Below please find our upcoming offerings of traditional Elderhostel programs. We offer traditional programs (six days/five nights), "Snapshot" programs (four days/three nights), and Weekend/2-night programs (usually Friday through Sunday). A link to a sample schedule is included below each program description; or you can access a list of all sample schedules by clicking here. To register, please call Elderhostel headquarters at 1-800-454-5768 or visit the Elderhostel worldwide web site.

For information on programs offered beyond the dates listed below, please call our office in Williamsburg at (757) 221-3649.

Click here for Intergenerational Programs!
Click here for Christmas Programs!
Click here for Road Scholar Programs!

Williamsburg/Historic Triangle Area Programs

Colonial and Revolutionary Virginia: Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown
PROGRAM #2011
September 16-21, 2007 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
September 30-October 5, 2007 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
October 14-19, 2007 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
Delve into Virginia society -- from the establishment of the first successful British outpost at Jamestown in 1607, through the end of British rule by Washington's defeat of Lord Cornwallis only a few miles away at Yorktown in 1781. Through the lens of archaeology, rediscover Jamestown, celebrating its quadricentennial in 2007. Then embark on a scholarly journey through Virginia's "Historic Triangle." Learn about the development of plantation society, slavery, the role of religion, and events leading to the Siege of Yorktown. Field trips take you to explore Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, with background lectures to prepare your way.
Walking up to 2 miles daily during field trips. A ticket to Colonial Williamsburg and a tavern meal are included in the program cost.
$688/person Double occupancy, +$150 for Single
Sample schedule

Journey to Jamestown: Shipwrecks, Survivors, Traders, and Planters
PROGRAM #13367
October 7-12, 2007 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
March 2-7, 2008 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
Land ho! Join us for a voyage back to the Age of Discovery, when Europeans raced to settle the New World amidst a flourishing culture of maritime exploration and international trade. Examine the motives of the Spanish and English and the challenges they faced in their first attempts at settlement, including starvation, and conflict with the Indians. Relive mysterious tales of shipwrecks, pirates, and vanishing colonists. As Jamestown commemorates its 400th anniversary, learn how the settlers of 1607 persisted against all odds to establish the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Highlights include field trips to Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement, the Mariners’ Museum, and a tavern meal in Colonial Williamsburg.
Walking up to 2 miles daily during field trips.
$706/person Double occupancy, +$150 for Single[October date]
$708/person Double occupancy, +$160 for Single [March date]
Sample schedule

Discover Historic Williamsburg: The Capital of Colonial Virginia
PROGRAM #2010
September 30-October 5, 2007 - Four Points Sheraton Hotel
November 4-9, 2007 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
March 16-21, 2008 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
Williamsburg in 1770 was a cosmopolitan, English community on the edge of the New World. It served as the seat of government, a major market for trade and commerce, and a center for ideas. Study historical and cultural themes of life in Williamsburg. Learn how patriots, gentry, women, Africans, and Native Americans contributed to society. Discover the music and religious practices of early Virginians. Examine Williamsburg, from the restoration of historic buildings to the art of historical interpretation. Field trips present historic Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown, and the "Ancient Campus" of the College of William and Mary. As a special highlight, enjoy two evenings of entertainment.
Walking up to 2 miles daily during field trips. A ticket to Colonial Williamsburg and a tavern meal are included in the program cost.
$688/person Double occupancy, +$150 for Single [Sept.-Nov. dates]
$699/person Double occupancy, +$160 for Single [March date]
Sample schedule

