Virginia and the Tattoo
Feel the arena come alive as more than 1,000 performers fill the Virginia International Tattoo with the sound of military bands, bagpipers, drum corps, and precision drill teams. Reserved seating places you in the center of this world-class musical spectacle, which is part parade, part theater, and sometimes part circus.
Your six-day coastal Virginia vacation pairs the Tattoo with five nights at SpringHill Suites Oceanfront in Virginia Beach. You’ll cruise Norfolk Harbor for views of the naval fleet, explore the Mariner’s Museum, tour Norfolk Botanical Garden by tram, and visit the Military Aviation Museum’s collection of restored World War I and World War II aircraft.
You’ll also discover Virginia Beach with a local guide, cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to the Eastern Shore, and enjoy time to stroll the boardwalk or relax at your hotel. A Tour Director, included meals, and one oceanfront hotel throughout your stay make the experience comfortable and easy to enjoy with fellow travelers.
Highlights of Virginia and the Tattoo
- Enjoy reserved seating for the Virginia International Tattoo, featuring more than 1,000 military musicians, bagpipers, drum corps members, and precision performers
- Spend five nights in an oceanfront room at SpringHill Suites Oceanfront in Virginia Beach
- Cruise Norfolk Harbor for water-level views of the naval fleet
- See restored World War I and World War II aircraft at the Military Aviation Museum
- Tour Virginia Beach with a local guide and cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to Virginia’s Eastern Shore
- Explore Norfolk Botanical Garden during a narrated tram tour
DAY 1: WELCOME TO VIRGINIA!
Arrive in Virginia Beach, your home for the next five nights. This evening, meet your Tour Director and friendly travel companions for a welcome dinner. 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 these waterways. Newport News Shipbuilding is the largest employer in Virginia and the sole designer, builder, and refueler of United States Navy aircraft carriers. This afternoon, board the Victory Rover for a Norfolk Harbor cruise, 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 3: VIRGINIA BEACH CITY TOUR/EASTERN SHORE EXPLORATION
Prepare for a wonderful day along the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. First, your local guide will showcase the highlights of Virginia Beach such as the Neptune statue and boardwalk, First Landing State Park, the area’s naval history, and much more. Then, 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 crossing back over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and into Virginia Beach late afternoon. B, L
DAY 4: NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDENS/MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM
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. Each spring, more than 175 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas showcase their flowers, along with dogwoods, daffodils and more. Next, 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. Later, enjoy a delicious dinner along the marina of Virginia Beach. B, L, D
DAY 5: MORNING AT LEISURE/VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO
This morning, stroll the boardwalk, shop for souvenirs, or just relax at your hotel. After lunch, 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, say so long to the ocean and make your way towards Smithfield, VA, the Ham Capital of the World! Make a stop at the Isle of Wight Museum where you will learn how hams are smoked and cured followed by a time to explore the unique shops lining the streets of Smithfield. Enjoy a farewell lunch at the Smithfield Inn before returning to Norfolk and home. B, L
QUALITY ACCOMODATIONS
Nights 1-5: SpringHill Suites Oceanfront, Virginia Beach, VA
Dates:
Apr 18-23, 2027
Price Per Person:
Double: $2,197
Single: $2,655
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$208 per night
Depart/Return:
Norfolk, VA
Inclusions:
Airport transfer included
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 start 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 Norfolk International Airport any time after 4:30 p.m. on Day 6.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
We ask that you use Uber, Lyft or a taxi from the Norfolk International Airport to The SpringHill Suites Oceanfront, on Day 1. 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 $45 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 starting location, they offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.
Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
April– high of 70° F, low of 50° F
Time Zone
Eastern Time
Hotel Amenities
Most accommodations arranged by Country Travel Discoveries are equipped with in-room amenities such as a hair dryer, iron, and coffee maker. In addition, some properties may also have a pool, fitness center, or laundry facilities.
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, view Travel Protection Information.
