Compare Amelia Island and St. Augustine: Coastal Treasures in Florida by Road Scholar vs America's Magnificent National Parks 2023 End Denver Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1
Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location: Fernandina Beach, Florida Meal: D Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration. 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar desk in the conference room 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, other important information, and to confirm when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. 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. 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 popular local inn in the Fernandina Beach Historic District, we will enjoy a plated dinner, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 2
Amelia Island & Fernandina, Fort Clinch, Coastal Ecology
Location: Fernandina Beach, Florida Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front
Activity note: Getting on/off trolley. Minimal walking/standing at Fort Clinch on uneven terrain. Walking 2 blocks from hotel to dinner.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we will enjoy a buffet breakfast with fresh fruit, eggs, biscuits, waffles, pancakes, danish, bacon or sausage and more, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Morning: Today will be a day of fascination and historical adventure. We will board an authentic trolley for our group at our hotel and be chauffeured to the downtown historic district. We will be greeted by an historian on board, who will give a brief history of Amelia Island, including the story of the visionary whose exhilarating dream so stirred his neighbors that they agreed to move their entire town to the site of a plantation he owned, creating "New" Fernandina in the 1850s. From the "giant" Timucua Native Americans, to Spanish and French explorers, to the lawless spirit of pirates, to the dignified air of Victorian-era residents, Amelia Island has been home to diverse cultures that have left a truly exciting heritage. We will observe the uniquely gracious and historic homes of another century and learn of the efforts to preserve their nearly extinct, pristine architectural styles, as well as the small town’s fragile sense of community and historical integrity.

Lunch: At a popular restaurant downtown, we will enjoy a plated meal, with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We will next travel by trolley to Fort Clinch, a part of the Florida State Park system since 1935. The fort is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country, thanks to the preservation and restoration efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. While garrisoned during the Civil War and the Spanish-American War, the fort has never seen action. Civil War-period reenactors will bring garrison living to life for us.

Dinner: At a restaurant in the historic district, we will enjoy a plated meal, with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: After dinner we will walk back to the hotel. In the conference room, we will learn about the island ecology from an expert.

Day 3
Amelia Island River Cruise, Free Time
Location: Fernandina Beach, Florida Meal: B,D Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front
Activity note: Getting on/off pontoon boat for cruise including ramp with grade and elevation dependent on tide. Minimal walking. Walk 2 blocks to dinner.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After breakfast, we will walk across the street from our hotel to a marina and board a vessel to cruise the rivers, creeks and marshes that surround Amelia Island with a naturalist and history expert who will give you the details of everything from the land to the sea. We will cruise by Fernandina’s shrimp boats, historic Old Towne, Fort Clinch, the wild horses of Cumberland Island, and ruins of the Carnegie Dungeoness Mansion.

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: We will enjoy entertainment with a guest musician who plays numerous instruments.

Dinner: At a popular restaurant downtown, we will enjoy a plated meal, with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Cathedral Basilica, Historic St. Augustine, Lightner Museum
Location: St. Augustine, FL Meal: B,L,D Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton St. Augustine Historic District
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Travel by motorcoach approximately 1.5 hour/77 miles. Minimal walking in historic district.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will depart Amelia Island for St. Augustine by motorcoach. En route, we will preview a video about Henry Flagler, a key figure in the development of the Atlantic coast of Florida and founder of what became the Florida East Coast Railway. Upon arrival into St. Augustine, we will visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, the oldest parish of a permanent European settlement on the North American continent north of Mexico, led by a local expert. Then, we will take a walk through the downtown historic district.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a plated meal, with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will enjoy a self-guided visit the Lightner Museum, home to one of the best collections of fine and decorative 19th-century art in the country, in the historic former Hotel Alcazar. Afterwards, we will check into the hotel.

Dinner: At a restaurant in the historic district set in a restored Victorian house, we will enjoy a plated dinner, with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Flagler, Memorial Presbyterian, Castillo de San Marcos
Location: St. Augustine, FL Meal: B,L,D Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton St. Augustine Historic District
Activity note: Getting on/off trolley.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will be treated to an expert-led field trip to Flagler College, once the Ponce de Leon, Henry Flagler's first St. Augustine, traveling by trolley or minibus dependent on weather. We will learn about the history of the building and its stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture and manicured gardens of the campus. We will then take a trolley ride around St. Augustine, the nation's oldest continually occupied European settlement and at various times home to Native American tribes, British redcoats, Spanish conquistadors, pirates, and tycoons. We will see remnants of each era preserved in the city's historical sites, such as historic St. George Street, City Plaza, and the Spanish Military Hospital. Our trolley will bring us to Memorial Presbyterian Church, Learn about the history of this historical church built in 1889 by business tycoon and St. Augustine benefactor Henry Morrison Flagler in honor of his daughter Jennie Louise Benedict. Our expert will tell us about the unique construction techniques employed to build this Second Renaissance Revival gem, as well as stories about Flagler and his family.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a plated meal, with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: From lunch, we will walk to visit Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, with construction beginning in 1672 when Florida was part of the Spanish Empire. Before going to dinner, we’ll hear from a local expert about Minorcan settlers of St. Augustine, who arrived here after nine years of enslavement at a nearby indigo plantation. Our presenter will be dressed in Minorcan period attire.

