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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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Festivals, Misc.Music Appreciation Military History

Program

At a Glance

Duration

5 days

Program Begins

Norfolk, VA

Program Concludes

Norfolk, VA

Meals

8 ( 4B, 1L, 3D )

Activity Level

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.

Best of all, you'll...

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 musical performance and narrated Norfolk Naval Base cruise.
Adventure to the Norfolk Botanical Garden and experience docent-led excursions at the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Fort Monroe/Casemate Museum.

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General Notes

Please note that this program utilizes both motorcoach and the Tide, Norfolk's Light Rail system for transportation. This is a large group program (up to 50 participants).

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 the program

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 and gardens. There are stairs at the Tattoo performance in addition to the steps on the motor coach.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (6 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

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Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.