Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2024
Starting at
2,299
Florida
Signature City Key West
Program No. 20902RJ
Dive deep into the legends, history, artistic legacy and natural wonders of one of Florida’s most vibrant cities as you unravel the mysteries of Old Town, Key West.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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Jan 26 - Jan 31, 2025
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Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2024
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6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 3L 4D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Key West Old Town
2
Harry Truman, Little White House, Custom House
Key West Old Town
3
Audubon Lecture & House, USCGC Ingham
Key West Old Town
4
Mel Fisher Museum, Free Time
Key West Old Town
5
Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Eco Discovery Center
Key West Old Town
6
Program Concludes
Key West Old Town
At a Glance
With its distinctive architecture, courtyard gardens and hidden pathways, Key West’s Old Town is a delight to explore on foot. Experience what makes the southernmost city in the contiguous United States so unique, and explore what lies behind the quaint facade. With local experts, hear tales of shipwrecks, explore the Hemingway home and get a look at Papa’s favorite bar. Consider President Truman’s love affair with Key West at the “Little White House” and share the spirit of the island with artists, divers, gardeners, historians, musicians, oceanographers and other natives.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking two miles daily on paved sidewalks; some stairs and standing at museums and historic sites.
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…
- Meet numerous Key West residents and hear from them about their home and the cultural scene.
- Visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum to examine artifacts retrieved from a sunken 17th-century ship.
- Learn about the variety of bird species and exotic flora at the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens.
General Notes
You may enjoy a slower-paced program, "Key West at a Slower Pace: Living on Island Time" (#21797)
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Joanne Martin
Joanne Martin grew up in the Greater Boston area, and has lived in Key West for nearly two decades. Over the years, she has worked in sales, marketing, and the travel industry. Her love of history led her to her current job as gallery manager at the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens where she has been since 2014, starting out leading visitors there.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Bob Wolz
View biography
Bob graduated from Youngstown State University, majoring in history with a minor in business. In 1999, he became the executive director of the Harry S. Truman Little White House State Historic Site. Bob created a not-for-profit corporation that aims to expand educational outreach of the Little White House and complete its restoration. He is an accomplished writer, having co-authored or edited several books including 'Presidents in Paradise.' His work has also appeared in the Florida Artland History Magazine and the American Political Science Review.
Craig Wanous
View biography
Craig Wanous was born and raised in Alabama, but has lived in the Florida Keys and Key West since 1990. He and his wife came to the Keys after an 18-month cruise on their sailboat. Craig became involved with Road Scholar after hosting the groups at the
visitor center where he worked. He has been leading Road Scholar tours in Key West since 2014, and always enjoys the curiosity and appetite for learning shown by participants.
Joanne Martin
View biography
Joanne Martin grew up in the Greater Boston area, and has lived in Key West for nearly two decades. Over the years, she has worked in sales, marketing, and the travel industry. Her love of history led her to her current job as gallery manager at the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens where she has been since 2014, starting out leading visitors there.
Suggested Reading List
(6 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.
Signature City Key West
Program Number: 20902
To Have and Have Not
This is the dramatic, brutal story of Harry Morgan and his efforts to support his family by running contraband between Key West and Cuba. Set in the 1930s, the book carries all the flavor of an era that was poor, tough and resourceful. Harshly realistic, yet with one of the most subtle and moving relationships in Hemingway's "oeuvre", it goes beyond high adventure. It was adapted for film and became a memorable classic, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
Key West: History of an Island of Dreams
Parrotheads, Hemingway aficionados, and sun worshipers view Key West as a tropical paradise, and scores of writers have set tales of mystery and romance on the island. The city’s real story—told by Maureen Ogle in this lively and engaging illustrated account—is as fabulous as fiction. In the two centuries since the city’s pioneer founders battled Indians, pirates, and deadly disease, Key West has stood at the crossroads of American history. In 1861, Union troops seized control of strategically located Key West. In the early 1890s, Key West Cubans helped José Martí launch the Cuban revolution, and a few years later the battleship Maine steamed out of Key West harbor on its last, tragic voyage. At the turn of the century, a technological marvel—the overseas railroad—was built to connect mainland Florida to Key West, and in the 1920s and 1930s, painters, rumrunners, and writers (including Ernest Hemingway and Robert Frost) discovered Key West. During World War II, the federal government and the military war machine permanently altered the island’s landscape, and in the second half of the 20th century, bohemians, hippies, gays, and jet-setters began writing a new chapter in Key West’s social history.
