Study/Travel Program
Welcome to LLI/NOVA’s Study/Travel Program!
LLI/NOVA’s Study/Travel Program provides LLI/NOVA members (and friends and family) with the opportunity not only to participate in group travel to fabulous locations worldwide but also to learn about the area we are going to visit prior to the travel. LLI/NOVA’s Study/Travel Committee manages the program, and the Committee’s Study Subcommittee focuses on the study part of the program which includes travel destination study classes prior to the travel.
We normally use packaged, escorted tour services from major tour providers, but occasionally use customized tours from travel agents. We tour by land (bus and rail) and water (river and ocean cruises) and sometimes a combination of both. We normally sponsor at least one major trip per year, and our trips generally run 10-14 days in length. When there is sufficient interest, we organize more than one major trip per year.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was suspended in 2020. As a result of COVID appearing to be on the decline, in 2022 LLI/NOVA restored the Study/Travel Program.
If you are an LLI/NOVA member and would like to learn more about the Study/Travel Program, you may contact the Study/Travel Committee Chair, Rod Dyck or email him at studytravel@llinova.org.
Study/Travel Committee
The Study/Travel Committee is a small group of LLI/NOVA members who manage the trip selection process, develop the Study Program, and lead the LLI/NOVA Study/Travel trips. If you are interested in participating in this process as a member of the committee, go to the Study/Travel Committee page in the Members Area for more information.
The Committee currently has a vacancy to Chair the Study Subcommittee. The Study Subcommittee focuses on the study part of the program, which includes travel destination study classes prior to travel. If you are interested or would like to learn more about the Study Subcommittee, please contact Committee Chair Rod Dyck at rd2222@aol.com or 703-328-1660 (cell).
Australia & New Zealand – January 2025
LLI/NOVA’s Study/Travel Committee is delighted to announce plans for an LLI/NOVA trip to escape the cold of January to experience the enchanting landscapes of Australia and New Zealand. Join your fellow LLI/NOVA travelers on an epic journey to explore iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, the vast Outback, and New Zealand’s pristine landscapes.
The Study/Travel Committee compared offerings from other tour operators and chose Grand Circle Travel (GCT) as our operator for this trip for several reasons including great tour coverage, remarkably low prices, six free single room supplements, and LLI/NOVA’s excellent history with Grand Circle.
- Base tour group-air departs Dulles January 8, 2025. Tour starts in Cairns on January 10, 2025. Return flight home departs from Auckland on January 26, 2025, and arrives back to Dulles also on January 26, 2025.
- Optional pre-trip extension Outback – group-air departs from Dulles on January 3, 2025. Tour starts in Melbourne on January 5, 2025.
- Optional post-trip extension Fiji – return flight home departs from Fiji on January 30, 2025, and arrives back to Dulles also on January 30, 2025.
- Click HERE www.gct.com/ANZ for the itinerary.
Included Features:
- 31 meals: 16 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 9 dinners
- Accommodations for 16 nights: 4 nights in Cairns, 4 nights in Sydney, 2 nights in Te Anau, 2 nights in Queenstown, 2 nights in Rotorua, and 2 nights in Auckland
- 18 included features: 12 guided tours and 5 exclusive Discovery Series events: Aborigines Today discussion • Returned Services League Dinner Base Day 6 • Opal discussion • Ohinemutu community visit • Home Hosted Dinner
- Included tours: Australian Wildlife Park • Great Barrier Reef • Sydney & the Opera House • Sydney Harbour Cruise • Lake Wakatipu & Walter Peak Sheep Station • Arrowtown • Winery tour • Milford Sound Cruise • Rotorua • Auckland Harbor Sailing • Auckland
- Exclusive Discovery Series events: Great Barrier Reef and Aborigines Today discussions • Returned Services League dinner • The Rocks tour • Home-Hosted Dinner • Ohinemutu community visit.
