Highlights

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Staunton, VA

Arrive today in Staunton, VA where you enjoy a three-night stay at a local hotel.  Dinner is on your own this evening.

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

This morning, head to Charlottesville, VA and start with a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.  Here you learn about this fascinating Renaissance man famous for writing the Declaration of Independence. Discover his passion for politics, agriculture, architecture, reading and inventing. See firsthand many of his 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.

Your lunch is included today 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.

The afternoon features a tour of James Monroe’s Highland. The 5th President of the United States, he was categorized as a small planter who raised tobacco on a farm of approximately 500 acres from 1799 to 1823.  Your guide will lead you on an outdoor history walk, which includes the site of the recently discovered 1799 Main House. You’ll learn the significance of Highland and its enslaved and free occupants, as well as how recent archaeological discoveries have added to the understanding of plantation life. Following the history walk, guides will accompany you for a visit of the 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.”

Then return to Staunton where you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Virginia Scenic Railway w/lunch – Wine Tasting – Dinner – Blackfriars Playhouse Performance

Today, its ALL ABOARD the Virginia Scenic Railway. Experience the charm and beauty of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley as the Alleghany Special ventures westward from historic Staunton through beautiful farmland of the Shenandoah Valley, on a destination bound for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

Departing from the historic Amtrak Staunton station in Staunton, this three-hour excursion will take you through the region’s iconic rural landscapes — you’ll pass by working farms with cattle, horses, and sheep. Views of the Alleghany Mountains will unfold as you venture west; it is a photographer’s dream. The train turns around in the hamlet of Goshen in Rockbridge County.

Along the way, you may get to experience the thrill of a passing Amtrak train or a working freight train.   You will also enjoy a freshly prepared, sit-down lunch aboard the Virginia Scenic Railway. (Train available Thursday -Sunday)

The afternoon features a wine tasting at one of Staunton’s local wineries. Staunton is filled with family-owned vineyards and eclectic tasting rooms located throughout the area.

Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant before a performance at the Blackfriars Playhouse. The American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse features performances of Shakespeare’s plays and contemporary works and is the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s Indoor Theatre.  This 300-seat Renaissance-style theatre offers an intimate space to see the Bard’s plays in a fast paced, spirited style where the audience is always part of the show. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum – Depart for Home

This morning, visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum.  Retrace the inspiring journey of our 28th president at The Woodrow Wilson Museum as you stroll through seven galleries which explore Wilson’s early years, his eventful presidency, suffrage, prohibition and World War I. The President’s restored 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine is a highlight of the museum. Plus, you can immerse yourself in the state-of–the-art World War I trench exhibit complete with lights and sounds to experience what life was like for soldiers as they engaged in battle.

Depart for home following your visit. (B)

Tour Map