The Gardens & History of Virginia
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Join us as we bring the beauty and allure of VERANDA's Beautiful South issue to life with a trip to discover the gardens and deep-rooted history of one of our favorite states. From Charlottesville to Williamsburg, marvel at Virginia in bloom as we offer exclusive access to private homes and gardens, an intimate tour of Monticello, gardening tips from the experts at Colonial Williamsburg, plus enlightening visits to the Anne Spencer House and Garden, as well as Shirley Plantation: Virginia’s first plantation, founded in 1613.
Deluxe accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and beautiful vineyards round out this extraordinary tour of Virginia’s countryside.
May 2-6, 2022
Virginia
For additional details or to book The Gardens & History of Virginia, call 855-890-5298 or click here.
Trip highlights include:
By special arrangement, marvel at Virginia in bloom as you visit private homes and gardens not ordinarily open to the public
Juxtapose Poplar Forest and Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s distinctive and iconic residences, while you meet with curators to discuss the historic and present-day interplay between these historic estates
Explore the lives of Black Americans, from enslaved persons on former plantations to the private home and garden of a Harlem Renaissance poet
Enjoy deluxe accommodations, local ingredients, and beautiful vineyards as you travel through the countryside from Charlottesville to Williamsburg
The Itinerary
Day 1: Richmond to Charlottesville
– Arrive independently in Richmond
– Group transfer to Charlottesville and hotel check-in at the Boar’s Head Resort
– Welcome reception and dinner
– Included Meal: Dinner
Day 2: Lynchburg
– Guided visit to Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s residences and laboratories, considered to be a masterpiece of landscape and architecture
– Private guided tour at the Anne Spencer House and Garden, former home of the eponymous Harlem Renaissance poet (led by Spencer's granddaughter), who entertained Martin Luther King, Jr., W.E.B. Du Bois, among other luminaries
– Dinner at leisure
– Included Meal: Lunch
Day 3: Monticello
– Visit the house and gardens of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's 'laboratory'
– Meet with members of Monticello's curatorial staff for private discussions on topics as varied as historic growing practices, staying relevant through sustainable agricultural, and the legacy of slavery on the former plantation
– Private garden tour at Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards led by head gardener Diane Burns, followed by a picturesque lunch and wine pairing
– Group transfer to Williamsburg and hotel check-in at the Williamsburg Inn
– Dinner at leisure
– Included Meals: Lunch
Day 4: Colonial Williamsburg
– Spend a full day in Colonial Williamsburg exploring the renowned arboretum and gardens
– Meet with a member of Colonial Williamsburg's horticultural staff for a private workshop to learn some tricks of the trade and best practices
– Private curatorial visit to the Decorative Arts Museum with a focus on 18th century textiles and ceramics
– Afternoon at leisure to explore Colonial Williamsburg including curated suggestions (day pass included for access to anywhere on the grounds)
– Optional: Afternoon flower demonstration and hands-on workshop with the Williamsburg Inn’s Floral Designer (supplemental charge for participants)
– Elegant farm-to-table farewell dinner featuring garden elements and course introductions by the chef
– Included Meals: Dinner
Day 5: Richmond
– Check out of hotel
– Guided visit to Virginia’s first plantation, Shirley Plantation, founded in 1613. Currently in its 12th generation of Hill Carter stewardship, the family and foundation aim to tell the whole story of Shirley from Colonial life to early American history of the indigenous, settler, indentured and the enslaved
– Picnic lunch at Upper Shirley Plantation
– Transfer to Richmond Airport for individual late afternoon/early evening departures
– Included Meals: Lunch
*Please note: Final itinerary subject to change.
Booking & Details
For additional details or to book The Gardens & History of Virginia, call 855-890-5298 or click here.
**Book with confidence. VERANDA and our travel partner, Academic Travel Abroad, are offering lenient cancellation policies during this unprecedented time. The health and safety of our travelers is our #1 priority and we are committed to upholding the highest safety standards while offering world-class hospitality.**
NOTE: Space is limited to 20 guests. Travelers to handle costs and logistics associated with airfare, airport transfers, meals, and activities that are not outlined in the above itinerary. Trip to be arranged by a third party operator: Academic Travel Abroad. Itinerary is preliminary and subject to change.
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