Compare Signature City Toronto by Road Scholar vs Utah's National Parks from Las Vegas by Tours of Distinction

Day 1
Arrival and Check-In, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Toronto, Ontario D Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Check-in is 4:00 p.m.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a welcome dinner

Evening: We’ll begin our evening with an orientation session where we’ll get to know each other as well as review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes. We’ll go over important information as well as have time for questions. 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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars or settle in for the night. You may also wish to explore what the city has to offer. The hotel is in downtown Toronto, surrounded by restaurants, City Hall and historical sites.

Day 2
Old Town Toronto, St. Lawrence Market, Urban Planning
Toronto, Ontario B,L,D Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Walking approximately 2 miles over two hours. Driving about 50 miles over 3 hours.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Join a local expert for an entertaining and enlightening presentation on the city of Toronto, past and present. Then set out to experience Canada's largest city. See places that even locals don't even know about - the hidden gems often overlooked. Explore Old Town Toronto on foot with stops at St Lawrence Hall, St. James Cathedral as well as various historical sites along the way. The fusion of classic architecture and modern amenities is enhanced by the stunning view of Toronto's skyline. At St. Lawrence Market discover some Canadian delights; the restored 1845 market building is home to more than 50 specialty vendors.

Lunch: At the market, a variety of options are available to suit any taste.

Afternoon: We will embark on a coach exploration of the city with our local expert; discovering Toronto’s famous landmarks, unique architecture and we learn more about urban development. Enjoy an onboard presentation that will examine urban planning and design, and the revitalization projects underway in the city, including Regent Park.

Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3
Multicultural Toronto, Chinatown, Art Gallery of Ontario
Toronto, Ontario B,L,D Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Public transit will be used today. Walking approximately 2 miles over 3 hours; multiple flights of stairs, busy streets

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and celebrates over 100 different cultures with over 180 languages spoken. A local expert will provide us with an in-depth talk on Toronto's vibrant multicultural landscape. Then set off on foot to explore Chinatown and Kensington Market - the very epicenter of the city - it is a combination of Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, and the Meatpacking District with the culture and excitement of a great multicultural city. We’ll continue to learn about this area's fascinating history from our expert as we work our way to our lunch destination.

Lunch: Lunch at the market

Afternoon: Uncover the treasures of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) on an expert-led exploration. Founded in 1900 by a group of private citizens as the Art Museum of Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America. The AGO expanded its facility in 2008 with an innovative architectural design by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The Canadian collection vividly documents the development of the nation's art heritage since pre-Confederation, including one of the largest and finest Inuit art collections in the world. The AGO also houses the world's largest public collection of works by internationally renowned British sculptor Henry Moore.

Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 4
Harbour Cruise, Free Afternoon
Toronto, Ontario B Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Walking approximately 1 mile, busy streets. Option for additional walking during free time

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: This morning we will take a cruise to see Toronto from a different perspective. See the Toronto Islands, harbourfront, CN Tower and the city's iconic skyline.

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. 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. Some options you may find of interest are: Performing Arts (Sony Centre, Young Peoples Theatre, Canadian Stage Theatre); Gardens & Historic Homes (Toronto Sculpture Garden, Mackenzie House, Allan Gardens Conservatory, Casa Loma); Museums (Art Gallery of Ontario, Bata Shoe Museum, Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, Tatar Gallery, University of Toronto Art Centre, Gardiner Museum) and many more interesting sites.

Dinner: Dinner on your own (at your own expense) to explore the many dining options in Toronto.

Day 5
Queen's Park, Royal Ontario Museum, Farewell Dinner
Toronto, Ontario B,L,D Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Public transit will be used today. Walking approximately 2 miles over 3.5 hours; multiple flights of stairs, busy streets

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Visit Queen's Park, the seat of Ontario's Parliament. Discover the architecture of the Legislative buildings and learn about the history of the provincial legislature and the inner workings of the legislative process. We will explore the notable historical statues and monuments on an expert-led walk of the grounds (details of visit dependent on Parliamentary activity).

Lunch: At the ROM, we'll enjoy lunch

Afternoon: Embark on an expert led exploration of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) for an overview of the many galleries and exhibits followed by free time to explore on our own. Explore an exceptional array of themed galleries throughout the Museum, spanning both world cultures and natural history. Learn about the evolution of the ROM's architecture, and the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. The ROM is the fifth largest museum in North America and contains more than six million items and over 40 galleries. It is also the largest museum in Canada and has notable collections of dinosaurs, Near Eastern and African art, East Asian art, European history, and Canadian history.

Dinner: We’ll enjoy our farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Day 6
Departure, Program Concludes
Toronto, Ontario B
Activity note: Check-out is 12:00 noon.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. Program concludes

Morning: 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 Las Vegas, NV

Today, transfer to the airport for your flight to Las Vegas. Upon our arrival, we transfer to our hotel on the Las Vegas strip. This evening, there is a Tours of Distinction exclusive welcome reception with the remainder of the evening free to explore the vibrant nightlife that is Vegas.