- Exclusive services of a resident Grand Circle Program Director
- Personal headset on all included and optional tours
- All transfers
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters
Highlights:
- See the famous Sydney icons – the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House
- Experience local history and culture. Discovery is a hands-on event with enriching cultural experiences woven throughout your trip. With the included exclusive Discovery Series events you will not only visit the famous landmarks – you will also meet the friendly locals that make this region so inviting.
- Admire the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef
- Gain some insights into one of the world’s oldest civilizations when an Aboriginal speaker presents an exclusive lecture on Living as an Aboriginal today
- Sail across the waters of Auckland Harbor, home of the America’s Cup winner
KEY INFORMATION:
- Open To Friends and Family: This trip is open to LLI/NOVA members and members’ friends and family. The maximum number of participants is 42.
- Physical Requirements: This tour is not wheelchair or scooter accessible and is not recommended for passengers in these situations. In addition, due to walking/cobblestones/unpaved paths etc., on this program, anyone with mobility problems/walkers/crutches will have difficulty moving around on this tour. Persons with mobility problems/walkers/crutches must be traveling with someone who can assist them throughout the tour. Program Directors and Trip Leaders cannot be expected to provide that service. Travelers are expected to keep pace with the group. If travelers are unable to participate in included features, there is no reimbursement for unused portions of the tour. Travelers must be able to walk 1-2 miles unassisted and participate in 4-5 hours of physical activities daily including stairs. Grand Circle will not accept motorized scooters of any kind. Anyone with difficulty walking, there are 100’s of stairs at the included visit to the Sydney Opera House. There is a service elevator that is not always available, so pax must be able to walk stairs to enjoy all this tour has to offer. Though the itinerary is full, you will enjoy a relaxed pace. Stays of up to three nights in Cairns and Sydney contributes to not being rushed. This tour allows the passenger to enjoy a blend of included tours, exploring on their own, and relaxing. Grand Circle Travel Trip lists this tour as Activity Level 2 out of 5 – Moderately Easy.
- Land Tour Cost: The land tour cost is $4,895. This price does not reflect the various discounts and the group rebate mentioned below. It does not include airfare or gratuity for the Program Director and Hotel Staff. It does include gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters.
- Optional Pre-Trip Outback Cost: $2,295
- Optional Post Trip Fiji Cost: $1,895
- Group Rebate: At the conclusion of the trip, depending on the number of travelers, Grand Circle Travel will provide LLI/NOVA a check for group compensation. The minimum number of travelers required on this tour to earn group compensation is 11. At 11, LLI/NOVA will be paid 10% of the net sale of each traveler. The check will arrive upon return home of your departure and will be paid to the Study/Travel Committee Chair, Rod Dyck. Rod will then distribute the money in equal proportion and mail checks to each traveler.
- Solo Supplement: FREE Single Room Supplement for those participants who are not sharing a room. If single rooms are sold out, singles may wish to contact others on their own who they believe may also want to participate and register together. To facilitate finding roommates, Rod Dyck will maintain a list to aid those looking for roommates – just let him know if you would like to be on this list. This trip has a maximum of 6 single rooms.
- Group Air Arrangements: Round trip international airfare is $2,600. This includes airport transfers to and from the hotel Grand Circle Travel can guarantee that all travelers who register by 300 days prior to departure (March 14, 2024) will be on the same flights as the rest of the group should airline availability allow for it. Registering past March 14, 2024, Grand Circle Travel will do their best to ensure any further registrations are matched up but cannot guarantee it pending airline availability. Travelers who want to book airfare with Grand Circle Travel will set up their flights when they make their deposit. Upgrades are available for an additional cost.
- Trip Reservation: To register for this trip, contact Grand Circle Travel at 800-221-2610 and mention Group Code GG52386 and be prepared to make a fully refundable $500 deposit. Travelers should provide their names exactly as they appear on their passports. As a general rule, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your scheduled return to the U.S. You may also wish to consider joining the Global Entry program for more rapid movement through security screening and passport check lines.
- Travel Protection: We always recommend travel protection. Grand Circle Travel uses Trip Mate. Click HERE www.gct.com/TPP for the Trip Mate insurance details and pricing. Note certain credit cards may provide some travel insurance benefits.
