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Private UNESCO World Heritage Tour

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Charlottesville, USA
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from $156 per person

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Private UNESCO World Heritage Tour Image 1
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.
7 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

This exceptional tour takes us to two of Thomas Jefferson's most iconic masterpieces, the University of Virginia and Monticello, both honored as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1987 for their outstanding cultural significance. Our journey begins with a detailed guided tour of the picturesque University Lawn and the distinguished Rotunda at the University of Virginia, where history and architecture blend beautifully. Next, we head to Monticello's David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, a thoughtfully designed space featuring an excellent gift shop and numerous engaging exhibitions dedicated to Thomas Jefferson and the rich history of Monticello. For a convenient and pleasant break, you can enjoy a quick bite and refreshing drink at the Monticello Farm Table Cafe before proceeding to your in-depth guided tour of the historic estate.

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Knowledgeable and friendly driver
  • Water bottles
  • All food and beverages
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Meeting and Pickup

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What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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The Rotunda

The day begins with a 1 hour guided tour of the well preserved Rotunda. These tours cover the original University and Lawn area, and they begin in the Lower East Oval Room of the Rotunda The Rotunda at the University of Virginia was designed by Thomas Jefferson as the architectural and academic heart of the University’s community of scholars. He named the University’s original buildings the “Academical Village.” As the phrase suggests, the Academical Village is based on the Jeffersonian principle that learning is a lifelong process, and that interaction between faculty and students is vital to the pursuit of knowledge. Jefferson modeled the Rotunda after the Pantheon, a second-century temple in Rome. Construction began in 1822 and was completed in 1828, two years after Jefferson’s death on July 4, 1826. Built at a cost of almost $60,000, it was the last structure to be finished on the Lawn. Together with Monticello, the Academical Village is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Smith Education Center

Our next stop will be the starting point to Monticello, the David M Rubenstein Visitors center. You'll find the gift shop here, as well as the Monticello Farm Table restaurant which serves local, sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine—including dishes made with seasonal fruits and vegetables grown in the Monticello gardens. Here you will catch the shuttle that takes you to Monticello. The David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Smith Education Center serve as the 21st-century gateway to Jefferson's timeless Monticello, with multiple components that transform the visitor experience by preparing guests for their trips to the historic mountaintop through dynamic content presenting fresh perspectives on Monticello and the enduring significance of Jefferson's life and ideas.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Monticello

Your 45-minute guided tour includes first floor spaces in Thomas Jefferson’s home, the West Lawn, and the South Wing. You’ll learn about Jefferson and his vision for America, the realities of slavery on the Monticello plantation, and the mountaintop’s iconic architecture. Your Highlights Tour pass includes access to the gardens, grounds, walking tours, family-friendly activities, and exhibits.
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2 hours 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Jefferson Vineyards

Jefferson Vineyards will be the last stop of your tour, only if time remains after visiting Monticello. At Jefferson Vineyards we offer our guests a wine experience just down the road from Monticello. Guests can enjoy a glass of award-winning wine or sample a seasonal wine flight. There is outdoor seating and a large grassy hillside for picnicking. Indoor seating is limited. Thomas Jefferson and Philip Mazzei chose the very same site when they grew grapes here almost 250 years ago. Back then, our estate was the site of Virginia's first wine company. With our present operation, we have bridged the origins of winemaking by introducing quality modern viticulture and winemaking practices to Virginia, helping realize Jefferson’s dream.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private UNESCO World Heritage Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-397764P5

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Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private UNESCO World Heritage Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Private transportation.
  • Knowledgeable and friendly driver.
  • Water bottles.
  • Tickets for Monticello.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
The following is NOT included:
  • All food and beverages.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Private UNESCO World Heritage Tour is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private UNESCO World Heritage Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Private transportation
  • Knowledgeable and friendly driver
  • Water bottles
  • Tickets for Monticello
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • All food and beverages

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Report Product Issue

Activity name