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This unique four-day trip will visit the estates of Presidents George Washington (Mount Vernon), Thomas Jefferson (Monticello), James Madison (Montpelier), and James Monroe (Ash Lawn-Highland), as well as the University of Virginia and George Washington's Office in Winchester, VA. The following day-by-day schedule gives a specific timeline of the tour with all stops included. Don't miss out on what is sure to be a memorable experience!
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Price: $800 per person; $1,500 with a guest (an extra $150 will be charged for those who want a single occupancy hotel room).
How to Register: Please call the Jefferson Educational Society at 814-459-8000 to reserve your spot today!
There are only 50 seats available for this educational and historic trip, so first come, first served! We look forward to having you with us!
VIRGINIA DYNASTY TOUR * DAY-BY-DAY SCHEDULE * SEPTEMBER 20-23, 2014
September 20, 2014
7:00 AM: The Virginia Dynasty Tour departs from The Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Street, Erie, PA. (JESerie.org)
11:30 AM: Scheduled stop in Breezewood, PA for a one hour lunch and stretch break at the Traveler's Oasis (Subway, Dunkin' Donuts, Snack Shack - travelers-oasis.net).
2:30 PM: The first official stop of our trip will be Mount Vernon, President George Washington's beloved riverside estate. Our experience here will begin with a 25-minute introductory film at the Ford Orientation Center. The film will prep us for our mansion tour, scheduled for 3:30 PM. Interpreters will be on hand to provide information about the 21 rooms of Washington's home, which are restored to reflect the life and times in 1799. After the mansion tour, you will have roughly an hour to explore the estate, with options including the mansion outbuildings, gardens and grounds, and Washington's tomb. (mountvernon.org)
5:15 PM: Leave Mount Vernon and head to Fredericksburg, VA.
6:15 PM: Arrive at the Comfort Suites in Fredericksburg, VA with 45 minutes to relax and freshen up before dinner. (comfortsuites.com/hotel-fredericksburg-virginia-VA324)
7:15 PM: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Brock's Riverside Grill (included), located less than ten minutes from the hotel on the beautiful Rappahannock River. Dinner options include Chicken Parmesan, Trout Almondine, and Beef Stroganoff. A cash bar will be available in the private room for your convenience. (brocksgrill.com)
10:00 PM: Retire to the hotel to rest up for day two!
September 21, 2014
7:30-8:30 AM: A delicious, hot breakfast buffet (included) at the hotel will be made available for one hour.
9:00 AM: Bus departs from hotel, en-route to Montpelier Station, VA.
10:00 AM: Arrive at Montpelier, the home of James and Dolley Madison. Spend an hour perusing the gardens, grounds, exhibits, and the Visitor Center. At 11:00 AM, we will begin a two hour, in-depth Constitution Tour, which includes a full mansion tour with extra details concerning the creation and political philosophies of the Constitution. After the tour, a picnic lunch (included) will be provided at the café at Montpelier. (montpelier.org) Enjoy the first of three lectures by Former Mercyhurst University Professor Barry Grossman: "Creating the Virginia Dynasty: The Great Jefferson-Madison Collaboration" - When Thomas Jefferson was in his dotage, he wrote to life- long friend and neighbor James Madison and asked that he, Madison, please 'take care of me when dead.' No two American Presidents had a closer, nor more intimate relationship. This lecture will explore the political and philosophical nature of their association.
2:00 PM: Leave Montpelier and head to Ash Lawn-Highland.
3:00 PM: Our second stop is Ash Lawn-Highland, home of the 5th President of the United States, James Monroe. The group will be broken up for easy touring of the farmhouse (guided), and to view the gardens, grounds, farm animals, out buildings, and statues. (ashlawnhighland.org)
5:00 PM: Arrive at the Holiday Inn-Monticello. Relax, enjoy the cocktail lounge and hotel restaurant, Charlotte's, or order in. (http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/ charlottesville/choso/hoteldetail)
7:30 PM: The evening will be spent touring the University of Virginia's academic village and Rotunda, as created by Thomas Jefferson. Professor Barry Grossman will be giving his second of three lectures, entitled "Taking on the Church of England: Founding the University of Virginia" - In his one last act of civic duty, Thomas Jefferson in his eighth decade, created a university that would be the first non-religiously affiliated college in America. In 1976, the American Institute of Architecture called UVA 'the proudest achievement of American architecture in the past 200 years.' (virginia.edu)
10:00 PM: Retire for the evening.
September 22, 2014
7:30-8:30 AM: A hot breakfast buffet (included) at the hotel will be provided.
9:00 AM: Bus leaves hotel.
9:15 AM: Our morning will begin with a tour of Thomas Jefferson's mansion, Monticello. Step back in time as you investigate the art, books, and furnishings of the first floor of Jefferson's home on this 35-minute guided tour. Explore the gardens, grounds, and the museum shop before lunch. (monticello.or
12:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious, hearty, and entertaining southern style meal at the rustic Michie Tavern (included). Servers enhance this colonial-era experience by dressing in period attire. To gain a full understanding of 18th century lodging and entertainment, we will take a guided, interactive tour of the tavern and outbuildings. (michietavern.com)
2:00 PM: We will return to Monticello for the afternoon. Visitors will have the option to take the Gardens and Grounds Tour at 2:00 or 3:00 PM and/or the Slavery at Monticello Tour at 2:00, 3:00, or 4:00 PM. These two tours are outdoors, and accommodate larger groups. Visit the Monticello graveyard, the Saunders-Monticello hiking trail, and the four museum exhibitions at your leisure.
5:00 PM: Return to the hotel.
7:30 PM: Listen to Professor Barry Grossman's third lecture on "Saving Monticello" - When Thomas Jefferson died in 1826, he was saddled with over $100,000 in debt (about four million in today's dollars). Nearly a century passes between Jefferson's death and the acquiring of Monticello by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation in 1923. The amazing story of Commodore Uriah Levy, who purchased the rundown estate for $2,700, and his nephew Jefferson Monroe Levy's 90-year stewardship of this American treasure will be examined.
September 23, 2014
7:30-8:30 AM: A hot breakfast buffet (included) at the hotel will be provided.
9:00 AM: Bus leaves hotel, headed for Winchester, VA.
11:00 AM: We will arrive at George Washington's Office, a museum dedicated to the beginnings of Washington's military career, and his post in Winchester during 1755 and 1756 while Fort Loudoun was being built. Peruse the gift shop and surrounding scenery while groups take turns entering the museum. (winchesterhistory.org/george_washington.htm)
12:00 PM: Lunch in Winchester (included).
1:00 PM: Head back to Erie.
6:30 PM: Arrive in Erie
Limited spots available...call the Jefferson Educational Society at 814-459-8000 to register today!
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