Washington, D.C.
Spies, Lies & Intelligence: The World of International Espionage
Program No. 1612660MEADV-1116-60
Discover a world of espionage and learn about spy history and 21st-century intelligence threats as you explore the nation’s capital and its museums with intelligence experts.
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800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Mar 19 - Mar 23, 2025
Starting at
1,649Apr 2 - Apr 6, 2025
Starting at
1,649Apr 9 - Apr 13, 2025
Starting at
1,649Aug 27 - Aug 31, 2025
Starting at
1,649DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Mar 19 - Mar 23, 2025
Starting at
2,199Apr 2 - Apr 6, 2025
Starting at
2,199Apr 9 - Apr 13, 2025
Starting at
2,199May 7 - May 11, 2025
Starting at
2,199Aug 27 - Aug 31, 2025
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5 days
4 nights
10 meals
4B 3L 3D
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Opening Lecture
Washington, DC
3
International Spy Museum, Free Time
Washington, DC
5
Cybersecurity, Program Concludes
Washington, DC
At a Glance
The United States’ 18 national intelligence agencies have always been shrouded in secrecy. Now, some of their covert cases have been marked unclassified. On this fascinating adventure at the front line of the world’s spy coterie in Washington, D.C., delve into the history of covert intelligence in America and hear about the changing role of the CIA through America’s changing culture, foreign policy and politics. Learn about the art of espionage, find out how spies are recruited and hear stories of the many women who fly below the radar as master spies.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Standing in museums for up to two hours. Walking up to a mile a day.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Uncover Washington, D.C.'s seamy world, from lesser-known spy history to famous spy cases — both the cracked and the unsolved, with retired intelligence experts and an NSA officer.
- Explore the NSA’s Cryptologic Museum and the Spy Museum to learn about the secret world of code-making and code-breaking.
- Hear from a cybersecurity specialist, and examine the role of intelligence in 21st-century threats from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the Sept. 11 attacks.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Jon Wiant
Professor Jon A. Wiant is a decorated Senior Intelligence Officer with a distinguished 36-year career working on assignments at the Department of State, the White House, the Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency. Since retiring, he has become an adjunct professor at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Jon has more than a dozen medals and awards for exceptional work in sensitive intelligence operations and has authored more than 50 articles and book chapters on intelligence and foreign policy subjects.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Jon Wiant
View biography
Professor Jon A. Wiant is a decorated Senior Intelligence Officer with a distinguished 36-year career working on assignments at the Department of State, the White House, the Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency. Since retiring, he has become an adjunct professor at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Jon has more than a dozen medals and awards for exceptional work in sensitive intelligence operations and has authored more than 50 articles and book chapters on intelligence and foreign policy subjects.
Robert Wallace
View biography
Robert Wallace is a retired senior CIA officer, author, consultant and lecturer. As a recognized authority on intelligence history and “spy gadgets.” He was an Army Ranger in Vietnam, a CIA intelligence officer for 33 years and now an author and frequent lecturer on espionage topics. His published books include Nine from the Ninth: A Vietnam Memoir; Spycraft: The Secret History of the CIA’s Spytechs from Communism to al-Qaeda, The Official Manual of CIA Trickery and Deception and Spy Sites of New York City.
Scott White
View biography
Scott J. White is an associate professor and director of the Cybersecurity Program and Cyber Academy at The George Washington University. He holds a B.A. from York University (Toronto), an M.A. from the University of Guelph, and a Ph.D. from the University of Bristol. He holds a Queen’s Commission and was an officer with Canadian Forces Intelligence Command. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. White was an officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. He has consulted with law enforcement agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
Ronald Marks
View biography
Ronald Marks was a CIA spy for 16 years in the struggle against Russian espionage operatives. He served as Congressional interlocutor for five CIA Directors and guided America’s intelligence interests for Senate leaders Bob Dole and Trent Lott. Ron has been a national security entrepreneur, spy raconteur, cyber expert, and international affair commentator. He is the author of “Spying in America in the Post 9/11 World: Domestic Threat and the Need for Change” that focuses on the challenges and legalities of U.S. domestic intelligence collection.
Steve Flynn
View biography
Steve Flynn was raised in Oregon. He pursued graduate work in intercultural studies and has extensive experience leading educational groups for students and adults both within and outside the U.S. A current resident of Washington, D.C., he has spent his professional career working in international student exchange programs for the University of North Carolina system.
