Williamsburg, Jamestown & Yorktown 26

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Join us and step back in time to a bygone era and experience the genteel lifestyle of the eighteenth-century on a memorable get-away to the low-lying coastal plain of the Virginia Peninsula, better known as the Tidewater Region of Virginia. Our first destination is Virginia's most historic plantation, Berkeley Plantation, located on the James River in Charles City, Virginia. Upon our arrival we enjoy a box lunch, followed by a docent guided tour of Berkeley's elegant 1726 mansion. Berkeley's history dates 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. The mansion is furnished with a rare collection of eighteenth-century antiques, Chinese porcelain, and English silver. A self-guided tour of the grounds leading to breathtaking views of the historic James River, monuments to the First Thanksgiving and to Taps, and the Harrison family graveyard are 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 Gateway 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. Revisit 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. A delicious lunch is included at Shields Tavern. After lunch we continue to explore Colonial Williamsburg and Merchants Square. 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 and shops. Be sure to pick up that special Williamsburg souvenir while at the Square! Before returning to our hotel for a restful night's sleep, enjoy a delicious dinner at The Whaling Company.

Day 3

After breakfast we escape from the modern day and travel back in time to the Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum. Here, near the site of the original colony, you will 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, and before we return home, we conclude our colonial get-away with a visit to the American Revolution Museum. The Museum celebrates the American victory over Lord Cornwallis and the British that signified the end of the American Revolution. Exciting indoor galleries feature period artifacts, immersive environments, and films, including "The Siege of Yorktown," with a 180-degree surround screen and dramatic special effects. Browse through a living military camp depicting the history of the war from the Boston Tea Party to the British surrender at Yorktown.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner