Compare The Spirit of Oxford by Road Scholar vs Jordan Discovery by Explore!

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrival Day
Oxford L,D Linton Lodge Hotel
Lunch: In the hotel dining room for those arriving by lunchtime. A light lunch with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.

Afternoon: Arrivals continue, with free time for those who have already arrived. At 5pm we will have an Orientation in the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. This program is staffed with both a Group Leader, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal primarily with logistics, and a Study Leader who will lecture, conduct field trips and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. 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. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note 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: A seated dinner will be taken in the hotel dining room with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.

Evening: After dinner take an orientation walk.

Day 3
Classical and Gothic Oxford
Oxford B,L,D Linton Lodge Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room. A breakfast buffet with a range of hot and cold items, as well as coffee, tea, water and fruit juices.

Morning: We begin our educational adventure as your Study Leader lectures on “The Architecture of Oxford”, before visiting the Bodleian Library for an expertly-led look at one of the oldest libraries in Europe.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Take a walk of Classical and Gothic Oxford. Enjoy a guided walk of the centre of Oxford showing examples of Gothic and Classical styles and explaining not only the difference between them but the reasons for them. Mention will also be made of the Codrington library at All Souls which has a Gothic exterior and a Classical interior. Buildings visited will include the Radcliffe Camera, Sheldonian Theatre, the Clarendon Building, the Divinity School and St. Mary’s Church. Radcliffe Square is surrounded by one of the most amazing collections of Gothic and Classical buildings which somehow seem to harmonise. The walk includes entrance to Exeter College, the fourth oldest of the Oxford colleges, founded in 1314. A lively College, it is in the centre of Oxford and Exeter’s exquisite Chapel, tranquil Fellows’ Garden and terrace overlooking Radcliffe Square are famously beautiful. The College is full of history; J.R.R. Tolkein was an undergraduate here, as were Alan Bennett, Martin Amis and former President Kufour of Ghana. Other former students include two Supreme Court judges (one from Australia and another from Canada) as well as Nobel Laureate Sydney Brenner. Phillip Pullman, another Exonian, based his fictional Jordan College on Exeter and the fictitious Inspector Morse collapsed on the lawn in the front quad. Exeter College Chapel and the whole of Keble College provide beautiful reminders of the impact of the Oxford Movement’s Anglo-Catholicism and the mid-19th Century Gothic revival.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: This evening watch a DVD of “The Dead of Jericho”, based on the Inspector Morse novel set in the area which we shall be visiting tomorrow.

Day 4
Tolkien and the Jericho area of Oxford
Oxford B,L,D Linton Lodge Hotel
Breakfast: Full English breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Lecture on the Oxford Don and author of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien.

Lunch: In the hotel.

Afternoon: A field trip explores the Jericho area of Oxford – an area between Walton Street and the Oxford canal which was developed for print workers. It is here that the hero of Thomas Hardy’s Jude the Obscure lodged and where Colin Dexter’s The Dead of Jericho was located. The Oxford University Press is also located in this area. With individual shops and cafes, the area has a close community spirit and a refreshing, bohemian air. Most famous in the area is the massive Church of St. Barnabas, built by the canal in 1868. Its impressive High Anglican gilt interior is further evidence of the 19th Century nostalgia for the religion of the Middle Ages.

Dinner: Taken at the Old Bookbinders Ale House, a Jericho institution since 1869.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Inspector Morse
Oxford B,L,D Linton Lodge Hotel
Breakfast: Full English breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: This morning guest lecturer Dr Anthony Richards will talk on the subject of Inspector Morse.

Lunch: In the hotel.

Afternoon: Free time to explore Oxford at your leisure.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: Enjoy a DVD, “Desperate Romantics” – a drama about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

Day 6
The Pre-Raphaelites and Dinner in the Ashmolean Museum
Oxford B,D Linton Lodge Hotel
Breakfast: Full English breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Lectures in the hotel on “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Pre-Raphaelites”.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: A free afternoon to explore Oxford at your leisure.

Dinner: Take a special dinner in the world famous Ashmolean Museum.

Evening: At leisure after dinner.

Day 7
Blenheim Palace
Oxford B,L,D Linton Lodge Hotel
Breakfast: Full English breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Field trip to Blenheim Palace. Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a World Heritage Site. The Palace was originally a gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough following his famous victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Visit the gilded State Rooms, which house one of the finest collections in Europe, and the fascinating visitor experience “Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story”. The Churchill Exhibition includes the room where Sir Winston Churchill was born in 1874. Situated in Woodstock, just 8 miles from Oxford, the Palace is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of “Capability” Brown landscaped parkland, the great lake and beautiful formal gardens.

Lunch: Taken in Blenheim Palace.

Afternoon: The field trip continues.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: DVD showing of “Shadowlands”, a 1993 British biographical film about the relationship between Oxford academics C.S Lewis and American poet Joy Davidman, her tragic death from cancer, and how this challenged Lewis’ Christian faith. It is directed by Richard Attenborough with a screenplay by William Nicholson.

