Hello, My sons (mid-20's) and I visited The Hermitage in early-August. It was my second visit, having been there a decade ago. The General's Tour includes admission to the grounds, a perfectly nice interpreter-led tour of the mansion, and a self-guided (with audio) tour of the rest of the grounds and buildings, including the President's burial site. The VIP Tour also includes admission to the grounds and a guided-tour of the mansion, but it adds access to the beautiful veranda (balcony) for a wonderful view of the property from the front of the mansion). The tour guide also takes you around the rest of the grounds and buildings, rather than you doing it yourself. We did the General's Tour. We were pleased with the interpreter-led tour of the mansion and we were satisfied doing our own thing walking the grounds and seeing the other buildings on the property. But, man, oh man, was I jealous of the people that were allowed to go out onto the veranda. Had I looked at the differences between packages a little bit more closely ahead of time, I might have been willing to pay the extra to walk out onto a 19th-century plantation veranda! Do be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time online. The number of people permitted on each tour is limited during these COVID times, so you do not want to get shut out by showing up and hoping for the best, but finding out that all of the tours have already sold out.

The Hermitage will reopen on June 11th with a limited schedule that goes with the new phased reopening. You can find all of the reopening information on the website!

Yes it does. The museum at the start is easily navigable. There is a relatively short walk to the house itself that should be possible however there are steps up to the house and there are steep stairway to reach the upper floor that may be more difficult. I do not believe there is a lift in the house. so the upper floor of the house may be too much.

The guided tour is of the mansion only. There are audio devices provided for self guided tours. You can tour the property, gardens and museum. You will be able to see one slave home .

I believe it started at age 62.

Sorry I just saw the question There were no lines when I was there It is always helpful to purchase ahead to save time

Everyone is correct. No dogs allowed however my friends and I also toured the Belle Meade plantation (which was amazing) and dogs are allowed there!

I think you buy the basic tickets on line, and you add the wagon for $12 when you arrive. I'm guessing that's because the staff can't guarantee the weather in advance. The web page about the Wagon Tour advises that the wagons operate "from March to October, weather permitting."

Presidents tour also includes a horse drawn carriage ride of the entire property that is narrated and provides additional details that make the visit that much more worth it. You will not be disappointed

Yes, we do have an area where guests can check in luggage while they are touring!