Dinner: At a local restaurant in the historic downtown, we will enjoy a plated meal, with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Departure St. Augustine to Jacksonville Airport/Fernandina
Location: St. Augustine, FL Meal: B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. Transfer shuttle departs hotel at 9:00 a.m. For participants who arrived by plane, transfer to Jacksonville Airport will be by 10:00 a.m. For participants who drove, transfer to Fernandina will follow by 12:00 Noon. This concludes our program.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.

Morning: Transfer shuttle departs hotel at 9:00 a.m. For participants who arrived by plane, transfer to Jacksonville Airport will be by 10:00 a.m. For participants who drove, transfer to Fernandina will follow by 12:00 Noon. This concludes our program. 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!

Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix and Travel to Scottsdale

Welcome to Arizona, famous for its scenic road trips, towering Monument Valley, and of course the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Your airport transfer will whisk you to your hotel in Scottsdale where you can enjoy the facilities and grounds of this striking desert oasis. Why not head out and explore Old Scottsdale, a vibrant and unique urban downtown area that introduces you the best of the state? Here, you’ll be surrounded by retro wooden buildings, rodeo inspired artwork and a selection of local stores, all radiating a classic Southwestern flair. At 18:00, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner at Zuzu, where you will have the opportunity to mingle and get to know one another.

Day 2: Sedona and the Wonders of the Mighty Grand Canyon

Travel through world-renowned Red Country along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of only 20 designated All-American Roads nationwide. Explore bohemian Sedona with its shops and galleries, or simply take in the exceptional beauty of Red Rock Country before you make your way to the Grand Canyon. Follow Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Byway through Coconino National Forest, a breathtaking stretch of road recognized by Rand McNally as one of the Top Five Most Scenic Drives in America. On arrival, you can take an optional flightseeing tour over the Grand Canyon. Whether you prefer a helicopter or a fixed-wing plane, you'll enjoy magnificent scenery with aerial views from above. Meet your Local Expert Canyon Tim at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to discover its wonders. You'll learn all about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formations and the human impact on this natural masterpiece. He'll also talk to you about the local flora and fauna, and where you might be able to spot them.

Day 3: Monument Valley and Lake Powell

Early risers will take advantage of the lodge location to witness one of Mother Nature's grandest shows on earth: a sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Travel along the South Rim Desert View Drive, skirting the South Rim of the canyon. We will stop at Desert View Point to see the historic Watchtower built by Mary Colter in the Puebloan style, the Colorado River turning north and the Painted Desert extending towards Navajo and Hopi Indian lands. Make Travel Matter as we will be supporting the Grand Canyon Conservancy and making a donation to support the development of the Desert View Inter-tribal Heritage Center. Head to the Cameron Trading Post, on of the oldest and most historic general stores in Arizona. Enter Monument Valley Tribal Park, where you'll join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet your Navajo Local Experts and board all-terrain vehicles with open sides for a private, off-the-beaten path exploration of this magical valley. Learn about Navajo history, culture and heritage from your expert as you travel deeper into the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Enjoy a Navajo cookout amid the giant buttes and mesas of this unique landscape. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lakefront resort.

Day 4: Leisurely Lake Powell Relaxed Start

Today is entirely yours to do as you please. Partake in one of our popular optional experiences, explore on your own, or simply relax by the resort swimming pool with views of Lake Powell. As an optional activity this morning, let yourself be tempted by a gentle float trip down the Colorado River. Calmly float down the Colorado, past some of the most awe-inspiring sites, like the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Petroglyph Beach. In the evening, enjoy dinner with wine at the Red Heritage as you get the opportunity to watch local dancers talented in colorful powwow dancing, flute playing, and live drum music and enjoy a traditional dinner at this Navajo owned Native American Performing Arts Theater.

Day 5: Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks

Journey across a wide-open landscape punctuated by colorful sandstone cliffs, sagebrush-covered flats, and high ridges dotted with piñon pine and juniper. Travel through Bryce Canyon Country on a portion of the Scenic Highway 89, recognized by National Geographic as the No. 1 Driver's Drive in the world. You will be struck by the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, an otherworldly landscape of red rock pillars known as hoodoos, pink cliffs, and endless vistas. Follow the Rim Trail from Surprise Point to Bryce Point. Stops will be made at the major viewpoints and there will be time for a leisurely walk along Sunset Point or a more physical hike down the canyon. Either way, you will be spellbound by the beauty and majesty of this dramatic natural landscape.

