Road Scholar : Home
Richmond's Jewels: Mansions, Monuments and Masterpieces

Program Number: 9332RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/10/2012 - 6/15/2012; 7/14/2013 - 7/19/2013; 10/6/2013 - 10/11/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Price starting at: $672.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Discover four centuries of history, culture, and homes. Start at the Falls of the James, claimed by settlers for the king in 1607, and conclude at the fabulous newly-renovated Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, one of the nation’s top comprehensive art museums. Study art, architecture, great historical events, and enterprising residents. Be prepared for an amazing heritage and a few surprises!




Highlights

• Experience Colonial aristocracy at Wilton House plantation, and discover the upstairs/downstairs life at an elegant Gilded Age mansion.
• Stand in St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry spoke in 1775, and look closely at the Houdon marble of Washington at the Capitol.
• Walk through the White House of the Confederacy, Civil War home for the Jefferson Davis family.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to a mile per day and standing during field trips; uneven terrain, stairs, limited barrier-free access.




Date Specific Information

6-10-2012

Our visit to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will include a guided tour of the exhibition “Maharaja: The Splendor of India’ s Royal Courts” in its only east coast venue, and a catered luncheon at the Museum with an Indian flavor.



7-14-2013, 10-6-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Virginia Commonwealth University.




Richmond

Founded in 1607, Virginia's capital is situated at the falls of the James River. This seat of colonial and Civil War history blends the legacy of settlers, patriots, presidents, free blacks and civil rights leaders with superb museums, monuments, mansions and gardens.
Accommodations
Charming hotel with fitness center, walking distance to the State Capitol and James River.
Meals and Lodgings
   Holiday Inn Express Downtown Richmond
  Richmond 5 nights
 Holiday Inn Express Downtown Richmond
Type: Hotel
  Description: Located in the heart of Richmond's River District, this former historic bank is now a secluded small hotel, beautifully renovated, and just a short walk from many popular attractions, restaurants, the State Capitol district, Virginia Commonwealth University and the exciting downtown whitewater and falls of the James River.
  Contact info: 201 East Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23219-3736 USA
phone: 804-788-1600
web: www.hiexpress.com/richmonddtwn
  Room amenities: TV with cable, iron & ironing board, hairdryer, coffeepot, free wireless high speed internet, free telephone, refrigerator and microwave
  Facility amenities: Business center, fitness room, outdoor courtyard, free parking, free passes to nearby YMCA
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: VCU/State employee rate Advance registration required and stay is based on availability. Road Scholar rate varies by year and is based on room availability.
  Check in time: 3:30 PM
  Additional nights after: VCU/State employee rate Advance registration required and stay is based on availability. Road Scholar rate varies by year and is based on room availability.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:30-5:00 PM in hotel lobby for Road Scholar registration. You will be staying at Holiday Inn Express Downtown Richmond that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after early lunch at 11:30 AM. Room checkout is 12:00 noon. You will be staying at Holiday Inn Express Downtown Richmond the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Required innoculations:
Yes: Those allergic to bees should carry their own bee sting kit as field trip locations are remote and immediate medical assistance may not be available.
  Parking availability:
Parking at hotel is FREE for the length of the program.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Richmond
  Nearest city or town:  Petersburg, Ashland, Goochland
  Nearest highway: I-64 and I-95
  Nearest airport:  Richmond International Airport (RIC)
  From End of Program
  Location: Richmond
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Richmond International Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Groome Transport
phone: 804-222-7222
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Variable; call for details
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
   

Groome Transport is located outside the baggage claim area at Richmond International Airport. This option may be more expensive than a taxi if there are two or more in your group.
 

Richmond International Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Taxi stand
phone: NA -0/0-

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Variable
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
   

A 24-hour taxi stand is located outside the baggage claim area. The taxis are usually from several different companies. Cost cannot be predicted, but this may be the less expensive option if there are two or more in your group.
 

Richmond -Amtrak station

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Taxi Stand

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Variable
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20-25 minutes 
   

AMTRAK-Staples Mill station is 10-12 miles from the hotel. Cabstand is available. AMTRAK-Downtown station has a limited schedule. It is less the 3 miles from the hotel; there is no taxi stand but you can call a cab from the station.
 

RichmondGreyhound Station

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Limited taxi service
phone: NA -0/0-

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Variable
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15-20 minutes 
   

There is no reliable taxi stand at the Greyhound Terminal, but you can call a cab from the station.
 