- Frequent Traveler Credit: GCT offers a 5% Frequent Traveler Certificate to use towards your next trip. If you have traveled 3 or more times with Grand Circle Travel, then you would have a 6% Frequent Traveler Credit. All credits you have available can be viewed on your My Planner. For more information visit www.gct.com/FTC .
- Final payment: Final payment is due to GCT by October 10, 2024.
- Current promotion valid until 7/1/2024. SAVE a full 10% when you pay in full with a checking account within two weeks of making reservation!! Mention code ARKY 101.
- Cancelation Policy: It is the responsibility of the individual traveler to notify GCT of any adjustments to the reservations. Failure to notify GCT Travel of your cancellation 90 days or more prior to your departure date, will result in cancellation charges. All cancellations must be received by GCT. You can cancel by calling GCT at 800-221-0814. Click HERE https://www.oattravel.com/home/termsandconditions to review additional GCT Terms and Conditions.
- 90 Days or more prior to departure – No Fee
- 89-60 Days prior to departure – 10% of trip price or $300, whichever is greater.
- 59-30 Days prior to departure – 65% of trip price.
- 29 or fewer days prior to departure – 100% of trip price.
Past Trips
Study/Travel 2024 – Grand European Tour
Our LLI/NOVA Grand European Tour by Viking River Cruises was a remarkable and unforgettable experience. This iconic itinerary took us on a captivating journey through some of Europe’s most legendary rivers, showcasing a diverse array of destinations, each with its own unique charm.
The adventure began in the Netherlands, where we explored the picturesque canals, world class museums, and scenic historic windmills. From there, the cruise continued along the Rhine River, passing by the stunning Rhine Gorge with its charming vineyards and medieval castles. Stops in Cologne, Germany offered the chance to marvel at the impressive Cologne Cathedral and explore the city’s rich history and culture.
The adventure continued with remarkable stops that included the historic city of Nuremberg, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and fascinating history. The cruise
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Study/Travel 2024 – Grand European Tour
navigated through the Main-Daube Canal to reach the beautiful city of Regensburg, with its well=preserved medieval old town and majestic Gothic cathedral.
In the picturesque Wachau Valley in Austria, we immersed ourselves in the region’s stunning landscapes, vineyards, and charming villages. In Vienna, we explored its magnificent palaces, world-renowned music scene, and elegant coffeehouses.
Along the Danube River to Budapest, Hungary, we admired the city’s breathtaking architecture, relaxed in its famous thermal baths, and savored traditional Hungarian cuisine. The Grand European Tour offered a perfect blend of iconic cities, historic landmarks, and breathtaking scenery, providing a truly immersive and enriching travel experience that left us with cherished memories for years to come.
Study/Travel 2023 – Jewels of Ireland
Our LLI/NOVA “Jewels of Ireland” trip May 2023 that circumnavigated the island was truly amazing! Our tour group was exclusive to LLI/NOVA members and members’ friends and family and consisted of 12 travelers. Ireland is a beautiful country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. The weather was beautiful, with some brief rain on only two occasions during our entire two weeks there. Our driver/tour guide told us that it only rains twice a year in Ireland – from January to June and from July to December, and also advised that if you see clouds, it’s either raining or about to rain! So, we were indeed lucky.
We started in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, where we experienced a lively blend of history, modernity, and culture. Group members explored iconic landmarks that included the Guinness Storehouse, the Teeling Distillery, the Irish Emigration Museum, the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Christ Church Cathedral, and the Book of Kells at Trinity College.
We then travelled south, west, and then north to other cities such as Kinsale, Dingle, Galway, and Donegal that offered their unique charms, history, markets, and friendly locals. Although the way, we kissed the
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Study/Travel 2023 – Jewels of Ireland
Blarney Stone, learned to make Irish coffee, observed a sheepdog demonstration, and we saw castles, abbeys, sheep, and medieval stone walls everywhere we went.