Day 8
Christ Church, an Oxford college
Oxford B,L,D Linton Lodge Hotel
Breakfast: Full English breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Lecture on The Inklings, Oxford and C.S Lewis.

Lunch: Taken out at the Mitre in Oxford. The present Mitre Inn dates from around 1630, but there has been an inn on this site since around 1300. It has always belonged to Lincoln College, and its name probably derives from the College coat of arms, which depicts the mitre of the Bishop of Lincoln. It was an important coaching inn and, as early as 1671, there were coaches running between London and the Mitre on three days a week. It is a Grade II* listed building.

Afternoon: This afternoon’s field trip reveals the grandeur of Henry VIII’s Christ Church. Founded in 1546 and one of the largest Oxford colleges, Henry’s Lord Chancellor Thomas Wolsey planned the impressive Great Quadrangle, the Tudor kitchen and the Great Hall. Subsequent centuries have added to this architectural heritage and the Cathedral now houses some splendid medieval, 17th Century and Pre-Raphaelites stained glass. Christ Church is, uniquely, the Cathedral seat of Oxford and occupies a 150 acre site in the centre of the city. This includes the Meadow, a tranquil area of pasture bounded by the rivers Isis and Cherwell. Continue then onwards to Manchester College to view the Pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows in its Chapel.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
The Cotswolds, Burford and Bibury
Oxford B,L,D Linton Lodge Hotel
Breakfast: Full English breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Field trip out of Oxford into the picturesque Cotswolds countryside. The trip will include the villages of Burford and Bibury, called by William Morris “the prettiest village in England”.

Lunch: Taken out at Huffkins in Burford.

Afternoon: The field trip continues.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: A lecture from your Study Leader on William Morris.

Day 10
Kelmscott Manor
Oxford B,L,D Linton Lodge Hotel
Breakfast: Full English breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Today we have a full day to Bampton, the village location for Downton Abbey, and Kelmscott Manor – William Morris’ Thames-side home. The interior is furnished with his own textiles, wallpapers and a portrait of his wife Jane, painted by Rossetti. Morris was a student of Exeter College, Oxford and became part of the group known as the “Pembroke Set”. He went on to be associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the English Arts and Crafts Movement.

Lunch: At Kelmscott Manor.

Afternoon: The field trip continues.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: Enjoy a special guest lecture.

Day 11
Farewell Dinner in the Cherwell Boathouse
Oxford B,D Linton Lodge Hotel
Breakfast: Full English breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Lecture: "The Spirit of Oxford".

Lunch: Excluded to give you more free time on your last day in this great city.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Dinner out in the Cherwell Boathouse. The Cherwell Boathouse is an iconic Oxford punt station and restaurant on the banks of the river Cherwell.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Oxford B
Breakfast: In the hotel depending on departure times. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. 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 Join trip in Amman

Our tour of Jordan starts in Amman, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Home to almost half of Jordan's entire population, Amman is a fascinating city of contrasts, where the ancient and the modern collide. Get lost in the bustling souks of downtown, where you'll be tempted by falafel and baklawa stalls, or visit the hillside Roman Theatre for a taster of the city's varied history. There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive in Amman at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), a 30-minute drive from our hotel. Due to most flights arriving late in the evening, our Explore Leader will meet you for a welcome meeting the next morning. You'll find the meeting information on the notice board in the hotel reception.

Meals Provided : None

Day 2 Visit Jerash before exploring the Amman Citadel and downtown

After breakfast, we'll gather for an introductory meeting before heading north of Amman to ancient Jerash. Inhabited for 6,500 years, the city's golden age was in Roman times when it became part of the Decapolis League - a confederation of important Middle Eastern cities. One of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, only 10% of the city has been uncovered since excavation began more than 100 years ago but you can still get a feel for how life in the city once was. Walk the colonnaded streets, visit the hilltop temples, explore the chariot-racing stadium, and hear your voice amplified in the ancient theatre. After lunch, we'll travel back to Amman and spend the afternoon exploring the city. Our first stop is the Citadel Jabal al-Qal'a, the highest point in Amman, giving us panoramic views across the sprawling capital. Artifacts found here indicate that the area has been a royal city for thousands of years. Whilst earthquakes and invasions have taken their toll, two pillars of the Roman Temple of Hercules still stand strong alongside parts of the 7\super th\nosupersub -century Umayyad Palace. Making our way downtown, we'll weave our way through the winding streets of the souk, soaking up the energetic ambiance and the aroma of spices and delicacies on sale. We'll finish up in an old-style café that transports us back to Amman's early days.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 3 Visit Mount Nebo and Madaba before travelling to Petra