Driving Directions
  From the East on I-64, from Norfolk, VA Beach, Williamsburg DO NOT TAKE 295 TO I-95 NORTH. Follow I-64 West to Richmond. Take exit 190. Stay in the middle lane marked for downtown and take the Downtown/5th Street exit. Follow 5th Street to Canal Street. Turn RIGHT onto Canal Street. Turn RIGHT onto 2nd Street and the Holiday Inn Parking lot will be on your right. There are two entries to the parking lot and elevators to the hotel lobby from all parking levels.
  From the North on I-95, from Maryland, Washington DC DO NOT TAKE 295 TO I-64 WEST. Follow I-95 South into Richmond. Take exit 76B. Get in the middle lane on the exit ramp. Turn LEFT at the light onto Leigh - you should now be in the far right lane on Leigh. Turn RIGHT at the next light onto Belvidere Street. Follow Belvidere to Cary Street, and turn LEFT onto Cary. Turn RIGHT onto 2nd street. There are two entries to the parking lot and elevators to the hotel lobby from all parking levels.
  From the South on I-95, from Petersburg, North Carolina Follow I-95 North into Richmond. Take exit 74A, turn RIGHT onto ramp for I-195 Downtown Expressway. *toll road* merge onto I-195. Turn RIGHT onto ramp--Canal Street/US-60. *toll booth* as you merge onto East Canal Street. Turn RIGHT onto 2nd Street. There are two entries to the parking lot and elevators to the hotel lobby from all parking levels.
  From the West on I-64, from Charlottesville DO NOT TAKE 295 TO I-95 NORTH. Follow I-64 east to Richmond. Take Exit 76-B. Get in the middle lane on the exit ramp. Turn LEFT at the light onto Leigh - you should now be in the far right lane on Leigh. Turn RIGHT at the next light onto Belvidere Street. Follow Belvidere to Cary Street, and turn LEFT onto Cary. Turn RIGHT onto 2nd street. There are two entries to the parking lot and elevators to the hotel lobby from all parking levels.


Required innoculations:

Yes: Those allergic to bees should carry their own bee sting kit as field trip locations are remote and immediate medical assistance may not be available.
Equipment Requirements: Comfortable walking shoes for field trips.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Welcome to Richmond!/Orientation
(Sunday, June 10)
   
 Afternoon: Registration is in the hotel lobby from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Register for your room at the hotel desk. Register for the program at the Road Scholar desk.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant or in the hotel
 Evening: Orientation and introductions
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Downtown Richmond
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Class/State Capitol/St. John's Church
(Monday, June 11)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel
 Morning: This is a sample schedule. Classes and field trips may be rearranged to accommodate instructors' schedules. Class this morning explores the history, development and architecture of Richmond.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel
 Afternoon: Today's field trip begins with a visit to the State Capitol, which was designed by Jefferson and which has many well-known monuments on its grounds. Jefferson's design was inspired by the Maison Caree in Nimes, France, and classical Roman temple design. Houdon's famous marble statue of George Washington stands in the center of the Capitol's Rotunda. Then we'll travel to St. John's Church, where we'll learn its history and importance as the setting for the Second Virginia Convention in which Patrick Henry made his famous "Liberty or Death" speech. There are approximately 12 steps up to the churchyard at St John's, and there is also handicap access. We'll return to the hotel with time to relax before dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner in the hotel or at a local restaurant
 Evening: Class: Richmond's Greatest Jewel, the Capitol
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Downtown Richmond
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Valentine Richmond History Center/Museum and White House of the Confederacy
(Tuesday, June 12)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel
 Morning: Field trip to the Museum and White House of the Confederacy in Richmond. The Museum's rich collection of artifacts encompasses thousands of rare objects and artwork, and a wide range of military items that includes uniforms, weaponry and flags. The adjacent White House, which we'll also visit, was the home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his family during the War.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel
 Afternoon: Field trip to Valentine Richmond History Center. Known for its first 100 years as the Valentine Museum. Guided tour includes the restored Wickham House (1812), exhibits on the history of the city, and recreated displays from the 1890s. We'll return to the hotel just before dinner. .
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant or in the hotel
 Evening: Class: Highlights of Richmond’s art and monuments
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Downtown Richmond
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Civil War Richmond/Free afternoon
(Wednesday, June 13)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel
 Morning: Class: "Confederate Richmond" Learn about Civil War Richmond and its history as the Capital of the Confederacy.
 Lunch: Lunch in the hotel
 Afternoon: Your time is your own this afternoon - to visit with old and new friends, to explore attractions in Richmond, to go shopping...whatever your pleasure! We'll be happy to provide suggestions and give you directions and maps.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant or in the hotel
 Evening: Class on Richmond history, famous people, landmarks.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Downtown Richmond
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Wilton House/Maymont/the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
(Thursday, June 14)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel
 Morning: Field trip to Wilton House and Maymont. Both are located in Richmond on the banks of the James River. Wilton House plantation, home of the wealthy Randolph family, is Georgian-style architecture that is distinctly American and Virginian. The House was the centerpiece of a 2000-acre plantation. Access to the 2nd floor is only by steps; no elevator. Maymont is an 1890s mansion set in landscaped grounds that are today a park. The lower level has been restored to show the upstairs/downstairs workings of the house, and all the furnishings are preserved, including surprising exotica.
 Lunch: Lunch at the art museum
 Afternoon: Our next stop will be the splendid Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which recently re-opened after four years of renovation and expansion. The VMFA is one of the top comprehensive art museums in the US, displaying more than 5,000 years of art from around the world. Important patrons have included Paul Mellon and Sydney and Frances Lewis. Explore numerous permanent galleries connected by walkways across a 4-story atrium. The VMFA also contains a sculpture garden, reflecting pools, focus galleries for changing exhibits, a cafe, a restaurant, and a museum shop. Information on special exhibits, collections and upcoming events is at www.vmfa.museum
 Dinner: Dinner in the hotel or at a local restaurant
 Evening: Entertainment for your enjoyment
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Downtown Richmond
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Class
(Friday, June 15)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel
 Morning: Final class on Richmond history and culture is followed by early lunch at 11:30 am. Your program ends after lunch. Room check-out is 12:00 noon.
 Lunch: Program ends after early lunch in the hotel. Check out time is 12 noon.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768