Ella Schiralli
View biography
Ella Schiralli is a certified D.C. group leader with a passion for sharing the culture, history, and modern vibrancy of our nation’s capital. She graduated from George Washington University with a B.B.A. and E.M.B.A. Ella values diversity and is passionate about leadership. She has had the opportunity to work and volunteer in organizations that range from advanced homeland security solutions and public policy advocacy, to women’s military achievements, the performing arts, and children’s advocacy.
Suggested Reading List
(12 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.
Spies, Lies & Intelligence: The World of International Espionage
Program Number: 16126
Intelligence: From Secrets to Policy
Mark M. Lowenthal’s trusted guide is the go-to resource for understanding how the intelligence community’s history, structure, procedures, and functions affect policy decisions. In the fully updated Eighth Edition of Intelligence, the author addresses cyber security and cyber intelligence throughout, expands the coverage of collection, comprehensively updates the chapters on nation-state issues and transnational issues, and looks at foreign intelligence services, both large and small.
The Enemy Within: A History of Spies, Spymasters and Espionage
Separating myth from reality, The Enemy Within traces the history of espionage from its development in ancient times through to the end of the Cold War and beyond, shedding light on the clandestine activities that have so often tipped the balance in times of war. This detailed account delves into the murky depths of the realm of spymasters and their spies, revealing many amazing and often bizarre stories along the way. From the monkey hanged as a spy during the Napoleonic wars to the British Double Cross Committee in World War II, this journey through the history of espionage shows us that no two spies are alike and their fascinating stories are fraught with danger and intrigue.
Cast No Shadow: The Life of the American Spy Who Changed the Course of World War II
Relying on top-secret and heretofore unrevealed documents from British Intelligence as well as on Betty's own memoir written shortly before her death, Mary Lovell offers a remarkable portrait of a woman whose adeptness for intrigue in affairs of espionage and passion is astonishing. Cast No Shadow is a story of subterfuge and romantic expediency the exposes the hidden human intrigue of World War II and the life of a woman whose contribution to the Allied effort was invaluable and unique.
Charlie Wilson’s War
It's common knowledge that the U.S. armed the Afghans in their fight against the Soviet Union, but until now, the fact that this was possibly the biggest, meanest covert operation in history has been absent from press reports. In one of the most detailed descriptions of a CIA operation every written, the bizarre twists and turns of the full story are told in CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR. Veteran 60 Minutes producer George Crile explains how one Congressman was able to provide the CIA with hundreds of millions of dollars to fund the Afghan program, dwarfing the price tag for arming the Nicaraguan Contras that occurred at virtually the same time.
Of Spies and Lies
Any serious study of the Vietnam War would be less than complete without accounting for the CIA's role in that conflict-a role that increased dramatically after the Tet offensive in 1968. We know most of the details of military engagement in Vietnam, given its greater visibility, but until recently clandestine operations have remained shrouded in secrecy
Spy: The Inside Story of How the FBI’s Robert Hanssen Betrayed America
Spy tells the full, authoritative story of how FBI agent Robert Hanssen, code name grayday, spied for Russia for twenty-two years in what has been called the “worst intelligence disaster in U.S. history”–and how he was finally caught in an incredible gambit by U.S. intelligence.
Spy Sites of Washington, DC: A Guide to the Capital Region's Secret History
Spy Sites of Washington, DC traces more than two centuries of secret history from the Mount Vernon study of spymaster George Washington to the Cleveland Park apartment of the "Queen of Cuba." In 220 main entries as well as listings for dozens more spy sites, intelligence historians Robert Wallace and H. Keith Melton weave incredible true stories of derring-do and double-crosses that put even the best spy fiction to shame. Maps and more than three hundred photos allow readers to follow in the winding footsteps of moles and sleuths, trace the covert operations that influenced wars hot and cold, and understand the tradecraft traitors and spies alike used in the do-or-die chess games that have changed the course of history.
The Spy Next Door
Two veteran Time magazine reporters present the shocking, fascinating account of one of the greatest espionage scandals of our time -- the story of Robert Hanssen, one of the most mysterious traitors in American history.