Today, we'll cover a lot of ground on our journey to Petra. Setting off early, we'll stop in Madaba. Aptly dubbed the 'City of Mosaics', Madaba is home to hundreds of Byzantine-era mosaics, the most famous of these is a 6\super th\nosupersub -century map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, created with two million pieces of stone. Continuing on, we'll arrive at Mount Nebo, referenced in the Old Testament as the place where Moses once stood to look over the Promised Land. On a clear day, from here you can see out to the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. Next, we'll journey south along the King's Highway to Kerak. This ancient Crusader stronghold is the most famous in a chain of fortresses built for the Holy War against Islam. We'll stop to learn about its history and explore the maze of stone-vaulted halls and passageways. Our day of sightseeing ends in Petra, a short drive from Kerak. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the world, the ancient 'rose city' is Jordan's most valuable treasure. Depending on the day, we might arrive in time to experience Petra by Night. Follow the candlelit Siq trail and watch how the light plays against the high canyon rocks, blanketed by stars, before coming upon the Treasury, lit up by night. Settle into the sands in front of the ancient temple and listen to a welcome speech from the Bedouin community that still calls the city home.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 4 Guided tour of Petra

Today we begin two full days exploring Petra. This ancient city, carved into pink sandstone cliffs, has to be seen to be believed but poet John Burgon beautifully described it as 'A rose-red city half as old as time'. Our Explore Leader will guide us on a tour through Petra's highlights before a free afternoon to wander at our own pace. As you enter the site, you're led down a kilometre-long chasm (known as the Siq) where the towering canyon walls reach up to 200 metres high. At the end of the Siq sits the beating heart of the city, the Treasury - miraculously well-preserved, the façade stands at 43-metres-high. Beyond the Treasury, the ancient city becomes a sprawl of tombs and temples waiting to be explored. The Bedouin community who still live within Petra sell their wares and offer refreshments along the colonnaded streets. As the day goes on, you'll notice the façades change colour with the light as the early morning and late afternoon sun brings out red, pink, and orange highlights in the rocks. Please note: The hotel location will depend on your departure date. All hotels are within a 5-10-minute walk from the visitor's centre or a 25-minute walk away from the site in Wadi Musa. Transportation will be provided for groups based in Wadi Musa on day 4. On day 5 no transportation is provided, but you can take a taxi for around £2-£4 each way. Your hotel will be listed in your final documentation.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 5 A free day to explore Petra

Today is free for you to uncover more of Petra. Climb the steep path to the High Place of Sacrifice and take in the panorama over Wadi Araba and the Negev Desert or trek up to the Monastery - Petra's largest monument. This evening, we'll gather as a group to visit a family-run restaurant for a Bedouin cookery demonstration. Our chef will show us how to cook a traditional Jordanian meal, including a sweet dessert, before we sit down to dine together.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 Explore Wadi Rum and camp under the stars

Leaving Petra behind, today we'll embrace the nomadic lifestyle of the Bedouin and head into the dunes of Wadi Rum. We'll travel to the Wadi Rum visitor's centre by bus, where we'll meet our 4WD vehicles to journey onwards through the desert. Our two-hour drive along the sands will lead us through untouched parts of Wadi Rum and our Explore Leader will stop to tell us more about the history of the desert. Described by T.E. Lawrence as 'vast, echoing and God-like…', Wadi Rum occupies 74,000 acres with its monolithic outcrops of granite rock and sandstone rising out of the blankets of sand. The Bedouins learned to live within this hostile environment 3000 years ago, adapting to the elements to perfect their nomadic way of life. Once we've watched the sun go down, setting the dunes aglow with fiery red and orange light, we'll head back to camp to experience Bedouin hospitality. We'll be served a traditional Zarb, a BBQ of chicken or goat meat (vegetarian options will be available) cooked under the desert sand and served alongside a selection of mezze. Tonight, we'll sleep in a traditional Bedouin tent, crafted from goat hair which offers the best protection against the extreme desert climate. We'll share a communal tent (with gendered compartments) with rugs, mattresses, pillows, and blankets provided. There's a toilet and shower block at the end of the site. You can upgrade to a private tent at no extra cost, subject to availability. Please speak to your leader about arranging one.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 Travel to the Red Sea in Aqaba

After a full-on few days exploring the highlights of Jordan, we'll head to Aqaba for downtime by the Red Sea. A resort town, Aqaba is where local Jordanians come to holiday, lounge on the beach and have a go at water sports. The port city is famous for its preserved coral reefs and sea life and this afternoon there'll be the option to get out on the water for a snorkelling trip. If you don't have your sea legs, you can cool off in the hotel's rooftop pool or stroll through the vibrant souk. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to get a flavour for local life, too.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 8 Visit the Dead Sea and return to Amman

This morning, we'll depart Aqaba and head to the Dead Sea, around a four-hour drive away. This unique body of water is the lowest point on the earth's surface. With a salt content of 33%, it's almost impossible to sink and we'll take a dip to experience the mysterious floating sensation. While we're there, you can cover yourself in the water's rejuvenating mud, famous for its healing properties. After your dip, feel free to unwind by the pool or at the bar - there are shower facilities to freshen up in, too. Finally, we'll drive onwards to Amman. Arriving around late afternoon, we'll have time to pick up last-minute souvenirs in the souk before toasting to the end of the trip with a Jordanian wine in one of the downtown restaurants.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 9 Trip ends in Amman

Our tour of Jordan ends at our hotel in Amman. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).

Meals Provided : Breakfast