Notebooks
Tennessee Williams’s Notebooks, here published for the first time, presents by turns a passionate, whimsical, movingly lyrical, self-reflective, and completely uninhibited record of the life of this monumental American genius from 1936 to 1981, the year of his death. In these pages Williams (1911-1981) wrote out his most private thoughts as well as sketches of plays, poems, and accounts of his social, professional, and sexual encounters. The notebooks are the repository of Williams’s fears, obsessions, passions, and contradictions, and they form possibly the most spontaneous self-portrait by any writer in American history.
Hemingway's Key West
This vivid portrait reveals both Hemingway, the writer, and Hemingway, the hard-drinking, woman-chasing fighter and sportsman of legend. Hemingway's decade in Key West during the 1930s was his most productive. His only book set in the U.S., To Have and Have Not, takes place there. Meet his circle of friends (known as "the Mob"), his second wife, Pauline, and their two children. Hear from Hemingway contemporaries and scholars about the man and the town that he made famous.
Tom: The Unknown Tennessee Williams
The riveting, revelatory, and sole authorized account of the critical first decades of Tennessee Williams's life. Tennessee Williams, author of such indelible masterpieces as The Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar Named Desire, is considered by many to be the greatest literary artist of the American theater. Tom is Lyle Leverich's definitive account based on his exclusive access to letters, diaries, unpublished manuscripts, and family documents of Williams's early life and of the events that shaped this most autobiographical of dramatists. It tells the story of the marital traumas of his bullying father and overly protective mother, the mental disorders that institutionalized his beloved sister Rose, his stalled academic career, and his confused sexuality and early successes as a writer; and it leaves Thomas Lanier Williams on the brink of fame with The Glass Menagerie and his transformation into the celebrated persona of "Tennessee."
Last Train to Paradise: Henry Flagler and the Spectacular Rise and Fall of the Railroad that Crossed an Ocean
Last Train to Paradise is acclaimed novelist Les Standiford’s fast-paced and gripping true account of the extraordinary construction and spectacular demise of the Key West Railroad—one of the greatest engineering feats ever undertaken, destroyed in one fell swoop by the Labor Day hurricane of 1935.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Key West Old Town
Program Concludes
Key West Old Town
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
12
| 5B |
3L |
4D |
Activity Level
With its distinctive architecture, courtyard gardens and hidden pathways, Key West’s Old Town is a delight to explore on foot. Experience what makes the southernmost city in the contiguous United States so unique, and explore what lies behind the quaint facade. With local experts, hear tales of shipwrecks, explore the Hemingway home and get a look at Papa’s favorite bar. Consider President Truman’s love affair with Key West at the “Little White House” and share the spirit of the island with artists, divers, gardeners, historians, musicians, oceanographers and other natives.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Meet numerous Key West residents and hear from them about their home and the cultural scene.
- Visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum to examine artifacts retrieved from a sunken 17th-century ship.
- Learn about the variety of bird species and exotic flora at the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens.
General Notes
You may enjoy a slower-paced program, "Key West at a Slower Pace: Living on Island Time" (#21797)
Featured Expert
Joanne Martin
Joanne Martin grew up in the Greater Boston area, and has lived in Key West for nearly two decades. Over the years, she has worked in sales, marketing, and the travel industry. Her love of history led her to her current job as gallery manager at the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens where she has been since 2014, starting out leading visitors there.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Bob Wolz
Bob graduated from Youngstown State University, majoring in history with a minor in business. In 1999, he became the executive director of the Harry S. Truman Little White House State Historic Site. Bob created a not-for-profit corporation that aims to expand educational outreach of the Little White House and complete its restoration. He is an accomplished writer, having co-authored or edited several books including 'Presidents in Paradise.' His work has also appeared in the Florida Artland History Magazine and the American Political Science Review.