The Wonder of Williamsburg: Colonists and Capitals, Patriots and Principles
SNAPSHOT PROGRAM #12946
October 14-17, 2007 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
Williamsburg stood as the capital of England’s largest, most prosperous colony in the Americas for 80 years. Join us for four days and three nights as we journey into history: a time of colonists and capitals, patriots and principles. Come face-to-face with the struggle for independence as we see how the dedication and sacrifice of our forebears created a nation like no other. Learn from experts about colonial life, religion and the clash of worlds old and new. Field trips bring the past to life in the world’s largest living history museum -- fully restored to its 18th-century grandeur -- and at The College of William and Mary. Special highlights include an evening of colonial entertainment and a ticket to Colonial Williamsburg.
Walking up to two miles daily; stairs required to enter some historic buildings.
$474/person Double occupancy, +$90 for Single
Sample schedule

An American Icon: Thomas Jefferson 1760-1780
SNAPSHOT PROGRAM #4155
November 11-14, 2007 - Four Points Sheraton Hotel
January 27-30, 2008 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
Thomas Jefferson, third President of the U.S., drafted the Declaration of Independence and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, two significant documents of American political philosophy. What were the origins of Jefferson’s political genius? He came of age in Williamsburg, studying at the College of William and Mary, the “finest school of manners and morals that ever existed in America." Discover Jefferson by exploring and experiencing Williamsburg and people -- such as Patrick Henry, George Wythe and the Marquis de Lafayette -- who were instrumental in forming his view of the world. Lectures and field trips featuring Colonial Williamsburg and the College’s rare Jefferson documents expand your knowledge of this extraordinary man.
Extensive walking two miles daily. Program designed for the active hosteler.
$478/person Double occupancy, +$90 for Single
Sample schedule

Autumn in Williamsburg: Georgian Palaces Along the James River
PROGRAM #6618
October 21-26, 2007 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
Williamsburg in autumn is a delight for the senses. Examine life "to the manor born" of magnificent Tidewater plantations that flourished along the James River. These 17th- and 18th-century manor houses stood as symbols of the power and prosperity of great planters thanks to their land, tobacco, and slaves. Lectures explore this world through the people -- free and enslaved -- who lived and worked the land. Learn about colonial politics, religion, the role of women, and life that mirrored aristocratic, English society. Enjoy field trips to two historic Virginia plantations; into Colonial Williamsburg, where our American past is lovingly preserved and restored; a meal at a Colonial Williamsburg tavern; and free time to explore on your own.
$688/person Double occupancy, +$150 for Single
Sample schedule

Three Centuries of Gracious Living: Country Manors and Town Homes
PROGRAM #7301
February 24-29, 2008 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
Just outside Williamsburg, many historic plantations and mansions grace the Virginia countryside. These architecturally fascinating structures that were seats of power and wealth for three centuries await your discovery. From magnificent Georgian manors on the James River to a modest streamside farmhouse, explore the world of the landed gentry whose complex lifestyles mirrored aristocratic English society. Lectures focus on people who worked the land -- slave and free -- as well as politics, religion and architecture. Field trips present Colonial Williamsburg; Shirley, the Commonwealth’s oldest plantation; Berkeley, the most historic; and other intriguing sites. A tavern dinner and period music programs enhance your learning experience.
$705/person Double occupancy, +$160 for Single

Jamestown, Birthplace of a Nation
SNAPSHOT PROGRAM #14048
October 21-24, 2007 - Four Points Sheraton Hotel
February 17-20, 2008 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
You're invited to the 400th anniversary commemoration of the founding of Jamestown! Come explore this site of the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Learn about the struggles of the first settlers, whose perseverance laid the foundation for a flourishing Virginia colony with its capital at nearby Williamsburg. Through the lens of archaeology, gain new insights into this early epoch in American history. Visit Historic Jamestowne Island, site of the original fort and now a beautiful National Park. Plus, enjoy the newly expanded Jamestown Settlement museum, featuring a reconstructed fort, Indian village, and replicas of the settlers' ships. There's never been a better time to discover Jamestown, so come join the festivities!
Walking up to 2 miles per day.
$478/person Double occupancy, +$90 for Single
Sample schedule

