- The College of William and Mary - Our accredited guide will meet you by illy’s to provide some introductory remarks before heading to the College of William & Mary (Founded 1693). Explore the oldest educational structure in the nation - the Sir Christopher Wren building, and discover the history of America’s second-oldest university, alma mater to four U.S. Presidents. Should the Wren building be accessible, guests may often enjoy a complimentary organ concert on Saturdays at 10am in the Chapel. Alternatively, we might inspect a historical classroom, the Chapel, the Blue Room, the Hall of Leadership, the Great Room, and the active religious studies classrooms. Our journey includes a stop at Brafferton, the original school for Native Americans from Virginia, the Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved, and a stroll through the Sunken Garden, where we’ll see the statues of James Monroe, James Blair, and Thomas Jefferson, as well as the Tyler Family Garden, commonly known as the “Echo Wall”.
- Map of the College of William & Mary provided for self-guided exploration, including landmarks like Lake Matoaka.
- Bottled water
- Gratuities - if your guide does an exceptional job, tips are appreciated.
Meeting you at the entrance of illy’s cafe, our accredited tour guide begins your journey with a bit of historical context as you make your way to the nationally recognized College of William & Mary, established in 1693. This is our cherished ‘Alma Mater of the Nation.’ Your exploration includes a visit to the oldest educational building in the nation, the Sir Christopher Wren building, and imparts insight about the second oldest university in the country; an institution which has four US Presidents among its alumni. Saturdays present a special treat if the Wren building is accessible — a complimentary organ recital held at 10am in the Chapel, which extends our Saturday morning tours. Comprehensive tours encompass the Colonial classroom, the Chapel, the Blue Room, the Hall of Leadership, the Great Room, and actual classrooms where religious studies are still conducted today. Additionally, we’ll be taking in sites like the Brafferton, once a school for Native Americans, the Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved, and the Sunken Garden, where we’ll learn about figures like James Monroe, James Blair, the Tyler Family and their Garden (also known as ‘Echo Wall’) and Thomas Jefferson.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