Craig Wanous
Craig Wanous was born and raised in Alabama, but has lived in the Florida Keys and Key West since 1990. He and his wife came to the Keys after an 18-month cruise on their sailboat. Craig became involved with Road Scholar after hosting the groups at the
visitor center where he worked. He has been leading Road Scholar tours in Key West since 2014, and always enjoys the curiosity and appetite for learning shown by participants.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking two miles daily on paved sidewalks; some stairs and standing at museums and historic sites.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(6 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
- 2024
- 2025
Date
- Dec 08 - Dec 13
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Accommodations are at The Opal Key Resort & Marina. The Opal Hotel's lobby and restaurant are currently undergoing renovation. So that this does not impact our groups, we will be having dinner in a private room, and breakfast will be served in a walled and air-conditioned tent. Our lectures will not be impacted. For more information, please visit: https://www.opalcollection.com/opal-key/renovation-faq/
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2024
- 2025
- Dec 08 - Dec 13
Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Accommodations are at The Opal Key Resort & Marina. The Opal Hotel's lobby and restaurant are currently undergoing renovation. So that this does not impact our groups, we will be having dinner in a private room, and breakfast will be served in a walled and air-conditioned tent. Our lectures will not be impacted. For more information, please visit: https://www.opalcollection.com/opal-key/renovation-faq/
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
12 meals | 5B | 3L | 4D |
2 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Key West Old Town
Meals:
D
Stay:
Opal Key Resort & Marina
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any 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. Orientation: 5:30 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. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Most of our travel to and from program sites will be on foot, but one day will involve travel by trolley. 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/current conditions. In the event of 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
2
Harry Truman, Little White House, Custom House
Location:
Key West Old Town
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Opal Key Resort & Marina
Activity Note
Walking up to 2.5 miles, spread throughout the day, along busy streets; walking and standing for up to an hour at a time at sites. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, use sunscreen, and wear a hat. Please note that the elevator at Custom House is currently out of order, so any participants who cannot manage stairs will not have access to the second floor.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. The Opal's restaurant is currently undergoing construction. We will be eating in a walled, air-conditioned tent.
Morning:
Our Truman expert will tell us all about the President’s days in Key West and what came to be known as The Little White House. Florida’s only Presidential site, the Harry S. Truman Little White House was constructed in 1890 as housing for naval officers. Its most important usage was as President Truman’s “Winter White House” from 1946 to 1952. We will then head over on foot to the Little White House. President Harry S. Truman’s first 19 months were grueling and left him physically exhausted. His doctor ordered a warm vacation and Key West was chosen as the location. President and Mrs. Truman arrived in November 1946 for a week of relaxation. He fell in love with the climate and small-town charm and returned to what became known as the Little White House for 11 presidential working vacations and five post-presidential trips after leaving office. Truman claimed Key West was his second favorite place on earth, surpassed only by his hometown of Independence, Missouri.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will go on a field trip to the Custom House Museum. This living link to Key West’s historic past was built in 1891 to house the island’s customs office, postal service, and district courts. “Old 91” is now the headquarters of the Key West Art and Historical Society that maintains a collection of artifacts and art significant to the Florida Keys. A local expert will lead us through this amazing space.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
After dinner, we will get to try out our dance moves in a salsa class taught by a local expert.
Day
3
Audubon Lecture & House, USCGC Ingham
Location:
Key West Old Town
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Opal Key Resort & Marina
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles to travel to our destinations, approximately 1 hour – with breaks in between. Standing up to 1 hour and climbing a flight of stairs at the Audubon House. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, use sunscreen, and wear a hat.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. The Opal's restaurant is currently undergoing construction. We will be eating in a walled, air-conditioned tent.
Morning:
At the hotel, we will learn from a local expert about John James Audubon, America’s greatest wildlife artist and early naturalist. Audubon began exploring Florida in 1831 and visited the Keys and Dry Tortugas the next year. He left having seen 22 different bird species, and created drawings of each for his “Birds of America” folio. After the lecture, we will go on an expert-led exploration of the Audubon House and Gardens, the place Audubon lived and worked while in Key West which was then the home of one of the town’s founders. In the center of the lot was a garden of native and imported tropical plants Audubon used in his images of local birds. We will learn about Audubon’s life and work there as well as the history of the house itself, which was the first restoration project in Key West in 1958 and is still considered the gem of the island’s restoration movement. The home also displays 28 first-edition Audubon works.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will visit the USCGC Ingham, a National Historic Landmark preserved off shore in Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park. With an expert, we will learn about the modern maritime history of the U.S. Coast Guard and learn about the Ingham’s 50 years of service in war and peacetime.
Dinner:
At a restaurant near Mallory Square.
