Compare Santa Fe Holiday Traditions: Beyond the Ordinary by Road Scholar vs Alaska: The Great Exploration by Discover Corps

Day 1
Registration, Orientation, Introductions, Welcome Dinner
Santa Fe, NM D Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity note: Check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration 3:00-5:00 p.m.: After checking into the hotel and getting your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, to get your welcome packet containing your up-to-date schedule and other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet at the front desk when you check in. Orientation at 5:00 p.m.: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Transportation for program-related activities will be via motorcoach unless specified otherwise.>br> Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: In the hotel meeting room enjoy a plated meal or buffet; selections usually include a choice of entrées and coffee, tea and water.

Evening: Take the rest of the evening to continue getting to know your fellow participants, relax, and get a good night’s sleep for the full day ahead.

Day 2
New Mexico History Lecture, Santa Fe Plaza, Museum Hill
Santa Fe, NM B,L,D Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; walking several blocks up to a mile over paved but uneven sidewalks; standing for up to two hours at museums. The activity level for this program is "On Your Feet." Participants should be able to walk up to two miles daily on varied terrain and stand for as long as two hours. Please note that all program activities takes place at an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level.

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel

Morning: This morning our Group Leader will lead a discussion about the history of the area that is now New Mexico, from its earliest Ancestral Puebloan inhabitants to the Spanish and American soldiers and settlers who followed. We'll also hear about Santa Fe and why it's called "The City Different." We'll then head out on foot to explore Santa Fe's Plaza area, the historic heart of the city. We'll visit the impressive Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the lovely Loretto Chapel with its intriguing staircase, and other sites as determined by the Group Leader.

Lunch: Plated meal at a popular local dining spot includes selection of entrées, coffee, tea and water (additional beverages available for purchase.)

Afternoon: After lunch we'll board our motorcoach and depart for Museum Hill for visits to the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art. The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture features pottery, jewelry, sculpture, baskets, and other objects made by Native Americans from the earliest times to modern day, scrupulously documented and beautifully displayed. Most of the work is from the Southwest. The Museum of International Folk Art focuses on indigenous populations from around the world through their art – ranging from ceremonial dress and masks to furniture. The museum hosts the largest collection of international folk art in the world, including wings featuring some of the 106,000 pieces donated by collectors Alexander and Susan Girard and Lloyd Cotsen's Neutrogena collection.

Dinner: Plated meal at a local restaurant.

Evening: Return to the hotel; remainder of the evening at leisure.

Day 3
Georgia O'Keeffe, O'Keeffe Museum, Free Afternoon
Santa Fe, NM B,L Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity note: Walking up to several blocks over uneven sidewalks with inclines; standing up to an hour at museum

Breakfast: Buffet at the hotel

Morning: We'll start the morning with an expert-led presentation about the life and art of Georgia O'Keeffe. One of the most significant artists of the 20th century, Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) was devoted to creating imagery that expressed what she called “the wideness and wonder of the world as I live in it.” She was a leading member of the Stieglitz Circle, avant-garde artists who began to flourish in New York in the 1910s. O’Keeffe’s images—instantly recognizable as her own —include abstractions, large-scale depictions of flowers, leaves, rocks, shells, bones and other natural forms, New York cityscapes and paintings of the unusual shapes and colors of architectural and landscape forms of northern New Mexico. After the lecture, we'll walk four blocks to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, which holds the largest collection of O’Keeffe’s work in the world – over 3,000 of the artist’s works – comprising 140 of her oil paintings, almost 700 drawings and hundreds of additional works. The museum offers a varying selection of O’Keeffe’s work, as well as works by other artists in changing exhibits.

Lunch: Plated meal at a local restaurant includes coffee, tea, water (additional beverages available for purchase.)

Afternoon: Free afternoon for independent activities. There are a number of museums, shops and galleries in this area, all within walking distance of the Plaza. Nearby museums include the New Mexico Museum of Art, the New Mexico History Museum, the Palace of the Governors, and the Museum of Contemporary Native Art. You might also enjoy visiting the lovely Loretto Chapel with its intriguing spiral staircase and the State Capitol building. The State Capitol houses the "State Capitol Art Collection," featuring the work of local New Mexico artists, sculptors and photographers. Those willing to travel a few miles down Cerrillos Road (city bus transportation available on Sheridan Street near the Plaza) might enjoy visiting "The House of Eternal Return" at the Meow Wolf Art Complex. A uniquely Santa Fe experience, "The House of Eternal Return" is a multimedia, interactive art experience that has been described as “immersive storytelling.” Developed with the generous support of Santa Fe resident and "Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin, it was an immediate sensation after its opening in March 2016 and already has become a destination attraction for adventurers from around the world, attracting over 1,000,000 to date. It's been recommended by CNN Travel as one of "the best things to do in Santa Fe," and declared by CBS News to be New Mexico's "most Instagrammed destination." It's a far cry from traditional Santa Fe style, but is a lot of fun for the open-minded young-at-heart. then gather at the hotel, board the motorcoach and depart for lunch destination.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost so that you can enjoy what you wish or sample the local fare. Not to be confused with "Tex-Mex," New Mexican cuisine is a fusion of Native American and Spanish ingredients and techniques. Santa Fe is known for the breadth and depth of its culinary offerings. There are a number of fine restaurants within walking distance, including the hotel's restaurant, Eloisa. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions.

