Songs of a New Nation

Sacred Music in Colonial Williamsburg

March 4 – 8, 2027

"Songs of a New Nation – Sacred Music in Colonial Williamsburg"

Step into the living history of early America with Songs of a New Nation, an unforgettable sacred music journey through the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. This immersive experience invites guests to explore the full Colonial Williamsburg campus, where centuries of American history come alive through preserved streets, historic homes, artisan shops, and the enduring sacred spaces that shaped the spiritual and cultural identity of a young nation. From morning walks through the colonial capital to evenings illuminated by candlelight and music, this tour blends history, faith, architecture, and artistry into a truly inspiring experience.

 

At the center of the journey is the historic Bruton Parish Church, one of America’s most treasured colonial churches. Guests will attend two breathtaking candlelight concerts within the church’s historic sanctuary, experiencing sacred music in the very space where generations of Virginians worshiped during the founding of the nation. Participants will also enjoy a private behind-the-scenes visit featuring a guided tour, discussion of the church’s musical heritage, and an exclusive organ demonstration that offers insight into the role sacred music played in colonial worship and public life.

 

The experience continues at the historic Wren Building and its celebrated chapel, where guests will enjoy a private organ demonstration, recital, and talk exploring the musical traditions of early American collegiate and sacred life. Surrounded by the atmosphere of one of the nation’s oldest academic institutions, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry, craftsmanship, and spiritual importance of music in colonial America.

 

One of the highlights of the tour will be an unforgettable evening at King's Arms Tavern, where the spirit of the eighteenth century comes alive through food, fellowship, and entertainment. By candlelight and accompanied by period music and lively colonial performances, guests will step into the social world of Williamsburg’s tavern culture. The evening offers not only exceptional dining, but also the warmth, humor, and vibrant entertainment that made taverns the center of colonial community life. It is the perfect blend of historical immersion and joyful celebration, bringing the sounds and spirit of early America vividly to life.

Tour Overview

"Songs of a New Nation – Sacred Music in Colonial Williamsburg"

March 4 – 8 (4 Days) | colonial williamburgs sacred music experience, private access, organ demonstrations & recitals, Expert Tour Guides, and personal access to the musicians that create the sacred music

Tour attendees must be at least 18 years of age.

$2,499 – 4,199 per person double occupancy (dependent on your hotel selection)*

Single Supplement: $499

Initial Deposit: $1,000 – $2,250 (Due at time of booking)

Final Payment: Balance (Due January 1, 2027)

GROUP SIZE

The tour will operate with a small group for a more intimate travel experience.

Locations on the tour*

Bruton Parish Church

Founded in 1674, Bruton Parish Church stands as one of the most iconic and historically significant Anglican churches in America. Located in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, the church has welcomed worshippers for centuries, including many figures connected to the founding of the nation. Its beautiful Georgian architecture, historic pipe organ, and reverent atmosphere make it an extraordinary setting for sacred music. Visitors are immersed not only in the spiritual life of colonial Virginia, but also in the musical traditions that shaped worship in early America. Candlelight concerts and private musical experiences within this sacred space offer a rare opportunity to hear music where generations before once gathered in prayer and song.

 

Wren Building

Home to the historic Wren Chapel, the Wren Building is the oldest academic building still in use in the United States and serves as the symbolic heart of the William & Mary campus. The chapel itself offers an intimate and inspiring setting that reflects the close connection between faith, education, and music in colonial America. Guests will experience the beauty of the chapel through private talks, organ demonstrations, and recitals that bring the space to life. Rich in tradition and architectural beauty, the Wren Chapel provides a unique glimpse into the spiritual and academic culture that helped shape the nation’s earliest institutions of learning.

 

Colonial Williamsburg

Spanning hundreds of restored and reconstructed buildings, Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum and offers visitors the opportunity to step directly into eighteenth-century America. Throughout the campus, guests can stroll historic streets lined with colonial homes, government buildings, shops, gardens, and taverns while interacting with costumed interpreters who bring the era vividly to life. Visitors can explore working artisan trades such as blacksmithing, printing, silversmithing, and cabinetmaking, attend historical reenactments, tour museums and exhibits, and experience the daily rhythms of colonial society. The atmosphere is especially magical in the evenings, when lantern-lit streets and historic architecture create a memorable sense of stepping back into the founding years of the nation.

 

King's Arms Tavern

A visit to the King’s Arms Tavern is more than dinner—it is a fully immersive colonial experience. One of Williamsburg’s most beloved historic taverns, it recreates the lively atmosphere of eighteenth-century dining and entertainment with candlelit rooms, period décor, servers in colonial attire, and traditional recipes inspired by the era. Guests are treated not only to exceptional food and hospitality, but also to the spirited entertainment that made colonial taverns the social center of community life. Live music, storytelling, and period performances create an unforgettable evening filled with warmth, laughter, and the charm of early America.

