Virginia

The Best of Norfolk & the Virginia International Tattoo

Program No. 18354RJ
Discover military and art culture in Norfolk, then experience the nation’s largest military musical celebration at the Virginia International Tattoo, a tradition dating back to 1600.

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At a Glance

Adapted from a 17th-century European tradition of “taptoe,” a process of notifying innkeepers to turn off the tap and send soldiers back to their barracks, the term “tattoo” now represents a grand display of military music. At the Virginia International Tattoo, the largest one in the U.S., enjoy a range of internationally influenced performances from traditional military displays featuring drums, trumpets and drill to more modern lyrical and theatrical shows. Then, enhance your festival experience by learning more about Norfolk’s local military history with field trips by land and sea to General MacArthur’s Memorial and the harbor that’s home to the world’s largest naval base and America’s Atlantic Fleet. Sans ink and needle, this military and music-filled adventure is sure to leave a permanent impression.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2.5 miles per day, covering multiple city blocks and over uneven terrain and city sidewalks; periods of standing and walking are required through the various museums, gardens and for the Behind the Scenes tour at the Scope Arena. There are stairs for both the parade seating and Tattoo performance in addition to the steps on the motor coach.

What You'll Learn

  • Admire the Parade of Nations from reserved seats before exploring the Scope Arena with event directors for a behind-the-scenes look at the Virginia International Tattoo.
  • Enjoy a Road Scholar exclusive private performance from the decorated Virginia Coast Chorus, an affiliate of the globally-recognized Sweet Adelines International organization.
  • Delve deeper into the art culture of Norfolk with an adventure to the Norfolk Botanical Garden and a docent-led excursion at the Chrysler Museum of Art.

General Notes

Please note that this program utilizes school buses for short trips.
Featured Expert
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Linda Culpepper
Linda Culpepper is a lifelong resident of Coastal Virginia with extensive knowledge from growing up on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach. Linda also has extensive knowledge of New England and enjoys leading groups through the northern states during the spring, summer and fall seasons. She attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She retired from Sentara Healthcare in 2016 after 27 years as a rehab operations manager, and started Culpepper Tours in 2018.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

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Linda Culpepper View biography
Linda Culpepper is a lifelong resident of Coastal Virginia with extensive knowledge from growing up on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach. Linda also has extensive knowledge of New England and enjoys leading groups through the northern states during the spring, summer and fall seasons. She attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She retired from Sentara Healthcare in 2016 after 27 years as a rehab operations manager, and started Culpepper Tours in 2018.
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