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.
DAY 1—WELCOME TO VIRGINIA BEACH!
Today meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Virginia Beach. Here we will stay 5-night in the state’s largest city and you will have the opportunity to enjoy the three miles of boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean. D
DAY 2—SMITHFIELD/NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN
This morning, we make our way to 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. This afternoon we will enjoy lunch at the Smithfield Inn before heading to the Norfolk Botanical Garden for a narrated tram tour. The gardens are Coastal Virginia’s premier horticultural attraction with over sixty 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! B, L
DAY 3—FREE TIME IN VIRGINIA BEACH/NORFOLK/VIRGINIA 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 himself and 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 and take photos with performers. 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 4—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. B, L, D
DAY 5—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. B, L
DAY 6—MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM/HOME
This morning, 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 has been beautifully restored to their original condition, many of which are still flown during flight demonstrations. We will enjoy lunch at the museum before it’s time to make you way home. B, L
Quality Accommodations
Nights 1-5: Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach - North Beach, Virginia Beach
Dates:
Apr 23-28, 2025
Price Per Person:
Double $1,997
Single $2,425
Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
$158/night
Depart/Return:
Norfolk, 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 will be at a local restaurant. We will depart the Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North at 6:15 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive into Norfolk International Airport by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart Norfolk International Airport any time after 4:00 p.m. on Day 6.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
We ask that you utilize Uber, Lyft or a taxi to and from the Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North. Keep your receipts, and email or mail them to us following your tour, and we will reimburse you for your transfer expenses. We will only reimburse up to $75 per person. You may submit these either at: Reservations@CountryTravelDiscoveries.com, or by mail to our office within 30 days of the tour ending.
If you are driving to the Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North CTD has negotiated complimentary parking for the duration of the tour. Please notify Country Travel Discoveries if you plan to park at the hotel so we can arrange parking for you.
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.
