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Puerto Rico

Feliz Año Nuevo! New Year’s and Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico

Program No. 2215360MEADV-1116-60
Experience the traditions of Puerto Rico and discover the island’s incredible culture while celebrating New Year’s and Three Kings Day! Explore the city, villages, museums and more!

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Dec 30 - Jan 7, 2025
Starting at
3,399
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Dec 30 - Jan 7, 2025
Starting at
4,539
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Learn about and share in the New Year’s traditions of Puerto Rico. Join in local celebrations of the New Year and Three Kings Day — the Epiphany — and survey the variety of regional music, art, folklore and cuisine across the island. In bustling San Juan, explore the Old City and visit Haciendas in Ponce and Manati. Meet locals in the north while discovering small fishing villages and an underground cave system, and celebrate New Year’s Eve itself with live music at a beautiful resort at Ponce in southern Puerto Rico.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walk 2 miles some days; standing indoors up to 20 minutes.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Celebrate New Year’s Eve in authentic Puerto Rican fashion at a beautiful resort in southern Puerto Rico.
  • Explore Camuy Caves, one of the largest subterranean cave systems in the world and the only one of its size to boast an underground river
  • During San Juan’s City at Night celebration, walk from one small restaurant to the next sampling authentic local food while you peruse art galleries, craft shops and city plazas.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Alberto J Melendez
Alberto Melendez is a certified educational excursion, a certified Advance Open Water Scuba Diver and a Florida master naturalist. He has been leading kayak and snorkeling explorations in the Orlando area for over eight years. A 'tree-hugger' since the term became popular, he enjoys introducing folks to the inside story of the critters, salt marsh and history of the area.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Alberto J Melendez
Alberto J Melendez View biography
Alberto Melendez is a certified educational excursion, a certified Advance Open Water Scuba Diver and a Florida master naturalist. He has been leading kayak and snorkeling explorations in the Orlando area for over eight years. A 'tree-hugger' since the term became popular, he enjoys introducing folks to the inside story of the critters, salt marsh and history of the area.
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.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
9 days
Program Begins
San Juan - Isla Verde
Program Concludes
San Juan - Isla Verde
Meals
22 | 8B | 7L | 7D |
Activity Level
Learn about and share in the New Year’s traditions of Puerto Rico. Join in local celebrations of the New Year and Three Kings Day — the Epiphany — and survey the variety of regional music, art, folklore and cuisine across the island. In bustling San Juan, explore the Old City and visit Haciendas in Ponce and Manati. Meet locals in the north while discovering small fishing villages and an underground cave system, and celebrate New Year’s Eve itself with live music at a beautiful resort at Ponce in southern Puerto Rico.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Celebrate New Year’s Eve in authentic Puerto Rican fashion at a beautiful resort in southern Puerto Rico.
  • Explore Camuy Caves, one of the largest subterranean cave systems in the world and the only one of its size to boast an underground river
  • During San Juan’s City at Night celebration, walk from one small restaurant to the next sampling authentic local food while you peruse art galleries, craft shops and city plazas.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Alberto J Melendez
Alberto Melendez is a certified educational excursion, a certified Advance Open Water Scuba Diver and a Florida master naturalist. He has been leading kayak and snorkeling explorations in the Orlando area for over eight years. A 'tree-hugger' since the term became popular, he enjoys introducing folks to the inside story of the critters, salt marsh and history of the area.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walk 2 miles some days; standing indoors up to 20 minutes.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (8 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
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
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
22 meals | 8B | 7L | 7D |
6 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
8 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
After checking in at the hotel and getting your room assignment, ask the front desk for the location of the Road Scholar meeting room where we will have our Orientation session. Program Registration: 5:00 p.m. As you register with the program staff, you will 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. 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 the Group Leader and a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Meals will be at the hotel and local restaurants unless otherwise noted. Unless specified otherwise, transportation will be primarily by motorcoach and will require going up and down a few steps. Periods in the daily 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 a restaurant within walking distance of 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. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Bring baggage to lobby for loading on motorcoach. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 50 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 1.5 miles; paved road, uneven in places.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board our motorcoach to Ponce. En route, we’ll stop in Casa BACARDI. Travel through time and Discover the Bacardi family heritage and become part of the legacy by getting to know the World’s most awarded premium rum.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Continuing our ride, we’ll reach Ponce on the south of the island and check in to our hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At the hotel, we’ll attend a New Year’s Eve party with live music, food on the terrace, a glass of sparkling wine, and stew at midnight.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a trolley; riding and walking up to 1/2 mile; paved road, uneven in places.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll gather for a late morning presentation by our Group Leader, providing an overview of Puerto Rico.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Led by a local expert, we’ll take a field trip by trolley and on foot to explore Ponce, second-largest city in Puerto Rico. It was founded in 1692 by the great-grandson of Juan Ponce de Léon who explored Puerto Rico and Florida, allegedly in pursuit of the Fountain of Youth. Ponce today is notable for its impressive neo-Classical architecture in the old colonial center that has been declared a national treasure. We’ll see the historic, beautiful, and unique Ponce Firehouse, Ponce Cathedral, and Delicias Square.