True Believer: Inside the Investigation and Capture of Ana Montes, Cuba’s Master Spy
Ana Montes appeared to be a model employee of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), advancing quickly through the ranks to become its top analyst on Cuban affairs. But for sixteen years Montes sent Castro some of America's most closely guarded secrets and at the same time influenced what the United States thought it knew about Cuba. She is the only member of the U.S. intelligence community ever convicted of espionage for the Cuban government, yet her arrest ten days after 9/11 went largely unnoticed. This inside account of the investigation was written by the DIA counterintelligence investigator who first became suspicious of her activities and, with the FBI, worked over a period of several years to develop a solid case against Montes. Carmichael offers readers a front-row seat on that long and ultimately successful spy hunt.
Capturing Jonathan Pollard
Jonathan Pollard, an intelligence analyst working in the U.S. Naval Investigative Service's Anti-Terrorist Alert Center, systematically stole highly sensitive secrets from almost every major intelligence agency in the United States. In just eighteen months he sold more than one million pages of classified material to Israel. No other spy in U.S. history has stolen so many secrets, so highly classified, in such a short period of time. Author Ronald Olive was in charge of counterintelligence in the Washington office of the Naval Investigative Service that investigated Pollard and garnered the confession that led to his arrest in 1985 and eventual life sentence. His book reveals details of Pollard's confession, his interaction with the author when suspicion was mounting, and countless other details never before made public. Olive points to mistaken assumptions and leadership failures that allowed Pollard to ransack America's defense intelligence long after he should have been caught.
The Literary Spy: The Ultimate Source for Quotations on Espionage & Intelligence
The Literary Spy provides a unique view of the intelligence world through the words of its own major figures (and those fascinated with them) from ancient times to the present. CIA speechwriter and analyst Charles E. Lathrop has compiled and annotated more than 3,000 quotations from such disparate sources as the Bible, spy novels and movies, Shakespeare’s plays, declassified CIA documents, memoirs, TV talk shows, and speeches from U.S. and foreign leaders and officials.
Spy Book: The Encyclopedia of Espionage
This intriguing book covers intelligence agencies, espionage code names, terms, countries, literature, equipment, and more. Spy Book will captivate and enthrall anyone curious about espionage. Contains over 2,000 entries and references and photos and illustrations of famous spies, codes, hardware and more.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
5 days
Program Begins
Washington, DC
Program Concludes
Washington, DC
Meals
10
| 4B |
3L |
3D |
Activity Level
The United States’ 18 national intelligence agencies have always been shrouded in secrecy. Now, some of their covert cases have been marked unclassified. On this fascinating adventure at the front line of the world’s spy coterie in Washington, D.C., delve into the history of covert intelligence in America and hear about the changing role of the CIA through America’s changing culture, foreign policy and politics. Learn about the art of espionage, find out how spies are recruited and hear stories of the many women who fly below the radar as master spies.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Uncover Washington, D.C.'s seamy world, from lesser-known spy history to famous spy cases — both the cracked and the unsolved, with retired intelligence experts and an NSA officer.
- Explore the NSA’s Cryptologic Museum and the Spy Museum to learn about the secret world of code-making and code-breaking.
- Hear from a cybersecurity specialist, and examine the role of intelligence in 21st-century threats from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the Sept. 11 attacks.
Featured Expert
Jon Wiant
Professor Jon A. Wiant is a decorated Senior Intelligence Officer with a distinguished 36-year career working on assignments at the Department of State, the White House, the Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency. Since retiring, he has become an adjunct professor at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Jon has more than a dozen medals and awards for exceptional work in sensitive intelligence operations and has authored more than 50 articles and book chapters on intelligence and foreign policy subjects.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Robert Wallace
Robert Wallace is a retired senior CIA officer, author, consultant and lecturer. As a recognized authority on intelligence history and “spy gadgets.” He was an Army Ranger in Vietnam, a CIA intelligence officer for 33 years and now an author and frequent lecturer on espionage topics. His published books include Nine from the Ninth: A Vietnam Memoir; Spycraft: The Secret History of the CIA’s Spytechs from Communism to al-Qaeda, The Official Manual of CIA Trickery and Deception and Spy Sites of New York City.
Scott White
Scott J. White is an associate professor and director of the Cybersecurity Program and Cyber Academy at The George Washington University. He holds a B.A. from York University (Toronto), an M.A. from the University of Guelph, and a Ph.D. from the University of Bristol. He holds a Queen’s Commission and was an officer with Canadian Forces Intelligence Command. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. White was an officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. He has consulted with law enforcement agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
Ronald Marks
Ronald Marks was a CIA spy for 16 years in the struggle against Russian espionage operatives. He served as Congressional interlocutor for five CIA Directors and guided America’s intelligence interests for Senate leaders Bob Dole and Trent Lott. Ron has been a national security entrepreneur, spy raconteur, cyber expert, and international affair commentator. He is the author of “Spying in America in the Post 9/11 World: Domestic Threat and the Need for Change” that focuses on the challenges and legalities of U.S. domestic intelligence collection.
