Take in the sights and sounds of coastal Virginia this spring along with the renowned Virginia International Military Tattoo — the third largest Tattoo performance in the world. With a blend of history and entertainment, this event hosts bagpipers, military bands, drum corps, and drill teams to make up over 1,000 performers for a musical extravaganza! This vacation also includes four nights oceanside in beautiful Virginia Beach.
*10% of profit donated to Honor Flight
DAY 1—WELCOME TO RICHMOND!
Today meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Virginia’s State Capital. D
DAY 2—MARINER’S MUSEUM/VICTORY ROVER
Connecting people to the world’s water is the mission of the Mariner’s Museum. Explore this fascinating museum dedicated to people who live, work, and play on our waterways. Newport News Shipbuilding is the largest employer in Virginia and the sole designer, builder and refueler of United States Navy aircraft carriers. Learn more about the history of shipbuilding here on a driving tour. Next, sit down to lunch along the James River. This afternoon, we board the Victory Rover for a Norfolk Harbor cruise which is your front row seat to the naval fleet! See destroyers, submarines, and other vessels while taking in the sights of the harbor. Afterwards, arrive in Virginia Beach, our home for the next four nights. All guest rooms have an ocean view! B, L
DAY 3—VIRGINIA BEACH CITY TOUR/EASTERN SHORE EXPLORATION
Watch the sunrise this morning from your balcony as we prepare for a wonderful day along the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. First, our local guide will showcase the highlights of Virginia Beach such as the Neptune statue and boardwalk, First Landing State Park, the naval history and much more. Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, one of the “Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World.” Measuring 17.6 miles from shore to shore, the Bridge-Tunnel connects Hampton Roads to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Enjoy a delicious lunch before we cross back over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and into Virginia Beach late afternoon. B, L
DAY 4—NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDENS/AVIATION MILITARY MUSEUM
We begin the day at the Norfolk Botanical Garden for a narrated tram tour. The gardens are Coastal Virginia’s premier horticultural attraction with over 60 different gardens to explore. For example, each spring, more than 175 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas showcase their flowers, along with dogwoods, daffodils and more. The sights, sounds, and smells of the gardens will heighten your senses! Next, we pay a visit to the Military Aviation Museum, home to one of the world’s largest private collections of vintage WWI and WWII military aircraft. Each have been beautifully restored to its original condition, many of which are still flown during flight demonstrations. Later, enjoy a delicious dinner along the marina of Virginia Beach. B, L, D
DAY 5—MORNING AT LEISURE/MAC ARTHUR MEMORIAL/VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO
This morning, stroll the boardwalk, shop for souvenirs, or just relax on your balcony. After lunch, we spend the remainder of the day in Norfolk. See General Douglas MacArthur’s Memorial which tells the story of the man and also pays tribute to the many men and women who served with him. The pre-show excitement for today’s Military Tattoo builds at “Hullabaloo,” located on the plaza of the Scope Arena. See dance and drill performances, take photos with performers and partake in an audience-judged piping competition prior to the main event. Finally, it’s time for the main event— the Virginia International Military Tattoo. Sit back and take in this awe-inspiring musical spectacle, which is part parade, part theatre and sometimes, part circus. B, L
DAY 6—SMITHFIELD/FAREWELL
This morning we say so long to the ocean and make our way towards Smithfield, VA, the Ham Capital of the World! We will make a stop at the Isle of Wights Museum where we will learn how hams are smoked and cured followed by a time to explore the unique shops lining the streets of Smithfield. We will enjoy a farewell lunch at the Smithfield Inn before returning to Richmond and home. B, L
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Sheraton Richmond Airport, Richmond, VA
Nights 2-5: Spring Hill Suites, Virginia Beach, VA
Dates:
Apr 22-27, 2025
Price Per Person:
Double $1,997
Single $2,425
Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
$178/night
Depart/Return:
Richmond, VA
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Sheraton Richmond Airport, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Richmond International Airport any time after 4:30 p.m. on Day 6.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from Richmond International Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
High of 75°, low of 45°
Time Zone
Eastern
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, ironing boards, swimming pool and Wi-Fi.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
