Behind the Scenes Tour
2 Days
Allow yourself to take a step back and see the world from a different perspective. Behind the scenes does not have to meal "behind the curtain." America's Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown boasts an amazing selection of tours and opportunities taken from an outer view. This Behind the Scenes Tour offers insight into a little bit of everything we have to offer, from ghostly stories and important history to sailing ships and regional animals!
DAY ONE
WIth an area so rich in historical significance, it's only natural to begin your Behind the Scenes trip with a visit to Yorktown Battlefield & Visitor Center. Start out at the Visitor Center where you can look at genuine artifacts from the landmark Battle at Yorktown. You will encounter authentic tents used in George Washington's military camp. Enter the "dining hall" tent and absorb the surroundings where Revolutionary troops took their meals. Next, meet your National Park Service Ranger for a guided tour of the Battlefield. American independence was won on the grass and dirt beneath your shoes! Explore both British and American camps and lean how General Washington finally surrounded and defeated Cornwallis and the British Army.
In the afternoon, head over to Riverwalk Landing where you will set sail off the coast of the York River onboard the Schooner Alliance! It's not every day you get a chance to combine an invigorating nautical adventure with historical meaning! The Alliance crew encourages your to help with the sailing responsibilities. Which way is starboard? What's a gaff? What type of boat is schooner? Find out the answers to these questions and more while gliding through these historical waters. Enjoy a boxed lunch onboard, catered by Carrot Tree Kitchens.
Science and history come together at the Mariners' Museum in Newport News. The USS Monitor Center, new in 2007, is a melding of artifacts, original documents, personal accounts, interactivites and environments all pertaining to the Civil War Union ironclad ship. The Conversation Center provides a front row seat in watching the delicate process of preserving history. This state-of-the-art facility is a fascinating resource for those in and out of the conservation field. Visit the USS Monitor Center online for additional information, video and more!
As evening approaches, head over to the Virginia Living Museum, located just a short drive from the Mariners' Museum in Newport News. From oceans to mountains, this museum features the region's animal, water and plant life. Its exclusive Behind the Scenes Tour offers an inside look into the daily operations at the museum and the behavior and activities of the animals. Ever wonder how museums acquire the animals and fish for their displays? What about the feeding processes? How do they get the water in the aquariums to match that of the oceans and rivers? What do the animals do at night? You'll learn this and much, much more on this up close and personal evening tour at the Virginia Living Museum.
DAY TWO
Begin the day at Historic Jamestowne for an unparalleled behind the scenes experience! Here is where it all began -- this country's first permanent English settlement! In 1607, brave explorers from the Virginia Company of London came to America at Jamestown. Historic Jamestowne is the actual site of early English civilization in America and remins virtually untouched! Set in the backdrop of the Island's natural beauty, be sure to tour and explore the recreated 1608 Glasshouse, the 1639 Church Tower, the original ruins of James Fort and the Jamestowne Archaearium which features geunine artifacts from the site's archaeological dig! Witness this ongoing excavation; perhaps YOU can discover a part of this nation's past!
No trip to the Historic Triangle is complete without an extensive visit to Colonial Williamsburg. This living museum encompasses 301 acres of original and reconstructed colonial buildings, including homes, taversn, gardens, trade shops, the Governor's Palace, museums and so much more! As you walk the streets, you will transport back in time to a truly revolutionary period! Everything about Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area is a behind the scenes adventure, as you get to accurately see, smell, taste and touch what it was like to be an early American citizen. Visit Revolutionary City, the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Merchants Square and Tavern Dining for a detailed look at what Colonial Williamsburg has to offer!
Not only is Williamsburg's Yankee Candle one of the world's largest candle stores, it is also a magical sensory experience! The shops are situated in the backdrop of a chamring, small town-stye street. Everything from the floors to the ceiling is detailed and picture-perfect. In addition to the vast styles, sizes and scents of candles, you can find gourmet foods, gifts and collectibles, bath items, an extensive collection of Vera Bradley products and more! Be sure to check out the candle making demonstrations to get a behind the scenes look at how it's all done! Try your hand at candle dipping where you can create your very own one-of-a-kind waxwork keepsake.
Duringt he day, you're given one lesson on colonial life; but as darkness falls, Williamsburg's past is not so straight and narrow! Journey through the Historic Area on an utterly different kind of visit - a ghost tour! Choose from one of the area's chillinglu remarkable programs and learn all about those things that go bump in the night. Spooks, witches, pirates and more! This is a behind the scenes experience about the local legends and lore that haunt the streets of Williamsburg!
This itinerary is only suggestion. For a more customized tour to match your group's wants and needs, feel free to browse the Group Tour section of this website. Should you have any questions or comments about this itinerary, please contact one of our group tour specialists, Jo Slack or Vivian Bunting, via email or call 800-368-6511.
We strive to keep all information accurate and updated. If you notice any mistakes or changes, please contact Joanna Old, Tourism Information Specialist, via email or call 800-368-6511. Thanks!