Evening:
Prior to dinner, you have the option to enjoy the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square Dock. In Key West, watching the sun go down is a daily ritual accompanied by a festival with arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers, vendors, and a crowd of thousands of locals and visitors alike. People begin gathering about two hours before sunset for this multicultural “happening” that embodies the spirit of Key West. Following dinner, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
4
Mel Fisher Museum, Free Time
Location:
Key West Old Town
Meals:
B
Stay:
Opal Key Resort & Marina
Activity Note
Mel Fisher Museum is next to the hotel. An elevator is available at the Mel Fisher Museum, though you may need to climb a flight of stairs to reach some parts of the facility. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. The Opal's restaurant is currently undergoing construction. We will be eating in a walled, air-conditioned tent.
Morning:
This morning we will visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum where we will learn from an expert about marine archaeology and see treasures, including gold and silver bars, retrieved from beneath the sea. Dedicated to educating the public on maritime and colonial activity in the New World and preserving maritime culture resources, the museum celebrates 500 years of history. As a special highlight, we will go behind the scenes and explore the conservation lab.
Lunch:
On your own to sample the daytime local fare. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer recommendations.
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. The 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:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy a stroll to view the passing parade, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, wet your whistle in one of Hemingway's favorite hangouts. Hint: Two local bars lay claim to being his “real” favorite. Again, you have the suggestion to check-out the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square Dock. In Key West, watching the sun go down is a daily ritual accompanied by a festival with arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers, vendors, and a crowd of thousands of locals and visitors alike. People begin gathering about two hours before sunset for this multicultural “happening” that embodies the spirit of Key West.
Day
5
Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Eco Discovery Center
Location:
Key West Old Town
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Opal Key Resort & Marina
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles to travel to our destinations and standing at sites for up to an hour at a time; climbing a flight of stairs at the Hemingway House and at lunch. Climbing four steps to ride a trolley to Hemingway House and Eco Discovery Center.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. The Opal's restaurant is currently undergoing construction. We will be eating in a walled, air-conditioned tent.
Morning:
We will go on a literary journey of Key West starting with the Hemingway House, which we’ll reach by trolley. There, a local expert will lead us through the former residence of one of America’s most iconic writers, whose personal life was as colorful as any of his characters. Ernest Hemingway first visited Key West in 1928, arriving from Havana. We will learn about the lives and times of Hemingway and his wife, Pauline, in Key West, and about the house itself. Personal touches are still visible throughout the house, from European antiques to trophies and skins which are the legacy of Hemingway’s African safaris. It was at the house that Hemingway produced some of his best known works including “To Have And Have Not,” which is set in Key West. Descendants of his six-toed cat still flourish there. Afterwards, we will learn about Key West literary figure Tennessee Williams during an expert-led visit to an exhibit dedicated to the playwright.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will visit the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. Here we will learn about the area's different ecosystems, creatures, history, and conservation efforts. We will receive a presentation from a docent before having the opportunity to explore the natural history museum's more than 6,000 square feet of interactive exhibits.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Key West Old Town
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
The Opal's restaurant is currently undergoing construction. We will be eating in a walled, air-conditioned tent. This concludes our program.
Morning:
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
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024
- Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024
- Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 10, 2025
- Jan 26, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
- Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
- Feb 23, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
- Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
- Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
- Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
- Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 60 Reviews
Sort By:
Good morning,
Sorry I took so long to write this review. Being my first time with this company, I did not know what to expect from this trip. Yes a new place to explore and new people to meet, all in a good trip. But what a trip it was! Beginning with the wonderful lady I drove down to Key West with, Judy Colman who's been on numerous trips with you all, to the room that I stayed in, beautiful cannot describe the experience!
I loved every minute of it!
Since I was the only African American on this trip, unfortunately, I expected some prejudice. And since I was looking for it I thought I would find it!
Proudly I state.. Road Scholar, I did not find ANY. Thank you for the most rewarding learning trip I have ever had.
Thanks
Daphne Morgan
— Review left May 1, 2024
Key West is unlike any other city in the United States. This program provides a wonderful opportunity to learn the fascinating history of Key West and to experience what it is like today. Craig is a wonderful group leader.
— Review left March 2, 2024
Signature City - Key West. A great learning experience...Enjoyable & Educational.
— Review left February 20, 2024
Wonderful experience, and great introduction to Key West, which is not like Florida as a whole. Craig was a terrific leader, and the instructors were very interesting and well-prepared. The weather is warm and humid but the terrain is flat. Fascinating history lectures, architecture is beautiful, and the group was congenial.
