Urban Adventures in Virginia

As you arrive in Richmond, Virgina, get acquainted with your guide. You’ll spend the evening walking around Brown’s Island and the Canal Walk. Enjoy views of the James River, where you’ll be spending a lot of your time during this week of urban adventure.

Get right into the adventurous spirit with a day of whitewater rafting along Richmond’s Class III and IV rapids. Try to spot bald eagles as you float, spin and drift down the river.

This afternoon, visit the Virginia Historical Society, which features exhibits on the landscape and history of Virginia through artifacts, paintings, photographs, military items and more.

Today’s main activity is all about land-based adventure. You’ll take off on the Virginia Capital Trail. This paved trail runs for 50 miles between Richmond and Williamsburg, the current and Colonial-era capital, respectively. It’s popular with runners, bikers and walkers.  

This evening, you’ll take a canal boat tour along the Kanawha Canal, which was originally surveyed by George Washington. You’ll hear a historical narration of the canal and the James River, as well as take in nighttime views of the city skyline.

This morning, you’ll head back to the James River for a morning of leisurely stand-up paddleboarding, which is a great way to check out nature along the James River. 

Next up is a Segway tour around the city. You’ll see popular Richmond landmarks such as Brown’s Island, Tredegar Ironworks, murals along the Canal Walk and the Thomas Jefferson-designed Virginia State Capitol Building, as well as hear stories of historic visitors George Washington, Edgar Allan Poe and Abraham Lincoln.

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Rice River Center focuses on researching, providing environmental knowledge and preserving the James River, a watershed of the Chesapeake Bay. You’ll learn about freshwater fish and wildlife, Virginia’s Atlantic sturgeon population, the Virginia oyster shell recycling program and how river ecologies impact the environment and our lives. 

Afterward, you’ll visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, which collaborates with the VCU Rice Rivers Center with its Ancarrow Wildflower Digital Archive.

Today, it’s off to the Manchester Climbing Wall, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Richmond. Part of the James River Park System, this massive rock wall provides an exhilarating climb and great views of the river and the downtown skyline. Traditional (or trad), sport and rappelling are popular.

When you’re done climbing, walk across the James River via the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge. You’ll have stunning views of the downtown skyline. There are art installations along the bridge.

On your last day in Richmond, enjoy a cup of coffee and a leisurely stroll around the Carytown shopping district.