Highlights

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Thursday, June 18 – Norfolk, VA

Arrive today in Norfolk, VA, home of Harborfest. 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our nation’s birth in 1776 – The United States of America’s Semi Quincentennial. To celebrate this occasion, International tall ships and military vessels will sail into the port of Norfolk, Virginia as part of Sail250® America. You will be there tomorrow to see it all take place!

Check into you first class hotel for a three night stay. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2 – Friday, June 19 –  The Parade of Sail – Nauticus & The Battleship Wisconsin – Spirit of Norfolk or Victory Rover Cruise – 50^th Annual Harborfest

After breakfast, your group will head to the Hampton Roads Harbor and Fort Monroe for The Parade of Sail event.  You will watch the parade from stadium style bleachers as you enjoy views of ships still under sail and they proceed down the river to Norfolk.  Once in Hampton Roads, the ships will peel off to their respective host cities – Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Hampton.

4,000 officers, cadets, and crews of more than 55 ships from 20 nations will engage in this event along Virginia’s waterfront. Watch tall ships sail past down the Elizabeth River in this spectacular parade. You’ll have a great view of the harbor, the tall ships and over 200 boats and vessels. A Lunch Buffet will also be included today with The Parade of Sail viewing.

Plus, visit the Fort Monroe Museum chronicling over 400 years of history of Point Comfort and Fort Monroe where many decisions were made that impact the foundation and future of the United States.

This afternoon, explore Norfolk’s science center, Nauticus. It is filled with interactive maritime history and science exhibits. Here you’ll find the Hampton Roads Naval Museum which introduces over 200 years of naval history in Coastal Virginia. And, located beside it is the Battleship Wisconsin, the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Walk her teak decks, explore interior rooms and discover the vast history of this great ship.

Either this afternoon or tomorrow afternoon your group will sail on either the Spirit of Norfolk or the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise and see the tall ships from the water (as available).

The late afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy Norfolk’s Harborfest Celebration at Town Point Park. There is live music and great food accompanied by art and educational programs. Tall ships will be open for tours, you can explore the decks and talk to sailors. Thrilling activities on both land and sea combined with live music take center stage.

Harborfest also has one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast, a mesmerizing drone show, interactive games and activities, Navy exhibits and demonstrations. There are artisan foods and beverages, national and regional live entertainment, and much more.

If you are looking for more than festival food you will find Norfolk’s newest entertainment venue, the Waterside District is conveniently located nearby. Poised at the mouth of the Elizabeth River on Norfolk’s downtown waterfront, it houses major restaurants such as Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse, Rappahannock Oyster Company, Cogan’s Pizza, The Fudgery, Blue Moon Taphouse and much more. Stop in for a delicious meal, and exciting nightlife with music, dancing and live entertainment. Dinner is on your own this evening. (B, L)

Day 3 – The MacArthur Memorial – Free Time on Granby Street – Norfolk Naval Base Tour – 50^th Annual Harborfest

This morning, you visit the MacArthur Memorial, and discover the compelling story of General Douglas MacArthur, a five star General of the Army who served our nation through five wars. Located in downtown Norfolk’s restored 1850’s City Hall, the complex contains a museum, theater and special exhibit galleries.

Next, stroll over to Granby Street for lunch on own. Located just one block walking distance from Norfolk’s Harborfest, Granby Street features over 30 locally owned and operated restaurants from American Bistro, to Tapas or Mexican. Whatever you crave, Granby Street is sure to satisfy! Along the way, step in one of the many downtown retailers on Granby Street to take home the perfect souvenir.

This afternoon you also tour the Naval Station Norfolk (as available). This is the world’s largest naval installation and home of the Atlantic Fleet.

Ending the day, you return to the Harborfest Celebration for more live music and great food accompanied by art and educational programs. Again, the Tall Ships will be open for tours where you can explore the decks and talk to sailors. On both land and sea, thrilling activities and live music take center stage at Harborfest, including one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast, a mesmerizing drone show, interactive games and activities, Navy exhibits and demonstrations, artisan foods and beverages, national and regional live entertainment, and much more. Dinner is on your own this evening. (B)

Day 4 – Sunday, June 21 – Depart for Home

After breakfast, you will depart for home. (B)

Tour Map