Compare The Army-Navy Game Experience: Football and History by Road Scholar

Day 1
Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Washington, DC D The Hamilton Hotel
Activity note: Hotel check in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration from 4-5:15 PM. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the lobby 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 learn when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive after program registration, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation. The Group Leaders 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. For the Army-Navy Game, we will have seating for our group in the upper level in the stadium. There will be a limited number of seats available in the mid-level section if you wish to upgrade at an additional fee. Travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Places 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, rewarding, and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leaders 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: In a private room at the hotel, we’ll have our welcome dinner with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At Leisure.

Day 2
D.C. & Arlington National Cemetery
Washington, DC B,L The Hamilton Hotel
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; tram service at Arlington National Cemetery; walking up to 1 mile.

Breakfast: At the hotel, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet with choices such as eggs, fruit, yogurt, selection of breads, milk, juices, coffee, hot tea, water.

Morning: We’ll begin the day with a lecture to learn more about the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial located at the West Side of the Capitol. The sculptor was Henry Merwin Shrady who tragically died two weeks before its dedication, but considered the statue his life's work. Art historians rank the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial among one of the most important sculptures in D.C. We’ll then set out on a motorcoach overview of the National Mall. Designed by Pierre L’Enfant in 1791, the Mall developed in ways the architect had not intended. Yet it is today one of the foremost symbolic places in America— 1,000 acres of green space in the heart of our nation’s capital, surrounding by iconic monuments and memorials.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll then set out on an expert-led field trip to Arlington National Cemetery. On these hallowed grounds, we’ll stop at the grave of President John F Kennedy, witness the solemn changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and visit Arlington House, home to descendants of America's first “First Family” and Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Dinner: Own your own.

Evening: At Leisure.

Day 3
U.S. Naval Academy
Washington, DC B,L,D The Hamilton Hotel
Activity note: Listening Devices will not be used at Naval Academy. Pre-Security Form must be filled out & returned by November 20, 2017. On this form, please indicate which form of ID you will be using for admittance (driver's license or passport). It's required to bring a Government Photo ID in order to enter Naval Academy. Photocopies are not allowed. Walking tour will be outside, wear warm layers. Drive to Naval Academy in Annapolis is about 40 miles, about 1 hour. Walking up to 2 miles throughout campus.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll set out on a field trip to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland for a walking exploration of the campus. The academy is the undergraduate college of America’s naval service, preparing young men and women to become “professional officers of competence, character, and compassion” in the Navy and Marine Corps. While the history of the Navy and naval cadets is much longer, the official Naval School was established in 1845 and became the Naval Academy five years later. We’ll learn from a local expert about academy life past and present as we visit key sites such as Lejeune Hall, the swimming, diving, and water polo center; the Bancroft Hall dormitory complex; Tecumseh Court, with its statue of the warrior often considered a symbol of good luck; the Herndon Monument, where plebe year culminates annual with a climb up the 21-foot monument slathered in vegetable shortening and therefore requiring teamwork to reach the top; the historic Chapel; and the crypt of Revolutionary War hero and “father” of the Navy, John Paul Jones.

Lunch: Buffet lunch at the Naval Academy Club on Campus. Coffee, tea and water will be included.

Afternoon: After returning to the hotel in Washington, the remainder of the afternoon is free.

Dinner: At the hotel

Evening: At the hotel, we will hear from a presenter on Military Sociology and the relationship of the institution to the society that it serves.

Day 4
Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA B,L,D Philadelphia Marriott West
Breakfast: At the hotel, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet that includes milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel we’ll ride to Philadelphia.

Lunch: At a local restaurant

Afternoon: Visit Independence National Historical Park (INHP) to see and explore some of the icons of American independence. Led by an expert, we’ll see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where our nation was officially established, and where both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed. It is not only a national monument but is on the UNESCO World Heritage List for the universal principles of freedom and democracy that have had a profound impact on law-makers around the world. George Washington was inaugurated here for his second term as President when Philadelphia was the national capital.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: We’ll be joined by local historian who will discuss the Philadelphia Campaign (1777-1778).

