Travel & Culture   

Discover the history, culture and craft of Costa Rica plus a virtual tour of the rainforests to learn about the bizarre and beautiful creatures that inhabit the most diverse ecosystem on earth.

Ever have trouble deciding which cruise and cruise line to take? In this age of informational overload, how can you be sure you are getting the right river cruise that fits your desired river cruise experience? This course will introduce you to the features, inclusions, and differences between the major river cruise lines you see and hear about. Learn about Viking, AMAWaterways, Uniworld, Avalon, Scenic, and Emerald river cruise lines. This is an informational session that will help you make your decision and not a sales presentation.

Get a taste of adventure before you even pack your bags! Join travel guide Patrick Wilkins for an exciting presentation as he takes you on a vivid preview of the new Painted Canyons of the West trip offered through Master the Possibilities by Collette Travel. Hear firsthand about the sweeping red rock landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands, the whimsical hoodoos of Bryce, the towering cliffs of Zion, and the unforgettable journey from Denver to the neon lights of Las Vegas. Through captivating stories, insider tips, and stunning imagery, Patrick will bring this nine-day, five-national park adventure to life-and show you why this is a trip you won't want to miss.

Patrick will also share important details to make booking-and traveling-stress-free. From what to expect in activity levels and terrain, to understanding travel requirements and accommodations, he'll help you feel confident about every step of the journey. With his experience and insider knowledge, you'll leave not only inspired, but assured that your adventure is in capable hands.

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Depart from Eureka for a leisurely cruise down the tree-shaded Ocklawaha River in the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Learn about the history of the River and the dramatic changes created when the Rodman Dam was built in 1968. See the distinct contrast between the natural sections of the river and those that were altered. View birds, turtles, gators and other river creatures. Boat Captain Erika Ritter.

Depart from Eureka for a leisurely cruise down the tree-shaded Ocklawaha River in the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Learn about the history of the River and the dramatic changes created when the Rodman Dam was built in 1968. See the distinct contrast between the natural sections of the river and those that were altered. View birds, turtles, gators and other river creatures. Boat Captain Erika Ritter.

Gain a deeper understanding of holiday traditions and regional cultures through the lens of seasonal markets. Explore must-visit destinations and hidden gems that offer authentic and memorable holiday experiences. Learn how to plan a Christmas market tour with tips on navigating markets, purchasing one-of-a-kind gifts, and enjoying local delicacies. Ideal for world travelers, holiday enthusiasts, and those interested in global cultural experiences, this course provides enriching insights and practical knowledge that enhance appreciation for one of the world’s most beloved seasonal traditions.

Explore how different cask types shape a whisky’s character. This course introduces the influence of cask finishing on aroma and flavor, showing how distillers use various woods and previous contents to create unique profiles. Participants will sample three single malt whiskies, noting appearance, aroma, and taste, scoring each, and comparing the differences by the end of the session. Includes three one-ounce single malt Scotch tastings.

Students must be 21 years of age or older to attend the course. All registered participants are fully aware alcohol will be distributed in the classroom for possible consumption and will accept full responsibility for transportation to and from the classroom. Participants are asked not to wear perfume or cologne to class.

R.V.’s are a great way to travel while having the convenience of bringing some of the comforts of home with you. If you’ve always thought about buying an R.V. and want to learn more about the lifestyle before you make that purchase, this class will give you an idea of what it takes to get started, as well as some of the things you may encounter while on the road.

See clips from films made in Florida - and films made about Florida. From Sunshine State to Where the Boys Are to Gone Fishin', you'll get an overview of what Florida-made and Floridacentric films say about our state. Expect lots of movie clips, discussion and a question and answer period.

In the center of Europe, Prague has been one of Europe's great cultural capitals for a thousand years. Learn about Prague's fascinating history, amazing sites and culture. See how a thousand years of often turbulent history have created this beautiful and captivating cultural capital.

