DETAILS
National Trust Tours & International Seminar Design invites you to join a privileged group of members on a custom-designed cultural escape. Spend five days in the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley, exploring its historic homes, exceptional gardens, and inspired art. Trace the du Pont family’s legacy at Nemours Estate and the Hagley Museum.
- Pricing from
- $3,595
- Trip Type
- Closer to Home, Group Travel Tour
- Departure Dates
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May 5, 2024 - May 9, 2024
Hotel du Pont
A member of Historic Hotels of America, the Hotel du Pont first opened in 1913 as one of the most lavish hotels of America’s Gilded Age. An extensive restoration returned the lobby to its original grandeur with opulent, old world elegance. The top-rated Green Room offers dining in a setting of rich oak paneling and gold chandeliers.
Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellation by participant must be made in writing to ISDI and is effective only upon acknowledged receipt by ISDI. There is a non-refundable registration and planning fee of $500 per person regardless of cancellation date. Written cancellation received by ISDI on or before February 7, 2024: full refund minus $500 per person registration and planning fee. Written cancellation received by ISDI between February
8 and April 1, 2024: full refund minus $1,800 per person cancellation fee (includes registration and planning fee). Written cancellation received by ISDI on or after April 2, 2024: no refund. Tour registration is non-transferable. In the case of cancellation, substitutions are not allowed. After the tour has commenced, no refunds will be issued for any reason including, but not limited to, unused portions of tour. If the tour is cancelled by ISDI or National Trust Tours due to low enrollment, active registrants will receive a full refund of all tour payments.
ITINERARY
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day 1
Welcome to the Brandywine Valley
Fly into Philadelphia, and take an early afternoon group transfer to Wilmington, Delaware, or transfer independently to the historic, five-star Hotel du Pont, an ornately decorated property with a distinctly European flair, centrally situated in the Brandywine Valley. Drive to nearby New Castle, and step back in time during a tour of the George Read II House and Gardens. Visit the 22-room estate, emblematic for its Philadelphia-style architecture, and learn about the family’s role in shaping American history. This evening walk to a nearby restaurant and enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)
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day 2
Famed Families: du Ponts & Wyeths
Step into French American industrialist E.I. du Pont’s shoes during a tour of the Hagley Museum. Visit this former residence, discover the surrounding landscapes, and delve into the history of the family’s industrial productions. Following a casual lunch at the Brandywine River Museum of Art’s café, enjoy a guided tour of the museum’s extensive collection of works by the internationally acclaimed Wyeth family. Also visit the nearby Andrew Wyeth studio, a designated National Historic Landmark. Return to the Hotel du Pont and opt into a brief tour of the historic property led by an onsite expert. Learn about the building’s financial and social functions for the Wilmington elite during the early 20th century and admire the architecture, modeled in the Italian Renaissance style. The evening at leisure. (B, L)
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day 3
Elegant Estates: Winterthur & Nemours
Spend a delightful morning at the renowned Winterthur Estate. The former residence of Henry Francis du Pont—today a museum—displays an immense collection of art and allows visitors to admire antiquities and decorative pieces throughout the 175-room mansion. Later, venture into the gardens to discover the meticulously kept grounds. Following lunch in a nearby historic tavern, explore the expansive grounds of the historic Nemours Estate on a private tour—the family home formerly owned by Alfred I. du Pont, characterized by French influences and breathtaking grandiosity. Meet with the Executive Director of the Estate to discuss their preservation initiatives (pending her availability). The evening is free. (B, L)
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day 4
Grand Gardens: Longwood & Chanticleer
Spend your morning at Longwood Gardens, whose collections have received numerous awards, including the prestigious title of Best Botanical Garden by USA Today in 2016. Revel in the colorful landscapes and extraordinary water fountains, and experience the seasonal varieties in bloom. Beyond maintaining an impressive collection of over 9,000 plant varieties, Longwood today prides itself as a center dedicated to horticulture research and education. Enjoy free time to explore and have lunch at Longwood. Then spend your afternoon at the acclaimed Chanticleer Gardens, which house a variety of species within themed garden spaces. Return to the Hotel DuPont for a break before a farewell dinner together in one of the hotel’s private dining rooms. (B, D)
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day 5
Amazing Art at the Barnes
After checking out of the Hotel du Pont, venture into Philadelphia for a visit to the acclaimed Barnes Foundation. See its permanent collection, featuring works by masters such as van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso, and hear about the extraordinary vision of Dr. Albert Barnes. Following lunch in the Barnes café, proceed to the Philadelphia airport for late afternoon flights home. (B, L)
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