Williamsburg Christmas Illumination 24

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Join us for a fun-filled get-away full of holiday cheer and yuletide spirit in historic Williamsburg, Virginia. Our first destination is Berkeley Plantation, located in Charles City, Virginia. Upon our arrival at Virginia's most historic plantation on the James River, we enjoy a box lunch. Following lunch, we step back in time to a bygone era and experience a genteel 18th century lifestyle. Berkeley's history dates back to 1619 when settlers observed the first official Thanksgiving in America. Berkeley's 1726 Georgian mansion is the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V, signer of the Declaration of Independence and three times governor of Virginia. The estate is also the birthplace of William Henry Harrison, 9th President of the United States. During the Civil War, Berkeley was occupied by General George McClellan's Union troops. While at Berkeley, General Daniel Butterfield composed the familiar tune "Taps," first played by his bugler, O.W. Norton. You will enjoy a docent-guided tour of Berkeley's elegant 1726 mansion beautifully decorated with traditional holiday decorations of fresh greenery and natural arrangements from Berkeley's gardens. Plus, our costumed guides will add a special touch with stories of Christmas at Berkeley throughout four centuries of history. A self-guided tour of the grounds leading to the James River, monuments to the First Thanksgiving and to Taps, and the Harrison family graveyard is also included. Also, visit the exhibit where you can see the reconstructed slave quarters located on the approximate site of the original slave quarters, and learn about the enslaved people who lived and worked at Berkeley. Before checking into the Comfort Inn in Williamsburg, Virginia for the next two nights, enjoy a delicious dinner at the Aberdeen Barn Steakhouse.

Day 2

After breakfast we visit the nation's largest and oldest outdoor living museum, Colonial Williamsburg. Step into the past and join in the creation of a new nation. Enjoy being swept up in the daily life of a busy 18th-century city as we are greeted by shopkeepers, slaves, and outspoken patriots. Visit the original and restored homes, public buildings and shops, and stroll the more than 90-acres of landscaped gardens and courtyards. Your admission provides full access to historic exhibition buildings, including the Governor's Palace, Capital, Museums and The Revolutionary City. Lunch is on your own. After lunch we continue our exploration of Colonial Williamsburg. Strolling through Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area during the holiday season is a treat for the senses with windows and doors decorated in 18th-century fashion, handcrafted wreaths, fresh greenery, and festive garlands. Later enjoy a delicious dinner in the Merchants Square at your leisure using your $25.00 gift card. Inspired by the 18th Century architectural history of Williamsburg, Merchants Square is a lovely blend of old charm and new flair. Beautiful colonial buildings house a variety of boutiques, shops and restaurants, with menus that range from seafood, to comfort food. Following dinner, we attend The Grand Illumination celebration. Williamsburg's Grand Illumination event signals the start of the holiday season, and features the lighting of candles, the illumination of the buildings, caroling, dancing, music, and concludes with a festive fireworks display.

Day 3

After breakfast we escape from the modern day and travel back in time at the Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum. Here, near the site of the original colony, you'll dive into the cultures of the Powhatan Indians, English colonists and West Central Africans who converged in 17th-century Virginia through immersive films, gallery exhibits and outdoor re-creations. From the galleries, walk outdoors to climb aboard a re-creation of one of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607, and explore life-size re-creations of the colonists' fort and the world of the Powhatan Indians in a Paspahegh town. The Settlement is a vibrant classroom where you can learn about the cross-cultural encounters and events that planted the seeds of a new nation. Following a delicious lunch, which is included, settle back and enjoy a holiday themed movie on our drive home. Or maybe reminisce about the diverse stories of the people who inspired a revolution and the nations rich and complex history, enduring traditions, charming decorations, holiday excitement, and an illuminated night sky above a beautiful colonial capital. Williamsburg celebrates Christmas with a bang! Happy Holidays!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner