Virginia Arts Festival Travel

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

What’s Included:

4 nights of accommodations

8 meals (4 B, 1 L, 3 D)

1 expert-led lecture

7 expert-led field trips

3 performances

An experienced Group Leader

Customary gratuities throughout the program

Road Scholar Assurance Plan

Taxes

Good To Know:

Cancel & Transfer Policy

Trip Protection

Daily Weather Averages

The Best of Norfolk & the Virginia International Tattoo

Program No. 18354RJ Deposit at Enrollment: 100 Final payment due: 59 days before departure date

Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Note: These fees apply to at least one date of this program, but may vary by date. Program enrollments are on a per person basis and substitutions are not permitted.

If you transfer or cancel:

fee will be applied if you do not call Road Scholar Participant Services at least one business day prior to the program start date.

Transfer Fee: 100% of trip total

Cancel Fee: 100% of trip total

less than 30 days prior to the program start date

Transfer Fee: 50% of trip total

Cancel Fee: 50% of trip total

up to 30 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: $0.00

up to 30 days prior to the program start date

Cancel Fee: $100.00

If you transfer or cancel:	Transfer Fee:	Cancel Fee:
fee will be applied if you do not call road scholar participant services at least one business day prior to the program start date.	100% of trip total	100% of trip total
less than 30 days prior to the program start date	50% of trip total	50% of trip total
up to 30 days prior to program start date	$0.00
up to 30 days prior to the program start date		$100.00

Road Scholar Program Terms and Conditions

How to Enroll in a Program

Call Us or Enroll Online To enroll

Please call us toll free at (877) 426-8056, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. You may also enroll online at www.roadscholar.org. To reserve space on a program, Road Scholar requires a deposit followed by final payment.

Road Scholar is Not-For-Profit

Road Scholar is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that incurs over $5 million annually on credit card fees. Please help us reduce this cost by paying for your program with a check. Please consider our paperless check option when paying on the phone or over the Internet. Our Advisors are happy to explain this payment option to you.

Tax-Deductible Donations

As a not-for-profit organization, we appreciate and rely on charitable donations to help us develop and maintain high-quality educational programs with exceptional value. Donations from U.S. citizens are tax-deductible as provided by law. As Road Scholar is not a registered charity in Canada, donations are not tax deductible for Canadian citizens.

Financial Assistance

Road Scholar offers two kinds of assistance: Scholarships, for those with desire but not the financial means to participate in our U.S.- or Canada-based learning adventures; and Caregiver Grants, designed to provide a unique respite opportunity for unpaid family caregivers to participate in a U.S.- or Canada-based Road Scholar program. Visit www.roadscholar.org/about/financial-assistance/scholarships, email us at scholarships@roadscholar.org, or call us toll free at (877) 426-8056.

General Program Information

Activity Level Ratings

Each Road Scholar program is assigned an Activity Level rating, ranging from Easy Going to Challenging, which are noted on program webpages. Try our Advanced Search tool to find programs that match your activity level. If you have special needs, or need a little extra help in finding the right program for your level of fitness and ambition, please call us and we’ll work to find options for you.

Disabilities and Special Needs

Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to participants with special needs and disabilities. If you have special needs requiring accommodation, please communicate them to Road Scholar at the time of enrollment. We will discuss your request with you and make every effort to accommodate you.

Service Learning

Our Service Learning programs bring participants together to work as a team to serve worthy projects. Road Scholar and sponsoring service institutions are not-for-profit organizations and are tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The program price may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. However, since individual circumstances vary, we suggest participants contact their tax advisors.

Included Emergency Assistance and Medical Evacuation Insurance

Road Scholar’s continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified in our Road Scholar Assurance Plan. Whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our programs overseas, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under the Road Scholar Assurance Plan. This plan is purchased by Road Scholar on behalf of every participant. The plan provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation. This plan includes insurance benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and emergency assistance services provided by LiveTravel Assist. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/included-insurance/

Travel Health

In addition to maintaining necessary vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccination, Road Scholar recommends all participants consult with their physician, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State regarding their health condition and any recommendations specific to the destinations they will visit or transit well before departure. While Road Scholar does its best to provide pertinent information regarding international health requirements and travel health precautions for travel abroad, please remember we are not health experts and can only share with you the recommendations made by the CDC and the US Department of State. It It is therefore your responsibility to consult with your physician and/or contact the CDC for health information specific to your travel destination. Your physician will be able to assess your overall health and fitness, provide information and guidance on health risks you may encounter while traveling, medication you may need to take, and other precautions for the prevention of injury and illness during your program.

Staying healthy is critical to enjoying your program experience, and taking common sense steps to reduce the risk of getting sick.