This class is designed for travelers, history enthusiasts or anyone interested in timeless beauty. We will discuss travel tips, key sites and the history behind the great monuments and cultural treasures. Get practical advice for making the most of a visit to Prague.

Experience an immersive travel talk exploring the vibrant ports, sun-drenched coastlines, and rich cultural heritage of the Western Mediterranean. Ideal for both seasoned cruisers and first-time travelers, this engaging session highlights the best of cruising from Barcelona to Rome, with stops in iconic destinations such as Marseille, Florence, Naples, and Palma de Mallorca. The presentation covers unique shore excursions, local cuisine, historical landmarks, and expert tips for maximizing on-board amenities and port days. Attendees will also learn about the optimal times to set sail, how to select the right cruise line to match their travel style, and what to pack for this unforgettable journey. Time has been alloted to answer any questions.

Whisky maturation by distillery offers an opportunity to appreciate the changes in flavor associated with the aging process. Participants will sample three single malt whiskies from the same distillery beginning with a 12-year-old, then progressing to a 15-year-old and concluding with an 18-year-old expression. Participants will have a chance to describe, contrast and rate each expression. This course will include a tasting of three-one-ounce single malt scotch whiskies.

Students must be 21 years of age or older to attend the course. All registered participants are fully aware alcohol will be distributed in the classroom for possible consumption and will accept full responsibility for transportation to and from the classroom. Participants are asked not to wear perfume or cologne to class.

 

Over the course of eight years, Architect Frank Lloyd Wright built an impressive hotel for the Emperor of Japan. Through hundreds of historic photos and eyewitness accounts, Master Storyteller Timothy Totten recounts the origins of the project, reveals the extensive design work that detailed the enormous hotel, and reconstructs with a digital artist this masterpiece of Tokyo architecture lost to history and the wrecking ball.

Depart from Eureka for a leisurely cruise down the tree-shaded Ocklawaha River in the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Learn about the history of the River and the dramatic changes created when the Rodman Dam was built in 1968. See the distinct contrast between the natural sections of the river and those that were altered. View birds, turtles, gators and other river creatures. Boat Captain Erika Ritter.

Depart from Eureka for a leisurely cruise down the tree-shaded Ocklawaha River in the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Learn about the history of the River and the dramatic changes created when the Rodman Dam was built in 1968. See the distinct contrast between the natural sections of the river and those that were altered. View birds, turtles, gators and other river creatures. Boat Captain Erika Ritter.

Kimono is a traditional garment and the national dress of Japan.  In this class, you will learn how to wear a kimono using various accessories from simple ties to silk Obi sash.  Then you will learn how to fold a kimono properly for storage. We all also explore specific kimono for specific occasions.

A controversial design for an unusual art collection, the Guggenheim Museum took famed American Architect Frank Lloyd Wright more than 2 decades to realize, with his death coming 6 months shy of the unique building's completion. Storyteller Timothy Totten will bring to life the tortured and unique story of the controversial museum through 100+ pictures and more than a dozen fascinating accounts by the players involved.

Join us as we explore the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota from the perspective of family legacy. Presentation to include a personal gold mining history dating back to 1912. Explore the Hills including discussion of local folklore/tips, Custer State Park, Mt Rushmore, Historic Deadwood, backdrop to movies such as "North by Northwest," and "Dances with Wolves."

Depart from Eureka for a leisurely cruise down the tree-shaded Ocklawaha River in the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Learn about the history of the River and the dramatic changes created when the Rodman Dam was built in 1968. See the distinct contrast between the natural sections of the river and those that were altered. View birds, turtles, gators and other river creatures. Boat Captain Erika Ritter.

Depart from Eureka for a leisurely cruise down the tree-shaded Ocklawaha River in the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Learn about the history of the River and the dramatic changes created when the Rodman Dam was built in 1968. See the distinct contrast between the natural sections of the river and those that were altered. View birds, turtles, gators and other river creatures. Boat Captain Erika Ritter.