Optional Tours at NGS Richmond

NGS has set up many optional tours through Richmond Discoveries - a well known tour firm in Richmond, Virginia. If you are attending the NGS Conference and want to do some additional sightseeing and tours around the area, you may want to consider these:

(all tours require a 30 person minimum and have a 100 person maximum unless
otherwise noted)

Please note: These are not NGS tours, they have been organized especially for NGS By Richmond Discoveries, and all payment and arrangements should be made to Richmond Discoveries

Introduction to Richmond
$28/person
Tuesday—May 15 & Friday--May 18
2:00-5:00p
This tour features an overview of Richmond’s historical and cultural attractions. From the comfort of your motorcoach, you will see Richmond’s graciously restored historic neighborhoods including: Shockoe Slip, a cobblestone restaurant district; Church Hill, noted for its unique cast iron patterns; the riverfront and the famed Monument Avenue, one of America’s most beautiful boulevards. Includes a visit to the State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson.

The Richmond Sampler
$55/person
Thursday--May 17
9:00am to 3:00pm
Experience the early days of the Revolution as you imagine the sounds of Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” speech echoing across the pews at St. John’s Church. Visit the newly restored Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson. Walk through one of the finest botanical gardens on the east coast and enjoy lunch on your own in the cafe at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Tour the Tiffany filled lobby and the grand rotunda of the Edwardian Jefferson Hotel built by Lewis Ginter.

THE CONFEDERATE CAPITOL TOUR
$58.00/person
Friday--May 18
8:30am to 4:30pm
For four dramatic years, Richmond was the proud, embattled capital of a new nation. Richmond, in fact, came to be the very heart and soul of the Confederacy. The fascinating tale of that star-crossed nation awaits you. The story begins with a visit to the camp of our “Richmond Alive!” Confederate soldier where you will find a full display of military and personal equipment of the common soldier of the 1860's and a healthy dose of humor. In addition to learning about the uniform and weapons, you will hear about the personal equipment, musical instruments, and flags carried by the army. Next, a tour of the White House of the Confederacy will give you a close up view of President Jefferson Davis and his family. Walk through the fascinating exhibits of the Museum of the Confederacy, home of the world’s largest collection of Confederate memorabilia. Enjoy lunch on your own in historic Shockoe Slip then tour the National Battlefield Park’s Richmond Civil War Center at the old Tredegar Ironworks. At St. Paul’s Church you can sit in the pews of Lee and Davis and admire the beauty of the Tiffany stained glass memorial windows. From your motorcoach, view other Civil War related sites such as Monument Avenue – built as a tribute to Southern heroes.

The James River & the flow of history
$84/person
Tuesday--May 15
9:00am to 5:00pm
Virginia Historical Society will turn the pages of history with exhibits that take you time traveling through the “Story of Virginia.” Also, get a brief intro to the type of collections available to you for research. Tour Shirley Plantation, the oldest family owned business in Virginia. It has been home to the Hill and Carter families since it was founded in the early 17th century. It is the birthplace of Robert E. Lee’s mother. A box lunch will be included which you can enjoy in a tented area on the grounds. Visit Henricus Park, where central Virginia’s earliest colonial life comes alive. The struggles of the first English settlers and the customs of Pocahontas and her people are told in this recreated living history setting along the James River. Conclude the day with Agecroft Hall, a 17th century English manor house moved from England and rebuilt in Richmond in the 1920’s.

WRITTEN IN STONE: THE HISTORY OF RICHMOND BURIAL GROUNDS
$33/person
Thursday--May 17 & Saturday--May 19
1:30-5:30pm
Begin the day at St. John’s Church, the oldest church and cemetery in Richmond. Tour the church and receive some background for what you see the remainder of the day. Next, you will walk through Shockoe Cemetery, resting place for early 19th century Richmond luminaries including John Marshall. At a brief stop at the Hebrew Cemetery you will view one of the most amazing cast iron fences ever made and the only Jewish military cemetery in the world outside of Israel. Finally, enjoy the quiet beauty of Hollywood Cemetery, the final resting place of Jefferson Davis, J.E.B. Stuart, and many other confederate notables, as well as two U.S. Presidents—Monroe and Tyler. Hollywood is one of America’s finest Victorian landscaped cemeteries with over 135 acres.

American Roots
$69/person (limit 50)
Sunday--May 20
10:00am to 10:00pm
Go back to where it all began—Jamestown—in 1607. Tour Jamestown Settlement, with its reconstructed three ships, fort, Indian village and a new state-of-the-art museum that puts Jamestown in the context of the world history. Lunch is available on your own in the new cafe. Next, cross over Jamestown Island, the actual site, with its new museum full of items from years of archeological digs. Get a behind the scenes walking tour and view the ongoing dig. In late afternoon drive over to Colonial Williamsburg (admission to the buildings in Colonial Williamsburg is NOT included) along the Colonial Parkway. Here you will be free to pursue your own interest for the evening. Some options include dining in a colonial tavern, shopping, or taking part in one of the evening programs.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are based on a 30-person minimum. All tours are fully guided and include transportation, guide fee, all admission fees and meals where noted. In the event any of the services or attractions set forth cannot be supplied due to circumstances beyond the control of Richmond Discoveries, it reserves the right to substitute a comparable service or attraction OR refund your money. Should any tour be canceled due to insufficient number you money will be refunded.

All tours will depart from and return to the Marshall Street near the intersection of 5th and Marshall across from the entrance to the Richmond Convention Center.

The registration deadline for all tours is April 20, 2007. Full & final payment is due at this time is non-refundable thereafter. Cancellations prior to this date shall receive refunds minus a $20 administrative fee. Please make checks payable to RICHMOND DISCOVERIES