Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Want to add a little spice to your Spring? Well, we have the tour for you! Set back within 72 acres of wooded land hidden in a suburb of Wilmington, Delaware is Rockwood, an English Country Estate built in Gothic Revival style by the Quaker merchant banker Joseph Shipley. Built in 1851, the estate stands tall today as a reminder of the past exhibiting upper crust family life from the turn of the 20th century to World War I.
Tonight among these historic walls there will be murder and mayhem! Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and put your detective skills to the test as we sleuth it up to find all the clues that will help find Whodunnit.
More history awaits at the nearby Hagley Museum & Library, 235 picturesque acres of wooded rolling hills along the rushing Brandywine River where the du Pont family first settled and started their legacy and among the historic restaurants in which we will dine.
So spring out of New Jersey into Delaware where all the fun awaits!
Day One: Rockwood Mansion
We travel south to the “Small Wonder” of Delaware to explore the grandeur, history, and beauty of the rural Gothic Rockwood Mansion. We’ll visit by day to tour the magnificent mansion interiors while hearing the storied past of the families who lived here.
Much of the original furnishings and collections are still in place leaving a feeling of being an invited guest of the Bringhurst family as we wander from room to room. Our wanderings lead to the lovely heritage gardens where there are hidden treasures around every corner.
Take your time to stroll, relax or extend you exploration to the adjoining walking trails leading into the woods for a shady, peaceful atmosphere.
Lunch at Mrs. Robino's:
Off to a delicious Delaware tradition since 1940 at Mrs. Robino’s for an included traditional Italian lunch. Starting as a home cooked meal service for Italian immigrants from three tables in her kitchen, Mrs. Tersilla Robino earned a great reputation resulting in lines outside her home eager to taste her authentic Italian dishes.
The building she purchased for her restaurant is where we will visit today, one filled with gobs of history, aromas of fresh, Italian cooking, and a friendly, cozy atmosphere.
Wilmington Riverfront:
Onto our home for the night at the Homewood Suites located in the Wilmington Riverfront. Put your feet up and relax or take a stroll along the scenic Riverwalk.
If you can possibly eat one more bite after lunch, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from for dinner or light snack on your own.
Mayhem & Murder Mystery:
Grab your detective hat and magnifying glass because it’s time for Mayhem & Murder at the Mansion. We’ll see Rockwood Mansion in a different light at night as we search the house for clues to help solve the mystery of “Whodunnit?”, “What was the motive?”, “Where did it happen?”, “What was the weapon?”, similar to the game of Clue.
Day Two: Hagley
Enjoy the morning as you please after our late-night sleuthing with a leisurely breakfast, morning stroll or sleeping in.
Let’s step into history at Hagley, the site marking the beginning of the du Pont legacy. This is the spot where the du Pont family first settled in America, built their first home, and began the black powder manufacturing business that became the foundation of all the other du Pont enterprises in the world.
On our Brandywine tour, we’ll take a journey through the stone ruins of the historic black powder yards with a demo of 19th century machinery with water turbine bringing an 8-ton iron roll mill to life and witness a black powder explosion.
Hagley:
High on a bank of the Brandywine River overlooking the historic powder mills is the Georgian style original home of the du Ponts that housed five generations of family members, each leaving their mark. As we step into the home surrounded by charming gardens and grounds, we’ll learn about the du Ponts and how they lived, worked, and played here at Hagley.
Buckley's Tavern:
We’ll continue in the tradition of history as we enjoy an included lunch at the nearby Buckley’s Tavern that stands today as it was back in 1817 when it served as a stagecoach stop and site of a blacksmith shop and tollgate to collect fees from those traveling to and from Wilmington.
We’re not far from New Jersey where you’ll soon be home sweet home.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool at the corner of Linwood Ave & Northern Parkway at 7:30 AM and returns at approximately 6:30 PM
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 8:15 AM and returns at approximately 5:45 PM.
Departs South Plainfield High School at 9:00 AM and returns at approx. 5:00 PM. As you enter from Lane Avenue, park on the left side along the fence between the two schools.
Price per person is $695 Twin & $825 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $150 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the included address. Final payment is due March 1, 2023. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before March 1, 2023. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after March 1, 2023. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one carry-on are permitted. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