Evening: At leisure to explore Santa Fe's nightlife, enjoy the company of new Road Scholar friends with informal activities, or rest and relax.

Day 4
Southwest Cuisine, Cooking Demonstration, Performance
Santa Fe, NM B,L,D Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity note: Walking up to two miles over the course of the day on paved but uneven sidewalks with a possibility of snow and ice.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After breakfast, we'll enjoy a lecture about Southwest Cuisine. We will then walk to the Santa Fe School of Cooking to enjoy a demonstration class on the preparation of the unique cuisine which has made Santa Fe a 'foodie' destination.

Lunch: At the Santa Fe School of Cooking.

Afternoon: After lunch there will some free time to explore or to relax before walking to the Lensic Performaing Arts Center for this afternoon's concert.

Dinner: At the hotel; sparkling wine and dessert included.

Evening: At leisure. You may wish to go to the Plaza, where there will be entertainment from 9:00 p.m. - 12:15 a.m. featuring local musicians, slam poetry, the raising of a tin Zia symbol and a festive fireworks display.

Day 5
Pueblo Dances Lecture, Kewa Pueblo, Native American Musician
Santa Fe, NM B,L,D Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; traveling 70 miles for 1 1/2 hours over the course of the day; walking up to one mile over varied, possibly muddy or snowy terrain; standing up to 2 hours during dances at the Pueblo with no seating available.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: This morning, we'll learn a little bit about Kewa (formerly Santo Domingo) Pueblo and its feast day dances. We'll then depart for the Pueblo to see some of the dances. Kewa is one of the most populous yet least open of all New Mexican pueblos. It is a Keres-speaking pueblo established in the 15th century by immigrants from villages atop the nearby Pajarito Plateau. The pueblo has an especially lovely Catholic church and some fine arts and crafts shops. Santo Domingo artisans are known for beadwork and other jewelry and pottery. Dances are both celebratory and ceremonial; it is a privilege to be allowed to attend. Please observe quietly and respectfully during the dancing. (For guidelines regarding etiquette during Pueblo visits, please refer to the "Etiquette Guide for Pueblo Visits" in the "Web Links" section of your Information Packet. Photography of the dances is strictly prohibited. Since most cell phones are equipped with cameras, it is inadvisable even to display your cell phone while at the Pueblo. You run the risk of having your camera or cell phone permanently confiscated if you do not comply.)

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After returning to the hotel we'll enjoy a performance by local, award-winning Native American musician Ron Roybal. Ron is a fine Native-American-flute player dedicated to the preservation of traditional music. He'll perform some of his own compositions for us.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
School for Advanced Research, State Capitol Art Collection
Santa Fe, NM B,L,D Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity note: Getting on/off coach; walking up to several blocks over paved and unpaved, sometimes uneven terrain; standing up to two hours at School for Advanced Research and Capitol Building.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We begin the morning with a presentation on the School for Advanced Research. We'll then depart for a field trip to the School. Established in 1907 as a center for the study of the archaeology and ethnology of the American Southwest, the scope of its activities has grown to embrace a global perspective, advancing scholarship in anthropology and related disciplines and facilitating the work of Native American scholars and artists. While there, we'll visit the vaults in the Indian Arts Research Center. Not generally open to the public, the IARC's collection is considered one of the most remarkable assemblages of Southwestern Native art in the world, more than 12,000 items. We are very pleased to have permission to take our Road Scholar group, led by a docent, into this incredible treasure trove. We'll see many rare items such as pottery, basketry, textiles, jewelry, and more as we learn about their provenance and significance.

Lunch: Plated meal of local regional favorites includes selection of entrées, coffee, tea, water (additional beverages available for purchase.)

Afternoon: After lunch we'll travel to the New Mexico State Capitol Building. Its design is based on the Zia sun symbol (also seen on the state flag); known as "The Roundhouse," it is the only round state capitol building in the country. The building houses an impressive collection of art by New Mexico artists and sculptors. Return to the hotel following the Roundhouse visit.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Program closing in our hotel meeting room. We'll share our experiences and exchange our farewells.

Day 7
Breakfast
Santa Fe, NM B
Activity note: Hotel checkout time: 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are departing from the hotel, please check out no later than 11:00 a.m. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please be in touch via the Road Scholar Social Network, where you can share memories, pictures, and comments. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage

Meals: Dinner

Our Alaskan adventure begins in its charming city of Anchorage. Arrive into Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) and meet your local Alaskan guide. We’ll get a brief introduction to the area before settling into our accommodations at a boutique inn in downtown Anchorage. Dine alongside locals at a brewhouse and get to know one another as we gear up for the week ahead.

