Join a  3 day/2 night trip to experience Charlottesville Virginia and the beautiful surrounding countryside.  Located in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville offers us two days of touring some of the Nation's top historic attractions.  Thomas Jefferson's Monticello,  James Monroe's Highland, the Grounds of the University of Virginia, Historic Court Square and Michie Tavern, ca. 1784 are all part of the experience.  We will be hosted on the bus by, Rick Britton, an award-winning historian with over 200 published articles and essays under his belt.  Charlottesville is in the middle of Virginia Wine Country so our trip would not be compete without a tasting and lunch at Eastwood Farm & Winery.  We enjoy the convenience of the Omni on the Downtown Mall as our accommodations with access just outside your door to plenty of dining and cultural offerings.  

A trip extra is the stop at the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield en route to Virginia.  You won't be disappointed in this amazing museum dedicated to American actress Ava Gardner with its  extensive collection of artifacts from Gardner's career and private life. 

Read all about the trip inclusions and itinerary by scrolling down......

The trip will be best enjoyed if guests are able to stand and manage some moderate walking during tours of the historic homes. 

A deposit is required to book the trip.  Full payment is due on April 24 and guests will receive a payment reminder.  After the final payment is paid, refunds are only possible if a reservation can be rebooked or tour organizer out-pocket-expenses can be recovered.  

Day One - June 8

Bus available for boarding at 8:30am with a 9am departure from the parking lot of the Hallmark Store in Leland (Across from the Harris Teeter). 

11am - Tour of the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield followed by lunch at Old North State Food Hall.  You can choose from a dozen vendors.  

Approx. 5pm - Arrive at hotel and enjoy dinner at your leisure that evening on the Downtown Mall.   

Day Two - June 9

9am - Depart the hotel and enjoy the day touring Monticello,  UVA Campus, Courthouse Square and lunch at Michie Tavern.  For dinner, take our bus to the Dairy Market Food Hall and choose from many options or walk out the hotel door again and enjoy a restaurant on the Downtown Mall.  

Day Three - June 10

9:30am - Morning departure for James Monroe's Highland followed by a wine tasting and lunch at Eastwood Farm & Winery.  

7:30pm - Approximate return time to Leland