Stroll the streets of colonial Williamsburg with a guide that will elaborate on events that occurred there that shaped America’s history. Begin your visit with a brief introduction where the guide will point out all the historical buildings that you will see during your visit of Colonial Williamsburg. During this in-depth walking tour of the historic district, you will see blocks of original 18th-century buildings while learning about the early government in Williamsburg, the colonial way of life and key figures that led the American Revolution. Of Williamsburg’s more than 500 period buildings, the stately Governor’s Palace may be the most important architecturally. It was built in 1722 to house Virginia’s royal governor and instill respect for executive power among the colonists. Another gem is the Capitol building, a replica of the original that burned in a fire. During free time, you might explore other areas more deeply, especially the exhibition buildings. The tradesmen and shopkeepers will be in costumes, which will lend the experience greater authenticity. For the best shopping and dining opportunities, drop by Merchant’s Square.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Tour colonial Williamsburg, home to more than 500 period buildings.
• Hear fascinating facts about the colonial way of life under British rule.
• Enjoy free time for dining and shopping in Merchant’s Square.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Become familiar with the best of Norfolk by visiting the most representative landmarks, some dating back nearly 350 years. While riding through the historic district, you will see stately homes along a boomerang-shaped body of water known as The Hague and St. Paul’s Church, which still has a cannonball embedded in an exterior wall from the British bombardment of 1776. Much of the downtown has been beautifully renovated over the past decade or so, especially along the waterfront. Continuing on, will drive by the Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest such facility, which is the headquarters of the Atlantic Fleet and home to more than 80,000 military personnel. Along the way, you can expect to see aircraft carriers, submarines, and naval aircraft that provide early warning of potential air threats. Later, you will stop for ice cream at Doumar’s, a family-owned business that has become an institution, in part because the founder created the ice-cream cone in 1904.

Disclaimer: The description below will apply on the following dates February 20, 2022 and March 5, 12, 19, 2022

A visit at the MacArthur Memorial will reveal much about the military career of the famed General Douglas MacArthur. His remains are interred in the memorial, a fitting final resting place as MacArthur’s family roots on his mother’s side were in Norfolk. Continue and learn some interesting facts while driving by Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest such facility, which is the headquarters of the Atlantic Fleet and home to more than 80,000 military personnel. Become familiar with the best of Norfolk by visiting the most representative landmarks, some dating back nearly 350 years. While riding through the historic district, you will see stately homes along a boomerang-shaped body of water known as The Hague and St. Paul’s Church, which still has a cannonball embedded in an exterior wall from the British bombardment of 1776. Much of the downtown has been beautifully renovated over the past decade or so, especially along the waterfront. Later, you will stop for ice cream at Doumar’s, a family-owned business that has become an institution, in part because the founder created the ice-cream cone in 1904.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Settle in for a panoramic driving tour through Norfolk, which was established in 1682.
• See a cannonball from the Revolutionary War that is still embedded in a church wall.
• Stop for ice cream on a fresh-baked waffle cone at Doumar’s, a Norfolk institution.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Sail around Hampton Roads harbor on a 135-foot schooner, taking in the sights and helping to sail the ship if you like. After boarding the American Rover, a sleek three-mast topsail schooner, you will soon set off. The natural harbor is enormous as it encompasses the mouths of the Elizabeth and James rivers, which then flow into the Chesapeake Bay. The harbor is also quite historical, having played key roles in the American Revolution, War of 1812 and American Civil War. Along the shoreline, you will see lush parks, placid bays, small rivers and the Craney Island U.S. Naval Reservation. To enhance the experience, the crew will provide commentary about the attractions and historical notes. You may also join the crew, by setting the ship’s distinctive red sails, taking the helm or learning to tie nautical knots. The experience can be interactive or you can simply sit back and relax.

Get a wonderful overview of Norfolk by visiting attractions that reflect its rich history, culture and natural beauty. A stroll through the serene Norfolk Botanical Garden – the largest of its kind in Virginia – sets the tone for your exploration. You will have the opportunity to stroll about on your own and ride a trackless train through the collection of rare and indigenous plants. You can expect to pass landmarks such as the Chrysler Museum in the historic Ghent district and the Moses Myer House, one of the first brick buildings constructed after the American Revolution. The USS Wisconsin battleship is a must-see highlight that recalls Norfolk’s exceptional maritime history. Later, at famed Doumar’s, you will enjoy ice cream in a cone made on the original four-iron waffle machine that was introduced at the World’s Fair of 1904.