— Review left January 27, 2024
Always wanted to visit Key West but not alone. This program was the answer to a dream- good companions, well organized and informative.
— Review left December 11, 2023
Well done! Met a lot of interesting people and learned many things I didn't know before I went on the trip. A good overall experience and well worth the money.
— Review left November 22, 2023
This was an excellent program moderated by Craig Wanous. There was however too much walking particularly on the second full day. I can highly recommend it to anyone interested in Key West. Our tour director was very helpful at all times.
— Review left March 19, 2023
Wonderful accommodations and meals! Key West tours were informative and fun. Johnny Layton is an excellent guide. May do this same tour again next year since it was so much fun and beautiful place to visit!
— Review left March 13, 2023
Wonderful experience. Highly recommend!
— Review left March 13, 2023
I just returned from the Road Scholar Key West trip. Fabulous! The tour was well organized, our group leader was the best, our accommodations were first rate, and the restaurants chosen for us served delicious food. Key West is a beautiful destination and we were given a lot of historic information which contributed to the enjoyment of visits to the sites. I am looking forward to my next Road Scholar adventure.
— Review left March 13, 2023
This is a fun introduction to Key West.
— Review left March 11, 2023
This is a great trip, but try not to go during "Spring break". Key West is a laid-back town but not while the students are there on break and huge cruise ships dock each day. A little too "touristy" that way.
— Review left March 11, 2023
Signature City Key West - exceeded my expectations, and that does not usually happen!
— Review left March 6, 2023
Join Road Scholar for amazing Signature Key West! You will stay in a luxurious hotel, enjoy great food and walk throughout historical places. My favorite places were the Truman White House, the Hemingway home and the Butterfly exhibit. I toured in February and the weather was perfect! Ruth Ann from Tennessee
— Review left February 18, 2023
Signature City Key West was a very interesting and fascinating program. I learned a lot of new things and the weather was perfect!
— Review left February 16, 2023
What is the history of Key West? Its truly fascinating! This program is enjoyable, enlightening, and teaches gems we may not know. Like the amazing history of the Truman little Whitehouse! of a retired Coast guard ship that spent time in Vietnam, and many other delights!
— Review left February 7, 2023
Just returned from a delightful Road Scholar trip: Signature City Key West. Enjoyed every moment; accommodations at Opal Key were wonderful and in a great location in Old Town. Informative lectures prepared us well for excursions to interesting sites. Just the right amount of free time. Only complaint: TOO MUCH delicious food at great local restaurants!
— Review left February 4, 2023
Road Scholar allowed me to check another item off my bucket list. I loved Key West as seen through the historical and education perspective provided by Road Scholar was a great trip to learn firsthand why the area appealed to President Truman, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and the eclectic citizenry that have chosen the island as home.
— Review left February 4, 2023
My first experience with Road Scholar was a wonderful event! My days were full, but not too full. The tours and lectures were informative and entertaining. The other participants were welcoming and of like mind in gaining insights and information. I will do another Road scholar tour!
— Review left February 4, 2023
Road Scholar is a wonderful program. Educational and adventurous, meeting new friends, opening up my eyes to things that I had just taken for granted. Planning on going on another trip.
— Review left February 4, 2023
The Key West Signature City program was outstanding. Great group leader, fun & informative activities, and enough free-time to explore on your own! A unique city in the U.S. that was fun to see & explore! Check it out for yourself.
— Review left January 28, 2023
The Key West program is a 'must attend' for people who are seeking a historical understanding of Key West.
— Review left January 28, 2023
My first Road Scolar trip. I was amazed at how much I loved it. I always like to do things randomly when I travel. I didn't think I would like this platform, but I loved it. Can't wait to do another one!
— Review left January 28, 2023
Fantastic Experience! Fabulous food! Amazing speakers and Location! Location! Location!
— Review left December 9, 2022
5 stars for this relaxed visit to the historic sites of Key West led by the fabulous Craig. The hotel is perfectly located right on the water with lovely outdoor seating for a view of the harbor. While the itinerary was slower paced than we expected from the website description, we did enjoy all the sites we visited. Late starts of 9:00am for tour departures or lectures allowed for leisurely mornings. We walked slowly to each location with Craig, who used headphones to narrate each walk. All our tour guides were excellent, and our guest speakers in the hotel meeting room were excellent. A few highlights for us were the butterfly garden, Truman's Little White House, Hemingway's house (and the cats!), Tennessee Williams' home. Plan for humid and warm weather, and bring a bathing suit if you enjoy spending the free afternoon poolside. Lots of history and nature on this pleasant vacation.