A week before you depart on your program, consider limiting your exposure to others. If you must be in public in the week prior to departure, wear a mask.
Do not travel if you are sick, have any symptoms of illness, or if you have had close contact with a person who is ill. Do not risk traveling if you are not feeling well.
Bring a few face masks to the program. Wearing a well-fitted mask is an effective means of protection against airborne viruses, including COVID-19. Wear a mask whenever around others, including when flying and transiting airports. Once on your program, wear a mask whenever you are in public settings, especially if you have a weakened immune system or an underlying medical condition.
Wash your hands often and practice good hygiene.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Once on the program, if you do begin to feel ill or have symptoms of illness, immediately isolate and notify the Group Leader.

For those looking for additional resources on this topic, we recommend trusted sources such as your physician, the US Department of State, CDC, and WHO.

U.S. Department of State: www.travel.state.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/travel
World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. To learn more about Road Scholar’s commitment to our participants’ well-being and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy when traveling, please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/general-health-safety/

Please also be sure to review our Travel Updates webpage for the latest travel information, steps we are taking to keep your program experience as safe as possible, as well as helpful information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there. www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/travel-updates/

Domestic Travel Arrangements

Programs in the United States and Canada require independent arrivals and departures unless otherwise stated, meaning that you must make your own travel arrangements to and from the program site. If you are flying to your program, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 60 days prior to your program in the United States or Canada to purchase airfare.

International Travel Arrangements

Road Scholar Can Help Arrange Your International Airfare

Almost all of our international programs can be purchased with airfare arranged by Road Scholar. We have negotiated special international rates with major airlines. A list of departure cities can be found by visiting our website or calling to speak with one of our experienced Advisors. As an added benefit, guaranteed airport transfers on the program’s published start and end date are included with your international air travel when arranged through Road Scholar. If your preferred airport is not listed, or you would like to travel on a different day, travel in premium or business class, specify the airline or routing, or travel independently before or after our program, we are happy to customize and create a personalized air travel itinerary to meet your needs. Select the “Custom Flight Arrangements” option and then the airport you want, or discuss your flight preferences with one of our expert air Travel Advisors.

Arranging Your Own International Airfare

If you choose to make your own international air travel arrangements, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 90 days prior to your International program to purchase airfare,

Road Scholar Optional Trip Protection with “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage

The optional Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan helps protect your investment if you must cancel or interrupt your program for specified, covered reasons, such as illness or injury to you, your traveling companion or an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion. Plus, if you need to cancel your program for any reason not covered by insurance, you will receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar for the full amount of the Road Scholar cancellation fee. The plan also provides benefits if you are delayed getting to or returning home from your program and protects your investment should you have an emergency during your program that causes you to miss program days or return home earlier than expected. Your airfare, whether purchased through Road Scholar or independently, is covered at no additional cost — an exceptional benefit and value offered exclusively to Road Scholar participants. You will receive information about this optional travel insurance plan when you enroll in a program. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/protection-plan.

Additional Program Information

Our goal is to make sure our participants have the most enjoyable and rewarding program experience possible. Whether you are considering one of Road Scholar’s many educational adventures or are currently enrolled in a program, we highly recommend you review the additional program information available in the Practical Information section on our website. The section includes a wide range of topics and information -- everything from how to choose the perfect program to traveling solo to insurance. Please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information, or call us if you have specific questions. After you enroll in a program, please be sure to carefully read all pre-program communications and your Program preparatory materials, as they provide important information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there.

Program Policies

Deposit, Transfer and Cancellation Policy

Road Scholar requires deposits for all its programs, and charges fees if you transfer or cancel your enrollment. Deposits and fees vary between programs. Please refer to the Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy on program webpages for specific deposit amounts, and transfer and cancellation fee schedules. Please note that enrollments are on a per person basis and substitutions are not permitted.

About Program Details and Itineraries

We make every effort to operate our programs as advertised. The information on our website is updated regularly, and reflects the most up to date information. We are committed to providing participants with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of land programs within the United States, four weeks for programs International and Afloat programs. and one week for online programs. However, itineraries or other aspects of a program may change due to situations beyond the control. If this happens we will do our best to notify you of the change prior to arriving on your program. We ask you to pack a little extra patience and flexibility, just in case there are last-minute changes to your program.

If Road Scholar Cancels or Interrupts a Program

Road Scholar reserves the right to cancel programs prior to departure, terminate a program early, and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action. Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or change the dates of a program. When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring your enrollment to another program or refunding your full Road Scholar program payment. If you have made transportation arrangements, such as an airline ticket purchase, Road Scholar will give you a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar to help cover the cost of transferring your travel arrangements for use on a replacement program. The maximum value of the credit will be $300 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the credit.

Accuracy of Information

While every effort is made to provide accurate information on our website and in our catalogs, Road Scholar is not responsible for typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to program descriptions, pricing, and availability. Road Scholar reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may appear in our publications, and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. If you discover an error on our website or catalog, please let us know.