YOUR STAY

One of the hallmarks of our “Freedom in Form” style of travel is the ability for each guest to select accommodations that best fit their comfort level and travel preferences. Rather than requiring the entire group to stay in a single hotel on this trip, participants may choose from a variety of carefully selected three- and four-star hotels in Colonial Williamsburg. This approach allows travelers the flexibility to balance budget, amenities, and personal style while still remaining conveniently located near the heart of the tour activities, sacred sites, dining, shopping, and the historic colonial campus.

Itinerary

The Itinerary

This itinerary remains subject to change as final arrangements, venue confirmations, and scheduling details are finalized. Specific days, event order, featured locations, performances, and activities may change.

DAY 1 | THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2027 | ARRIVAL IN COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

Guests arrive in historic Colonial Williamsburg and settle into their accommodations before beginning the journey with an unforgettable evening candlelight concert at Bruton Parish Church. Surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight and the beauty of one of America’s most treasured colonial churches, participants will experience sacred music in a setting that brings the spirit of early America vividly to life.

 

DAY 2 | FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2027

The day is devoted to exploring the expansive Colonial Williamsburg campus, where participants can enjoy historic sites, artisan shops, museums, reenactments, and the many musical and cultural events taking place throughout the colonial city. Special music-centered events will be highlighted for the group, and guests may choose to follow the specially curated “Directors’ Path,” designed to guide participants toward featured musical experiences included in the tour. Later, the group will gather at Bruton Parish Church for a private visit featuring a talk, organ demonstration, and discussion of the church’s rich sacred music heritage. The evening concludes with a lively colonial dining experience and entertainment at King's Arms Tavern.

 

DAY 3 | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2027

Saturday continues with additional time to explore Colonial Williamsburg and its many attractions, performances, and exhibits. Music-related programs throughout the historic district will again be highlighted, allowing guests to continue following the optional “Directors’ Path” through the day’s events. At midday, participants will gather at the historic Wren Building for a noonday organ recital, private organ demonstration, and discussion centered on the musical traditions of colonial worship and education. The evening concludes with a second candlelight concert at Bruton Parish Church, offering another inspiring opportunity to experience sacred music within this remarkable historic sanctuary. 

DAY 4 | SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2027

Guests will be offered a variety of worship options throughout Williamsburg, including the opportunity to attend services at Bruton Parish Church, one of the nation’s most iconic colonial churches. Following worship, participants will have additional free time to revisit favorite sites, explore areas they may have missed earlier in the tour, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of Colonial Williamsburg at a relaxed pace.

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2026 | GUESTS DEPART

Tour Specifics

INCLUSIONS

  • Churches and Points of Interest: Tours, behind-the-scenes access, organ recitals, and demonstrations at the following: Bruton Paish, Wren Chapel, and Colonial Williamsburg campus sites.

  • Tour Leader: Tour Leadership by Dr. Jason Keefer, accessible for information and insights throughout the tour.

  • Tour Manager: An experienced Tour Manager or Assistant to accompany the group throughout the tour.

  • Hotel: 4 nights' accommodation in Colonial Williamsburg.

  • Meals/Drinks: Mentioned in the Itinerary.

  • Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides will be available at specific sites.

  • Tips: Tips for local guides, and meals included in your itinerary.

  • Information Pack: A comprehensive tour information packet.

EXCLUSIONS

  • Domestic Travel

  • Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from airports and hotels at the beginning and end of tours.

  • Special Taxes: Any special taxes and airport levies associated with your travel to and from the tour destination.

  • Travel Insurance: Please note that you are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your tour.

  • Travel: Colonial Williamsburg is restricted to vehicle access. Tour participants will be accessing most venues on foot. Parking options are close to the colonial campus.

  • Meals: Meals that are not included in your itinerary.

  • Personal Expenses: Personal expenses at hotels, for example, laundry, phone calls, and minibar items.

  • Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.

  • Not listed in Inclusions: Any costs not included in the Inclusions section of this tour.

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED*

All members of the tour must have the ability to:

  • Undertake walking tours of one to two hours’ duration, which may include the use of stairs and walking on uneven ground.

  • Stand for long periods in churches, museums, etc.

  • Embark/disembark coaches, trains, and other methods of transportation without assistance.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.

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Please sign me up for the "Songs of a New Nation - Sacred Music in Colonial Wiliamsburg" tour

This is just a request, it is dependent on hotel and availability