Steve Flynn
Steve Flynn was raised in Oregon. He pursued graduate work in intercultural studies and has extensive experience leading educational groups for students and adults both within and outside the U.S. A current resident of Washington, D.C., he has spent his professional career working in international student exchange programs for the University of North Carolina system.
Ella Schiralli
Ella Schiralli is a certified D.C. group leader with a passion for sharing the culture, history, and modern vibrancy of our nation’s capital. She graduated from George Washington University with a B.B.A. and E.M.B.A. Ella values diversity and is passionate about leadership. She has had the opportunity to work and volunteer in organizations that range from advanced homeland security solutions and public policy advocacy, to women’s military achievements, the performing arts, and children’s advocacy.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Standing in museums for up to two hours. Walking up to a mile a day.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(12 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
Date
- Mar 19 - Mar 23
- Apr 02 - Apr 06
- Apr 09 - Apr 13
- May 07 - May 11
- Aug 27 - Aug 31
- Sep 03 - Sep 07
- Sep 24 - Sep 28
- Oct 01 - Oct 05
- Oct 15 - Oct 19
- Nov 05 - Nov 09
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- Mar 19 - Mar 23
- Apr 02 - Apr 06
- Apr 09 - Apr 13
- May 07 - May 11
- Aug 27 - Aug 31
- Sep 03 - Sep 07
- Sep 24 - Sep 28
- Oct 01 - Oct 05
- Oct 15 - Oct 19
- Nov 05 - Nov 09
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
5 days
4 nights
What's Included
10 meals | 4B | 3L | 3D |
7 expert-led lectures
5 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
4 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Opening Lecture
Location:
Washington, DC
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name-tag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00-5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any up-updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Your program materials will be sent to you a few days before the program, digitally, through your roadscholar.org account. This includes your program itinerary, any related handouts, and restaurant/free time suggestions. Please plan to print them out and bring along to the program, utilize the hotel's business center to access them, or view them on your own personal electronic device. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. 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. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” 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. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We will gather for an introduction to spying. We’ll learn first hand accounts of how intelligence is collected, analyzed, and implemented among the 17 agencies and organizations within the U.S. Intelligence Community. We’ll also hear about our lecturers true encounters during her time in the intelligence world. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Cryptologic Museum, NSA Overview, DC tour, Plausible Denial
Location:
Washington, DC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
Activity Note
Participants will need to get on and off the motorcoach. Expect to stand for up to 1 hour at a time. The drive time to the National Cryptologic Museum is approximately 45 minutes and we may encounter city traffic.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Start this morning off with a field trip to the National Cryptologic Museum, adjacent to the National Security Agency headquarters at Fort Meade in Maryland. The museum is the NSA’s principal public portal. Its thousands of artifacts preserve and illuminate the history of cryptology. With a museum member, we will learn how codes are “broken” and explore the museum's collection of Enigma Machines.
Lunch:
We will enjoy boxed lunches at the National Cryptologic Museum.
Afternoon:
Continue our stay at the National Cryptologic Museum with a visit from a National Security Agency officer. From the neighboring base, our speaker will provide an overview of the NSA and describe the roles and responsibilities for today's NSA officers. Our learning adventure will continue with a field trip by motorcoach to see some of the key highlights in our national capital. We’ll have an opportunity to visit some of the most famous monuments and sites and acclimate ourselves to the city.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
After dinner, we'll learn about covert action from Professor Jon Wiant during his presentation, "Plausible Denial: The Role of Covert Action". Covert action is the contemporary term for what those in the world of espionage do to influence diplomatic, political, economic, and military outcomes without publicly acknowledging the role of the US government. Professor Wiant will lead us through the history of covert action from early psychological warfare and propaganda activities, to the broad range of paramilitary capabilities that have supported resistance movements, and finally, to contemporary efforts to counter terrorism on a global scale.
