Arrive in Brandywine Valley, in the countryside outside of Philadelphia.  Check into your hotel for a two-night stay.  This evening, enjoy free time in the charming town of Kennett Square for shopping and dinner on your own.   Kennett Square offers many unique galleries, shops and restaurants.

Today features a tour of Longwood Gardens, one of the world’s premier horticultural display gardens.  When you’re at Longwood Gardens, it’s easy to imagine that you’re in a giant, royal garden in Europe.  Built in 1730 by Joshua Peirce, this historic home has been greatly enlarged over the years by successive generations of Pierces and later by Mr. Du Pont, who purchased the property in 1906 and used it as his summer home.

Stroll along the acres of exquisitely maintained grounds featuring 11,000 different types of plants.  See the Italian Water Garden, Flower Garden Walk, aquatic display gardens and many others.  Amble through Peirce’s Woods, eight outdoor “rooms” of distinct woodland habitats.  Each season brings a different pleasure: spring magnolias and azaleas; summer roses and water lilies; fall foliage and chrysanthemums; and winter camellias, orchids and palms.  Lunch will be included today in the Café with your visit to Longwood Gardens.

Next, visit a local area winery for a tour and tasting.  Wine tasting season never ends in the beautiful hills of the Brandywine Valley!  There are several local wineries in the Brandywine Valley, each with their own areas of expertise and their own specialties.

Tonight, enjoy dinner and a show at the Candlelight Theatre in Wilmington.  The Candlelight Theatre combines fine dining with superb musical theatre entertainment.  It is Delaware’s first dinner theatre.  (B,L,D)

This morning, enjoy a self-guided tour Winterthur.  More than 60 years ago, collector and horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont (1880–1969) opened his childhood home, Winterthur, to the public.  Today, Winterthur houses the preeminent collection of American antiques and decorative arts, reflecting both early America and the du Pont family’s life at this glorious estate.

Your admission a self-guided tour of elegantly furnished rooms in which Henry Francis du Pont entertained his family and friends in grand style; a narrated tram tour through the 60-acre garden and its succession of show-stopping blooms; the Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens; and exhibitions.

Depart for home following your tour. (B)