New York
Chautauqua in Fall & Spring: An Exclusive Road Scholar Experience
Program No. 1713RJ
Founded in 1874, the Chautauqua Institution is an enduring celebration of art, history and culture. Join us for an enriching adventure of classes, lectures and expert-led excursions.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
15 meals (
5B, 5L, 5D
)
9 expert-led lectures
4 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Chautauqua, NY
Meals:
D
Stay:
Athenaeum Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in and Program Registration 3:00-5:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Welcome Reception: 5:00 p.m. We will gather in the hotel lobby lounge for complimentary soft drinks, canapés, and aperitifs (beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase). This will be an excellent opportunity to meet your fellow participants, and share stories of Road Scholar adventures past.
Dinner:
In the Athenaeum Hotel dining room.
Evening:
Orientation: Following a welcome to the entire group and staff introductions, we will divide into several small groups, when each Group Leader will greet everyone and lead group introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader 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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Morning Discourse & Discussion, Electives, Entertainment
Location:
Chautauqua, NY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Athenaeum Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off buses; riding on Chautauqua campus. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Morning class sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a mid-morning break. We will have one instructor each morning on one of a variety of topics. These stimulating classes with intriguing speakers will be enlivened by post-session Q&A. Each group will rotate through all presentations during the program.
Lunch:
Hotel dining room.
Afternoon:
Electives. There will be several electives to choose from.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
A delightful feature of Chautauqua is entertainment each evening of the program, sometimes in the hotel parlor, sometimes at other venues on campus. Possibilities range from classical to jazz, recitals by young musicians building their careers, even play readings. Our program was planned far in advance when details were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment.
Day
3
Morning Discourse & Discussion, Electives, Entertainment
Location:
Chautauqua, NY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Athenaeum Hotel
Activity Note
Shuttles are available for those who wish to take them around the grounds. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Morning class sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a mid-morning break. We will have one instructor each morning on one of a variety of topics. These stimulating classes with intriguing speakers will be enlivened by post-session Q&A. Each group will rotate through all presentations during the program.
Lunch:
In the hotel dining room.
Afternoon:
Electives. There will be several electives to choose from.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
Entertainment. Like the movement for which it is named, Chautauqua has always valued the arts and entertainment. Details will be published when confirmed.
Day
4
Morning Discourse & Discussion, Electives, Entertainment
Location:
Chautauqua, NY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Athenaeum Hotel
Activity Note
Shuttles are available for those who wish to take them around the grounds. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Classes will continue at 9:00 a.m. as small groups rotate from one topic to another. During the break between morning classes, we will be able to order a box lunch for the end of the program.
Lunch:
In the hotel dining room.
Afternoon:
Electives. There will be several electives to choose from.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
Entertainment. The amazing range of entertainers and artists who have performed at Chautauqua over the years are in keeping with its founding principles of teaching and elevating the whole person.
Day
5
Morning Discourse & Discussion, Electives, Entertainment
Location:
Chautauqua, NY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Athenaeum Hotel
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Classes will continue as small groups rotate from one topic to another. Each lecturer reserves time at the end of her/his presentation for questions and answers with members of the group, making for a lively interchange.
Lunch:
In the hotel dining room.
Afternoon:
Electives. There will be several electives to choose from.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
Enjoy a final evening of entertainment. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Wrap-up Sessions, Program Concludes
Location:
Chautauqua, NY
Meals:
B,L
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will complete our rotation of classes and topics, with a mid-morning break between sessions.
Lunch:
You may have your pre-ordered box lunch at the hotel or take away with you. 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. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
May 18, 2025 - May 23, 2025
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
May 17, 2026 - May 22, 2026
Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 18, 2026
Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
Oct 12 - Oct 17, 2025 Itinerary Differences:
Instructors and specific Topics for this date will not be available until February of 2025.