Day
3
International Spy Museum, Free Time
Location:
Washington, DC
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 2 miles, about 10 minutes riding time. Walking and standing in museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to L’Enfant Plaza for a self-directed exploration of the International Spy Museum. Opened in 2019, this is the only public museum in the U.S. dedicated solely to espionage and the only one in the world that provides a global perspective on the “invisible” profession. Its large and extensive collection includes amazing artifacts of international espionage, some never displayed publicly before. Many of these objects have been seen by the public for the first time. The museum seeks to present the history of espionage throughout history apolitically with accurate, unbiased information.
Lunch:
At leisure. You will be provided with a gift card for your lunch before you head out for your day of exploring our nation's capital.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
CIA & Congress, Spying in DC, Lafayette Sq, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Washington, DC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; 2 1/2 - 3 hours riding time throughout the day. Walking up to 1 mile, standing up an hour at a time; paved walkways and sidewalks; park benches available.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will hear from a former CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) “spy” on how spying in America has changed in the years since September 11, 2001. In the wake of 9/11, the U.S. has found that its borders are porous and terrorist danger can strike at home. If we must now spy on ourselves, how much should we spy and who watches the watchers? Following a break, we will have a lecture on the relationship between the CIA and Congress, the best of “frenemies.” Since its creation in 1947, the CIA has had a long and often troubled relationship with Congress. Why will this never change and why should it not?
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
As important to James Bond as his tuxedo were the devilish devices he received from the gadget master, Q. Bond's expensive dress made him especially attractive to beautiful ladies, the gadgets kept him alive to enjoy their company. How different is the spy gear used by Bond from that of today’s spies? Bob Wallace, former director of the CIA’s Office of Technical Service (America’s Q) describes the evolution of spy technology from Revolutionary War secret inks to present day disinformation operations and how science and engineering continues to transform clandestine operations. Our learning adventure will continue with a field trip by motorcoach. Bob Wallace, author of the book “Spy Sites of Washington, D.C.” will join and lead our exploration. We’ll familiarize ourselves with what we’ve heard about in our lectures including significant spy events and their locations in the capital. Lafayette Square, neighboring the White House, is filled with secret history. From the 18th century patriots employing secret agents to a Presidential kidnapping plot, this seven-acre park has served many purposes throughout its history. We will explore the park and unravel some of its mysterious history.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Cybersecurity, Program Concludes
Location:
Washington, DC
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check out is 12:00 PM
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
For our final lecture, we will hear from Dr. Scott White, Director of the Cybersecurity Program and Cyber Academy at George Washington University. We’ll gain a deeper understanding of what cybersecurity is and to deal with cyber threats. 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
10 Meals
4 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 05, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
- Mar 19, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
- Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
- Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
- May 07, 2025 - May 11, 2025
- Aug 27, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
- Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
- Sep 24, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
- Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
- Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
- Nov 05, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 37 Reviews
Sort By:
The Spy Museum and Cryptologic Museum are wonderful. The lecturers gave us insight (and stories) of recent history that are pertinent to today.
— Review left October 7, 2024
"Spy camp". That's what my wife called this, my first Road Scholar program without her. If you want to learn a lot about actual intelligence work, this is a great opportunity, with great lecturers and interesting field trips. Spoiler Alert: Real espionage is nothing like James Bond.
— Review left September 9, 2024
I am so glad I signed up for this program. It was my first time travelling solo and the participants were so welcoming! The subject matter has always interested me and the speakers were so knowledgeable and congenial.
These experts blew me away! The pace of the program was just right, the Hyatt Place Hotel was in a great location. I only used the metro to get out to Arlington Cemetery, just walked everywhere.
The facilitator, Gayle, did an outstanding job meeting the needs of each person.
She is so good at escorting a group - I know! I used to do this for groups from my travel agency. She just rolled with the punches and made the little hiccups seem just fine. Many thanks to all! Kathy Bowen
P.S. I am so confident I can travel solo that I am looking at my next trip!
— Review left April 25, 2024
**** Excellent trip. Leader was dynamic, friendly and flexible. Attendees were very approachable and pleasant.
— Review left April 10, 2024
Instead of questioning our country's agencies, I will now only praise the CIA, FBI, and NSA for their unrelenting, courageous work. Learn the real stories of what keeps our citizens and country safe.
— Review left April 9, 2024
Great subject matter combined with opportunities to see local attractions of interest.
— Review left March 30, 2024
The program far exceeded my expectations. I can't wait for my next trip with Road Scholar!
— Review left November 15, 2023
This program was exactly as described. I found it fascinating. If this subject matter interests you, highly recommend this program.
