Highlights

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Norfolk,VA  

Today, travel to Norfolk, VA.  On arrival, check into your local hotel for a three night stay.  Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2 – Norfolk Botanical Garden – Hermitage Museum & Gardens – Waterfront Jazz Festival

This morning discover the wonders of nature at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. The Garden encompasses 155 beautiful acres intertwined by bridges, coastal waterways and 12 miles of pedestrian trails. Enjoy a tram tour through the garden highlighting seasonal blooms and areas of historical or horticultural significance.

Next, is time for a lunch break in the Historic Ghent neighborhood. For soul-satisfying blast from the past, head to Doumar’s Cone and BBQ, a classic drive-in, whose owner created the world’s first waffle cone! While in the neighborhood, sip and savor at Mermaid Winery, Virginia’s first urban winery, and enjoy a tasty bite paired with a delicious wine flight in their intimate tasting room. Dine al fresco on upscale comfort food at Supper Southern Morsels’ rooftop terrace or check out what’s on tap at Rip Rap Brewing, a local Norfolk craft brewery.

This afternoon features a visit to the Hermitage Museum & Gardens. This early 20th century historic home appears frozen in time, offering an extraordinary trip through antiquity. The museum and gardens consist of a world-wide art collection and contemporary exhibition galleries, all surrounded by twelve acres of formal gardens and natural woodlands. The property is bordered on three sides by the Lafayette River, a tributary of the tidal estuary that threads through Hampton Roads.

This evening head to Town Point Park for Norfolk’s 40^th Annual Waterfront Jazz Festival, the area’s longest running outdoor jazz festival in Coastal Virginia. Enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz complete with larger than life live performances including national jazz recording artists and local jazz favorites, all along the setting of the downtown Norfolk skyline and Elizabeth River. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the last performance starts at 9 p.m. (B)

Day 3 – Chrysler Museum of Art – Jazz Brunch Cruise – Norfolk Walking Tour – Jazz Festival

This morning visit the Chrysler Museum of Art, home to Walter Chrysler Jr.’s world-class collection of more than 30,000 pieces of art and stroll through 5,000 years of art history. The museum features a world-renowned Tiffa­ny-glass collection, Art Nouveau furniture, and works of art from African, Egyptian, Pre-Colum­bian, Islamic and Asian cultures, along with an extensive European and American collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts.

Next, board the Spirit of Norfolk for their annual Jazz Brunch Cruise.  Enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz, and delicious food as you sail down the Elizabeth River.

The afternoon features a walk through downtown where you learn of Norfolk’s scandals. Although this tour is safe, its content is dangerous! Uncover true stories of embezzlement and arson, red light districts and robberies. Stroll through downtown and discover some of Norfolk’s unsavory past!

The jazz continues for a second night of smooth tunes with larger than life live performances including national jazz recording artists and local jazz favorites along the setting of the downtown Norfolk skyline and Elizabeth River. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the last performance starts at 9 p.m.

Not done dancing? Then head out to Norfolk’s newest entertainment venue, Waterside District, adjacent to Town Point Park. Waterside District features the best of national, local and regional restaurants and offers live music, festivals, and more. (B)

Day 4 – Shopping at MacArthur Center – Depart for Home

For those who have time, shop till you drop at MacArthur Center. Over 70 retailers anchored by Dillard’s. Depart for home. (B)

Tour Map