Virginia International Tattoo

Following breakfast we will depart for the beautiful Norfolk Botanical Garden for a ride aboard the garden’s tram through 175 acres of seasonal blooms and areas of historical and horticultural importance. After the guided tram tour, take some time to explore the gardens by yourself. Stop and smell the sweet fragrance of the flowers, visit the enchanting Butterfly House, stroll through the Renaissance Garden, dip your toes in Friendship Lake, or simply wander off the paved paths to discover the garden’s hidden gems. Up next is Norfolk’s quaint Ghent neighborhood to visit Mermaid Winery, Norfolk’s first ever winery, for lunch and a private wine tasting. We will be able to choose from over 800 wines from around the world and sample some of the winery’s own in-house creations. Depending on availability, a Tattoo performer will join the group for lunch! This evening is at our leisure. Take the opportunity to explore Virginia Beach’s nightlife and dining options or simply relax at the hotel.

(Breakfast and lunch included)

After breakfast this morning, we will head to Nauticus and the Battleship USS Wisconsin for the annual NATO Parade of Nations! As the longest continuously running parade in Hampton Roads, the NATO parade is the only parade of its kind in the United States honoring the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Downtown Norfolk is transformed into a colorful and energetic display of cultural diversity and friendship. Over one hundred parade units comprised of local and visiting high school bands, US and international military bands, and handcrafted floats representing each participating nation make their way down the streets in celebration. Following the parade, the celebration will continue at the International Village located in Town Point Park. Featuring tents from each of the NATO Member Nations, we will have the opportunity to meet Member Nation representatives to learn more about NATO and the specific work of ACT. It will be an amazing day experiencing the diversity of NATO through cultural performances, international cuisine, art displays, and traditional music. Be sure to take time for a self-guided tour of Nauticus and Battleship USS Wisconsin at your leisure with your included pass! After a moment to relax and find dinner back at the hotel, we will return to the Norfolk Scope Arena for the iconic Virginia International Tattoo. Watch in awe as the night is filled with music and entertainment from bagpipers, military bands, fife and drum corps, and drill teams from around the world. It is an experience you will never forget!

(Breakfast included)

We will return to Nauticus after breakfast to embark on a two-hour narrated naval base cruise. As we sail along the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and listen to the entertaining commentary from the captain, marvel at the happenings within one of the world’s busiest seaports! We’ll cruise past Old Fort Norfolk, The Battleship Wisconsin, Downtown Norfolk and Portsmouth, shipyards, marine terminals the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, the Coast Guard Station Portsmouth, coal piers, the fuel depot, and the highlight of the cruise – the Norfolk Naval Station – the world’s largest naval base! Enjoy lunch on your own today before we depart for the Cape Henry Lighthouse and First Landing Cross. Marking the approximate site where Jamestown settlers first landed in the New World in 1607, the cross was erected in 1935 and has since become a national historic landmark and beloved pilgrimage site for travelers. Located on an active military base, the lighthouse itself is one of America’s oldest of thirty-three lighthouses dotting the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy the sweeping ocean views as we learn about some of the most pivotal moments in American history. After a full day of touring and sightseeing, we’ll head back to the hotel to freshen up before tonight’s farewell dinner!

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Following breakfast we will journey home.

(Breakfast included)