— Review left March 27, 2022
This trip was wonderful. Not only do you stay at a lovely resort in a very central location, but you hear from outstanding instructors who really know their subject matter. We visited so many interesting places and ate amazing food. I would highly recommend this trip.
— Review left March 26, 2022
This was a great winter break. The program was varied and the city is lovely.
— Review left March 13, 2022
If you like to visit tropical destinations but want more to do than sit on a beach, this is the trip for you. There is so much rich cultural history in Key West that your days will filled with fascinating experiences steps from the fabulous resort that you'll stay in. The food is super fresh and healthy and there is so much variety. The shopping is great if you're interested. Very walkable town as it's flat and convenient to get to places by foot. Lots of things to do during free time. March 2022 visit
— Review left March 12, 2022
This was the second time we enrolled in this program. It was just as fun the second time around!
— Review left March 11, 2022
You may be thinking Key West is a dusty old island with boats, bars serving margaritas, and a place where Hemingway stayed for a while, but not much else. While Key West has those, there's a lot more to it than that. It's full of rich history, a place where artists, entrepreneurs, and presidents have made their home, and full of beautiful scenery. If your even mildly curious, take this short Key West trip and see for yourself. You won't regret it.
— Review left March 5, 2022
When my family and friends ask me how my trip to Key West was, my answer is, "Fabulous!".
Road Scholar provided just the right combination of education, fellowship, and site visits.
— Review left February 21, 2022
Wonderful trip. Hotel and food were amazing. Our group leader, Craig, was so knowledgeable and organized. Learned so much about the culture and history of this beautiful city. Actually thinking about doing this trip again next year!
— Review left February 17, 2022
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Thank special speakers all very informative and interesting.
— Review left February 4, 2022
Beautiful location. Diverse and varied activities. We went down early to explore some of the other Keys.
— Review left January 29, 2022
A great mid-winter getaway in a warm climate offering excellent accommodations in the heart of Key West, great meals at a variety of restaurants, interesting field trips and lectures, with time to explore on your own.
— Review left January 25, 2022
The Road Scholar trip to Key West was fun and informative. I look forward to more adventures with Road Scholarsd!
— Review left January 24, 2022
This was a fun and educational program with wonderful accomodations and lots of delicious foods. It is NOT a program for those with mobility issues.
— Review left January 24, 2022
I highly recommend this program as it provides education, exercise and relaxation. The local speakers are all excellent; walking around Key West to the homes, museums and restaurants is easy and very pleasant as our leader uses the headsets to give us interesting tidbits of information on the way. Craig is an excellent leader giving us all of the information we need to enjoy ourselves and be happy that we came on this trip.
— Review left January 24, 2022
An excellent typical Roadscholar excursion to Key West with well prepared speakers, venues, and appropriate excursions. Key West resident
leader was quite helpful in allowing large group to enjoy the visit of 4 full days. Opal Resort is a comfortable older facility well maintained, with 2 elevators near the entrance so request rooms near the elevator to avoid long hallways. The variety and quality of the restaurants as well as a full breakfast was much appreciated. Multiple opportunities to enjoy Key Lime Pie. Recommend Bagatelle for dinner on your own. One might consider an extra day to take ferry $190 each to Dry Tortugas National Park. The Key West Airport will be replaced in 2024; it is appropriate for a provincial city in a banana republic. There are only 8 "gates" which means you may wait on arrival 30-90 minutes on the plane (we waited 30/others 90). Do not check luggage unless you wish to lose it or wait hours for grossly understaffed baggage facility. We had to wade through a mob of 100s awaiting luggage to get to the front door which was difficult for a spouse pushing a walker. Note peak times 11-2 pm to avoid long security lines (we left at 9 am) Use Lyft/Uber to hotel not overpriced taxis. Truman White House/Hemingway House were highlights of a full introduction to the charms of Key West One might consider a visit on your own to Zachary Taylor State Park entrance $2.50 for pedestrians. The full vibe of Key West especially the spirited bars and famous T shirt shops was fully available on Duval Street. Enjoy and relax!
