Colonial Williamsburg 2024 Trip - Beatrice Bradley

Mulled wine, ginger biscuits, gorgeous colonial holiday decor, and did I mention fireworks? Colonial Williamsburg has a lot to offer throughout the holiday season, to get you in the mood for Christmas!

December 4 – December 8, 2024
5 days / 4 nights

Overall Trip Highlights

  • Governor’s Palace Tour: Explore the opulent Governor’s Palace, where you’ll step back in time and see how the colonial elite lived, surrounded by holiday decorations that evoke 18th-century grandeur.

  • Revolutionary City Experience: Join costumed interpreters as they reenact pivotal moments from the American Revolution, right in the heart of Williamsburg’s historic district.

  • Jamestown Settlement Interactive Tour: Dive into the early days of American history with hands-on exhibits and recreated colonial forts and Powhatan Indian villages at the site of the first permanent English settlement.

  • Yorktown Battlefield Tour: Relive the decisive battle of the American Revolution with a guided tour of Yorktown Battlefield, where American independence was won.

  • Historic Taverns Dining Experience: Enjoy a meal at one of Williamsburg’s historic taverns, where you’ll savor traditional colonial fare while surrounded by the ambiance of 18th-century Virginia.

  • Colonial Trades Demonstrations: Watch blacksmiths, coopers, and other tradespeople at work in Colonial Williamsburg, using techniques that have been passed down through generations.

  • Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes: Stroll through beautifully preserved 18th-century homes, all aglow with candlelight, as costumed interpreters share stories of the families who once lived there.

  • Bruton Parish Church History Tour: Visit this historic church, established in 1674, and learn about its role in the colonial community, complete with tales of famous parishioners like George Washington.

  • Merchants Square Historic Shopping: Shop for unique gifts in Merchants Square, where the architecture and atmosphere transport you back to colonial times, making even shopping a historical adventure.

  • Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Tour: Walk the cobblestone streets by lantern light as you hear spooky tales from the town’s haunted past, blending history with a touch of the supernatural.

December 4 – 8 , 2024
5 Days / 4 Nights

Group Size: 12 Guests and 2 Hosts

 

Single Occupancy Double Occupancy
$3,822 $3,190
Private Room with Private Bath Shared Room, Separate Beds, Shared Bath
Deposit Due at Time of Booking:
$250 for Domestic/$500 for International
Deposit Due at Time of Booking:
$250 for Domestic/$500 for International
Sold Out – Click for Waitlist Sold Out – Click for Waitlist


Beatrice Bradley Experiences are All Inclusive. What does that mean?

  • Airport Group Transfers: Seamless airport pickups and drop-offs by our friendly hostesses, ensuring a smooth start and end to your adventure.
  • Dedicated BB Hostess: Travel with peace of mind knowing a dedicated Beatrice Bradley hostess will be with you throughout the trip, ensuring every aspect of your journey is unforgettable.
  • Full Dining: Enjoy 2-3 daily meals carefully selected to reflect the local cuisine, inclusive of all tips. Whether it’s a quick breakfast or a sumptuous dinner, we’ve got it all covered.
  • Unique Accommodations: Stay in boutique hotels or unique properties that are handpicked for their charm and comfort, providing an authentic and intimate experience.
  • Curated Activities: We find the BEST of the best tours. Making the absolute most out of our time.
  • Included Gratuities: Tips for tour guides, meals, and transportation are all taken care of. We ensure that those who make your trip special are rewarded, without you needing to worry about the details.
  • Transportation: All transportation is included throughout the experience, from airport pickup to your final drop-off.
  • You won’t see “Free Days” on our itineraries: Our trips are made for a balanced experience. We carve out time to bond, laugh, shop and explore but we will never just send you out on your own and say “good luck” we do everything together or smaller group breakouts.

With Beatrice Bradley, every detail is meticulously planned to ensure you have a memorable and carefree travel experience. Join us and discover the joy of true hassle-free travel!

We Offer Flex-Pay! What is that?

Flexible Payments at Your Fingertips: You can use your invoice to pay any amount you choose, as frequently as you wish, until the full payment deadline.

Want to make a payment? Click “Review and Pay” on your invoice whenever you’re ready.

Pay Your Way: You can adjust the payment amount by selecting “Edit Amount,” allowing you to manage your budget flexibly.

Final Countdown: Ensure everything is paid up 60 days prior to your trip for domestic and 90 days prior for international. Don’t worry, we’ll send you reminders! If there’s any remaining balance, we’ll automatically process it, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your upcoming adventure!

