World
World Academy on Queen Mary 2: Australia, South Africa & Beyond
Program No. 22978RJ
On an epic voyage onboard the legendary Queen Mary 2, explore 20 countries on four continents with our experts, on what is undoubtedly the learning adventure of a lifetime!
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113 days
112 nights
330 meals
111B 108L 111D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
21
Port Elizabeth, SANCCOB Rehabilitation Centre, Game Drive
Port Elizabeth
At a Glance
Are you ready for the voyage of a lifetime? Join us for a 112-night adventure that begins with two nights in London and continues onboard the incredible Queen Mary 2 for a 108-night voyage that leads through Western Europe, South Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. You’ll explore 20 countries on four continents, learn about numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and even sail through the Suez Canal. Time at sea allows you access to our expert instructors who will lead lectures and discussions exclusive for Road Scholars. There’s no end to what you’ll discover and the friendships you’ll make during this epic voyage!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
What You'll Learn
- Begin your learning adventure with two nights in London, with field trips to St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
- Delight in a memorable voyage through the Suez Canal, as you journey from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.
- Go on a one-day safari in South Africa, experience the desert city of Dubai, marvel at the biodiversity of the island of Mauritius and much more!
Suggested Reading List
(21 books)
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.
World Academy on Queen Mary 2: Australia, South Africa & Beyond
Program Number: 22978
Australia, A Traveler's Literary Companion
Arranged geographically, this collection of works by mostly local writers, including Patrick White, Peter Carey and other luminaries, introduces the cultures, geography and mindset of Australia.
Parting the Desert
A compelling account of the politics, intrigue and engineering challenges of the Suez Canal. It's in part a portrait of Franco-Egyptian relations and the making of the modern Middle East. The Canal was inaugurated to great fanfare on November 17, 1869.
Wildlife of Australia
This compact photo guide covers commonly encountered birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs across Australia, including 350 species of birds.
Journey to Mauritius
A lyrical account of colonial society, daily life and nature in Mauritius, newly translated and with an introduction by Jason Wilson.
The Fortunes of Africa, A 5000-Year History of Wealth, Greed and Endeavor
Covering the epic story of colonialism in Africa, Meredith’s magisterial history depicts empire-hungry kings, missionaries, tribal warlords, mining barons -- even modern multinational corporations. An expansive but entertaining read.
Elephant Complex, Travels in Sri Lanka
This exuberant travelogue by an award-winning writer takes stock of Sri Lanka, from the capital city of Colombo through the remotest interior. Gimlette mixes his narrative with colonial history and plenty of lucid observations.
Running in the Family
Award-winning author Ondaatje returns to his native Sri Lanka in this hypnotic travelogue. His lovingly traced family memoirs are interspersed with poetry and ruminations on the island's post-colonial history.
In a Sunburned Country
The intrepid, ever-resourceful Bryson revels in Australia's eccentric characters, dangerous flora and fauna and other oddities in this wildly funny, effortlessly informative travelogue.
Evening Is the Whole Day
Set in post-colonial Malaysia, this richly textured debut novel depicts the unraveling of a wealthy family and the six-year-old daughter left reeling from losses and departures. Samarasan's unflinching yet tender examination of one immigrant family's experience exposes the complexities and layered history of Malaysia itself.
True History of the Kelly Gang
Carey's powerful, daring novel, steeped in the colonial history of late 19th-century Australia, won him a second Booker (the first was for Oscar & Lucinda). Outlaw, folk hero, thief and patriot, the Irish immigrant Ned Kelly and his clan figure large in the Australian mindset.
Tracks, A Woman's Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback
The true story of a woman's trek across the Australian Outback -- an adventurous tale shot through with a feel for the landscape and empathy for the Aborigines she meets along the way. Has also been made into a movie.
City of Gold, Dubai and the Dream of Capitalism
This close-up portrait of Dubai by an award-winning journalist describes how the city transformed from a little-known village in 1960 to the cutting-edge capitalist metropolis and tourist haven it is today.
Chasing Kangaroo
In this ode to the kangaroo, Flannery weaves his own coming of age as a scientist with tales of the strange marsupial, past and present.
Hong Kong
A wonderful portrait of Hong Kong by one of our favorite travel writers. Morris enumerates the many personal pleasures of the city, deftly interweaving reportage, history and culture.
Long Walk to Freedom
An unpretentious tale of an extraordinary life, Mandela's autobiography is essential reading for an understanding of South Africa. His grace and his love for his country shine throughout.
Ghosts of Spain
Tremlett captures the Spanish character, history and modern politics in this masterful portrait, interweaving the story of his love for the country (where he has lived for 20 years) with interviews, anecdotes and observation.
Wildlife of Southern Africa
This Princeton Pocket Guide, featuring 400 color photographs by Withers and co-author David Hosking, covers all the birds, mammals, lizards and insects you are likely to encounter.
The Travel Book, A Journey Through Every Country in the World
Bigger and better than ever (the third edition of the best-selling original), we can't keep our hands off this celebration of the world. Each country, no matter how big or small, gets a colorful double-page spread in this glossy A-to-Z of travel from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
King Rat
The first in Clavell's acclaimed Asia series, this book describes the life of a POW in Japanese-occupied Singapore during World War II, richly evocative of its setting
The Eaves of Heaven, A Life in Three Wars
Pham recounts the story of his father's life during the French occupation, Japanese invasion and the American War, weaving such momentous events with anecdotes from his childhood and details of family, friends, food and daily life.
A History of the Arab Peoples
Called a landmark, masterpiece and essential to understanding the Middle East, Hourani's acclaimed chronicle of the political, spiritual, religious and cultural traditions of the Arab peoples is brought up to date with an afterword by noted Islamic scholar Malise Ruthven.
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