Dinner:
At a popular restaurant, we will learn how to cook an authentic savory dish, Mofongo — made of mashed plantains and other tasty ingredients — as well as appetizers. We’ll then dine on our creations.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 10 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day; periods of standing.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our first field trip today will be to the Coffee Hacienda , a 19th century coffee plantation turned museum. Restored to its former glory by a team of Smithsonian specialists and island artisans, its location is indeed a buena vista (beautiful view), with just under 500 acres in the Rio Canas Valley. We may be able to see hummingbirds as the Hacienda's trails take us past cascading waterfalls. With our local expert, we will explore some of the plantation’s grounds and visit the on-site museum while learning about the development of the coffee industry in the area.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy resort facilities
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 40 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Hiking about 1 mile, approximately. 1 hour; some rubble and loose terrain. Bring walking shoes with good ankle support.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and depart for Castillo Serralles. This castle is the family home of the best selling rum brand in Puerto Rico, Don Q. This incredible castle and much of the entire city of Ponce, was build as part of the vast Serrallés family fortune. Built in 1930, this four story concrete castle sits on top of a hill overlooking downtown Ponce, Puerto Rico. The former family mansion turned museum is Spanish Revival or Spanish Moroccan architecture designed in
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Our next field trip will take us to the town of San German and the Convento de Porto Coeli, notable as the second-oldest church in the New World (1609). After centuries of gradual decline, it was seriously damaged in 1949 and sold to the government of Puerto Rico. It has since been reinvented as a museum of religious art. After the field trip, we’ll return to our hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer to Manati tomorrow.
Activity Note
Bring baggage to lobby for loading. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 40 miles, aprox 2 hour riding time. Hiking about 1 mile, approximately 1 hour; uneven terrain. Important : None slip close shoes, you will need to walk .93 miles from the Welcome Center to Entrance of the cave. Level of difficulty: moderate to high Not recommended for people with asthmas or cardiac condition.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board our motorcoach for a field trip to Camuy River Cave Park, where a local expert will give a presentation. This is one of Puerto Rico’s most popular natural wonders, a lush 268-acre park containing the world’s third-largest cave system, formed over the course of a million years by the action of the Camuy River. The river still runs through some of the vast subterranean caverns. While archaeological evidence shows that the native Taíno Indians knew it for centuries, it was “discovered” in 1958. Led by a local resident expert, we’ll hike approximately 2 miles inside the caventain range.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Resuming our journey to Manati, we’ll stop in Arecibo to see the Arecibo Lighthouse, then proceed to our hotel for check-in.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles; hilly terrain, wear comfortable walking shoes.Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motor coach to transfer to Hacienda La Esperanza in Manati City. Revive the history of sugar in Puerto Rico visiting one of the most important haciendas from the 19th century, visit a sugar cane plantation, explore the ruins of the historic site and visit the house of the Marquis of La Esperanza.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer to San Juan tomorrow.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Hiking/walking about 1 mile, approximately 1 hour; uneven terrain, high humidity.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Three Kings Day is one of the most important holidays on the Puerto Rican holiday calendar. Known in other places as Epiphany, it venerates Los Reyes Magos — the Three Kings, Wise Men, or Magi — who came bearing gifts for the infant Jesus. This is traditionally the day of gift giving in Latin America. Along with our Group Leader, we’ll observe and participate in festivities with the people.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant a short walk from the hotel.
Afternoon:
Led by a local expert via motorcoach, we’ll explore Old San Juan and such famed sites as Fort San Felipe del Morro and La Muralla. Both are part of the San Juan National Historic Site. Puerto Rico was once known as the “Gibraltar of the Caribbean” due to its strategic location. The fort, where construction began in 1539, was not completed until 1787 and became one of the largest Spanish colonial fortifications in the region. Our expert will give us a presentation.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in San Juan. 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.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. 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
22 Meals
8 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
7 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 07, 2025
  • Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 07, 2025
  • Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 07, 2025
  • Dec 30, 2025 - Jan 07, 2026
2 nights
Location: San Juan
At the Hampton Inn & Suites® hotel in San Juan, they want to make your stay perfect. So if you want to surf the web on your laptop, do so with our free high speed internet access. Run a few miles in our exercise room, or swim some laps in the pool. You'll even find a convenience store at our hotel in San Juan. If you're looking for recommendations on what to do and where to eat in San Juan, just ask the staff at our San Juan hotel and they'll be happy to help!