Arrival Information Departing Information
 Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport  Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport
December 4, 2024 December 8, 2024
Must arrive before 3pm Last drop off at 11AM

This trip is designed with women 55+ in mind, offering a moderate activity level that balances engaging historical exploration with ample time for relaxation. Expect leisurely walks through historic sites, with opportunities to sit and enjoy the scenery or participate in guided tours at your own pace. Some activities involve walking on cobblestone streets and standing for periods, but the overall pace is gentle and accommodating. Comfortable footwear and a readiness to experience the rich history and festive spirit of Williamsburg will ensure a delightful and fulfilling journey.

As your hostesses, we understand that traveling solo can be intimidating, but rest assured, making you feel welcomed and comfortable is our top priority. Our experiences are designed for building new and lasting friendships in a warm and welcoming environment.

From the moment you arrive until we bid you farewell, we’ll be right by your side. We meticulously handle all the details and manage the logistics seamlessly behind the scenes, ensuring your journey is truly unique and worry-free. While we aren’t local experts or tour guides, we work with a network of local professionals carefully selected for each location to enrich your experience.

Read more about our Hostesses Here

 

Thinking about joining us?

If you’re on the fence or have any questions, we’re here to help. Simply fill out this form to get in touch. We can’t wait to assist you in planning an unforgettable adventure!

 

If you have any immediate questions, please feel free to get in touch: 763-864-8291 | Lindsay@bbgage.com

Ready to book? We’re happy to have you!

Sold Out – Click for Waitlist

Day 1 – Arrival and Settling In – We greet you at the Newport Airport!

The Best Gift at Christmas is New Friends

As you arrive in the heart of Williamsburg, you’ll soon discover that the best gift this Christmas isn’t wrapped in shiny paper—it’s the warmth of new friendships and the joy of shared experiences. Imagine stepping into the past, where the charm of colonial America meets the festive spirit of the holidays. On this first day, the cobblestone streets, historic homes, and glowing candles create a magical backdrop as you meet fellow travelers who will soon feel like old friends.

The journey begins with a welcome reception where laughter and conversation flow as easily as the spiced cider in your cup. You’ll share stories, holiday traditions, and perhaps a few secrets to the perfect gingerbread recipe. The air is filled with anticipation as you embark on a journey through history, joy, and the true spirit of Christmas.

As the evening sets in, you’ll gather for your first tour, where the enchanting history of Williamsburg comes to life under the twinkling holiday lights. Together, you’ll create memories that will make this Christmas one to remember—because, after all, the best gift is not just in the places you visit, but in the company you keep.

Highlights:

  • Welcome Reception: Meet your fellow travelers over festive drinks and appetizers, setting the tone for a joyful holiday adventure.
  • Historic Tavern Dinner: Enjoy a traditional colonial meal in one of Williamsburg’s historic taverns, where history and holiday cheer come together.
  • Candlelight Tour of Colonial Williamsburg: Walk through the beautifully decorated streets and historic homes, all aglow with candlelight, as you begin your immersive journey into America’s past.
  • Governor’s Palace: Step into the grandeur of colonial life with an evening tour of this opulent residence, filled with holiday decor that takes you back in time.

This day is just the beginning of a holiday journey filled with friendship, history, and the true joy of Christmas in Williamsburg.

Day 2 – Immersed in the Tapestry of America’s Past

The day ahead promises to be filled with discovery and intrigue as you begin to unravel the rich tapestry of America’s past. Starting at the Governor’s Palace, you’ll step into the grand world of British colonial governors, followed by a visit to the Capitol, where the echoes of legislative debates and mock court cases still linger. The journey continues at the George Wythe House, a place brimming with history and stories of those who shaped the nation. As twilight falls, the group will gather for a delightful dinner, ending the day with shared stories and new connections.

Highlights:

  • Christmas Decorations: Stroll through Colonial Williamsburg’s historic district, where the building exteriors and streets are beautifully adorned with authentic 18th-century holiday decorations, including handmade wreaths, garlands, and the famous apple and pineapples displays.

  • Talk of the Town Christmastide: With an 18th-century resident as your guide, embark on a walking tour through Williamsburg’s historic streets. Experience the Christmastide season as they did, learning about colonial holiday traditions, the significance of certain decorations, and the social customs of the time.

  • Morning Exploration of the Governor’s Palace: Delve into the life of Virginia’s colonial elite as you tour the opulent Governor’s Palace. Discover the grandeur of the residence, from its richly decorated rooms to the beautifully manicured gardens, all reflecting the power and influence of the British colonial governors.

  • The Art-full Tree: Witness a stunning display of creativity as you explore Colonial Williamsburg’s unique Christmas tree adorned with handcrafted ornaments that tell the story of the town’s artistic heritage.