Ireland’s natural beauty was truly awe-inspiring. The lush green countryside, rugged coastlines, and charming villages created a postcard-perfect setting at every turn. We hiked the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and took a catamaran around the Bay of Galway.
In Northern Ireland, we visited Derry, Belfast, and the Giant Causeway along the beautiful coast of the Irish Sea. In bustling Belfast, we visited the Peace Wall which was erected during their “Troubles,” as well as the Titanic Museum. We then traveled south to visit the Neolithic tomb sites at Newgrange and Knowth, dating from 3,200 BCE.
Rod Dyck has provided pictures of our trip, and they are posted in the Galleries section. Click on 2023 Galleries, and then on the Study/Travel Trip entry, or click HERE.
Study/Travel 2019 – The Great National Parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mount Rushmore
Wow! What a great trip. The Western parks are amazing, and we saw wildlife everywhere. This was Grand Circle Travel’s (GCT) “The Great National Parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mount Rushmore.” If you are interested in the specific trip information, view the travel flyer (click the green button below) or you can go to our Grand Circle landing page (click the link).
Our tour began on June 14, as we flew into Salt Lake City, and we returned on June 26 from Rapid City. Along the way, in addition to the named parks in the tour title, we made stops at Salt Lake City (including listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir), Jackson (including a float trip on the Snake River), (continued in the next column)
Study/Travel 2019 – The Great National Parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mount Rushmore
Cody (including the Cody Rodeo), Sheridan, Devil’s Tower, the Badlands, and the Crazy Horse Memorial, i.e., all the great parks and places you have always wanted to visit. Several of us took the post-trip option to Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico.
Buck Myers has posted pictures of our trip in the Galleries section. Click on 2019 Galleries, and then on the Study/Travel Trip entry, or click here.
Study/Travel 2018 – Dubrovnik to Venice
Our primary trip was CIE’s 11-day tour “Dubrovnik to Venice.” This tour of the Adriatic coast was from May 14 to 25, 2018. This was an LLI/NOVA Study/Travel exclusive tour, but friends and family were welcome. Click the green button below to see the trip flyer.
Buck Myers has posted pictures of our trip in the Galleries section. Click on 2018 Galleries, and then on the Study/Travel Trip entry, or click here.
Study/Travel 2018 – The Canadian Maritimes: Novia Scotia, New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island
Our secondary trip in 2018 was Grand Circle Travel’s 14-day tour, “The Canadian Maritimes: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island.” This tour departed on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, from Dulles, and the returned on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. We had 16 LLI members (and friends and family) on the tour. Click the green button below to see the trip flyer.
Buck Myers has posted pictures of our trip in the Galleries section, click on 2018 Galleries and then on the Study/Travel Trip entry or click here.
Study/Travel 2017 – Scotland
Our main trip for 2017 was a fabulous 12-night tour of Scotland. This bus-based tour, “Scottish Isles and Glens,” was presented by CIE Tours. Our group departed from Dulles on June 18, 2017, on an exclusive (LLI/NOVA members and friends and family only) 12-day trip. The tour started in Glasgow and swung up the west coast of Scotland through the Highlands, with a ferry boat ride to the Orkneys in the far north and then down the east coast ending up in Edinburg. The tour included visits to the Isles of Skye and Orkney, the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, Whisky Tasting, a Scottish evening in Edinburgh, and much, much more. Our travel reservations were made through AAA travel services. Click the green button below to see the trip flyer
Buck Myers has posted pictures of our trip in the Galleries section. Click on 2017 Galleries, and then on the Study/Travel Trip entry, or click here.
Study/Travel 2017 – French River Cruise
Once again, we had a high level of interest in an additional tour, and so we opted for a 12-day French river cruise tour that departed on August 24, 2017. This tour, “Cruising Burgundy & Provence to the Cote d’Azur,” was offered by Grand Circle Travel on a small (46 passenger) riverboat. The tour started in Paris and was followed by a 7-night cruise odyssey through the heartland of France on the Saone and Rhone Rivers. We discovered the lovely landscapes and enchanting villages that inspired the great artists of the 19th and 20th centuries and reveled in the picturesque scenery, like gently sloping hills and vineyards that sustain one of the greatest wine industries in the world. We visited ornate papal palaces, Gothic cathedrals, medieval fortifications, and ancient Roman ruins, and capped off our explorations in the elegant Cote d’Azur, with its golden sands and opulent casinos. Our members were also able to add a 3-night pre-trip to Paris and a 4-night post-trip to the Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre. Click the green button below to view the trip flyer.