4 nights
Location: Ponce
The Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort is situated just 5 minutes from the downtown of the historic city of Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second largest town, also known as “The Pearl of the South”, or also “The Seigniorial City” (La Perla del Sur o La Ciudad Señorial), renowned for the rich cultural heritage represented in several National Museums and Galleries found in the City. A stylish yet relaxed architectural concept awarded a National Prize, built on a beachfront property and surrounded by more than 80 acres of landscaped areas, including a 27-hole Championship Golf Course; Hilton Ponce is better interpreted as the place where business and leisure meet.
2 nights
Location: Manati
Hyatt Place Manatí is a different kind of hotel in Puerto Rico designed around our guests. We are located off exit 48 on Jose de Diego Expressway PR-22, at the intersection of PR-149 and PR-2. We are minutes from top medical facilities and growing medical tourism district as well as shopping and dining options. Our Manatí, Puerto Rico hotel allows guests to escape from the monotony of daily life and enter into the island mindset. Whether you’re floating on the brisk Atlantic waters or on the still surface of our outdoor pool, our hotel is a reflection of the amazing opportunities you can find in our thriving local community.
2 nights
Location: San Juan
At the Hampton Inn & Suites® hotel in San Juan, they want to make your stay perfect. So if you want to surf the web on your laptop, do so with our free high speed internet access. Run a few miles in our exercise room, or swim some laps in the pool. You'll even find a convenience store at our hotel in San Juan. If you're looking for recommendations on what to do and where to eat in San Juan, just ask the staff at our San Juan hotel and they'll be happy to help!
4 nights
Location: Ponce
The Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort is situated just 5 minutes from the downtown of the historic city of Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second largest town, also known as “The Pearl of the South”, or also “The Seigniorial City” (La Perla del Sur o La Ciudad Señorial), renowned for the rich cultural heritage represented in several National Museums and Galleries found in the City. A stylish yet relaxed architectural concept awarded a National Prize, built on a beachfront property and surrounded by more than 80 acres of landscaped areas, including a 27-hole Championship Golf Course; Hilton Ponce is better interpreted as the place where business and leisure meet.
2 nights
Location: Manati
Hyatt Place Manatí is a different kind of hotel in Puerto Rico designed around our guests. We are located off exit 48 on Jose de Diego Expressway PR-22, at the intersection of PR-149 and PR-2. We are minutes from top medical facilities and growing medical tourism district as well as shopping and dining options. Our Manatí, Puerto Rico hotel allows guests to escape from the monotony of daily life and enter into the island mindset. Whether you’re floating on the brisk Atlantic waters or on the still surface of our outdoor pool, our hotel is a reflection of the amazing opportunities you can find in our thriving local community.
Participant Reviews
3.5
Based on 2 Reviews
Sort By:
Sherry – Class of 2019 | Brooklyn, NY
As a veteran world traveler who avoids tour groups, I signed up for this one, my first Road Scholar trip on the urging of friends who rave about the company. Words cannot express how wonderful it was!! I give the highest rating! I came home with a new understanding and profound appreciation of Puerto Rico and its beautiful people that I never would have learned any other way. This trip expertly combined city and country, mountain drives, museums, a fascinating climb into a cave, lighthouses, beaches, not to mention a fabulous New Year's Eve party at the Ponce Hilton with fireworks and Three Kings Day celebration at the end . We avoided hotel food and souvenir shops typical of ordinary tours to learn instead about the history and culture, music and dance, while experiencing the best foods where the people eat, scenery and wonderful spirit of the Puerto Rican people. Our tour leader Alberto Melendez was brilliant, kind, generous and so much fun to be with. A native of Ponce, he shared his passion for his island and inside knowledge with us. He treated us as friends, not tourists. I would joyfully sign up for future tours lead by Alberto; I think he has spoiled me. How could any other Road Scholar trip be as terrific without him?! I will add that although there were earthquakes and tremors in various spots along our trip, they were impossible to predict and were very unusual on Puerto Rico. Despite them, Alberto kept us safe and informed at all times. My heart is still there wishing the best for everyone on the island. On our last day, after the group had said goodbye, several of us strolled the beach across the street from our last hotel in San Juan. We talked about how intelligently planned this trip was and how sorry we were to see it end. (I stayed in San Juan another 3 days!) Thank you Alberto, and Road Scholars!
— Review left January 13, 2020
Diane – Class of 2016 | Midlothian, VA
For the portion of the trip I experienced it was great but with the seismic activity there for quite some time and the big one hitting recently, I almost wonder why we were sent there anyway. I never experienced the actual three kings day as I was gone by then leaving the island when a quake hit in Ponce and the room shook, very scared of what was to follow. In addition, our group leader, Alberto, was wonderful, knowledgeable and very accommodating to our entire group. He was smart, energetic, a good listener and born in Puerto Rico so he knew the Island well. I would highly recommend him to anyone that would need an excellent tour guide.
— Review left January 7, 2020





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