Compare Keys and Everglades: Human and Natural History Outdoor Studies by Road Scholar vs Country Roads of the Deep South 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Key Largo D Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table at the Orientation session [please ask the front desk for the specific location] to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Unless specified otherwise, all transportation will be provided via passengers vans. Our Group Leader will lead all field trips unless otherwise noted. Evenings will often include a review of the day’s sightings and an introduction to the activities for the following day with the remainder of the night at leisure. Meals at local restaurants will have plated table service of regional dishes from a select menu with soft drinks, coffee, tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in available activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: We’ll then travel in vans to a local restaurant for a plated regional dish with soft drinks, coffee, tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. You may wish to take a stroll along the boardwalk, continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.

Day 2
Everglades National Park
Key Largo B,L,D Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
Activity note: Walking about 2 miles throughout the day over paved sidewalks and boardwalks; our afternoon hike destination is weather and time dependent. The drive is approximately 45 miles, about 1.5 hours.

Breakfast: At a warm and friendly local restaurant, we’ll have a plated home-cooked breakfast with coffee, tea, juice and water.

Morning: We’ll begin with a field trip to Everglades National Park's "River of Grass” where we will go on a walk led by a local Park Ranger along the Anhinga Trail while learning about local animals and the impact of human development on the Everglades’ ecosystem. The expansiveness of this environment will provide and abundance of excellent birding and photo opportunities.

Lunch: At the park, we’ll find a comfortable spot to sit and rest while we enjoy delicious and healthy picnic boxed lunches.

Afternoon: We’ll then go on a short hike led by our Group leader around a lake and bird rookery or in the pine flat woods and grass prairie. Which location will depend on time available and weather conditions. Before returning to the hotel we'll stop at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center with some time for independent exploration to peruse exhibits, a short video and the Everglades/Natural Florida book store.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 3
John Pennekamp State Park, Pigeon Key, Mallory Square
Key West Florida B,L,D Westwinds Inn
Activity note: Walking about 2 miles throughout the day in short installments; some uneven terrain and boardwalks; paved sidewalks. The drive is approximately 92 miles, about 2.5 hours. Getting on/off a boat; the ride is about a 1/2 hour.

Breakfast: Local restaurant plated meal.

Morning: Our first field trip of the day will be to the John Pennekamp Visitor Center and Aquarium featuring a 30,000 gallon saltwater aquarium and other natural history exhibits that provide examples of the park's unique marine environment. After some time for independent exploration in the visitor center, we'll embark on a short walking field trip through the park led by our Group Leader on a path through mangrove habitats, over pathways and on boardwalks. We’ll learn about the importance of mangroves to the reefs and why the mangrove system is the second most productive bio-zone on the planet as we walk inside this virtual jungle above the water. Afterwards, we’ll then transfer to Pigeon Key where we'll take a trip through time as we explore buildings that were built in 1909 to house more than 400 workers who were working 14-hours a day, six days a week, to build Henry Flagler's Florida Overseas Railroad. We’ll ride the Pigeon Key boat from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico and cross beneath the new 7-Mile Bridge as well as a 2.2-mile segment of the old 7-Mile Bridge! Once on the Island, we will explore the historic buildings and the Pigeon Key Museum led by an expert from the park staff.

Lunch: On Pigeon Key overlooking Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay, we’ll prepare our own sandwiches and salads for lunch.

Afternoon: We’ll then board the boat and take it back to US-1 to continue our journey to Key West where we will check into the hotel and have some time to freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: After walking to a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated meal of regional specialties with soft drinks, coffee, tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: We’ll then walk to Mallory Square for the iconic Sunset Celebration—a unique Key West experience—where we will enjoy some independent exploration. A nightly arts festival featuring street performers, artists’ stalls, crafts, music, and more, the Sunset Celebration always draws a crowd to the coast to enjoy the sinking sun over the Gulf. Ask the Group Leader for suggestions regarding entertainers worth seeing. After sunset, you may choose to stay on Duval Street on your own to soak in the nightlife or head back to the hotel with the Group Leader. Be sure to remember we have an early morning tomorrow.

Day 4
Yankee Freedom, Dry Tortugas National Park & Fort Jefferson
Key West Florida B,L,D Westwinds Inn
Activity note: Early departure from the hotel for a short walk to the dock to board the Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, a large 150 passenger catamaran with an air conditioned lower deck and an open air top deck; restrooms on board. Getting on/off the boat; the ride is about 2.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles, about 1 hour, throughout the day on group activities with some periods of standing; some uneven terrain and boardwalks.

