Sunday, October 21  |  4:45 pm – 5:15 pm

Companion Orientation

Come meet us in the Exhibit Hall to go over the Companions schedule in detail.

Monday, October 22  |  9 am – 4 pm

Companion Tour Options

This tour features an overview of Richmond’s historical and cultural attractions. Visit the State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson. Sit in the pews at historic St. John’s Church – site of Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” speech. A tour of the White House of the Confederacy will give you a close up view of President Jefferson Davis and his family. In addition to the featured stops, from the comfort of your motor coach you will enjoy Richmond’s graciously restored historic neighborhoods including: Shockoe Slip, a cobblestone restaurant district; Church Hill and Jackson Ward, noted for their unique cast iron patterns; and the famed Monument Avenue, one of America’s most beautiful boulevards. Lunch included at Sine' Irish Pub in the historic Shockoe Slip district.

The 18th and 19th centuries were Virginia’s Golden Age. From the cobblestone alleys of Richmond’s warehouse district to the opulence of the late Victorian Richmond, journey with us as we follow the path of the Golden Leaf. Tour a famous James River plantation where tobacco produced Virginia’s Golden Age. Take a leisurely narrated canal boat ride along the James River-Kanawha Canal, the first canal system in North America. Conclude the day with a stroll through the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, and hear the story of Lewis Ginter, the man whose money built both. Lunch included at the historic John Marshall Hotel.

Tuesday, October 23  |  11 am – 3 pm

The Richmond Metropolitan Zoo Experience and Lunch

Experience RVA’s Wildlife on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Richmond Metropolitan Zoo. Enjoy the Safari Train Ride which provides access to areas not along the foot paths. This 15-20 minute guided tour will give you an up-close experience where an experienced Conductor will share unique facts about the animals you will see on the tour. You will be provided a cup of Giraffe snacks to feed the Richmond Metro Zoo’s magnificent Giraffes! Get to know these 18-foot tall gentle giants up-close and personal for an experience like no other! Be sure to find and meet Kumbali and Kago – best of friends since birth! It doesn’t matter that Kumbali is a Cheetah and Kago is a Mutt! These two have been together since they were rejected by their parents and were fast friends from the start. Finally, make your way back to the education center for the finale event: Meet and learn all about the African Penguin. A trained educator will introduce you to the African Penguin where you’ll learn all about the animal and get to interact with the animal. The Richmond Metropolitan Zoo Excursion will provide an unique, authentic RVA experience to you and your family! Transportation, lunch, Giraffe food, Safari Train Ride, and Penguin meet-and-greet are all included in the tour price.