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VIRGINIA
Historic Virginia is home to many incredible locations significant to our nations history - both Colonial and beyond! Virginia was home to eight U.S. Presidents, providing opportunity for you to visit Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, James Madison's Montpelier and George Washington's Mount Vernon. The Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown comes alive as you explore the past. Learn the role of faith in the establishment of Jamestown over 400 years ago, in the yearnings for Independence in Williamsburg, and in the final major battle of the Revolutionary War in Yorktown.
LEARN + PREPARE
Below is our destination overview. Use this page to learn more about each location and prepare for your program!
ITINERARY INCLUSIONS
Most ACTS Programs to Virginia include:
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Thomas Jefferson's Estate: Monticello
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Dinner at Michie Tavern
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James Madison's Estate: Montpelier
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George Washington's Estate: Mount Vernon
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A visit to historic Alexandria
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Stops throughout the Historic Triangle
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St. John's Church, Richmond
With extended time or additional days the program may include:
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Busch Gardens, Williamsburg
CLIMATE
The climate in Virgina where the Presidential Homes tour takes place is very temperate. Winter is mild and short. Spring and fall linger with bursts of color in blossoms and changing leaves. Summer is hot and humid.
Spring temperatures are usually very pleasant with nice breezes and sun - average temperatures are in the 60's. Rain is always possible. Travelers in February and March should have layers of clothing as it can be cool with the average temperature being in the 40's.
GEOGRAPHY
Williamsburg is located in the middle of The Virginia Peninsula, one of three mainland peninsulas extending from the Virginia mainland. The Peninsula is between the York and the James Rivers. It is located in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. This area of lowlands stretches about 100 miles inland and is covered with salt marshes and swamps. It's often called the Tidewater because of the flow of water up and down the coastal inlets and bays as the tide moves in and out. Along the James River is found Jamestown and along the York River is found Yorktown.
Monticello is located on a small mountain just outside of Charlottesville in west Central Virginia, approximately 100 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. and 70 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia. Situated within the upper Piedmont Plateau, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and at the headwaters of the Rivanna River.
Montpelier is located in west Central Virginia, within the upper Piedmont Plateau, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
WATCH
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Williamsburg: The Story of a Patriot, 1957, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
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Liberty! - The American Revolution, 1998, PBS Home Video.
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National Treasure, 2004, Touchstone Pictures.
READ
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Patrick Henry's Speech "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death
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Declaration of Independence. Principal author - Thomas Jefferson
LISTEN
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Colonial fife and drum music.
PREPARE
MENTALLY
EAT
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Washington is close to the Chesapeake Bay. There is good seafood around Washington. We recommend the clam chowder at the Fish Market in Alexandria.
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Peas. Thomas Jefferson loved peas and even competed with neighbors in trying to see who could get the first picking of peas and into a dish on the table.
DRINK
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Lots of water! Travel days are very active - make sure to hydrate along the way.
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The colonial-style bottled root beer and apple cider (found in shops along Duke of Gloucester Street or at vendors in the Market Square) is a tasty drink.
WALK
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In addition to enjoying luxury motorcoach transportation, every tour day includes lots of walking - everywhere! Prepare for your program by putting in lots of steps at home, and make sure to 'break in' your favorite new shoes for your adventure.
PHYSICALLY