Breakfast: Aboard the ferry, we’ll have a breakfast buffet featuring choices including bagels, cereal, yogurt, fruit, juices, coffee and water.

Morning: En route to Dry Tortugas National Park, our onboard naturalist will provide an orientation about the area and the national park's surroundings. During our voyage, we will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands, Boca Grande, have an opportunity to see turtles and dolphins, and listen to pirate legends. Upon our arrival to the Park, we’ll enjoy a walking field trip through Ft. Jefferson led by a Park Ranger while learning about its role in U.S. history.

Lunch: Aboard the ferry, we’ll have a buffet lunch.

Afternoon: We’ll then enjoy some free time on the island. You may wish to go on a walk around Ft. Jefferson’s moat with a naturalist, snorkeling, bird watching, or just relax on the sandy beach. Birders, be aware that beginning in late February the adjoining Bush Key is closed to visitors to enable the sooty terns and other unique birds to nest undisturbed. However, activity can often be viewed through volunteer rangers’ spotting scopes. We’ll then board the boat and, after returning to hotel, take some time to freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: In the hotel's back garden, we’ll have a lovely buffet featuring local dishes with soft drinks, coffee and water.

Evening: We’ll have a group session at the hotel during which our Group Leader will provide ideas, recommendations and brochures for things to do on the free day in Key West tomorrow. The remainder of the evening is at leisure for you to do what you wish.

Day 5
Free Time in Key West
Key West Florida B Westwinds Inn
Breakfast: By the pool at the hotel, we’ll have a breakfast buffet including an assortment of cereals, fruit, bagels, pastries, eggs, juice, coffee, tea and water.

Morning: Free Time. Take this opportunity for 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.

Lunch: 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.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At leisure. You may wish to explore Key West's lively night scene by visiting a favorite watering hole, taking in a cabaret revue or jazz performance, strolling some quieter neighborhoods on a Ghost Walk, sauntering down to the Westin Marina or Old Seaport to see a visiting celebrity's luxury yacht, or simply relaxing at the hotel. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 6
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Windley Key State Park
Key Largo B,L,D Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
Activity note: Walking about 1.5 miles, approximately 1.5 hours, on uneven and paved terrain. The drive is approximately 92 miles, about 2.5 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel and beginning our transfer back to Key Largo, we'll stop for an expert-led field trip at Florida's southernmost state park to learn about some U.S. Military history and the role that Fort Zachary Taylor played in it. Constructed to defend America’s southeastern coastline along with a series of other strongholds in the mid-1800s, Fort Zachary Taylor was completed in 1866 and was thereby significantly involved in both the Civil and Spanish-American Wars.

Lunch: En route at beautiful Sombrero Beach, we’ll have our picnic boxed lunches.

Afternoon: Carrying onward, we’ll make another field trip stop to visit the Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park and walk along eight-foot-high quarry walls to see cross-sections of ancient coral. We’ll learn about the history of the quarry and its operation—an important part of Florida's 20th century history—as we walk among samples of the quarry machinery that have been preserved at the park. This land was sold to the Florida East Coast Railroad in the early 1900s because it is made up of Key Largo limestone and fossilized coral and these materials were integral to the construction of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad shortly thereafter. Once the railroad was completed, the main product extracted from this quarry was Keystone, used primarily for decorative purposes. We’ll then complete our journey back to the hotel in Key Largo with some time to freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy our plated farewell dinner in the company of new Road Scholar friends with standard beverages; other drinks available for purchase.

Evening: While remaining at the restaurant, we’ll have a recap session to review our program and share our favorite experiences of the week as well as outline our activities for the following morning. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures tomorrow.

Day 7
Biscayne National Park, Program Concludes
Key Largo B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At a local restaurant.

Morning: En route to our final drop off point at Miami International Airport, we'll make a short visit to Biscayne National Park for a field trip where we will view a short film about the park and enjoy some insightful history presented by a Park Ranger. Despite Miami being within sight, Biscayne houses an unparalleled conglomeration of distinct ecosystems, life forms, and evidence of human history. The lush islands float on top of the brilliant blue waters that shelter and preserve the vibrantly colorful coral reefs and multiple shipwrecks beneath the surface. Tales ranging from the emergence of ancient peoples to escapades of piracy and presidential visits all have an anchor at Biscayne. Immediately following our field trip, we'll depart for the Miami International Airport for our final drop-off and departures. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1: Arrive in Nashville

Welcome to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the USA’s glittering centre stage. From the Everly Brothers' “Bye Bye Love," to Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman," the streets are paved with talent. Your airport transfer will whisk you to your hotel.Relax and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and mingling with guests at 18:00 followed by a Welcome Dinner with wine.