Day 2: Learn about Alaska's History and Meet a Member of the Beluga Whale Alliance

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today's adventure takes us to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. As Alaska’s largest living cultural center, we’ll get the unique opportunity to explore a village of authentic and traditional structures from Alaska’s many native cultures. We’ll also be treated to a range of performances including native dancing led by a community dance group, or athletes demonstrating World Eskimo-Indian Olympic Games skills. In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic lunch and guided hike into the snow capped mountains of the Chugach State Park. Stop along the way to discuss the stunning geography of the area while learning about Alaska history as you gaze over aerial views of Anchorage.

Before dinner, we’ll get a visit from a member of the Beluga Whale Alliance to discuss the declining Beluga Whale population of nearby Cook Inlet and their effort to sustain the species by volunteer driven data collection. Enjoy dinner with a view overlooking the Cook Inlet, named after Captain James Cook during his search for the Northwest Passage.

This hike is all abilities level and will be based on group pace with 3 different routes to choose between.

Day 3: Ride a Glass-Top Train to Seward & Explore Kenai Fjords National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Rise early for an adventure down the Alaskan coast. Hop aboard the Coastal Classic train and venture from Anchorage to Seward in style. Often ranked as the top ten train rides in North America, you’ll wind along Turnagain Arm, where the steep mountains of the Chugach Range plunge directly to the sea before entering into the backcountry wilderness. Take in the panoramic vistas of Alaska’s beauty under the glass dome ceiling railcars. This 4.5 hour scenic ride will offer plenty of photo opportunities of wildflowers, rivers, and possible wildlife sightings so be sure to keep your camera handy! Arrive into the quaint, fishing town of Seward where you’ll go from train to boat for an afternoon of wildlife and glacier viewing in the remarkable Kenai Fjords National Park. Keep an eye out for whales, porpoises, puffins, sea otters, the stellar sea lion, and more as we cruise through Aialik Bay towards the mighty Holgate Glacier, an actively calving tidewater glacier. We will spend time in front of the glacier to watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water. The tour is fully narrated by a National Park Ranger

Day 4: Join the Alaska Sealife Center for a Puffin Experience before a Dog Sled Tour Through the Wilderness

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Wake to the sounds of fishing boats departing for the day and views of towering Mt. Marathon and Mt. Alice outside your window. Today we will head to Alaska’s only marine rescue and research facility, The Alaska Sealife Center. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about how the center is protecting marine wildlife through rescue and rehabilitation. Go behind the scenes with researchers and learn about a range of animals from stellar sea lions, ringed & spotted seals as well as the giant pacific octopus. Join staff in a privately led deep dive into the characteristics and traits of a puffin. Learn first hand why their bright orange beaks change colors during the year and how they’ve earned their nickname, clowns of the sea!

In the afternoon, visit a local homestead kennel for a look into Alaska’s Iditarod dog sledding family, The Seaveys. Get to know their beloved team of huskies, a tether-free environment, and how mushing runs deep within the family line and their way of life. Your adventure begins with a 2-mile dog sled ride. Feel the power, excitement, and energy of these amazing sled dogs as they are harnessed to comfortable wheeled sleds on this hour and a half dog sled tour. Mush through the Seward Alaska wilderness to the base of Resurrection Mountain and along Box Canyon Creek.

Day 5: Head to Homer & Meet with the Alaska Center for Coastal Studies for "Belly Biology"

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, we will hit the road and head to the other side of the Kenai Peninsula stopping along the way in the old gold mining town of Cooper Landing. We’ll arrive in Homer and visit the Wynn Nature Center at the Alaska Center for Coastal Studies, whose mission is to protect the unique marine and coastal ecosystems of Kachemak Bay through science-based environmental education and stewardship. Get to know the 150 acre wildlife corridor with a habitat that includes spruce, black cottonwood, and alder trees and is the epicenter for a range of birds from the Black-capped Chickadee to the Orange-crowned warbler. The preserve is located on top of a bluff 1200 feet above Kachemak Bay. After touring the grounds, head down to the Homer Marina with a trained naturalist guide as you explore marine invertebrate life living on & around the Homer Harbor Docks in an activity called, belly biology.

Day 6: Visit a Local Oyster Farm

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Rise for a delicious breakfast followed by some free time to explore the small shops & cafes on the boardwalk along the Homer Spit. In the afternoon, we will board a boat for yet another engaging ocean experience. This time we will explore Kachemak Bay stopping at a local oyster farm to enjoy a tasting! Learn about ocean research by participating in a plankton tow, viewing them under a microscope and using an underwater remote operating vehicle to explore the ocean bed and all the creatures that call this place home! We’ll stop at the secluded Peterson Bay Field Station & visit Intertidal Creature Touch Tanks. Later in the evening, we’ll come together for a memorable Farewell Dinner to cap off our great Alaskan adventure!

Day 7: Explore the Homer Spit before Returning Home or Continuing to Denali

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Enjoy a relaxing final morning in Homer. Head into town for souvenir shopping or beach combing along the oceanfront. In the afternoon, we’ll drive back to Anchorage for evening flights out. Those who opt for the Denali Extension will bid the rest of the group farewell and take a domestic flight from Homer to Anchorage then onwards to Denali National Park.