Compare The James River Plantations and Their Culture by Road Scholar vs California Panorama by Omega Tours

Day 1
Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Richmond D Delta Hotel Richmond Downtown
Afternoon: Welcome to Richmond! Check-in is 3:30 PM for your hotel room, at the hotel's lobby desk. Road Scholar registration is 3:30-5:00 PM - look for us at a table in the hotel lobby..

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel in the second floor dining area at 5:30 pm. Plated entrées are served with a Virginia green salad, vegetables, dinner rolls and butter, and dessert, with choice of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or iced tea.

Evening: Orientation and introductions at 6:30 pm.

Day 2
Classes, Field trip to State Capitol
Richmond B,L,D Delta Hotel Richmond Downtown
Activity note: Afternoon walk of about 3/4 mile over some uneven surfaces such as cobblestone and brick, with some inclines, and several stairs.

Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel second floor dining area is a Buffet with choice of fresh fruits, yogurts, organic and gluten free cereals, bread and butter bar featuring oven-baked fresh breads and bakery selections, farm fresh eggs and omelets cooked to order, bacon and sausage, breakfast potatoes, coffee or tea and choice of juice.

Morning: We make every effort to keep our schedules as we've listed them here. However, sometimes we may have to modify time of day or the day itself to fit an instructor's availability. Please be aware that there may not be a free afternoon in this program; there is one free evening, and you will have time to relax each day, but there is no large block of free time in the afternoons. In the period when Virginia was first settled, roads were few. The efficient means of travel was by water, on the rivers that reached inland from Chesapeake Bay. Colonial Virginia society centered on the settlements and great estates on the river shores. Our first class session looks at the importance of river travel for colonial settlers and provides an overview of Virginia’s history and architecture. Our guest speaker is renowned for the many-layered maps he draws and for his wealth of stories. Along the way we’ll learn about the settlements of Jamestown, famously established on the James River in 1607, and Henricus, the second town established in 1611 upriver from Jamestown. Next we’ll speak of the plantation, a different kind of settlement, held by a single family and with the focal point the grand house, around which the outbuildings and grounds were arrayed. Land was granted by the Royal Governor by headright, which allowed scions to gain more land by importing indentured servants and slaves, the immigrants who did the physical work. As structures the great James River houses are interesting to compare because each has its own materials and styles, interior and exterior, reflecting the families who built and lived in them. In addition the way each estate is preserved and interpreted today is different.

Lunch: At the hotel dining area, we’ll have a tasty lunch with either a plated entrée served with sides and rolls and butter, or offerings such as choice of salads with dressing options, soup, deli sandwiches. Served with dessert and choice of coffee, tea, or water.

Afternoon: After lunch we set off on foot for our first Field Trip, to explore the Virginia State Capitol. This living landmark of American self-government has been home to the General Assembly — the oldest legislature continuously operating in the Western Hemisphere — since 1788. The capitol was designed by Thomas Jefferson, inspired by classical Roman temple design, and has served as a prototype for countless capitols, courthouses, municipal buildings, churches, and even residences for more than 200 years. Houdon’s life-size marble of George Washington has stood in the Capitol rotunda since 1790 and is widely considered the best representation of our first President. We'll be conducted through the underground exhibit area up into the building by a Capitol guide who will cover the building’s architecture, art, and history.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel in the second floor dining area. Plated entrées are served with a Virginia green salad, vegetables, dinner rolls and butter, and dessert, with choice of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or iced tea.

Evening: Learn about the lifestyle, culture and traditions at 18th and 19th century plantations.

Day 3
Berkeley & Shirley Plantations, Tavern Lunch, Class
Richmond B,L,D Delta Hotel Richmond Downtown
Activity note: Walking at the plantations includes surfaces that are not paved, grassy, uneven terrain and going up and down steps. The plantation grounds have limited barrier-free access. Cameras are not permitted in the Houses.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: We’ll board our coach for a full-day field trip to Berkeley and Shirley plantations in Charles City, approximately 25 miles. We will first go to Berkeley, where the plantation guide will assemble us in the basement museum and then conduct us through the mansion, talking both about the materials of the house and life within it. After, we’ll explore the grounds on our own. Of all the estates we’ll visit this week, Berkeley’s history includes the widest range of historically interesting events. The site of a Virginia Thanksgiving before the landing of the Pilgrims, the Georgian-style manor was also the seat of the Harrison family and birthplace to William Henry Harrison ("Tippecanoe"), who became the 9th U.S. President in 1841. Later, during its occupation by Union forces in the Civil War, the bugle-tune “Taps” was composed at Berkeley.

Lunch: Lunch at a local tavern in Charles City Courthouse.

Afternoon: After lunch we’ll head up the road to Shirley, Virginia's oldest plantation and recognized as an architectural treasure for its 3-story "flying" staircase—the only one of its kind in America—as well as for several centuries of newlyweds etching their initials in windows. Shirley has been owned by the Carter family for over 300 years—original oil portraits grace the walls of the house—and the ups and downs of that long tenure have meant there are many tales to tell.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel in the second floor dining area. Plated entrées are served with a Virginia green salad, vegetables, dinner rolls and butter, and dessert, with choice of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or iced tea.

Evening: Class: Learn about the history and architecture of the Capitol of Virginia, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson, Virginia's second governor.

