Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
Massachusetts

On the Road: Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket

Program No. 21005RJ
In some of New England’s most idyllic seaside towns, discuss whaling history, Victorian architecture, influential artists and unique ecology with naturalists and local experts.
Watch VideoWishlistShare
Start
  •  
  •  
  • 21005_US_MA_Martha_s Vineyard_Island Tour13_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Martha_s Vineyard_Oak Bluffs Camp Meeting Association21_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Sandwich_Sandwich Glass Museum19_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Nantucket_Whaling Museum9_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Martha_s Vineyard_Edgartown Tour29_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Hyannis_Monomoy Island Excursion17_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Hyannis_Monomoy Island Excursion20_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Martha_s Vineyard_Island Tour3_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Nantucket_Town8_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Martha_s Vineyard_Long Point Wildlife Refuge16_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Martha_s Vineyard_Edgartown Tour5_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Martha_s Vineyard_Long Point Wildlife Refuge1_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Martha_s Vineyard_Cheus_Sunset_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Nantucket_Tour1_c.jpg
  • 21005_US_MA_Martha_s Vineyard_Oak Bluffs Arrival5_c.jpg
Regional StudiesOn the RoadSmall Group
Length
8 days
Rating (4.77)
Activity Level
Starts at
3,299

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

8 days
7 nights
16 meals
7B 4L 5D
1
Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Boston, MA
2
Ferry to MV, Walk to Tabernacle, Introduction to Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard
3
Exploring Martha’s Vineyard, Historic Edgartown
Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard
4
Nature Preservation, Vineyard Haven
Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard
5
Historic Cape Cod, Sandwich Glass Museum, JFK Hyannis Museum
Hyannis, MA
6
Exploring Nantucket, Whaling Museum
Hyannis, MA
7
Exploring Scenic Cape Cod & the Arts, Provincetown
Hyannis, MA
8
Program Concludes
Hyannis, MA
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Examine history and culture past and present on an exploration of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Learn how fishing and whaling brought about economic development and explore the diversity of Martha's Vineyard with regard to its iconic island lifestyle and traditions. Contrast the history and island life of the Vineyard to those of the island of Nantucket and discover the arts and culture of Cape Cod, as well as the natural beauty that inspires so many.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2 miles per day; standing in museums. Some unavoidable stairs in historic sites. Getting on and off coach.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Learn about the historic role played by the region’s whaling history on a day trip to Nantucket.
  • Live the island life on Martha's Vineyard while learning about its history, diversity and unique Victorian architecture.
  • With a naturalist, study the unique ecology of the sand dunes of Cape Cod National Seashore.

General Notes

Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials. All rooms in the Martha Vineyard hotel have only one queen-sized bed; therefore, we cannot offer roommate matching services on this program or guarantee 2 bed room requests. Please see lodging description for more information.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Carol Carson
Carol “Krill” Carson is a marine biologist who has worked in the New England area since 1980. She spends her summers watching whales and studying the Northern Diamondback Terrapin, a threatened species of marsh turtle. In the fall, Krill and her team rescue marine wildlife that strand on Cape Cod. Krill is the founder and president of the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA), and the author of the book “My Friend Salt: The story of Salt, the most famous humpback whale in the world!”

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Debra Levin
Debra Levin View biography
Debra Levin is an honors graduate of Penn State and a former teacher. Debra has led groups of seniors, students, nurses, veterinarians, and retired fire chiefs to name but a few. Back home in Boston, she spends time volunteering with the symphony, theaters, and an art museum, when not speed walking and playing Wordle.
Profile Image of Gayle Felix
Gayle Felix View biography
Gayle Felix has been a Road Scholar group leader since 2015. She grew up and raised her family outside of Boston and now resides in Hingham, Massachusetts. With a history/American studies degree from Boston University, she enjoys sharing the history of Boston and surrounding areas. Gayle has led programs in New England; Washington, DC; and other areas in the United States. Gayle enjoys being with her family and friends, biking, kayaking, golfing, and hiking. She especially enjoys traveling and meeting new people.
Profile Image of George Schmidt
George Schmidt View biography
George Schmidt has been leading groups along the East Coast – from Williamsburg to Boston – for over 15 years. He now focuses on Boston, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. He has had an eclectic career, spending time in industry, academia, and being self-employed. George has traveled to over 100 countries and all seven continents. He is active in his hometown of Mashpee, where he has served on the Finance and School Committees, both of which he has had the privilege of chairing.
Profile Image of Carol Carson
Carol Carson View biography
Carol “Krill” Carson is a marine biologist who has worked in the New England area since 1980. She spends her summers watching whales and studying the Northern Diamondback Terrapin, a threatened species of marsh turtle. In the fall, Krill and her team rescue marine wildlife that strand on Cape Cod. Krill is the founder and president of the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA), and the author of the book “My Friend Salt: The story of Salt, the most famous humpback whale in the world!”
Profile Image of Cheryl Sennett
Cheryl Sennett View biography
Cheryl Sennett grew up in Pittsburgh and has lived all over the U.S. including Hawaii, Texas, and Alaska. She currently resides in Bradenton, Florida. She has led groups since 2007, when she received her certification from the International Guide Academy. She’s led groups in Alaska, Colorado, and New England, as well as a number of international destinations. In her personal travels, she’s been to all 50 states and traveled extensively in Latin America. Cheryl loves to volunteer with animals in her spare time.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Search for a Title
Start Enrolling





Recommended For You