Adventure Scholar is the newest addition to Elderscholar^SM and its programs. The travel initiative offers experiential adventure opportunities through day and overnight trips for "young at heart" seniors. Past trips included canoeing and hiking excursions; history-themed day tours of destinations like Lexington/Natural Bridge and Charlottesville/Monticello/Ash Lawn Highland; overnight trip series focused on Civil War history (Appomattox/Gettysburg/Richmond and more) and U.S. Founding Fathers history (Philadelphia); and international voyages to Europe (UK and Southern Italy). Traveling with Roanoke College and Elderscholar combines quality and affordability into an educational adventure.

River cruise tour that features the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland.

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Recent Trips

Danube Explorer River Cruise
August 31-September 11, 2022

Tour featured Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic

More Information - River Cruise

Discover Philadelphia
with Dr. John Selby - November 4-7, 2021

Tour featured Valley Forge, city of Philadelphia tour by bus, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, The Broadway production of Hamilton, Museum of the American Revolution, and many on-your-own excursion opportunities.

CANCELED: 7 days in the Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park
August 20-27, 2021

More Information - Canada

Tour featured Calgary, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Banff, Athabasca Glacier, Chateau Lake Louise and more. 

12-days in Southern Italy & Sicily
October 22-November 3, 2021

More Information - Italy
Tour featured Palermo, Agrigento, Valley of the Temples, Catania, Mt. Etna Volcano, Matera, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Pompeii and more. 

Cost included 16 meals, 4-star lodging, tours, round trip air from Charlotte and bus transportation to/from Charlotte from Roanoke College.

Other Past Trips

Photo Album: Chattanooga

On May 21-23, 2019 Roanoke College Elderscholars journeyed to Chattanooga, Tennessee to learn of the city’s vast history and enjoy the area’s attractions. The group began their adventure with lunch at the historic Brumley’s Inn and Restaurant in Greenville, and finished their first day with a Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise on the Tennessee River. Participants were thrilled to see the Chattanooga skyline and other historic sights. The next morning, the Elderscholars were welcomed by Dr. John Selby, Professor of History, who shared historic commentary on the battles of Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. Eager to learn about the area, the group also visited Lookout Mountain and explored historic Rock City. Later in the day, participants chose to visit either the Tennessee Aquarium or the Hunter Art Museum. Elderscholars enjoyed an eventful lunch at the Copper Cellar in Knoxville, before heading home.

BRITISH LANDSCAPES featuring England, Scotland and Wales 

May 2-11, 2019, the Roanoke College Elderscholar^SM Program took an inaugural international adventure to Great Britain to learn first-hand the history, culture and customs throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. The trip began in London, where the Adventure Scholars toured and marveled at some of the sites: the London Bridge on the River Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Kensington Palace, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. A highlight of the group’s time in London was exploring the oldest structure of the city, the Tower of London, and visiting the Royal Crown Jewels.

From there, the group traveled to York by either bus or train. Cambridge was a delightful stop for the bus group, where they viewed more cathedrals, leisure punt boats on river Cam, and the Cambridge outdoor market. York, founded in 71 AD, is at the junction of the rivers Ouse and Foss, and is a city encased in an ancient Roman wall. The group entered York through Monk Bar, one of six gates to the city. York is also home to the oldest European market, the Shambles. Participants were thrilled to walk the streets and explore the pubs and shops that the city had to offer. A noteworthy landmark of the city was the York Minster. 

Next, the adventure continued to Scotland, where the group stopped at Hadrian’s Wall, an ancient Roman wall that divided England and Scotland. Traveling on, they made their way to Jedburgh, where they enjoyed a leisurely lunch in one of the many café’s and marveled at the Jedburgh Abbey. In Edinburgh, some walked the wondrous Royal Mile, which is the route from the Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle and all enjoyed the amazing views of the city from atop the castle. Along the way, participants were fascinated by the beauty of the abundant bluebells and yellow gorse flowers that were in bloom. Some attended a Scottish traditional dinner where guests were enchanted by the traditional music, song, dance, and customs of Scotland; including tales in Scottish Gaelic. Everyone was presented with an appetizer of haggis, which had mixed reviews. 

Next was a quick stop at the Scottish border town of Gretna Green for some shopping and history about this runaway marriage destination dating back to the 18^th century. The group enjoyed a leisurely stop for lunch and shopping in the lake district town of Grasmere, England before making their way to Wales. Once in Wales, the adventure continued with an overnight stay in the Ruthin Castle, which dates back to the 13^th century. The afternoon was spent exploring the castle gardens and ruins from the original fortress, followed by a lovely dinner with a town guest who shared the traditions of Wales and the Welsh language. After a restless night in Ruthin Castle, the adventure continued with a stroll in the drizzly rain along the Dee River at Shropshire canal to see the 18^th century Pontcysyllte aqueducts, a world heritage site. 

The last segment was spent in Stratford-upon-Avon exploring Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s cottage. The group finished their tour of Great Britain with one of the more anticipated sites on the trip, Stonehenge. The day visit to Stonehenge, another world heritage site, wowed the group with its mystical nature and ancient origins; as well as the gorgeous countryside that served as a backdrop. The final night, the group visited Hall’s Croft house in Stratford-upon-Avon for a tour of the historical home and enjoyed dinner with traditional Shakespearean entertainment. Everyone recanted their best memories from the trip with shared laughter.

We hope you enjoy these photos. Feel free to share and download as you wish. Plans are being made for additional trips both domestic and international in 2019-2020; we hope that you will join us on another “Adventure Scholar” trip soon!

 Emergency Medical Information

Note: An Emergency Medical Information form is required of all participants and will be returned to you at the end of the event.

For more information contact, Director of the Office of Community Programs (540) 375-2323 or email elderscholar@roanoke.edu