Day 5
Army-Navy Football Game
Philadelphia, PA B,D Philadelphia Marriott West
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Security check point to enter stadium; walking up/down stadium stairs. Sitting outdoors for several hours; dress appropriately with warm layers. Only bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC & don't exceed than 12”x6”x12” are permitted in the stadium. One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag- Ziploc bag or smaller is allowed. Digital and video cameras are permitted. Smoking is not allowed at Lincoln Financial Field.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We'll start game day off with a self-guided exploration of the Museum of the American Revolution in the heart of historic Philadelphia, two blocks from Independence Hall. The museum opened in April 2017. The museum’s impressive collection includes thousands of objects and historic artifacts such as the first newspaper printing to the Declaration of Independence; George Washington’s original tent, headquarters flag, and camp cups; works of art; diaries, manuscripts, and printed works; American, French, and British arms; and much more. A state-of-the-art theater presents an interactive experience tracing the period before and during the war, concluding with America’s victory and the challenges of building a new nation. AFter our visit we will make our way to Lincoln Financial Field. Upon arrival, after some game day traffic, we will be able to catch the "March On," one of the game's oldest traditions, amonst all of the other pre-game fanfare.

Lunch: Own your own to enjoy what you like at the stadium

Afternoon: Let's take our seats as the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen face off once again. One of America’s oldest sports rivalries began in 1890. Out of 117 clashes, Navy leads with a record of 60-50-7, although Army broke Navy’s 14-year winning streak in 2016. The winner receives the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy as well as bragging rights. The motorcoach will return to the hotel after the game. Due to the large crowds, there may be heavy traffic returning to the hotel.

Dinner: Hotel buffet after returning from the game.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day 6
Museum of American Revolution & Transfer to Newark
Newark, New Jersey B,L,D Hilton Newark Airport
Breakfast: Hotel buffet

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll ride into to Manhattan and spend the morning exploring the National September 11 Memorial. The memorial pays tribute to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon, the crash site near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993. Twin reflecting pools, each nearly an acre in size, sit within the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood, with the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. The names of all who died are inscribed on bronze panels.

Lunch: On your own in New York City

Afternoon: After spending some time in the city on your own, we will regroup and head to our final hotel.

Dinner: Enjoy a hotel buffet.

Evening: At leisure

Day 7
U.S. Military Academy at West Point Full Day Field Trip
Newark, New Jersey B,L,D Hilton Newark Airport
Activity note: Pre-Security Form must be filled out and returned by November 20, 2017. On this form, please indicate which form of ID you will be using for admittance (driver's license or passport). It is required to bring a Government Photo ID (driver's license or passport) in order to enter West Point. Photocopies are not allowed. Getting on/off a motorcoach. The drive to West Point is about 60 miles, approximately 2 hours due to single lane roads. Will need to use stairs to access West Point Dining Club.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll depart for a full-day field trip to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. On arrival we will have a combined bus and walking exploration with our local expert who will tell the story of West Point. While the military academy was officially established by President Thomas Jefferson in 1802, West Point had served as General George Washington’s headquarters during the American Revolution, personally selected by Washington as the most important strategic position in the country. We’ll learn about its illustrious history from past to present along with stories about graduates who shaped our nation — the “long gray line” of West Point graduates who represent high achievement and the promise of outstanding, ethical leadership — and the academy’s continuing role in training the leaders of tomorrow. Highlights include the historic Cadet Chapel, scenic Trophy Point with the massive Battle Monument overlooking the Hudson River, and the Plain parade field.

Lunch: Buffet lunch at a West Point campus restaurant; coffee, tea, water included. After lunch, we will have a lecture to learn more about West Point and its military history.

Afternoon: Following our return drive through the Hudson Valley we’ll return to the hotel in the early evening with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends at our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.

Day 8
Program Concludes
Newark, New Jersey B
Activity note: Independent departures from Hilton Newark Airport after checkout. Hotel check-out by 12:00 p.m.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.

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!