The Well-Rounded Tour
This "Well-Rounded" Tour is certainly what it says! For a taste of everything the area has to offer, consider the following itinerary!
DAY ONE- Jamestown & Go-Karts Plus
Start your day early at Historic Jamestowne where you'll visit the site of the original James Fort, the first permanent English settlement in America! You'll not only learn about the archaeological dig that unearthed the clues to this nation's past, you'll experience and witness its continuation! Hike through the forest and swamp lands of Jamestown Island, while observing and learning about the area's wildlife. Eat lunch at the new Dale House Cafe.
From there, head to Jamestown Settlement where you'll get to explore and experience hands-on reproductions of a Powhatan Indian village, an English Fort and the three ships that carried settlers to America - the Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery. Upon visiting these extraordinary outdoor exhibits, you'll truly understand and appreciate the hardships that our nation's fathers faced. Inside the site's impressive museum, you'll learn all about the cultural convergence of the Indians, English and Africans.
Take on your own adventure with an evening back in Williamsburg at Go-Karts Plus. With varying levels of thrills and excitement, there's something for everyone here! Drive stockcars on the tracks; ride in the blaster boats and bumper cars; cool off in the arcade; or play a game of miniature golf.
DAY TWO- Colonial Williamsburg
No trip to the Historic Triangle is complete without a full day in Colonial Williamsburg. This living museum encompasses 301 acres, which include 88 original buildings and 500 reconstructed buildings based on archaeological and architectural research. With various exhibits, homes, gardens, trade shops and hands-on activities, Colonial Williamsburg offers a remarkable experience for everyone!
Begin the day with a 30 minute Orientation Walk for the latest information on dining, shopping and events. Departing every 10-15 minutes from the Gateway Building, these guided tours offer a wonderful overview of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century community. Continue on to explore the vast number of historical sites, including the Governor's Palace, the Peyton Randolph House and Kitchen and the Capitol. Visit the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and Bassett Hall). Dine at one of the local Taverns for Lunch. These unique eateries offer a variety of traditional food and drinks set in the backdrop of the 18th century.
In the heart of the Historic Area, the shops at Merchants Square offer an incredible selection of handcrafted items, gourmet foods, fine wine, clothing, toys and much more. Be sure to catch Dean Shostak's Crystal Concert, located at the Kimball Theatre on Duke of Gloucester Street. This acclaimed program features both the music and history behind glass and antique instruments, including Benjamin Franklin's glass armonica.
Later, set out and experience Revolutionary City! This dynamic two-hour program allows its participants to take part in the historical events that defined this nation. Offering different programs throughout the day, Colonial Williamsburg's Revolutionary City engages its audience through interactive speeches and scenes based on real life history. Meet and talk to colonial farmers, artists, preachers, rebels and even General George Washington himself!
For dinner, eat at one of the area's first-rate restaurants before taking part in Colonial Williamsburg's Evening Programs. From a witch trial to 18-century vaudeville entertainment, Colonial Williamsburg's drama and dance activities vary in topic. The Revolutionary City Concert series offer a range of performances, including African and Caribbean music and the Fife & Drum, which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year.
DAY THREE - Yorktown & Williamsburg Ghost Tour
Begin your day in Yorktown by visiting the Yorktown Battlefield and Yorktown Victory Center. Tour the site where the American Revolution was won! Learn how General George Washington surrounded and defeated Cornwallis and the British Army. Head on over to the Riverwalk Landing for a delightful lunch on the shores of the York River. Stroll throug the quaint village stores for a pleasant shopping experience. Take a cruise on the River onboard the Schooner Alliance.
Late afternoon, visit Presidents Park featuring magnificent monuments of all U.S. Presidents. In the evening, have dinner in Colonial Williamsburg before embarking on a different kind of tour - The Hauntings of Williamsburg Ghost Tour! Keep your eyes peeled as you journey though the Historic Area while learning about local myths, legends and folklore!
DAY FOUR - Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Plan a full day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, voted the world's "Most Beautiful Theme Park" for 16 consecutive years. If you're an adventure buff, be sure to catch all of the park's exciting rides, including five thrilling roller coasters! The newest addition, the Griffon is the tallest, floorless coaster. It carries you up 205 feet before dropping you down at a 90 degree angle! DarKastle, the 4-D adventure ride, takes you back in time to a frozen castle, complete with ghosts and werewolves!
