Compare The Army-Navy Game Experience: Football and History by Road Scholar vs Arizona: Saguaro National Park & the Sonoran Desert by VBT

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!

DAY 1: Arrive in Tubac / VBT Bicycling Vacation begins / Warm-up ride / Welcome reception and dinner

Make your own arrangements for travel to Arizona and to our first hotel. VBT offers a shuttle that departs from Tucson International Airport at 1:30 p.m. The shuttle works on a “show and go” basis. Reservations are not required. Your Top Shelf Transportation driver will meet you at the bottom of the escalator leading to the baggage claim carousels. The driver will be holding a VBT sign next to the seating area by baggage claim 2. The travel time to Tubac Golf Resort & Spa is approximately one hour.

If you are scheduled to arrive at the airport after the shuttle’s departure or if you are delayed, you must take a taxi at your own expense. For guests driving to the tour, we recommend that you park your vehicle at the Tucson International Airport and take the shuttle, as our tour ends in Tucson. Parking at the airport costs approximately $10 a day in the garage, or $4.50-$6 a day in the economy lot offsite. Or you can park at Hacienda del Sol for the week at no charge (please notify the hotel’s valet), and taxi to the Tucson International Airport to catch our shuttle to Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. Please contact the first hotel if any travel delays or changes occur; they will inform your VBT trip leaders. Please note: check-in time is 4:00 p.m.

Upon arrival at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, take time to change into your biking clothes if you have not already done so. At 2:30 p.m., meet your group and your VBT trip leaders for the first day of your Arizona bike tour. After a safety and bike-fitting session, enjoy by a short warm-up ride. At 6:30 p.m., meet your fellow travelers during a tour orientation and welcome reception. Enjoy your welcome dinner at the resort. Get to know your traveling companions as you anticipate your vacation, highly rated among Arizona bike tours.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-up — 9 miles

What to Expect:

Get acquainted with your bicycle during a leisurely warm-up ride from Tubac. The ride is on paved roads.

Cumulative Distance Range: 9 miles

Included Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: Discover Tubac / Visit Tumacácori National Historical Park

After breakfast, a scenic cycling route delivers you to the town of Tubac, crossing the Santa Cruz River for a leisurely ride in the beautiful countryside. On your way back, you may stop to visit the family-owned and -operated Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Company. Next, discover Tumacácori National Historical Park, a mission dating to the 17th century. Enjoy a self-guided visit of the mission, museum, orchard, garden, and walking trails.

After lunch on your own in Tubac, the afternoon is free for you to explore. There’ll be time to experience Tubac, a colorful artists’ colony where talented sculptors, painters, potters, artisans, and jewelers perfect their craft, drawing inspiration from the magnificent desert landscapes.

Relax at the resort. If you desire a tee time or spa appointment during your stay, we recommend that you contact the resort prior to traveling.

Settle into your private hacienda and enjoy the rest of the evening. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Tubac to Tumacácori — 20 miles

Afternoon: Tumacácori to Tubac — 3 miles | Tubac to Resort — 1 mile OR Anza Trail Hike to Tumacácori to Tubac Resort — 5.2 miles

What to Expect:

This morning, bike from the resort past Tubac and across the Santa Cruz River to the southern Arizona countryside. Visit Santa Crus Chile Factory and Tumacácori National Historical Park. Here, enjoy a self-guided visit of the mission grounds and explore the museum and bookshop.

After your visit of Tumacácori, cycle back to the center of Tubac to discover the town and explore the galleries or return to the resort. Another option is to hike back on the Anza Trail with one of your trip leaders.

Cumulative Distance Range: 4 – 24 miles

Included Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3: Shuttle to Arivaca / Cycle Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge to Amado / Shuttle to Tucson

Today, shuttle from Tubac to South Ruby Road near Arivaca Lake for a ride experience in the southern Arizona Sonoran high desert. Pause at Arivaca’s Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and wander the trails through semi-desert grasslands, cottonwoods, and willow-lined riverbanks before you begin your ride. The ride offers some of the best and most varied desert scenery in the southern part of Arizona. You can imagine being a settler trying to tame this rugged land when cycling here. Enjoy lunch at a local landmark. From there, board a shuttle to your Tucson hotel, a warm and authentic hacienda. Gather at the Terraza for al fresco dining, gazing out at the Santa Catalina mountains, and perhaps live music entertainment.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Arivaca to Amado — 28 miles OR Arivaca and Creek Trailhead to Amado PLUS — 42 miles

What to Expect:

Start this morning with a 55-minute shuttle from Tubac Resort to Arivaca Lake area. From here, cycle to Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge in Arivaca. Take a stroll on the trails. A longer ride option takes you to the Arivaca Creek trailhead for an optional walk to the refuge. Continue cycling on paved roads, descending to Amado with some rolling hills and open range. The ride on Arivaca Road is ranked one of Arizona’s favorite road bike rides. This narrow, windy, curvy road offers views of desert cactus, ranches, and mountains off in the distance. Border patrol and local ranchers will constitute the majority of the traffic. At the end of your ride, enjoy a hearty lunch, including homemade desserts, at a local restaurant, before shuttling (one hour) to Tucson to your hotel. Settle in and regroup for dinner on the terrace.