Day 6: Zion National Park Relaxed Start

After a leisurely breakfast and a Relaxed Start, we will tour the canyon aboard a privately chartered open-air vehicle, with live commentary from a Local Expert to show you the many scenic highlights of the canyon such as the weeping rock, the hanging garden and the fauna and flora of the park.Then choose between a Travel Director guided hike to the Emerald Pools for beautiful scenery of the canyon, waterfalls and green pools surrounded by red sandstone or visit the Zion Nature Center at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The afternoon is free after that. In the evening enjoy a Celebration Dinner hosted at the lodge, and a last chance to share travel memories with your new friends.

Day 7: Salt Lake City

This morning you make your way out of Zion National Park and will transfer to Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. Your hotel is short walk away from Temple Square, which is the headquarters of the Mormon church. In the evening join for a dinner with wine at the hotel.

Day 8: Jackson and the Tetons

Before leaving Salt Lake City, take in the State Capitol building. Drive along the scenic Logan Canyon, over the Wasatch Mountain Range, and up to the Bear Lake Summit. Stop for lunch at Garden City, Utah while enjoying views of the beautiful turquoise waters of Bear Lake. You will then head north across the Oregon Trail to historic Jackson. Have your cameras ready for the famous elk antlers the central square, while eager shoppers will find a number of charming traditional boutique galleries to browse. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, with your hotel located only a short walk away from Jackson's Town Square.

Day 9: Yellowstone National Park

Wake up to a mountainous view like no other and witness the striking Grand Tetons thrust skyward 6,562 feet (2,000 metres) from the valley floor. This morning, you have the opportunity to partake in an optional scenic float down the Snake River (signed waiver required) inside Grand Teton National Park. In keeping with today’s rustic country charm, you’ll enter Yellowstone, the world’s first National Park. Known for its unique geothermal activity, spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife, you’ll experience Wyoming in all its glory. Keep an eye out for black bears or wolves. Tonight you’ll stay in the National Park Lodges, allowing you to experience the park after hours, in its natural habitat.

Day 10: Geysers and Colourful Mudpots Relaxed Start

Savour the surreal surroundings of Yellowstone with a relaxed start. Walk among the rainbow tinted hot springs and watch the erupting geysers as you take in the history of the park on an informative stroll with your Travel Director. Catch the renowned colourful bubbling mud pots and observe Old Faithful geyser shooting water over 120 feet (37 metres) into the air. In the afternoon, enjoy the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as you take in stunning natural wonders. While driving through Hayden Valley, famous for its wildlife, keep an eye out for wolves, bears, elk and hundreds of bison. The rest of the evening is at leisure for you to relax.

Day 11: The Ranch at Ucross Relaxed Start

Set off on your travels through the stark Shoshone Canyon and Absaroka Rocky Mountains, leading you to the Wild West Town of Cody. Channel your inner showman and learn more about America’s great Western legends at the Buffalo Bill Centre, known for its Western art collection, firearms, and natural history. Travel through the Bighorn National Forest to the Ranch at UCross. Take in the rustic charm as you're hosted at a traditional Wyoming Family ranch. Start off the evening with a cocktail hour in the historic Ranch House bar. After a home-cooked dinner, enjoy a fire pit with live entertainment, including country, folk and bluegrass music.

Day 12: Devils Tower into the Black Hills

Live the American frontier dream and begin your day with a scenic country horseback ride (8) accompanied by a Ranch Hand. If playing cowboy isn’t your thing, perhaps go fishing or merely relax and take in your beautiful surroundings, the choice is yours. Make your way to Devils Tower, an astounding geological feature that protrudes out of the surrounding Black Hills. This symbolic landmark is considered sacred to the Lakota and other tribes. Experience Spearfish Canyon, a favoured spot among wildlife enthusiasts and one famous for its elvish woodland beauty. The limestone palisades of this creek-carved gorge are more ancient than the Grand Canyon itself.

Day 13: Custer and the Wild, Wild West

A day for those looking to explore the Wild West, try to spotting the fastest mammal in North America, the pronghorn antelope as you cross the great high plains to the Black Hills of South Dakota. We visit Badlands National Park in South Dakota, 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest protected mixed grass prairie in America. Without a doubt, a hidden gem in the national park system, the unique beauty of the Badlands landscape is like no other. Sightseers as well as scholarly scientists are attracted to the area for its astounding beauty and the opportunity to peek into an ancient world. Continue on to Custer State Park, renowned for its beautiful landscape and abundant wildlife.

Day 14: Mountain Monuments of the Black Hills Relaxed Start

Travel to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Here, carvings of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt overlook the landscape. Next, head  to Crazy Horse Memorial, which is dedicated to protecting and preserving the culture, tradition and living heritage of the North American Indians. An exclusive Insight Experience awaits as you are taken up to stand face-to-face with this impressive sculpture. At 641 feet (195 metres) long and 563 feet (172 metres) tall the piece takes the record for the world’s largest mountain carving.Join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a Celebration Dinner with wine, as you reflect on your adventure across the wide-open spaces of America's national parks.

Day 15: Depart Denver

Travel south from Custer State Park where your trip ends on arrival in Denver. A transfer is available to Denver International Airport. Airport arrival in Denver will be at 16:30 or choose to extend your stay in Downtown Denver.