Today we will set off for Richmond, the capital of Virginia, to unlock its vivid historical stories. In 1607, the British settled in Richmond. The houses, churches, cemeteries and battlefields here are well preserved and are an important part of Richmond today. We will visit the Virginia State Capitol, the oldest legislative assembly in the United States, freely explore the ancient Maymont, and enjoy the quiet time beside the Richmond Canal.

Itinerary:

Washington, D.C. –Virginia State Capitol (75 mins) –Richmond Canal Cruise (Optional, 40 mins) –Riverfront Canal Walk (60 mins, lunch time included) –Maymont (90 mins, you can take the audio tour at your own expense) –Washington, D.C.

Virginia State Capitol

Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the State Capitol houses America’s oldest legislative assembly. In February 1862 Confederate President Jefferson Davis was inaugurated on the grounds of Capitol Square. A statue of Robert E. Lee and busts of Confederate heroes Stonewall Jackson, J.E.B. Stuart, Joseph E. Johnston, and Fitzhugh Lee, among others, are located here.

Riverfront Canal Walk

Richmond's Canal Walk meanders 1.25 miles through city centre Richmond along the banks of the Haxall Canal and the James River & Kanawha Canal. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Canal Walk (Brown's Island itself is open from sunrise to sunset except in the case of a special event) may be accessed at 5th, 7th, Virginia, 14th, 15th, and 17th Streets. The Canal Walk presents four centuries of Richmond’s history interpreted through medallions, monuments and exhibits along the Canal Walk and Brown’s Island.

Maymont

Maymont is a well-preserved, 100-acre historic estate overlooking the James River that was given to the public by James and Sallie Dooley, who lived there from 1893 to 1925. Today, Maymont is a welcoming community gathering place, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Centre, an arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Consistently ranked one of Central Virginia’s top attractions by travellers and locals alike, Maymont serves over 700,000 guests annually.