Highlights

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Outer Banks – Wright Brother Memorial

Today you visit the Wright Brothers Memorial. Wind, sand, and a dream of flight brought Wilbur and Orville Wright here to Kitty Hawk, and here after four years of scientific experimentation, they achieved the first successful airplane flights on December 17, 1903.  Exploring the grounds gives you an opportunity to see reproductions of the brothers’ 1903 camp buildings, stand at the place where Wilbur and Orville Wright first took to the air in their 1903 flyer and landed, and climb Big Kill Devil Hill to see the nation’s monument commemorating the brothers’ achievement.

Then you continue travel to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina and check into your oceanfront hotel for a three-night stay. Dinner tonight is included at Peppercorns Restaurant with scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. (D) 

Day 2 – Lighthouse Touring – Roanoke Island Maritime Museum – Lost Colony Outdoor Drama & Behind-the-Scenes Tour

This morning, meet a local guide for a tour of the area’s most picturesque lighthouses. Starting with the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Tucked away between tall pine trees and freshwater marshland, the Bodie Island Lighthouse is not a typical lighthouse setting. Though not as well-known as its neighbors, it remains an important part of local history. Every evening, amidst the water towers and blinking radio antennae of modern development, its powerful light beams out across the darkening waves, keeping silent watch over the treacherous waters known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”

Then you visit the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, often overlooked because of its small stature, limited visibility and remote location tucked away at the quiet east end of the Manteo waterfront. Don’t forget to bring your camera. This lighthouse’s location, jetted out into the water on the outskirts of the busy waterfront, provides some exceptional photo opportunities. You’ll also enjoy some free time in the quaint town of Manteo.  To call this small coastal town on the protected Shallowbag Bay picturesque doesn’t do it justice. The marina and waterfront, and the slow, quiet residential streets surrounding the community’s core are beautiful enough to persuade more than a few visitors to move there.

You will also visit the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum located in the George Washington Creek boathouse. This working boat shop offers a look at local and regional maritime heritage through displayed watercraft, exhibits, restoration projects, and traditional skills workshops. Featured at the Museum is the North Carolina Shad boat Ella View built in 1883. The museum brings Roanoke Island boat building tradition to life in the working boat shop.

This evening, dinner is included at a local restaurant.  Next, enjoy a Behind the Scenes look at the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama.  After your backstage tour, experience the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama (June to August). Millions have seen the compelling mystery that celebrates the 117 English men, women, and children whose dream still lives on in this American original.   (B,D)

Day 3 – Corolla’s Wild Horses – Currituck Beach Lighthouse – Free Time at Timbuck II Center

After breakfast this morning, you will enjoy a tour of Corolla’s Wild Horses. On this narrated safari you will learn the history of the Wild Horses and details of the area. You will travel behind the dunes to the neighborhoods where the wild horses graze. There are usually three to six horses per grouping and they can be seen out grazing or cooling off by the water.

Next, visit the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, known as a first order lighthouse, which means it has the largest of seven Fresnel lens sizes. The redbrick lighthouse towers above the northern Outer Banks landscape in the historic Corolla Village. You may climb the winding staircase if you want there are only 220 steps to the top.  But a panoramic view of Currituck Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Outer Banks awaits those who can do it.  While there, stop at Timbuck II Center, with over 60 exciting shops, restaurants and recreation overlooking the Currituck Sound on the Northern Outer Banks.  You will have free time for lunch on your own.

This afternoon, return to Kill Devil Hills where you will have the rest of the day to spend on your own.  Relax and rest at the beach, shop and dine at any of the numerous venues available near your hotel.   Kill Devil Hills, along with Kitty Hawk, have some of the biggest waves on all of the northern beaches.  Kill Devil Hills is known for the best waves and water sports in the area.  (B,D)

Day 4 – New Bern, NC Trolley Tour – Wilmington, NC – Free Time at Wilmington Riverwalk

This morning you cross the Croatan Sound on the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge and the Alligator River Bridge to mainland North Carolina.  Stop in New Bern for a Trolley Tour of the town. You will have a step on guide to show you the way on your Walk to Remember Tour without all the walking.  You will be able to see each sight that is featured on the tour and in the Nicholas Sparks books.  Soak up the ambiance and with your imagination put yourself into the pages that made you want to explore New Bern, NC.

This afternoon, check in to your Wilmington, NC hotel.  Tonight, you will have free time at the Wilmington Riverwalk, a 1.75-mile-long boardwalk with craft breweries, and buzzy global eateries clustered near the promenade, and located along the shore of the Cape Fear River.  Dinner is on your own where you are sure to find something delicious.  (B)

Day 5 – Wilmington Movie Tour – Myrtle Beach, SC – Show at the Alabama Theatre

From teen classics such as Dawson’s Creek to numerous Nicholas Sparks titles, the Wilmington area checks all the boxes for a fulfilling film-focused trip.  With more than 400 film and TV credits to its credit, there are plenty of famous—and infamous—sites to discover.  Take a guided tour this morning and see some film locations for yourself.

This afternoon you travel to Myrtle Beach for a two-night stay in a beach front hotel. Tonight, dinner is included at a local restaurant followed by a show at the Alabama Theatre.

One of the Grand Strand’s favorite entertainment attractions, Alabama Theatre features an evening of singing, dancing, and comedy. Opened by country superstar group Alabama over 20 years ago, Alabama Theatre is a popular attraction bringing visitors from all over to experience a musical variety show. (B,D)

Day 6 – Dolphin Cruise – Free Time for Beach or Shopping – Choice of Show

Venture on a two-hour long cruise today. The tour encompasses three distinct experiences starting with a narrated cruise up the Intracoastal waterway. Then picking up speed and passing several uninhabited islands as well as the jetty heading out into the ocean. The second part of the tour is heading into the ocean to find and view the dolphins, and the third part is picking up speed to view the beautiful coastline. This could possibly be a wet ride so dress accordingly.

At the end of this cruise you return to Myrtle Beach, for an afternoon of free time at the beach.   Dinner will be included for you this evening then you enjoy one last music show.  You can choose from the Carolina Opry, Pirates Voyage Dinner Show, Legends in Concert or the new Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre. (B,D)

Day 7 – Myrtle Beach – Departure 

This final day you begin your journey home.  (B)

Tour Map