— Review left January 23, 2022
First time back to Key West in forties years, a great time and learning experience with a great group of people, great escape from the winter weather up north!!
— Review left January 21, 2022
What a wonderful trip. The hosts were fantastic dealing with a larger than normal group. There was a complaint that the fish at the last lunch restaurant was way overcooked and the service was a bit iffy. Otherwise a great trip.
— Review left January 17, 2022
The Key West trip we enjoyed this December was a treat for the pre-holiday rush. Beautiful setting, lovey accommodations, friendly people, great trip leader. We left full of information and stories about Key West that we will love to share with others.
— Review left December 22, 2021
Road Scholar trips are not only interesting and informative, but are a great venue for friends and family members to spend time together in a new experience. Thumbs up!
— Review left November 29, 2021
The Signature City Key West program was just plain fun! The hotel was on the waterfront which gave views of sail boats at breakfast and over-the-water sunsets before dinner. Best of all, nearly all the activities and restaurants were within a comfortable walking distance on scenic and pedestrian-friendly streets. For those who like to stay out late, the night life was hopping with many bars, restaurants, musicians and local talent within easy walking distance. Most of the program time was spent visiting interesting historical Key West houses and museums interspersed with great food and key lime pie at locally owned restaurants. More than half the group was solo travelers and everyone mixed and mingled during events and while dining. There were plenty of other solos to venture forth with during free time and many new friendships were made. Craig, our incredibly organized and knowledgeable guide, made sure that everyone felt included and maximized both the fun and learning of the trip. This was an excellent learning adventure and a program to take if you want to learn, eat, explore and just have fun.
— Review left November 20, 2021
Overall a good program, especially if you like authors
— Review left March 7, 2020
This was a good trip to see the highlights of Key West. We stayed at The Reach hotel in Key West and it was very comfortable.
— Review left February 18, 2020
As a single women I really enjoy Road Scholar programs. I have always met interesting people and I have never felt left behind.
— Review left February 8, 2020
Great program, wonderful hotel and lots of good food. Only issue was the weather which Road Scholar cannot control. Key take away for Road Scholars always bring your base layer even when you go to Key West you never know when it might get cold!
— Review left January 30, 2020
What a great trip! Craig was an awesome group leader and Key West is an awesome town! We saw and learned a lot, and had a wonderful fun time doing it. And the food was incredible. Thanks you RS... It was definitely worth the price.
— Review left January 20, 2020
Great trip you will be happy
— Review left December 13, 2019
This was my first Road Scholar trip and my first time to Florida. The program was excellent. The group of 15 was a nice size and made it easy to get to know one another. The guide, tours, lectures, food were perfect. I enjoyed my trip and hope to take another RS excursion in the near future.
— Review left December 8, 2019
Excellent program, group was very enjoyable, leader outstanding.
— Review left March 31, 2019
what a great way to experience Key West! I feel like we covered everthing from a variety of foods, museums and culture. You could tell our host, Craig, really knows and loves his home of Key West
— Review left March 25, 2019
This program was varied and always interesting. I learned so much of the history on this small island.
— Review left March 21, 2019
Like our other two Road Scholar tours, this one to Key West was enjoyable, entertaining and educational. It's the best way to visit anywhere.
— Review left March 18, 2019
This travel experience is great for those who want to do more than sit around on a beach all day !! Traveling with the group is much easier than doing all the preparations yourself. You find yourself immersed in the experience instead of overwhelmed by the planning.
— Review left March 18, 2019
A delightful exposure to Key West with diverse visits to Hemingway's House, Mel Fisher Museum, Cultural Center, Tennessee Williams Museum and Coast Guard cutter, The sunset in Mallory Square is not to be believed- worth the trip! Craig was a great leader sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with us.
— Review left February 9, 2019
Mike Fowler our leader on this trip was a gem. What a great leader a keen eye for what everyone was up to. Such care for all. The program was excellent and I have been to Key West 2 times before but not with the program details and excellence as this one.
— Review left January 31, 2019
Key West is a place unlike most other U.S. beach towns. This program hits all the historical highlights (and there are many), and gives additional perspectives on the town, what it's like to live there, and what makes it so special. Quick and active, it's very enjoyable and interesting.
— Review left January 30, 2019
Key West is often thought of as just a party town, truth is, there is much to see and much to learn in this really fun environment. The Truman White House and Butterfly House just two excellent examples!
— Review left January 21, 2019
