• The Rotunda - The day begins with a 1 hour guided tour of the well preserved Rotunda. These tours cover the original University and Lawn area, and they begin in the Lower East Oval Room of the Rotunda
  The Rotunda at the University of Virginia was designed by Thomas Jefferson as the architectural and academic heart of the University’s community of scholars. He named the University’s original buildings the “Academical Village.” As the phrase suggests, the Academical Village is based on the Jeffersonian principle that learning is a lifelong process, and that interaction between faculty and students is vital to the pursuit of knowledge.
  Jefferson modeled the Rotunda after the Pantheon, a second-century temple in Rome. Construction began in 1822 and was completed in 1828, two years after Jefferson’s death on July 4, 1826. Built at a cost of almost $60,000, it was the last structure to be finished on the Lawn. Together with Monticello, the Academical Village is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Smith Education Center - Our next stop will be the starting point to Monticello, the David M Rubenstein Visitors center. You’ll find the gift shop here, as well as the Monticello Farm Table restaurant which serves local, sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine—including dishes made with seasonal fruits and vegetables grown in the Monticello gardens. Here you will catch the shuttle that takes you to Monticello.
  The David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Smith Education Center serve as the 21st-century gateway to Jefferson’s timeless Monticello, with multiple components that transform the visitor experience by preparing guests for their trips to the historic mountaintop through dynamic content presenting fresh perspectives on Monticello and the enduring significance of Jefferson’s life and ideas.

• Monticello - Your 45-minute guided tour includes first floor spaces in Thomas Jefferson’s home, the West Lawn, and the South Wing. You’ll learn about Jefferson and his vision for America, the realities of slavery on the Monticello plantation, and the mountaintop’s iconic architecture. Your Highlights Tour pass includes access to the gardens, grounds, walking tours, family-friendly activities, and exhibits.

• Jefferson Vineyards - Jefferson Vineyards will be the last stop of your tour, only if time remains after visiting Monticello.
  At Jefferson Vineyards we offer our guests a wine experience just down the road from Monticello. Guests can enjoy a glass of award-winning wine or sample a seasonal wine flight. There is outdoor seating and a large grassy hillside for picnicking. Indoor seating is limited.
  Thomas Jefferson and Philip Mazzei chose the very same site when they grew grapes here almost 250 years ago. Back then, our estate was the site of Virginia’s first wine company. With our present operation, we have bridged the origins of winemaking by introducing quality modern viticulture and winemaking practices to Virginia, helping realize Jefferson’s dream.

• Private transportation
• Knowledgeable and friendly driver
• Water bottles
• Tickets for Monticello
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• All food and beverages

This remarkable tour invites participants to explore two of Thomas Jefferson’s most renowned creations, the University of Virginia and Monticello, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1987 for their exceptional cultural importance. The adventure begins with an informative guided tour of the scenic University Lawn and the prestigious Rotunda at the University of Virginia, where history and architecture harmoniously converge. Following this, the tour proceeds to Monticello’s David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, a thoughtfully crafted space featuring a superb gift shop and a variety of captivating exhibitions dedicated to Thomas Jefferson and Monticello’s rich history. For a convenient and enjoyable pause, visitors can savor a quick snack and refreshing beverage at the Monticello Farm Table Cafe before embarking on a comprehensive guided tour of the historic estate.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.