Pocahontas Between Two Worlds
SNAPSHOT PROGRAM #14867
November 11-14, 2007 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
Enter into the extraordinary saga of Pocahontas. Daughter of the powerful chief Powhatan and wife of an Englishman, she found herself caught in a clash of English and Indian cultures. Discover the two worlds of Pocahontas as historians, anthropologists and descendants of Powhatan Indians reveal the truth behind the legend, comparing popular mythology to historical fact. Was Pocahontas truly a cross-cultural ambassador? Did she save the life of John Smith, leader of the Jamestown colony? During Jamestown's 400th anniversary, explore the site of the original English fort and a new archaeology exhibit. An Indian chief explains Pocahontas' modern-day significance while entertainment sheds light on contemporary Native American culture.
$457/person Double occupancy, +$90 for Single
Sample schedule

Genealogy in Colonial Virginia: Gentry, the Middlin' Sort, and Slaves
PROGRAM #7044
October 28-November 2, 2007 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
January 20-25, 2008 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary history of Tidewater Virginia, site of the first permanent English settlement in North America, and entry point for thousands of adventurers, indentured servants, and enslaved Africans. Learn how to further your genealogical research into the lives of your 17th- and 18th-century ancestors using Virginia land, church, civil, tax and business records. Field trips include Swem Library on the William & Mary campus, the Library of Virginia in Richmond, and Colonial Williamsburg. See how economics, religion, and warfare impacted people’s lives, with time for individual research under expert guidance. As a special highlight, enjoy an authentic tavern meal.
This program is designed for intermediate level researchers.
$708/person Double occupancy, +$150 for Single [October date]
$713/person Double occupancy, +$160 for Single [January date]

Charlottesville Area Programs

Friends, Neighbors, Presidents: The World of Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe
PROGRAM #2007
October 21-26, 2007 - English Inn
Discover the world of James Monroe, fifth President of the United States, and his friends and neighbors Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Learn what it meant when Jefferson wrote to Madison, "Without society, and a society to our taste, men are never contented." Recall the lives and times of these great men and the nation they helped forge through lectures examining their friendships, political careers, personal lives, and education, as well as Federal era architecture and society. Take field trips to their historic homes -- Monroe's Ash Lawn-Highland, Madison's Montpelier, and a full day at Jefferson's magnificent Monticello -- as well as Jefferson's rotunda at the University of Virginia. Enjoy a lunch at historic Michie Tavern.
Walking up to 2 miles daily during field trips.
$708/person Double occupancy, +$150 for Single
Sample schedule

Three Friends: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe
SNAPSHOT PROGRAM #9113
September 23-26, 2007 - English Inn
October 7-10, 2007 - English Inn
November 27-30, 2007 - English Inn
Explore the friendship between three Presidents of the U.S. -- Jefferson, Madison and Monroe -- and the late 18th and early 19th centuries when these great men lived, loved, laughed and worked. Learn about these great men and the historic events that drew them together, their views on religion, government, slavery, and their individual contributions to our nation. Enjoy field trips featuring their historic homes: Jefferson's Monticello, Monroe's Ash Lawn-Highland and Madison's Montpelier. At the University of Virginia, designed by Jefferson, ponder the thoughts of early Presidents on public education. Special highlights include an evening of period music and lunch at historic Michie Tavern.
Walking up to 2 miles daily; some uneven terrain and climbing stairs.
$490/person Double occupancy, +$114 for Single
Sample schedule

Biking Programs

Coastal Virginia by Bicycle
PROGRAM #2284
October 28-November 2, 2007 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel *New date*
November 4-9, 2007 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
Join a small group of like-minded adventurers for an active, revealing, colorful look at one of America's richest historical centers. The James River area contains numerous historical sites and scenic bicycle routes with sweeping views. Biking over a variety of terrains, your journey spans the colonial era from Jamestown to the Siege of Yorktown 174 years later. Background lectures precede major field trips to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown Battlefield. At stops along the way, enjoy many peaceful views of rivers, rural roads, fields, and farms. Highlights include wine tasting at Williamsburg vineyard, two evenings of entertainment, and a Colonial Williamsburg tavern meal.
Biking 15 to 30 miles per day. All biking programs have two leaders: one on bike as a sweep and the other in our 15-passenger support van with custom bike trailer. Participants must bring a well fitted bike helmet (required); outfitter provides 21-speed mountain bikes and biking expertise. Want to bring your own bike? It must be inspected within 3 months of program.
$1008/person Double occupancy, +$150 for Single
Sample schedule