  • The Williamsburg Christmas Market: Step into a European-inspired Christmas market set in the heart of Williamsburg. Explore over 30 vendors offering handmade crafts, local goods, and festive treats, all in a charming village-like setting complete with twinkling lights and holiday music.

  • Scrumptious Dinner Together: End the day with a delicious meal at one of Williamsburg’s historic taverns or local restaurants, savoring traditional colonial fare in a setting that echoes the ambiance of 18th-century Virginia.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the Governor’s Palace ballroom was once used to host grand holiday balls, where the elite of colonial Virginia would dance the night away under the glow of candlelight chandeliers?

Day 3 – Journey to Jamestown

The day begins with a delicious breakfast before setting off for Historic Jamestowne, where the group will delve into the story of the first permanent English settlement in North America. As you explore Jamestown Settlement’s Powhatan Indian Village, English Ships, and Colonial Fort, you’ll step back in time to the very beginnings of colonial America, imagining what life was like for the early settlers and the native peoples they encountered. As the day winds down, we’ll return to Williamsburg, where twilight brings a different kind of history to life. The evening promises chills and thrills as you embark on a ghost tour through the streets of Williamsburg, hearing spine-tingling tales of hauntings from the colonial era. The day concludes with a delectable dinner, ending another day rich with historical insights and a touch of the supernatural.

Highlights:

  • Full-Day Exploration of Historic Jamestowne: Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the first permanent English settlement, walking the same grounds where early colonists faced both triumph and tragedy.

  • Visit to the Powhatan Indian Village: Experience the world of the Powhatan people as you explore a recreated village that offers insights into their daily lives, culture, and interactions with the English settlers.

  • Tour of English Ships and Colonial Fort at Jamestown Settlement: Step aboard replicas of the ships that brought the first settlers to Jamestown and explore the colonial fort where they built their new lives, enduring immense hardships.

  • Delectable Dinner in Merchant’s Square: Enjoy a meal in the heart of Williamsburg’s bustling historic district, where colonial charm meets modern culinary delights.

  • Exciting Ghost Tour in Williamsburg: As night falls, walk the cobblestone streets of Williamsburg by lantern light, uncovering eerie stories of colonial-era hauntings that have been passed down through generations.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the Jamestown Settlement’s replica ships—Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery—are seaworthy and occasionally sail the same waters the original ships once navigated?

Day 4 – Williamsburg Christmas Grand Illumination

Today, the spirit of Christmas comes alive as we immerse ourselves in the festive atmosphere of Colonial Williamsburg. The day is filled with enchanting Christmas events that capture the heart of the season. As evening approaches, we’ll gather for a special Grand Illumination Dinner, sharing laughter and stories as anticipation builds for the night’s grand finale. The day culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over the Capitol and Governor’s Palace, a dazzling celebration that lights up the historic town in a blaze of color and joy.

Highlights:

  • Performance: Of Christmas Past: Step back in time as a British servant, newly arrived in the colony, reflects on the holiday customs and traditions he left behind in the mother country, offering a poignant glimpse into the past.

  • Special Event: Grand Illumination: Experience the full splendor of Williamsburg’s holiday season with musicians, performers, and community ensembles entertaining throughout the Historic Area. Enjoy the pomp and pageantry of the Fifes & Drums of Colonial Williamsburg, festive song, storytelling, and more, all leading to two simultaneous 18th-century-style fireworks displays at the Capitol and Governor’s Palace.

  • Farewell Dinner: Share a final meal together in the heart of Williamsburg, savoring the flavors of colonial cuisine as you reflect on the memories made during this magical journey.

Fun Fact: The Grand Illumination tradition in Williamsburg dates back to the 18th century, when the entire town would light up in celebration, a tradition that continues to bring joy and wonder to this day.

Day 5 – Departure Day

As the morning light filters through the historic streets of Williamsburg, you’ll gather for a leisurely breakfast at the inn, savoring one last taste of the town’s charm. The day is devoted to packing and reminiscing, a time to reflect on the journey you’ve shared—rich with history, friendship, and unforgettable experiences. With hearts full and new friendships forged, it’s time to bid farewell to the historical charm of Williamsburg and embark on your journey home, carrying with you the stories and memories of a magical Christmas adventure.

Highlights:

  • Final Breakfast: Enjoy a relaxed and hearty breakfast at the inn, a perfect moment to share final thoughts and memories with your fellow travelers.
  • Morning Reflection: Spend the morning packing and reflecting on the journey, recalling the history, fun, and camaraderie that made this trip truly special.

This day marks the end of your Williamsburg adventure, but the friendships and memories created will last a lifetime.