Highlights

YankeeTrailsGroups by US Tours Flexible Pricing:

• Customizable Comps
• Net Rates
• Luxury or First Class Hotels & Meals
• Motorcoach Transportation & Professional Tour Managers are available

Whatever you want, YankeeTrailsGroups by US Tours will be happy to structure tour prices to match your needs. Just let us know!

This event is produced through the cooperative efforts of U S Tours and MARS.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Sunday, April 21, 2024 – Lunch with Tattoo Performers – International Tattoo – Oceanfront Hotel

Today, You need to arrive in Norfolk, VA, early for a Pre-Tattoo Luncheon, live performance and Meet & Greet with actual Tattoo Performers.

Then it’s time for the Virginia International Tattoo matinee – long regarded as the most patriotic of the world’s great military tattoos.  Experience Pageantry like no other! Enjoy the amazing International Tattoo Performance from your Premium View Seats! This awe-inspiring show is filled with “Music & Might” inspiring audiences around the world. Enjoy precision drill teams, resplendent militia bands, and a host of performers sure to thrill.

Traditions you may view include the rousing Sing-A-Long service songs of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, & Coast Guard. The Grand Choir performing The National Anthem and Amazing Grace. View the majesty of the finale as hundreds of performers fill the vast arena with sights, sounds and an enduring strength that redefines Esprit de Corps.

After the show, head to Virginia Beach for a three-night stay at an oceanfront hotel. Enjoy dinner on own along the boardwalk and explore the beach this evening. (L)

Day 2 – Monday, April 22, 2024 – Aircraft Demo & Luncheon – Mermaid Beach Bash with The Original Rhondels

After breakfast, “take off” to tour the Military Aviation Museum. Arrive at the home of one of the largest collections of war birds in flying condition. Learn about the history of WWI & WWII Aircraft. Each plane tells a unique story about the men and women who designed, flew, and died in them in order to literally save the world 75 years ago. Tours are led by knowledgeable docents, many of whom are veteran pilots.

Next, enjoy an included luncheon complete with themed entertainment surrounded by vintage WWI and WWII era military aircraft. You will be transported back to the era of Big Band music, Jazz harmonies and swinging choreography. Music made famous in the war movies you grew up with, this show includes a grand finale honoring those who served and are currently serving.  Following lunch, they’ll open the hangar for a spectacular Vintage Aircraft Flight Demonstration.

Returning to the hotel this afternoon you have time to relax before the Mermaid Beach Bash this evening.  A VIP Exclusive Event, the Mermaid Beach Bash features Live Mermaids (of course); a Dinner Feast with both Coastal Favorites & Landlubber Choices; and a dance band known as The Original Rhondels who have several top 10 hits: “May I”, “I’ve Been Hurt”, and “What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am.” This band delights their audiences with outstanding vocals, powerful brass, and exciting showmanship. (B, L, D)

Day 3 – Tuesday, April 23, 2024 – Botanical Gardens, Nauticus, & Douglas MacArthur Memorial  – Free Evening 

This morning, enjoy a tour of Norfolk Botanical Gardens. with a tram ride through the Blossoms of Spring. It’s a 155 acre garden with one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons on the East Coast.

Then you have free time in Norfolk’s Waterside District with hundreds of patio seats offering you beautiful views across the Elizabeth River it’s a relaxing luncheon (on own). Choose from several yummy dining options including Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse Kiosk, Rocky Mountain Grill, Cogan’s Pizza, and The Local.

Then head next door and explore Nauticus, The National Maritime Center.  It is an exciting technology center exploring the power of the sea. You can visit the Battleship USS Wisconsin, one of the largest Battleships ever built is was used in World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Gulf War. Walking around the museum you will see many more small boats and ships from around the world, an exhibit of maritime art, handcrafted model ships, rare figureheads form the hulls of old sailing vessels and a 3D film in the Explorers Theater.

Today also includes a tour of the Douglas MacArthur Memorial which pays tribute to the millions of men and women who served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. This is also where General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur lies at rest in the Rotunda.

Return to the hotel & enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner on own along the beach & boardwalk. (B)

Day 4 – Wednesday, April 24, 2024 – Chrysler Museum of Art – Depart for Home

After breakfast morning, visit the Chrysler Museum of Art.  Explore fifty galleries, a collection of over 30,000 objects, and the only glass making studio of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Depart for home following your visit. (B)

ASK ABOUT OPTIONS:

Groups can turn this into a two night tour and save a little money, you can also add The Outer Banks, Williamsburg & Jamestown, Washington DC and much more if you want a really special tour.

Tour Map