.

For 11 days, Road Scholar takes travelers to some of the most stunning Greek Islands, including Athens, Kea, Santorini, and Mykonos. On this journey through time, you will examine Bronze Age architecture in Knossos, the oldest city in Europe, and discover the archaeological remains of the Acropolis of Athens. Dip your toes in the Mediterranean Sea, and shop around the whitewashed villages along the caldera's rim — adventure awaits in Greece.

Spain at a Slower Pace: The Best of Barcelona and Madrid

Get an insider’s perspective on two of Spain’s most famous cities: Madrid and Barcelona. Road Scholar experts take adventurers on a slower-paced tour of Madrid, the capital of Baroque culture and art, and Barcelona, with its modernist architecture.

This popular senior travel tour is a 10-day trip that offers hands-on cooking classes devoted to Catalan and Spanish dishes. You will attend an authentic tablao flamenco performance and visit the Picasso Museum to see some of the artist's greatest works.

Ireland at a Slower Pace: Countryside & Culture, Galway to Dublin

Explore Ireland at a relaxed pace as Road Scholar leads travelers through the rural West, then on to Dublin. Interact with locals as you make your way through villages, cities, and farms. Dine on traditional Irish food on a local food trail while you experience the iconic music and dance traditions of this beautiful countryside. This 11-day tour is a great senior travel tour for those who want adventure at a slower pace.

The Best of Glacier National Park

Experience the grandeur of Glacier National Park on this Road Scholar six-day tour. Raft down Flathead River, hike alpine trails at a pace for every ability, and visit beautiful lakes to learn how glaciers carved this landscape eons ago.

Take daily field trips from wonderful lodging inside the park, led by expert instructors and naturalists. You may even be able to reach down and touch the Continental Divide!

The Best of Iceland: A Country of Beautiful Contrasts

If you've ever wanted to see the mesmerizing Northern lights or take a dip in thermal pools, this is a great trip for you. It's a wonderful opportunity to traverse the wonders of Iceland at a slow pace with locals and scholarly experts.

The Road Scholar 11-day tour of Iceland offers a glimpse into the gorgeous vegetation and the icebergs that give the country its name. Travelers will learn about Iceland’s history, music, food, and traditions. Slow-paced learning opportunities throughout Iceland make this one of our favorite destination tours for seniors.