Day 2: Take centre stage in Nashville

Start your day with an orientation tour of music city. You'll visit the picturesque Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol and the 132 acre Centennial State Park, where you'll encounter an exact replica of the Parthenon. Pass by the city's lively honky-tonks and street performers on Broadway, as you make your way to the Ryman Auditorium, former home of the Grand Ole Opry. Built in 1885 as a building for religious gatherings, it held its first concert in 1892, before opening its doors to Hollywood greats. It is here where Johnny Cash first met June Carter, where bluegrass was born and where country music found an audience. Tonight, head to the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world-renowned country music stage and longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.

Day 3: A day of legends

Go behind the scenes of a Nashville recording studio. This intimate experience introduces you to a performing artist, musicians and the techniques behind a song’s development. Make a stop at Nashville’s Farmers' Market and Market House to explore its artisanal crafts and produce.Explore Nashville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Nelson’s Green Brier, a local Tennessee distillery and home of the Original Tennessee Whiskey. Alternatively, visit the National Museum of African American Music, which shares the story of the American soundtrack through history and interactive technology.Tonight's dinner at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant will introduce you to the colourful flavours of Nashville. Perhaps try the crabmeat cheesecake.

Day 4: Heading back home to Memphis

This morning you'll head to Memphis. Whether it’s your first or hundredth time visiting this vibrant city, you’ll be drawn in by the lively melodies coming from Beale Street.Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of the city, followed by a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Civil Rights Museum. While there, you’ll be guided through five centuries of The Civil Rights Movement history and its impact on our culture today.End your day by joining a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to prepare young adults for life success and inspire future artists.

Day 5: A day dedicated to the King

Begin you day with a visit to Sun Studio, the “birthplace of rock and roll”, where music legends, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded.Make your way to the magnificent Graceland, the former home of the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley.Dinner this evening will be served at The Beauty Shop, a former parlour turned whimsical New American eatery where Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done.

Day 6: Memphis to Greenwood

Travel through the Mississippi Delta down the Mississippi Blues Trail, a route that tells the stories of bluesmen and women. Explore the Delta town of Greenwood at your own pace, before heading to the Viking Cooking School for a hot tamales cooking demonstration - a regional specialty.Later, dine on a mouthwatering dinner at a James Beard Award finalist restaurant that features southern inspired dishes that include produce local to the area.

Day 7: Moving on to Natchez

Learn more about Southern history and hospitality as you head to Natchez. Tour the historic antebellum mansions, and discover the preservation efforts of later generations to tell the story of African-Americans through the decades, understanding that slavery and cotton allowed plantation owners to build these mansions. Test your mixologist skills as you concoct a traditional Southern cocktail, the Mint Julep. Minty, cooling and with a touch of sweetness, you're sure to learn a few party tricks to bring back home with you. Enjoy an evening to yourself. Ask your Travel Director for restaurant suggestions and discover one of the wonderful options in town.

Day 8: Natchez to Lafayette

Move on to Lafayette for a taste of the Cajun and Creole culture. Get to know more about Cajun culture and how it is defined by its roots.Head to the Acadian Cultural Center followed by a unique Cajun music experience.A genre rooted in the ballads of the French-speaking Acadians, it is both eclectic and joyous. Learn more about this fast tempo music and its history from a local accordion maker and musician.In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 9: Lafayette for foodies

Start the day with a crawfish farm tour just outside the city. You will be joined by a Local Expert who will help you catch your lunch the old-fashioned way, using hand nets. You’ll be taught how to prepare a traditional boil, before sitting down to the meal. If crawfish are out of season, you'll take part in a boil experience with seasonal seafood. Later, enjoy time at leisure or head out on an optional swamp tour.

Day 10: Welcome to the Big Easy

New Orleans is a lively and dynamic city, known for its vibrant culture and electric jazz festivals. On the way down south, stop at the Tabasco® Factory for a self-guided tour and discover how the world-famous red hot pepper sauce is made. This afternoon, head to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, where you’ll learn more about the city’s diverse cuisine with a guided tour and included lunch.

Day 11: Festivities in New Orleans Relaxed Start

Get to know the city with a Local Expert as you discover each neighborhood's unique architecture and explore the vibrant art scene. See how the community comes together through celebration.In the afternoon, take your pick of optional activities, perhaps getting to know the local culture through a jazz music experience or by meeting a voodoo specialist.End your day by joining your fellow travellers at a Celebration Dinner at the Palace Cafe - a contemporary and upbeat Creole restaurant at the foot of the French Quarter.

Day 12: Depart New Orleans

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your adventure comes to an end with a departure to the airport.