From Williamsburg to Mount Vernon: A Curated Journey Through America’s Beginnings
In celebration of Georgia250 and America’s 250th birthday, join The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation in Virginia for an immersive four-day journey through the places, landscapes, and legacies that shaped our nation. This exclusive Founding Fathers Study Tour is thoughtfully curated and professionally managed by The Georgia Trust staff, offering rare access, expert interpretation, and seamless coordination throughout the experience. Guests will enjoy carefully designed programming that blends history, hospitality and fellowship at America’s most iconic Revolutionary War-era sites.
Travel in comfort aboard private charter transportation as we move seamlessly on the presidential trail through Virginia from Colonial Williamsburg to Old Town Alexandria, with premier accommodations selected for their historic character and walkable locations. From arrival to departure, The Georgia Trust staff will accompany the group, ensuring a well-paced, engaging, and worry-free experience.
Participants will enjoy private exclusive tours at legendary sites including Colonial Williamsburg, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and George Washington’s Mount Vernon, led by knowledgeable guides who bring the stories of America’s founding generation to life.
Each day is complemented by memorable meals in historic taverns and acclaimed local restaurants, from candlelit colonial-era dining in Williamsburg to group lunches at Michie’s Tavern and the Mount Vernon Inn, and celebratory dinners in Alexandria’s storied Old Town.
Designed for history enthusiasts, preservation supporters, and lifelong learners, this study tour offers a rare opportunity to explore the ideals, personalities, and places that defined the American experiment, while marking a once-in-a-generation milestone in our shared history. Space is limited to preserve an intimate, high-quality experience.
Day 1: Monday, October 19, 2026
Arrival to Williamsburg
Guests will arrive independently in Virginia and make their way to Colonial Williamsburg. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure, wander the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, stroll along historic Duke of Gloucester Street, or simply relax and settle in before the evening begins.
In the early evening, gather for a welcome dinner at Shields Tavern, a charming colonial-style restaurant featuring dishes inspired by 18th-century recipes, followed by a private guided overview walking tour.
Day 2: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Colonial Williamsburg & Travel to Charlottesville
The day begins with an in-depth morning study tour of Colonial Williamsburg led by two expert guides who will tailor the experience to the group’s interests. Following the tour, guests will enjoy a lunch back at the hotel in a private dining room before departing Williamsburg by private charter bus for Charlottesville. The scenic drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Upon arrival in downtown Charlottesville, guests will check in at the recommended Omni Charlottesville Hotel, a centrally located property within walking distance of shops, historic sites, and restaurants; rooms are to be booked independently. The evening is free to enjoy Charlottesville’s vibrant dining scene, with excellent options to choose from.
Day 3: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Monticello and Alexandria
The morning is devoted to Monticello, the mountaintop home of Thomas Jefferson, where guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated program of guided experiences. The day begins with a private tour of the mansion, exploring the first floor, the West Lawn, and the South Wing. Guests may then choose from additional guided experiences, including the Gardens and Grounds Tour or the Slavery at Monticello Tour, each offering deeper insight into the landscape and the lives shaped by this remarkable estate.
Lunch follows at the renowned Michie’s Tavern, where guests will enjoy a historic tavern-style meal in a private group dining room at the base of Monticello.
Enjoy an afternoon stop at Barboursville Vineyards, featuring a wine tasting and a visit to the historic Barboursville Ruins, the 1814 mansion designed by Thomas Jefferson and later lost to fire, an unforgettable blend of wine and history.
Later in the day, guests will continue by charter bus to Old Town Alexandria in the Washington, DC area, a scenic drive of approximately three hours.
Upon evening arrival, guests will check in at the recommended Alexandrian, Autograph Collection, a boutique waterfront hotel with a reserved room block and a convenient, walkable location. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to enjoy the charm, waterfront views, and dining options of Old Town Alexandria.
Day 4: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Mount Vernon & Closing Celebration
The day begins with a private morning visit to Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington. Guests will enjoy an exclusive guided experience led by Mount Vernon historians, offering an in-depth and unhurried exploration of the property. The tour includes a guided overview of the historic area, gardens, and grounds, as well as a private tour of the mansion itself. Guests will gain insight into Washington’s agricultural landscape and preservation legacy, along with thoughtful interpretation of the lives of the enslaved community who lived and worked at Mount Vernon. The experience concludes with a private wreath-laying ceremony at Washington’s Tomb, reserved exclusively for the group, making for a particularly meaningful and reflective moment.
Lunch will follow at noon at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, a storied dining establishment located just steps from the estate. Guests will enjoy private group dining in a welcoming setting adjacent to the historic property.
Following lunch, guests will enjoy a privately guided walking tour led by local historians specializing in the Revolutionary era. This curated experience will focus on the city’s deep connections to the Founding Fathers, with particular emphasis on George Washington’s civic and religious life in Alexandria. The tour will highlight significant 18th-century sites and special entry to George Washington’s Christ Church.
In the evening, the group will gather for a closing dinner and reception at The Wharf in Old Town Alexandria. Hosted in a private dining room within a historic waterfront setting, this final evening offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the journey, enjoy fine cuisine, and celebrate the shared experience of exploring America’s founding landscapes together.
Reservations
Pricing
$1,776 per person
Participation in this group tour is limited. A $500 deposit is required to secure your reservation. Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Full payment is due by August 14.
The registration fee includes:
- Round-trip transportation via private charter bus from Williamsburg, Charlottesville and Alexandria
- Welcome dinner upon arrival in Williamsburg and a closing reception and dinner in Alexandria
- Daily lunch at locally selected restaurants
- Private, guided group tours at Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, Mount Vernon, and a walking tour of Old Town Alexandria
The registration fee does NOT include:
- Airfare to and from Virginia
- Transfer from arrival and departure airports
- Hotel accommodations (select group room blocks or hotel recommendations will be provided by The Georgia Trust)
- Daily breakfast
Guests are encouraged to book hotel accommodations as early as possible in each location, as October is a busy travel season in Virginia, and availability may be limited.
Questions? Contact Bryn Chanudet at bchanudet@georgiatrust.org or 404-885-7803.