— Review left October 16, 2023
Enjoyed the trip. Ira seems like he's lived a life that makes him the ideal person to lead this group. All of the presenters were excellent and knowledgeable.
The Hyatt was close to everything.
— Review left October 11, 2023
The Spies, Lies and Intelligence program was fantastic. I learned so much during this trip and came home with a big list of books and movies to watch to continue my education. The speakers were all extremely interesting and the museums we visited were fascinating. The activity level was easygoing and I never had any problems getting around. I highly recommend this program to anyone who thinks it sounds interesting. By the end of it, you'll be amazed at how much you've learned!
— Review left October 9, 2023
This is an excellent and fun program, with good instructors and fun outings. Outings included a trip to the NSA museum and a briefing by an active-duty NSA officer as well as an outing to the DC Spy Museum, a tour of DC and more. Instructors are Ex-Intelligence Officers, for the most part, with lots of knowledge and stories to tell. You will have fun and learn a lot.
— Review left September 12, 2023
I recommend Spies, Lies and Intelligence, The World of International Espionage. Former CIA operatives explain global covert operations, getting inside the minds of traitors, extolling heroes and heroines, invention of spy gadgets, and more in this fascinating program. R. Ressner
— Review left September 12, 2023
Excellent blend of expert speakers, fascinating field trips, stimulating museum exhibits, and city tours. A whole new world on spies, spy craft, gadgets, covert action, coding, cybersecurity, etc. opened for me. Wonderful learning adventure and memorable travel experience. Highly recommended.
— Review left May 11, 2023
The Spies, Lies and Intelligence was a fun and informative look into the history and current use of these things. We all have an idea of what is involved, either limited or full, but I think some of the information might not have been known before, at least for me and my sister (and we read lots of spy books) The information on Cyber Threats was MOST important to hear.
— Review left May 8, 2023
This program lives to everything that the promotional material promises. We could not be more pleased with the content, organization, or conduct of the experience.
— Review left April 26, 2023
This class is a wonderful combination of lectures and field trips about our country's intelligence community. I enjoyed every activity and learned more than I ever expected.
— Review left April 21, 2023
With all that goes on in the world around us, I think it's important to learn more than what we read or listen to about our interests. I have a much better understanding about foreign intelligence now, and can apply a more objective view of it when it's reported on for all to see or hear.
— Review left April 15, 2023
If you have any interest in the world of international espionage -- past, present, or future -- you will find this program both entertaining and informative. The program was first recommended to me almost a decade ago and has been on my Wish List for several years. I'm so glad I finally was able to experience it.
— Review left April 13, 2023
Excellent mix of museums, lectures, and sights.
Great knowledgeable leader.
Good book list.
— Review left March 27, 2023
Intense introduction to the "real" world of spies and why they are so necessary. Learned so much. Having ex-CIA presenters is right on the money!
— Review left March 27, 2023
This was my 20th Road Scholar program, and the first that did not fully meet my expectations. I see the 2023 version includes a visit to the National Law Enforcement Museum and a speaker about polygraph tests. Those additions would be much preferred to the two “filler” sessions we had that did not really relate to the themes of intelligence and espionage – a guided walk around Lafayette Park and an evening walk by three monuments. The speakers all had relevant backgrounds and expertise but only the first one allowed adequate time for questions and interaction. One in particular made a very inappropriate political comment which I found irresponsible and offensive (not about a US politician). It would have been stimulating to have had someone from the press or academia to raise concerns about ethical and privacy issues. A woman presenter would have been welcomed as well. Bob Wallace used a trivia quiz effectively. While mentioned, I did not feel we got a full look at Aldrich Ames or Robert Hansen. It was fun to hear about the devices developed to support spies like the Jack-in-the-Box, Randy the Rat and secret cameras. Traditional spy methods were balanced with information about today’s cyber intelligence gathering. Nicholas Dujmovic and Jon Wiant were particularly informative and revealed some weaknesses and problems in our intelligence agencies. Ira was a skilled organizer, flexibly filled some gaps, and provided interesting information about DC and Israel. Having mostly enjoyed small group programs, 40 seemed too big a group. The hotel offered comfortable, modern rooms and good meals, pleasant staff, and an easy way to get cabs, although the immediate neighborhood was a bit soulless. Please update the overview and itinerary to refer to 18 intelligence agencies.
— Review left November 10, 2022
This trip was great. Our tour leader added an additional component about Israel that was absolutely fascinating. Enjoyed it a lot.
