Highlights

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Richmond, VA

Arrive today in Richmond, VA where you enjoy a four-night stay at a local hotel.  Dinner is included at a local restaurant tonight. (D)

Day 2 – James Monroe’s “Highland” – Meet James Monroe – Lunch at Michie Tavern – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello – Meet Thomas Jefferson 

After breakfast, enjoy a day of Presidential Touring starting with a tour of President James Monroe’s “Highland.” The 5th President of the United States, Monroe was categorized as a small planter who raised tobacco on this farm of approximately 500 acres from 1799 to 1823.  Your guide will take you on an outdoor history walk, which includes the site of the recently discovered 1799 Main House. Learn the significance of Highland and its enslaved and free occupants, as well as how recent archaeological discoveries have upturned the understanding of this plantation. Following the outdoor history walk, guides will accompany participants for a self-paced visit of the 1818 Guesthouse and interior exhibit spaces. Plus, you have an audience with President James Monroe (character actor) for a truly unique experience. Monroe served at a time when there was only one political party in America, the period was known as “The Era of Good Feelings.”

Your lunch is at Historic Michie’s Tavern, once owned by Patrick Henry’s father.  This Virginia Landmark captures 18th century life.  The Tavern’s dining room is a rustic setting with the servers dressed in period attire. Wet your whistle with a local spirit at the 1784 Pub, housed in the oldest section of this historic landmark and see where travelers have eaten and rested for 240 years. Grab a souvenir or gift from The General Store or The Tavern Shop, both housed in restored period structures.

Following lunch is a visit to 3rd President Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.  You will learn about this fascinating Renaissance man and his passion for politics, agriculture, architecture, reading and inventing. See firsthand many of Jefferson’s innovative creations. Walking down Mulberry Row, the industrial hub of Monticello, you will learn about the work and domestic life of the many free, indentured, and enslaved people whose contributions helped Jefferson accomplish his achievements both agriculturally and architecturally.

While at Monticello, your group can meet Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed by a historical interpreter ), most Tuesdays through Saturdays during regularly scheduled hours.  This actor meets with guests in character, answering questions and providing a deep and nuanced portrayal of the man who wrote, in the Declaration of Independence “all men are created equal” and yet he owned slaves.

Returning to Richmond for the evening, dinner is on your own. (B,L)

Day 3 –  St John’s Church Reenactment – James Madison’s Montpelier – Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown – Dinner at Hanover Tavern

This morning’s first stop is St. John’s Church (1741) in Richmond.  Here you witness the democratic process at work through an animated reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention. It was at this meeting that Patrick Henry shouted “Give me liberty or give me death!”  The re-enactment is by professional actors, in historic attire.  You will hear Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty” with comment from Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.

The afternoon features a tour of Montpelier, the home of James and Dolley Madison. Montpelier is the place where 4th President James Madison, Father of the Constitution. He is the man who conceived many of the basic foundations of American democracy. You will tour their Mansion and discover his genius while also learning about Dolley’s contributions.  She is known as  America’s “first” First Lady and was the first presidential wife to entertain in the White House – until the British burnt it!

Next is a short visit to Patrick Henry’s “Scotchtown.” It is a Colonial-era house filled with historic belongings and stories about the statesman and revolutionary who lived here.  Afterwards you enjoy dinner at historic Hanover Tavern, one of his favorite stops. You enjoy a guided tour discover it’s unique history then enjoy a delicious tavern dinner.

Return to Richmond for the evening. (B,D)

Day 4 – Sherwood Forest Plantation – Berkeley Plantation w/lunch – Shirley Plantation

Today tour the Berkeley Plantation, the site of the first Thanksgiving in 1619.  Berkley is also the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison a signer of the Declaration of Independence. It is also the birthplace of the 9th  President, William Henry Harrison who died after 31 days in office.  Harrison caught pneumonia during his inaugural address. Your tour will be greeted by a costumed guide who will lead you through the original Georgian Mansion.  Then you may explore the gardens on your own, they offer a breathtaking views of the James River.  A boxed lunch will be included today with your visit to the plantation.

Next is a visit to the Sherwood Forest Planation, Home of the 10th President John Tyler, who was William Henry Harrisons Vice President and succeeded him in the Oval Office.  While John Tyler was a controversial President, history treats him honorably and well.  Interestingly he is the only President to both lose his wife while serving then re-marry before his term was up – fathering 15 children in total. Sherwood Forest has been the continuous residence of the Tyler family since the President purchased it in 1842. It is known to be the longest frame house in America at 300 feet and reflects the lifestyle of this mid-19th century. He named it “Sherwood Forest” because Henry Clay called him an outlaw—like Robin Hood.

This day also includes a tour of the Historic Shirley Plantation, a National Historic Landmark on the James River.  The Shirley Plantation stands as a testament to colonial life and early American history of the indigenous, settlers, indentured and enslaved.  An active family farm, Shirley is currently home to the 11th and 12th generations of the Hill Carter family.

Returning to Richmond, dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Depart for Home

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for home. (B)

Tour Map