Disclaimer: The description below will apply on the following dates February 20, 2022 and March 5, 12, 19, 2022

Lunch venue will be substituted for Striper’s Restaurant at Waterside District.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride a trackless train through a botanical garden and marvel at the natural wonders.
• Enjoy a panoramic drive through Norfolk that reveals its character and history.
• Savor ice cream served in a waffle cone cooked in an antique cone maker.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a delightful walking tour through Norfolk’s waterfront, an area with deep historical ties and maritime traditions, which the landmarks reflect. You will first pass Nauticus, a marine-themed science center and museum. The USS Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships that the U.S. Navy built, is berthed outside. It is an impressive sight, especially knowing its history of serving in World War II, the Korean War and the Persian Gulf War. Nearby stands the Taiwanese Pagoda and Tea House, a two-story pagoda that was manufactured in Taiwan, shipped in pieces to Norfolk and assembled by Taiwanese artisans. Walking farther inland, you will find St. Paul’s Church, the only structure to survive Britain’s destruction of Norfolk in 1776, and the Moses Myers House, one of the first residences built after the Revolutionary War. You will also walk along the cobblestone streets in the Freemason area, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Gain an understanding of the history of nearby Virginia Beach before relaxing at the shore, a beautiful stretch of sand with a three-mile-long boardwalk. While browsing the Military Aviation Museum, you will see one of the world’s largest private collections of World War I and World War II-era aircraft, most of them airworthy. A Curtiss Jenny, Fokkers, a P-52 Mustang, Spitfires – they’re all there and dozens more. Exhibits full of wartime motorcycles and military uniforms round out the collection, making for an extraordinary experience. The route to the beach will take you past several Virginia Beach icons, including the seaside King Neptune statue and the Cavalier Hotel, a magnificent waterfront property now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Free time at the beach follows, during which you might soak up the sun, stroll the shop-lined boardwalk and lounge about the coast.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Marvel at the collection of World War I and II aircraft at the Military Aviation Museum.
• Drive toward the shore, passing sea-related attractions such as the King Neptune statue.
• Spend free time relaxing at the boardwalk, which stretches three miles along the ocean.

Admire the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia through attractions that best showcase its allure. Few places in Virginia are as naturally beautiful as the Norfolk Botanical Garden, which is almost entirely rimmed by Lake Whitehurst. While meandering through the dozens of themed, meticulously maintained gardens, be sure to note the variety of champion trees, which are the largest tree specimens in the state. The Cape Henry Lighthouse is another landmark situated on a magnificent stretch of shoreline. It rises above the beach at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, near the spot where the first English colonists landed in 1607 before finally settling in Jamestown. Built in 1792, it has the distinction of being the first federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States. A panoramic drive through nearby Virginia Beach will add more historical context, a perfect complement to the coastal beauty that the lengthy oceanfront boardwalk affords.

Explore two spectacular attractions whose locations in Norfolk may seem odd until you learn of their connections to the city. A panoramic drive through Norfolk will set the stage for your historical immersion, as you will pass the city’s sole colonial-era building and travel through the Freemason District, home to numerous pre-Civil War structures. A stop at the MacArthur Memorial will reveal much about the military career of the famed General Douglas MacArthur. His remains are interred in the memorial, a fitting final resting place as MacArthur’s family roots on his mother’s side were in Norfolk. Walter P. Chrysler, son the founder of the Chrysler Corporation, also had deep ties to Norfolk, as it was his wife’s hometown. They moved their vast collection of mostly 20th-century art there in 1971 and as you will discover, it is magnificent. While browsing the Chrysler Museum, you may see Tiffany glass and paintings by Matisse, Picasso and their contemporaries.

OVERVIEW

Spend a carefree day enjoying the sun, sand, and lively atmosphere of Virginia Beach’s famous Oceanfront. After a drive from Norfolk, you'll arrive at one of the East Coast’s most popular beach destinations with approximately four hours of free time await. Relax on the wide sandy beach, take a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or stroll along the three-mile oceanfront boardwalk lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment. Whether you choose to unwind by the water, rent a bicycle to explore the coastline, or browse local boutiques, this flexible beach escape lets you experience Virginia Beach at your own pace before returning to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend approximately four hours enjoying Virginia Beach’s sandy shoreline.
• Explore the lively oceanfront boardwalk with shops, restaurants, and local attractions.
• Relax, swim, or rent a bicycle to discover more of the scenic coastline.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a beach towel and sunscreen.
• Bring cash or a credit card for optional dining, shopping, or bicycle rentals.
• A hat and sunglasses are recommended for sun protection.