— Review left November 9, 2022
This trip was very disappointing. The subject matter was covered almost exclusively by lecture in a small room with too many people for its size. The speakers were mostly experienced former CIA personnel but with a limited exploration of ethical issues and not much self-reflection except for Jon Wiant who understood the complexity of issues and the wisdom to acknowledge hard truths. Two trips broke up the 4 days but not much.
The leader, Ira Deutsch, was knowledgeable about Washington. He spent a lot of time talking about his own experiences, sometimes relevant, sometimes not. He made some choices that were not in the best interest of seniors, switching a daylight excursion of the Lincoln memorial and two war monuments to nighttime , in the dark for seniors with canes, vision problems and mobility issues. Very bad judgment. Half the participants could not walk up to the Lincoln Memorial. Fortunately, no one fell but many stayed behind on one of the best features and outdoor opportunities. At least one decided to skip the trip altogether and another wanted to stay in the bus, an option not made available to others who might have opted for that rather than risk falling. He explained his choice to Road Scholar as more convenient than safe, in my opinion. I do credit him with offering to take left over food to either homeless or fire fighters. Good social consciousness on that side but please apply it to the folks at hand with more awareness of mobility issues. Rethink classification of this course in light of more walking in unlit areas than warranted.
For the price, the accommodations were fine (except NO SECURE WIFI!) food was fine and lots of nice people. Maybe include an option of email addresses, tell us how we can get a copy of the class photo, etc.
Maybe offer some more small interactives with the speakers to add some energy and dynamism to the programs.
Please update your travel directions regarding taxi service. No reservations needed.
Thanks
— Review left November 7, 2022
Great program and location of hotel is very good within walking distance of the Capitol , National Mall , and Waterfront . Spy museum and the Museum of Law Enforcement are wonderful. Our leader , Lil , was excellent and good source of information even though she was not local . Our lecturers were very informative .
I would recommend this program to anyone who likes to learn new things and is willing to be adventurous .
— Review left May 28, 2022
This program exceeded my expectations. I came home with a cap that read "Assume Nothing" -- perfect for a program about spies, lies and espionage. Highly recommend.
— Review left March 30, 2022
Excellent program. Our guest speakers were superb; knowledgeable, well-spoken, engaging an thought-provoking. Our tour leader did an excellent job.
The topic of cybersecurity was especially timely given the ongoing events in eastern Europe.
— Review left March 28, 2022
WOW!! A real "eye-opener" to what is going on in the world around us. I learned "secret stuff" I never dreamed of.
— Review left November 8, 2021
DC is somewhat complicated. Find the location of the museums and Mall locations. Can you easily walk 1-2 miles to take advantage of free time? If you would need transpertation, determine if Uber or something should be included. There should be a better set of places to eat. Maybe look these over before a trip.
— Review left November 7, 2021
I came in knowing for little about the topic and I left knowing how much I don't know but I did learn a lot.
— Review left November 3, 2021
This was my third spy program with Road Scholar and I was very happy with it and would recommend it.
— Review left October 12, 2021
We have now enjoyed 4 separate non related Road Scholar programs and each On my way! was superb in every way possible. We learned so much more than we ever knew or thought we would learn from this experience. The program was superb in every way possible and NOTHING could have been done better! If you want to learn more, THIS program should be high on your list!
— Review left September 25, 2019
This was my first time with Road Scholar. I was thoroughly pleased with the quality of the program, the speakers, the museum tours and interactions with other participants. I think Road Scholar brings together quality travel and accomomdations with expert learning. A win-win for me.
— Review left September 23, 2019
nice visit to DC
— Review left June 3, 2019
My husband and I are life-long learning "nerds" and we chose to attend this program on espionage because it sounded interesting and it started on the date of our 50th anniversary. I've never enjoyed spy movies because they're too complicated. But this is the most fascinating Road Scholar I've attended and we learned a lot!
— Review left May 21, 2019
Really enjoyed this trip--saw places I would not have seen in DC & heard from people I would never have had access to--highly informative & a stimulating delight
— Review left May 14, 2019
Absolutely worth while and at a great price. Looking forward to my next adventure while learning.
— Review left May 12, 2019
Very enlightening and thought-provoking. I came away with a much greater appreciation of the role our intelligence resources play in today;s geopolitical climates. And, I gained a a deeper appreciation for the role that our intelligence resources play in today's somewhat cyber-frenzied times.
— Review left April 8, 2019