Day 2 - Grand Canyon Village, AZ

After breakfast, we depart Las Vegas and travel past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam as we enter Arizona. We stop in Kingman to tour the Route 66 Museum, which highlights the glory days of cross country automobile travel. We travel Route 66 heading east through northern Arizona. This afternoon, we will see “One of the Wonders of the World,” Grand Canyon National Park. This 1.2 million acre national park hosts a vast variety of wildlife and scenic wonders. We will learn about the geology and history of the canyon while taking in its breathtaking beauty at all the best view points along the South Rim, including Grand Canyon Village. After, we check into our hotel just outside of the park. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 3 - Lake Powell, UT

Breakfast is included this morning before we make one more pass along the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. We include a stop at Desert View before exiting the park. Then, enter the Navajo Nation with a rest stop at Cameron Trading Post with time to explore the amazing gift shop.  Next travel past the Vermillion Cliffs as you make your way to Page for an included lunch.  Then take a spectacular tour through Antelope Canyon.  The mysterious and haunting beauty of Antelope Canyon awaits the adventurous traveler who seeks to discover one of the most spectacular attractions of the Lake Powell area.  A tour to this awe-inspiring sculpture set in stone is a must for amateur and professional photographers alike.  An optional short hike to Horseshoe Bend for a stunning view of the Colorado River is available.  Arrive Lake Powell Resort with the evening free to explore and have dinner on your own.

Day 4 - Monument Valley

The morning starts with breakfast and a scenic cruise on Lake Powell. The contrast of the red rock walls and emerald blue waters are a stunning sight as we glide through the canyons. After, there is time for lunch, on own. This afternoon, we depart Lake Powell and travel to famed Monument Valley, a sacred place to the Navajo. We will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the ‘Dineh’ people. Their arts, music and livelihood are all closely tied to the dramatic desert landscape that is their home. After checking in to our hotel, we meet our Navajo guide and board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a scenic tour of Monument Valley; location for scores of famous western films, television programs and commercials. As we travel through the valley and visit famous locations, such as John Ford Point, Artist Point and The Totem Pole, we will also learn more of the Navajo traditions and way of life. This evening, we experience Navajo culture, food and entertainment at a Navajo Cookout. After a wonderful day, we settle into our hotel.

Day 5 - Arches National Park

After breakfast, we depart Monument Valley and head north, arriving at Dead Horse Point State Park for a picnic lunch and one of the most spectacular scenes in the southwest. We have the chance to see the expanse of Canyonlands National Park stretching to the south and the mighty Colorado River 2,000 feet below. From here, we are off to nearby Arches National Park for sightseeing. The 18,000 square-foot visitor center (with over 2,000 named arches within its 73,000-acre boundary) will introduce us to the unique geologic forces that created the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. We visit all of the park’s highlights including: Park Avenue, Balance Rock, The Windows and Delicate Arch. In the late afternoon, we embark on a fabulous experience, as we take a Jet Boat Ride on the mighty Colorado River through spectacular red rock canyons. As the sun dips in the west, the canyon colors come to life while we learn about the river’s ecosystem, geology and history. After the thrilling ride, we enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner served on the banks of the Colorado River. We later arrive at the beautiful Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge which is located on the bank of the mighty Colorado, and check in for a two night stay. This area has been the site of numerous classic western movies including Rio Grande with John Wayne.

Day 6 - Canyonlands National Park

Our day starts after breakfast by meeting our professional driver guide and board 4x4 vehicles for a Jeep Tour of Canyonlands National Park. The Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is the focus of this outstanding tour. Set 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, we descend from the top of the mesa via the famous Shafer Trail. Using switchbacks, the tour will take us from atop the mesa to the meandering river corridor below. Throughout the tour, our guide will provide information on the Park and the scenery. What an exciting morning in Canyonlands! Enjoy free time in Moab to have lunch on own, and to do some shopping and exploring. This afternoon, we return to Red Cliffs where we have the rest of the day free to relax and soak in the scenery. There is time to visit the Utah Movie Museum and the Castle Creek Winery, both included, at your leisure. Dinner, this evening, will be served outside with the quintessential western scenery of Castle Valley in full view.

Day 7 - Bryce Canyon National Park

From breakfast, we depart Moab for Capitol Reef National Park. We pass through the town of Green River and the San Rafael Swell. We will see ancient petroglyphs, beautiful rock formations, deep canyons and pioneer history followed by a wonderful picnic lunch under towering cottonwood trees. We will drive scenic Highway 12, designated as an ‘All American Road,’ through Grand Staircase ~ Escalante National Monument, before arriving at Bryce Canyon National Park for sightseeing. Later, we check into our hotel for the evening. This evening is free to enjoy dinner, on own.

Day 8 - Zion National Park - Depart Las Vegas

We depart after breakfast on a short drive to see Utah’s oldest and most famous national park, Zion National Park. The Paiutes believed mischievous spirits lived among the 2,000-foot high towers and would not enter the canyon alone or remain there after dark. There will be time for lunch on own before crossing the desert returning to the glitz and glam of Las Vegas. After an amazing trip through some of our nation’s greatest natural treasures, we enjoy a farewell dinner before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.