Day 4
Field trip to Wilton House and Henricus Settlement, Class
Richmond B,L Delta Hotel Richmond Downtown
Activity note: Wilton House has steps and stairs, at Henricus are unpaved pathways.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: This morning we’ll go to the Wilton House, an 18th century mansion that survived the Civil War only to go into decline before being saved from demolition and moved, brick by brick, rebuilt and restored by the Society of Colonial Dames. The house serves as an example of Georgian architecture and has hosted a wide variety of important historical figures, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and General Lafayette. The house currently serves as the headquarters of the Colonial Dames and we’ll spend some time learning about its architectural features and exhibitions of historically relevant art.

Lunch: Lunch will be a picnic in the park.

Afternoon: After lunch, our field trip will continue to Henricus Settlement on the James River, just south of Richmond. While the actual site was removed during the Civil War by the excavation for the Dutch Gap Canal, today the recreated village functions with costumed historical re-enactors replicating the 1611-12 fortified town that was the second English settlement after Jamestown. There we’ll learn about the early settlers’ interaction with the Native Americans, how they constructed their settlement, and about the goals of the college that was established at the settlement.

Dinner: Dinner this evening is on your own, at one of the many nearby restaurants in Shockoe Slip or perhaps farther afield.

Evening: Class on History, Architecture and Plantations

Day 5
Tuckahoe Planatation, Museum of Fine Arts, Music performance
Richmond B,L,D Delta Hotel Richmond Downtown
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: This morning we’ll hop back on our bus and head to Tuckahoe Plantation, the boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson. A local expert will discuss the plantation’s colonial-era gardens and cedar-lined lanes that reflect the grandeur of the period. Unusual because of its H-shaped plan and overall setting, Tuckahoe is considered to be America's finest existing example of an early 18th century plantation. We'll explore the House, which contains ornately carved woodwork and staircases, and the grounds, with its "plantation street" featuring a storehouse, smokehouse, barn, kitchen, plantation office, slave quarters, and the schoolhouse Jefferson attended as a child. This famous plantation is often used as a setting in films, yet Tuckahoe has been a home and working farm for nearly 275 years.

Lunch: Lunch at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in the Best Cafe.

Afternoon: Our second stop on our field trip will be one of Richmond's treasures that contains treasures of its own: the splendid Museum of Fine Arts, which recently re-opened after four years of renovation and expansion. The VMFA is now one of the top ten comprehensive art museums in the US, displaying more than 5,000 years of art from around the world. Explore numerous permanent galleries connected by a 4-story atrium designed by London-born architect, who now resides in Oregon. The VMFA also contains a sculpture garden, reflecting pools, focus galleries for changing exhibits, a cafe and a restaurant, and a museum shop. Information on special exhibits, collections and upcoming events is at www.vmfa.museum

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel in the second floor dining area. Plated entrées are served with a Virginia green salad, vegetables, dinner rolls and butter, and dessert, with choice of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or iced tea.

Evening: You won't want to miss the entertainment tonight, which has music typical of early Virginia. You'll learn a lot of history, too...and some really tall tales. How will you know which ones to believe?

Day 6
Final Class, Program Concludes
Richmond B,L
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Enjoy the final program class on Richmond History, Architecture and Plantations

Lunch: Lunch with either a plated entrée served with sides and rolls and butter, or offerings such as choice of salads with dressing options, soup, deli sandwiches. Served with dessert and choice of coffee, tea, or water. Departure after lunch.

DAY 1: LOS ANGELES ARRIVAL

Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and transfer independently to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Los Angeles, or similar

DAY 2: LOS ANGELES > MOJAVE DESERT > LAS VEGAS

Meet your Tour Director and depart for Las Vegas, the glittering “Entertainment Capital of the World,” for non-stop fun, gambling, and world-class entertainment. Your tour stops at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign where you may wish to capture your photo memory of Las Vegas.

Accommodation at the Luxor Las Vegas, Las Vegas, or similar

DAY 3: LAS VEGAS > DEATH VALLEY > MAMMOTH LAKES/FRESNO

Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch/Visitors Center before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for its superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.

Important note: Winter Routing The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).

Accommodation at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth Lakes, or Piccadilly Inn, Fresno

DAY 4: MAMMOTH/FRESNO > YOSEMITE > MODESTO

Your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass (please see important note on day 3) into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendors including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls, and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in Modesto.

Accommodation at the Doubletree by Hilton Modesto, Modesto, or similar

DAY 5: MODESTO > SAN FRANCISCO

Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).

Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar

DAY 6: SAN FRANCISCO (NAPA VALLEY OPTIONAL)

Day at leisure! Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where one may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough bread, or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to watch them frolic.

Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz Island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and ”Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store. You also may choose to embark on a wine-tasting tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).

Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar

DAY 7: SAN FRANCISCO > MONTEREY/ CARMEL > CENTRAL COAST

Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and famous Cannery Row Then tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries, and unique stores. In the afternoon your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.

Accommodation at the Radisson Santa Maria, Central Coast, or similar

DAY 8: CENTRAL COAST > SANTA BARBARA > SANTA MONICA > LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE

Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, an orientation tour commences to include Hollywood, portions of Beverly Hills, and Century City before arriving in Santa Monica, home to the finish line of Historic Route 66, where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier before departure or arriving at your hotel.