Buck Myers has posted pictures of our trip in the Galleries section. Click on 2017 Galleries, and then on the Study/Travel Trip entry, or click here.
Study/Travel 2016 – The Alps
Our main trip for 2016 started in Milan and toured the Italian Lakes district. Then we went through Switzerland before finishing in Austria and Germany. Tucked in the valleys of the Alps lie some of Europe’s most charming villages. We visited Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore, and relaxed in Interlaken, a Swiss vacation spot set amid two picturesque lakes and surrounded by stunning Alpine peaks. We also enjoyed the charm of Seefeld in Austrian Tyrol. This bus-based tour departed on June 11. Several of our members included an optional 4-night pre-trip to Lake Como in Italy and a 5-night post-trip to Munich, Germany and Salzburg, Austria. The tour, “Romantic Villages of Alpine Europe,” was offered by Grand Circle Travel. For details, click the green button below to see the trip flyer.
Buck Myers has posted pictures of our trip in the Galleries section. Click on 2016 Galleries, and then on the Study/Travel Trip entry, or click here.
Study/Travel 2016 – Iceland
Because interest was very high, we offered a second trip in 2016. This trip, “Untamed Iceland,” departed on July 12 for Reykjavik and then spent the next 10 days touring the island nation. The trip showcased Iceland’s natural beauty and Viking heritage. Our members discovered the history of this isolated nation preserved in a series of enchanting medieval tales known as the Sagas. In addition, we had the opportunity to raft on the Hvita River, watch for whales, and journey to within 40 miles of the Arctic Circle at Akureyri. This was a small group (maximum 16 participants) tour offered by Overseas Adventure Travel. For details about this trip and to see the trip flyer, click the green button below.
Study/Travel 2015 – Sicily
In 2015, Study/Travel toured Sicily by bus to discover its Greek, Arab, Norman, and Roman heritage, finishing with two days in Rome at the end of the trip. Many of our members participated in an optional 5-day pre-trip to the Amalfi Coast and added an optional 3-day extension in Rome. The tour was offered by Grand Circle Travel. For details, click the green button below.
Buck Myers has posted pictures of our trip in the Galleries section, click on 2015 Galleries and then on the Study/Travel Trip entry or click here.
Older Trips
| July 2014 | Northwest US & Canada National Parks (bus) | June 2013 | Lower Danube River Cruise - Black Sea to Budapest |
| May 2012 | Spain & Portugal (bus) | June 2011 | Baltic Cruise/St. Petersburg |
| September 2009 | Utah/Arizona National Parks (bus) | June 2008 | Alaska (cruise, bus & train) |
| October 2007 | Bermuda | June 2007 | Ireland (bus) |
| February 2007 | Chile,Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Machu Picchu (air and bus) | Spring 2006 | Rhine/Main River Cruise -Prague to Paris |
| October 2005 | China | August 2005 | Canadian Rockies (train) |
| April 2005 | Belgium & Netherlands Tulip Time River Cruise | June 2004 | Scotland |
| May 2003 | Portugal North to South (bus) | July 2002 | Scandinavian Odyssey |
| September 2001 | Russia - Volga River Cruise | May 2001 | Venice, Florence & Rome (bus) |
| September 2000 | All Around Germany (bus) | June 2000 | Paris, Provence & The Alps |
| May 1999 | Journey Through Spain | 1999 | Baltic Cruise |
| May 1998 | Vienna, Budapest & Prague (bus) | 1998 | Danube River Cruise |
| September 1997 | Istanbul/Greek Isles/Athens (cruise) |