Thrills and chills aside, Busch Gardens also offers a variety of first-rate shows and world-class shopping. Take a relaxing walk through the park, enjoying its award-winning gardens and landscaping. Your group can dine at one of the various European-styled eateries, including Grogan's Pub in Ireland and Das Festhaus in Germany. The restaurants offer both traditional European dishes and contemporary American favorites, including pizza and French fries.
DAY FIVE - Shopping & Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum & 4-D Theater
A day of shopping is a necessity for any Williamsburg visitor! Encompassing more than 200 acres, the Williamsburg Pottery is a shopping favorite, featuring handmade crafts and bargains galore. For the greatest deals on the hottest brands, be sure to check out the Prime Outlets at Williamsburg, named one of the top ten outlets in America! Stores include Banana Republic, Kate Spade, J. Crew, Waterford Wedgwood and many more! The area's only completely indoors outlet center, the Williamsburg Outlet Mall, features a number of discounted retail stores, including Vanity Fair, Lee/Wrangler, Sag Harbor and Casual Male Big & Tall.
For a little holiday flare, stop by Cooke's Christmas Gifts & Collectibles which features specialty items and souvenirs, including home decor, gifts for all seasons and the largest collection of Mark Roberts Fairies in Southern Virginia. For a little more flare and then some, Yankee Candle is the place to go! Not only does the store carry 250,000 candles, but it boasts an amazing selection of gourmet foods and numerous gift items for everyone on your shopping list - including the family pet!
Spend the evening in the bizarre and twisted world of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum & 4-D Theater, featuring over 300 one-of-a-kind exhibits. Oddities include a 500 lb. gorilla made entirely out of nails, strands of George Washington's hair, two-headed animals and a 10' X 10' section of the Berlin Wall. Before you leave, be sure to check out one of the two double-feature flicks in the attached 4-D Theater.
DAY SIX - James River Plantations & Water Country USA
Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty and rich history of two James River Plantations. First, visit Sherwood Forest - home of President John Tyler. The main building features Greek Revival architecture and the beautiful grounds consist of gardens, woods and lawns. Inside the building, keep your eyes open - you just spot the ghost of the Gray Lady!
Berkeley Plantation is considered the most historic plantation in Virginia. In 1619, it was here that the first official Thanksgiving was observed. In 1862, "Taps" was composed at Berkeley while General George McClellan and 140,000 Union troops were stationed here.
Spend the evening at Water Country USA and embark on an exciting aquatic adventure! The park features a fun '50s and '60s surf theme and is the largest water play park in the mid-Atlantic. Chill out on the new Rock 'n' Roll Island which boasts three new body water slides and a 700-foot lazy river that surrounds the Island. This is the perfect way to let go after a busy day of sightseeing!
DAY SEVEN - Virginia Peninsula
Just a short drive from Williamsburg, you can visit the Virginia Living Museum and Mariners' Museum, both located in Newport News. With its hands-on activties and exhibits, the Virginia Living Museum will engage all age groups. Here you will learn about the region's animal and plant life, with residents including bobcats, red wolves, bald eagles and otters. At the Mariners' Museum, immerse yourself in the Age of Explorations! This exhibit chronicles the progress of shipbuilding, cartography and navigational instruments. Be sure to explore the USS Monitor Center which brings together artifacts, paintings, documents and personal accounts about the Civil War Ironclad!
Enjoy the rest of the day visiting Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth or Virginia Beach.
Please visit our Point of Contact directory for names, phone numbers and/or email addresses for the above attractions' personnel.
*The above itinerary is only suggestion. For a more customized tour to match your group's wants and needs, feel free to browse our group tour attractions, shopping, dining and lodging options OR contact one of our local tour operators - no one knows the ins and outs of the Historic Triangle better than they do! Should you have any questions or comments about this itinerary or simply want to start planning your trip, please contact our group tour specialists via email at Jo Slack or Vivian Bunting, or call 800-368-6511.
We strive to keep all information accurate and updated. If you notice any mistakes or changes, please contact Joanna Old, Tourism Information Specialist, via email or call 800-368-6511.
