Explore Thomas Jefferson’s legacy with guided tours of UVA and Monticello. Enjoy local cuisine, historic insights, and optional wine tasting.
Explore Thomas Jefferson’s legacy with guided tours of UVA and Monticello. Enjoy local cuisine, historic insights, and optional wine tasting.
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The Rotunda - Start the day with a one-hour guided tour of the beautifully preserved Rotunda. These tours explore the original University and Lawn area, commencing 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 centerpiece of the University’s…
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The Rotunda - Start the day with a one-hour guided tour of the beautifully preserved Rotunda. These tours explore the original University and Lawn area, commencing 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 centerpiece of the University’s scholarly community. He referred to the University’s original buildings as the “Academical Village.” This concept reflects the Jeffersonian belief that education is a lifelong journey, and that interaction between faculty and students is essential for the pursuit of knowledge.
Jefferson modeled the Rotunda after the Pantheon, a second-century Roman temple. Construction began in 1822 and was completed in 1828, two years after Jefferson’s passing on July 4, 1826. Built at a cost of nearly $60,000, it was the final structure completed on the Lawn. Along with Monticello, the Academical Village is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. -
David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Smith Education Center - The next stop is the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, the starting point for Monticello. Here, visitors will find the gift shop and the Monticello Farm Table restaurant, which offers local, sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine, including dishes made with seasonal produce from the Monticello gardens. Visitors can catch the shuttle to Monticello here.
The David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Smith Education Center serve as the modern gateway to Jefferson’s timeless Monticello, featuring various components that enhance the visitor experience by preparing guests for their visit to the historic mountaintop with dynamic content offering new insights into Monticello and the lasting impact of Jefferson’s life and ideas. - Monticello - The 45-minute guided tour includes the first-floor spaces of Thomas Jefferson’s home, the West Lawn, and the South Wing. Visitors will learn about Jefferson and his vision for America, the realities of slavery on the Monticello plantation, and the iconic architecture of the mountaintop. The Highlights Tour pass provides access to the gardens, grounds, walking tours, family-friendly activities, and exhibits.
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Jefferson Vineyards - Jefferson Vineyards will be the final stop of the tour, time permitting, after visiting Monticello.
At Jefferson Vineyards, guests can enjoy a wine experience just down the road from Monticello. Visitors can savor a glass of award-winning wine or sample a seasonal wine flight. There is outdoor seating and a large grassy hillside for picnicking, though indoor seating is limited.
Thomas Jefferson and Philip Mazzei originally selected this site nearly 250 years ago to grow grapes. At that time, the estate was the location of Virginia’s first wine company. Today, the operation bridges the origins of winemaking by introducing quality modern viticulture and winemaking practices to Virginia, helping to fulfill Jefferson’s vision.

- Private transportation
- Knowledgeable and friendly driver
- Water bottles
- Tickets for Monticello
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Private transportation
- Knowledgeable and friendly driver
- Water bottles
- Tickets for Monticello
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All food and beverages
- 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…
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.