Birding Programs

Making the Most of Migration: Fall Birding on Virginia's Eastern Shore
PROGRAM #11641
October 7-12, 2007 - Sunset Beach Resort, Cape Charles, Va.
Follow the annual autumn migration as millions of songbirds, birds of prey, butterflies, and dragonflies travel along Virginia's Atlantic coast heading to winter climes. Actively observe migration research that has taken place on the lower Delmarva peninsula since 1963. During field trips to Kiptopeke State Park, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, and Brownsville, learn first-hand the intricacies of bird and insect migrations. Experience songbird and hawk banding, butterfly tagging, and diurnal counting of migrating birds of prey. There is nothing like examining "a bird in hand" that you thought you knew. Wildlife enthusiasts of all experience levels will enjoy this fascinating learning adventure.
Walking up to two miles daily; uneven paths. Note: Because the hotel usually hosts the Eastern Shore Birding Festival the weekend immediately prior to our program, rooms may not be available for early arrivals.
$785/person Double occupancy, +$150 for Single
Sample schedule

Service Programs

Historic Preservation: Seasonal Cleaning at Jamestown and Yorktown
PROGRAM #7744
September 16-21, 2007 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
March 9-14, 2008 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
Learn by doing as you help Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation staff clean museum sites after the major quadricentennial celebration in May, 2007. An educational institution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Foundation operates two living history museums near Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center. These authentic, educational sites draw 800,000 visitors annually. Work may deal with educational materials, gardens, matting for Indian houses, repairing structures, cleaning and preserving household furnishings, equipment, and ship maintenance. Each day includes a lecture/discussion or field trip. Help the museum preserve America's 17th- and 18th-century history. Enjoy a meal at a Colonial Williamsburg tavern!
All equipment provided by the Foundation. Work indoors or outdoors (weather permitting). Participants will work in teams led by museum staff to support specific areas and to prepare for a special event. This small group may overlap with another Elderhostel program hosted by the College. Portions of the costs for this program may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. Please see the Registration page in the Elderhostel catalogue for more information.
$688/person Double occupancy, +$150 for Single [September date]
$698/person Double occupancy, +$160 for Single [March date]
Sample schedule

Springtime Gardens and Landscape at the College of William and Mary
PROGRAM #12023
March 16-21, 2008 - Crowne Plaza Ft. Magruder Hotel
In preparation for spring, garden lovers are needed to help in the care, maintenance, and replanting of the extensive grounds at the College of William and Mary. The College has an array of gardens, flowerbeds, and landscaped areas requiring TLC (tender loving care). Working under expert supervision, assist with significant garden projects at various sites around campus. Projects may include planting trees and shrubbery, weeding, mulching, potting seedlings at our greenhouse, and replanting flowerbeds. Each day will include a lecture or field trip on horticulture or history and opportunities to appreciate the College’s beautiful, historic architecture. As a special bonus, enjoy a Colonial Williamsburg ticket and a tavern meal, too!
No special skills required. Bring knee-pads if you use them; the College provides gloves and garden equipment. Work in teams lead by College arborists and gardeners to support specific areas; indoor greenhouse work balanced with more physical outdoor projects. This program is limited to 14 and overlaps another Elderhostel program. Portions of the program cost may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. Please see the Registration page in the Elderhostel catalogue for more information.
$698/person Double occupancy, +$160 for Single
Sample schedule