Cultural Expeditions

Colonial Williamsburg offers the ultimate in intellectually rewarding journeys.
Discover fascinating people and places.
Itineraries include entrée to venues not accessible to the public.
Enjoy luxurious accommodations, superb dining,
and fascinating guides and guest experts.

Your generous support of Colonial Williamsburg entitles you to travel with us to destinations near and far, where friends of the Foundation grant us access to private collections, exclusive properties, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our superb guides and guest experts will illuminate your journey, and everywhere you will enjoy fine dining, excellent accommodations, and wonderful company. These extraordinary travel experiences are available exclusively for donors to Colonial Williamsburg.

Please note that full itineraries become available approximately 6 months prior to a trip's departure.

Franklin Adams Jefferson:
The Founding Fathers in England
London~Weston Park~Downton Abbey

May 31 - June 9, 2013

Beginning in London for two fascinating days, we follow in the footsteps of Jefferson, Adams and Franklin. Much of what intrigued the three founding fathers still exists today as it was in the spring of 1786 when Jefferson explored the capital of the British Empire.

Retreat to another era with a four-day house party at Weston Park, a 17th century Palladian mansion, affording the rare experience of staying in an important English stately home. We evoke the gilded world of English aristocracy with a variety of country house activities and following the 18th-century pursuits of Jefferson and Adams, visits to splendid private homes and gardens nearby.

We conclude our stay with two days in Berkshire at The Vineyard at Stockcross, Newbury, just an hour west of London. An 18th-century hunting-lodge has been converted into a five-star Relais and Châteaux spa hotel offering luxurious accommodations, superb dining, and a wine cellar that Mr. Jefferson would approve of. From the Vineyard, we visit the houses and gardens of the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire in their June splendor. The Vineyard is just minutes away from Highclere Castle, better known to many of us as the fictional home of the Crawley family in Masterpiece's production of Downton Abbey. A most memorable highlight will be an invitation by the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon to dine in the state dining room of Highclere.

Sailing the Adriatic: Sicily to Venice aboard Sea Cloud II

September 29 - October 6, 2013

Embark the elegant sailing yacht Sea Cloud II in Catania, Sicily, and sail to the fascinating World Heritage Site of Butrint, Albania. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint has been a Greek colony, Roman city, Byzantine bishopric and Venetian trading post. Cruise along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast to Kotor, Montenegro, with its well-preserved medieval Old Town and the Our Lady of the Rocks Church in a magnificent setting. Continue to Croatia and the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," then cross the Adriatic to view the famous mosaics of Ravenna, Italy, before concluding in Venice. Enjoy a pre-cruise tour of Sicily and a postlude in Venice.

The Fascinating Williamsburg-Bermuda Connection

December 3 - 8, 2013

Experience Bermuda available only to very special visitors. In recognition of Colonial Williamsburg's close association with the historic preservation of Bermuda, many private homes are graciously opened to you. Discover “the other Bermuda” and enjoy luxury accommodations and superb dining. Enjoy the hospitality of the Bermuda National Trust at the annual St. George's Christmas Walkabout, a town-wide open house, and attend the festive Christmas Boat Parade in Hamilton Harbor, both charming ways to inaugurate the holiday season.