50-Plus Travel Strenuous Tours &amp; Trips

Self-Guided / Independent Tour

Lodging level

Basic - 2 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Cairo, Luxor Temple, Madrid

Highlights

Dive into the hustle and bustle of Cairo’s city life Cruise along the Nile like a local on a traditional Felucca Visit the magical city of Luxor and learn about Egyptian history Marvel at ancient Egyptian sites including pyramids and temples

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

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-23%$2,561

9 days From$1,970

Generous cancellation

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Kyrgyzstan's Silk Road Journey

By Explore!

premier

4.6/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Bishkek, Tashkent

Highlights

Discover the contrast between mountainous Kyrgyzstan and the plains of Uzbekistan
Overnight in a yurt by alpine Song Kul Lake like the nomads of Central Asia
Walk through walnut woodlands and discover hidden waterfalls

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"A fantastic memorable trip. Enjoyed every aspect, varied and informative. Well organised and lots of fun. Jason worked really hard to make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Would definitely recommend if you like Mayan history , jungle, birds, waterfalls, snorkelling, caves, beach life , fast boats , lakes and rivers, local cuisine, variety of wild animals."

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-19%$3,530

14 days From$2,870

Health Safety +

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Galapagos Islands Retreat

By Tours of Distinction

preferred

4.9/5 Excellent

51 reviews

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Pacific Ocean, Quito, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

Be inspired by the serenity of yoga on this wellness tour of theGalapagos Islands
Watch the dance of marine iguanas and see a parade of blue-footed boobies as frigate birds soar overhead
Quito is one of the most incredible cities in South America. From its historic churches to the middle of the world, there is always something to do
Get up close and personal with the famed giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz island
Witness the most incredible, endemic wildlife on the planet. Remember, the animals can touch you, but you can’t touch the animals!

Themes

50 plus, Birding, Cultural, Education / Learning, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness

What travelers are saying

"We loved this trip. Our guide was excellent. We really enjoyed all the included highlights. Our favorite was Biltmore Estate. It is a must!"

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-19%$4,920

8 days From$4,000

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Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park

preferred

4.4/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Highlights

Discover Rocky Mountain National Park’s pristine and less-traveled southern portion known as Wild Basin
Hike the headwaters of the Big Thompson River to Cub Lake and the amazing alpine glacial valleys Glacier Gorge and Loch Val
Explore areas where elk, coyotes, deer, snowshoe hares and many other mammals inhabit year round

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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6 days From$1,399

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New Year's Eve in Prague

preferred

4.4/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Prague

Highlights

Enjoy the Christmas markets in the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares, where musicians perform and mulled wine, chestnuts, potato pancakes and sausages are among the delicacies you’ll find
Marvel at Prague’s historic sites on expert-led walks that bring you over the Charles Bridge, into picturesque Lesser Town and through the Jewish quarter
Greet the New Year in a traditional Bohemian restaurant with a discussion of Czech folklore, food, music, dancing and laughter

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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9 days From$1,799

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Choose Your Pace: Hiking and Walking Classics in Quebec & Vermont

preferred

4.4/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Quebec

Highlights

Observe the pristine natural beauty with an option of an intense hike or a gentle walk
Along the trail, naturalists and historians interpret the history and scenery of Vermont and Québec
Discuss Québec unique history, politics and culture while sampling the region’s great wines and cheeses

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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6 days From$1,169

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Exotic Ethiopia: Spectacular Wildlife and Ancient Kingdoms

preferred

4.4/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Addis Ababa, Axum, Gondar, Lalibela, Rift Valley

Highlights

With a local naturalist, visit Bale Mountains National Park, home to more endemic species than any terrestrial habitat in the world
Learn about the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, which some Ethiopians believe were built by angels
Marvel at the scenic Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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15 days From$6,349

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Maryland & Penn.: A Bike Trek in the Great Allegheny Passage

preferred

4.4/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Full schedule

Highlights

Join a local environmental educator for an introduction to the flora, fauna and history of the Laurel Highlands
Ride through Ohiopyle State Park, the historic coal patch town of Whitsett and the 3,294’ long Big Savage Tunnel
In Pittsburgh, ride the Duquesne incline to the top of Mount Washington for a spectacular view of one of the country’s most beautiful skylines

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."