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SEPTEMBER TRAIN TO SWANNANOA
September 3, 2022
Join us on Saturday, September 3, 2022, as we travel by train from Roanoke to Charlottesville, VA. Our chartered bus will pick us up at the various locations and take us to the Amtrak boarding platform in Roanoke. We ride the train from Roanoke to Charlottesville. The bus picks up at the Amtrak station in Charlottesville to take us to lunch at the Dairy Market Food Hall (on your own), and tour of Swannanoa on Afton Mountain. After our time in Afton and the Shenandoah Valley, the bus brings you back to Roanoke.
Swannanoa is a 1912 Italianate marble villa that sits high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains in Afton, VA. Major James Dooley, an executive with the C&O Railroad, built this 52-room marble palace as a token of love for his wife. More than 300 artisans were hired to create the palace as a replica of the Villa de Medici in Rome. You will see things such as the 4,000 piece Tiffany stained-glass window and a domed ceiling. Mr. Dooley also owned the Maymont Estate in Richmond. You will be able to explore the grounds also.
The Cladius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel was constructed between 1850-1858. It is a historic railroad tunnel that is now part of a recreational trail system. For those that desire to walk through this historic tunnel, the bus will drop off at the East and pick up at the West Parking lot. The total walk would be two miles.
As we begin our journey home, we will see more of the Shenandoah Valley from the windows of the motor coach.
PRICE PER PERSON: $139. Full amount is due when reservation is made.
PRICE INCLUDES: Amtrak train ticket from Roanoke to Charlottesville, motor coach transfers in Roanoke, motor coach transportation from Charlottesville to Swannanoa and other sites, a tour of the interior and the grounds of Swannanoa, a visit to the Cladius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel, and a tour host.
DEPARTURE TIMES AND LOCATIONS: The bus will depart at 6:05 a.m. from Dublin; at 6:30 a.m. from Hardee’s, Exit 118, Christiansburg; at 7:00 a.m. from the Food Lion, exit 137, Salem; at 7:25 a.m. from the Bonsack Walmart, Hwy 460, Roanoke; and at 7:50 a.m. from the Clearbrook Walmart, Hwy 220, Roanoke, VA. The bus will take you to the Amtrak boarding platform in downtown Roanoke. Return time is around 8:00 p.m. or earlier.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The trip is based on a minimum amount of paid participants by August 1, 2022. If we cancel the trip, a full refund will be given. If you cancel before August 1, a refund less $39 will be given. After August 1, there will be no refunds.
RESERVATIONS: Send the completed registration form below along with a check for $139 per person made payable to Roanoke Tours, Inc. to: Roanoke Tours, Inc., 3531 Peters Creek Road, # 507, Roanoke, VA 24019. For further information, call (540) 366-2888.