Exploritas (formerly Elderhostel) New City Trips
Independent Explorations to Santa Fe, New Orleans, Los Angeles
Sep 21, 2009
Now that Elderhostel has announced it is changing its name to Exploritas, it lists revamped city trips to such favorite spots as Santa Fe, New Orleans, Montreal, New York and Los Angeles. The excursions combine plenty of time for independent wandering as well as guided tours, lectures and unusual non-tourist stopovers.
Santa Fe Exploritas Trip
In Santa Fe, a “lecture by a representative from a local arts organization starts your discovery of the cultural fabric of the city” but allows travelers to explore the six New Mexico state museums there at their own pace.
The 4-day Santa Fe trip includes a native American-inspired dinner, talks about the Hispanic and Indian contributions to the New Mexico capital, a historical overview, a chance to buy native American jewelry, information about riding the fabulous new Railrunner train and a performance by a local musician. Cost: $594 for double occupancy.
New Orleans Exploritas Trip
In New Orleans, Exploritas spends four days immersing visitors in the French Quarter, jazz and Creole food, but also arranges for them to “come face-to-face with the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and see the system of levees and pumps being built by the U.S. Corps of Engineers to prevent future flooding.”
There is plenty of free time in New Orleans for strolling the neighborhoods, as well as walking and bus tours, a cooking lesson, and scholarly introductions to the New Orleans influence on writers such as Tennessee Williams. Cost $796, double occupancy.
Montreal Exploritas Trip
In Montreal, Exploritas tourists spend four days learning about the French heritage of the city from experts, have time on their own to visit several museums, absorb the ambiance of the port and Old Montreal, and discover the city’s connection with First Nations (indigenous) peoples. A seminar conducted by a professor from McGill University “relates the history of Montreal, from its earliest days to its current place in contemporary Canada.”
The trip also provides a tasty cross-section of the cuisine among Montreal’s many ethnic groups and a trip to a local Quebecois farmers market. Cost: $785, double occupancy.
Los Angeles Exploritas Trip
On this 4-night excursion, Exploritas travelers stay in the historic Figueroa Hotel, although commuters are invited to participate at a reduced price. Included: learning about how the film industry developed, as well as visits to the campus of Caltech and its Seismological Laboratory, and a ride on the Metro. Cost: $685 double occupancy, or $492 for commuters.
Thus, Exploritas, formerly Elderhostel, creates “independent explorations,” which are 4-day trips to several of the most exciting cities in North America. They are listed under its “Road Scholar” section.
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