Arriving in Cape May, NJ your first stop is a tour of the Physick Family Christmas House.  This 1879 Victorian house museum sparkles for the holidays with authentic Victorian decorations that invite you to step back into Christmas past!  Visit the Physick Estate for a unique living history experience with members of the Physick Family household of the 1890s.  Also see the wonderful Christmas exhibit at the Carroll Gallery.

Then check into your hotel for a two-night stay.  Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant.  While you are finishing your meal, enjoy a Victorian Christmas Lecture.  Much of what we associate with the celebration of Christmas comes from the Victorian Era, including Christmas trees, Christmas cards, our image of Santa Claus, and many other features.  You will learn how Prince Albert brought these traditions to England from Germany when he married Queen Victoria, and how they then spread to America. (D)

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a tour of Cape May.  Travel through West Cape May to the tip of Cape May’s peninsula, which is one of the most celebrated bird migratory locations in North America.  Entering Cape May Point State Park, you can view our fully restored Lighthouse, built in 1859.  Then, it’s on to Sunset Beach where the concrete ship Atlantus is still visible.  Enjoy a short shopping stop or search for Cape May Diamonds.

Then enjoy free time for lunch, shopping or sightseeing on your own downtown.  Spend some time shopping at the Washington Street Mall, enjoy lunch at one of its many restaurants and stroll the beautiful Victorian streets.

Return to your hotel this afternoon to freshen up before dinner at one of Cape May’s fine restaurants.  Tonight, enjoy a Holiday Lights Trolley Ride and get a front row view of Cape May’s holiday decorations as the heated trolley winds its way through town.  Guides tell stories of Christmas past. (B,D)

This morning enjoy the “All That Glitters: Trolley Tour.  The year is 1899.  A dear friend has volunteered to help with the final preparations for the very important New Year’s Day Celebration.  She wants to consolidate a shopping trip for the necessities to avoid making numerous trips.  Join her as we travel through town making plans for this important endeavor.

Next, enjoy a Winery Tour & Tasting at to one of Cape May County’s award-winning wineries.  Tour the vineyard to see how grapes are grown, and then visit the winery for an introduction to the wine-maker’s art.  You’ll also enjoy a tasting along with cheese and crackers.  Depart for Home after your visit. (B)