Cumulative Distance Range: 28 – 42 miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Shuttle to Saguaro National Park West / Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

This morning, shuttle from Hacienda del Sol to Saguaro National Park West, home to the remarkable Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This unusual museum boasts more than 300 animal species and 1,200 varieties of plants in a beautiful natural setting. There’ll be ample time to observe wild animals and desert plants, attend lectures, visit an art show, and take a self-guided tour along the two miles of walking trails. Enjoy lunch on your own in either of the museum’s two restaurants. After your explorations, you can start pedaling directly from the museum past the saguaro, the distinctive giant cacti that grow here and nowhere else on Earth. It is pure pleasure to cycle this classic Arizona landscape that has come to epitomize the Southwest. Take in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Your ride continues to the stunning Gates Pass in the dramatic Tucson Mountains. Then, an exhilarating descent returns you to Tucson and onto “The Loop,” a shared-use path rated the #1 bike path in America. The breathtaking Tucson Loop winds through vibrant Tucson back to your hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Sonora Desert Museum to Hacienda del Sol — 35 miles

What to Expect:

Shuttle (45 minutes) this morning to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum for a morning of exploration and lunch on your own. After lunch, start your ride from the museum in the Saguaro National Park West, with its endless views of large saguaro cacti. Ride a challenging climb on Gates Pass Road (at 6.6 miles), a winding, hilly ride. This climb follows a road with no shoulder and blind corners for 2.4 miles so it is only for more comfortable riders. An optional shuttle in the VBT van will be available for those who prefer to shuttle up the pass from mileage 6.6. Descend into Tucson to join The Loop, a multi-use path along Tucson riverbeds. You will ride 15 miles on The Loop along the Santa Cruz and the Rillito Rivers, with views of the other three mountain ranges surrounding the city – the Santa Catalina Mountains to the northeast, the Rincon Mountains to the east, and the Santa Rita Mountains to the south.

Please note: The rules in Saguaro National Park are strictly enforced. You must wear a helmet at all times when cycling in the park, and you must obey the speed limit and any traffic signs. Park rangers will issue tickets to offenders, including those speeding on downhill slopes.

Cumulative Distance Range: 35 miles

Included Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5: Saguaro National Park East / Farewell dinner

For the final ride of your Arizona bike tour, cycle from the hotel. Today’s ride is a scenic route first on The Loop for 15 miles along the Rillito River and Pantano Wash and then along the Old Spanish Trail into Saguaro National Park East. Once in the park, follow the one-way Loop Drive for a thrilling cycle through the park. Your morning ride ends at the Javelina picnic area for a picnic lunch in a spectacular setting, gazing upon a desert terrain dotted with stunning saguaro cacti. Saguaro National Park, spread over 92,000 acres on the edge of the modern city of Tucson, protects some of the most impressive forests of these giant subtropical plants.

After lunch, continue cycling through the park to Broadway Bicycles. Be sure to leave time to stop and purchase an Arizona cycling jersey! Then hop a ride to Hacienda del Sol.

Tonight, celebrate with the group during a farewell dinner at Hacienda del Sol’s renowned restaurant, The Grill.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Hacienda del Sol to Saguaro National Park East — 26 miles | Saguaro National Park East loop — 8 miles

Afternoon: Saguaro National Park East to Broadway Bicycles — 8 miles

What to Expect:

This morning cycle from Hacienda del Sol to The Loop for 10 miles through in Tucson. Continue on the Old Spanish Trail toward Saguaro National Park East. In the park, follow the one-way Loop Drive. Eager cyclists sometimes ride the eight-mile in-park loop a second time before lunch. Stop for a picnic lunch prepared by your trip leaders. After, you may ride or shuttle to Broadway Bicycles. Visit the bicycle shop, a great place to purchase cycling gear. Everyone will shuttle from here to the hotel.

Please note: The rules in Saguaro National Park are strictly enforced. You must wear a helmet at all times when cycling in the park, and you must obey the speed limit and any traffic signs. Park rangers will issue tickets to offenders. BEWARE of the first downhill after the ranger tollbooth on the left.

Cumulative Distance Range: 8 – 42 miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: VBT Bicycling Vacation ends / Departure

Your Arizona bike tour concludes after an included breakfast at your hotel. VBT’s complimentary shuttle is available to take departing guests to the Tucson International Airport at 9:00 a.m., arriving approximately 40 minutes later. If you are flying out of Tucson, we suggest a flight no earlier than 12:00 p.m. Guests who need to get to the airport earlier or later must make their own arrangements.

Included Meals: Breakfast