Compare Santa Fe Holiday Traditions: Beyond the Ordinary by Road Scholar vs America's Magnificent National Parks 2022 End Denver Classic Group by Insight Vacations

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 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

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 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. Once in Deadwood, you’ll have the opportunity to join Kevin Costner’s Original Deadwood Tour. A Local Expert will tell you tales of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, who made this once lawless town famous during the Gold Rush of the 1870s. 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.