Program Pricing

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Terms and Conditions

Program Selection
We want every participant to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience. The travel and activities of Road Scholar programs require participants to be in good general health and capable of performing all program activities as described by the program description and its corresponding Activity Level. As a group travel experience, participants must be capable of caring for themselves during the program and agree not to impede the progress of the program or interfere with the enjoyment of other participants. Participants are required to disclose known medical and physical conditions that may interfere with their safety and well being or the safety and well being of others during this program. Road Scholar may limit or terminate the participation in the program at the participant’s expense and without refund any participants who fail to disclose all medical information or do not honestly assess their physical capabilities in advance. With this information in mind, carefully consider the travel and program demands as described on the Road Scholar website, and consult with your physician about your travel plans. If after enrolling you have second thoughts about the program you chose, please call us and we will be happy to assist you in finding a program better suited to your abilities.

Responsibility

Road Scholar’s responsibility is limited. Road Scholar organizes, promotes, and sells educational programs consisting of certain travel services, including land, air, and water transportation, excursions, and cruise/barge/hotel accommodations that Road Scholar purchases or reserves from various suppliers (collectively, “Suppliers”). Road Scholar neither owns nor operates any of these Suppliers; they are independent contractors and are not Road Scholar’s agents. Therefore, Road Scholar is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Supplier or any other third party. You agree that you will look to such Suppliers, and not to Road Scholar or its agents, for any accident, injury, property damage, or personal loss you may suffer. Without limitation, Road Scholar is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of, or failure to provide, any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from — but not limited to — acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Road Scholar.

Safety & Risks

Certain risks — from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, crime, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, environmental risks to health, terrorism and other unforeseen events — are inherent in travel. While such occurrences are beyond our control, we make substantial efforts to be prepared for such possibilities. Participants are encouraged to review the safety and travel information provided by the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about current security issues, travel advisories and warnings, recent embassy notices, country-specific health information, health risks you may encounter while traveling, precautions for the prevention of illness, disease and general health issues during your program and other helpful destination-specific information. By enrolling in a program, you agree to assume responsibility for your own health, safety, and welfare, and acknowledge that Road Scholar cannot guarantee your safety or health at any time.

Admission & Participation Policy

The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar reserves the right to revoke admission or terminate or limit participation at any time if Road Scholar reasonably determines a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are inappropriate or disruptive, or adversely affect the participant’s health or safety, or the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants. Road Scholar reserves the right to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action.

Photography and Video

Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs, videos or audio/visual recordings during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them, whether taken by a representative of Road Scholar or by other participants, for promotional purposes. By enrolling in a Road Scholar program, participants agree to allow their images or recordings to be used for such purposes. Participants who prefer that their images or recordings not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program. For Road Scholar online programs, all audio or video recordings, content and materials are the property of Road Scholar. Participants are prohibited from taking screen captures, or making, copying or distributing all or part of any audio or video recordings of online programs.

Online Program Terms

If you enroll in one of Road Scholar’s online programs, you are responsible for the integrity of the device on which you will attend this online program, as well as your own high-speed internet connection. Road Scholar is not responsible for outages or interruptions in internet service. Road Scholar cannot and will not provide recordings, content or materials, or provide reimbursement of any kind, for missed portion(s) of your online program, regardless of the reason.

Seller of Travel Information

Road Scholar’s state of Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602244658. CST #2068427-40. Florida Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35594.

Modifications to Terms and Conditions

Road Scholar reserves the right at any time to update, change, modify, or revise these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will become effective upon posting the changes, modifications or revisions to the Terms and Conditions. Accordingly, participants should review Road Scholar’s Terms and Conditions regularly prior to travel in order to ensure they are aware of any changes.

© 2023 Elderhostel. All rights reserved. The Road Scholar service marks, logos, website address and other marks are owned by Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring adults to learn, discover and travel.

Select your type of room

Price will update based on selection

Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & starting prices

PRICES

Apr 17 - Apr 21, 2024

Starting at

1,399

Select Date

Apr 18 - Apr 22, 2024

Starting at

1,399

Select Date

DATES & starting prices

PRICES

Apr 17 - Apr 21, 2024

Starting at

1,849

Select Date

Apr 18 - Apr 22, 2024

Starting at

1,849

Select Date

5 days

4 nights

8 meals

4B 1L 3D

1

Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, History

Norfolk, VA

2

Naval Study Cruise, Nauticus, MacArthur, Performance

Norfolk, VA

3

Parade of Nations, Backstage at Tattoo, View Tattoo

Norfolk, VA

4

Botanical Garden, Chrysler Museum of Art

Norfolk, VA

5

Program concludes

Norfolk, VA

View Full Itinerary

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.

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 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

All Experts

Peggy Haile McPhillips

Peggy McPhillips is a life-long resident of Norfolk, Va., and a graduate of Mary Baldwin College in Staunton Va. She currently serves as president of the Norfolk Historical Society, and is on the boards of the Friends of Historic Houses, Chrysler Museum of Art, Friends of Norfolk's Historic Cemeteries and Norfolk History Museum. Peggy is the author of “Historic Photos of Norfolk, Virginia,” and contributes to Downtowner Magazine. Sharing Norfolk's history is one of her favorite things to do!

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

Peggy Haile McPhillips View biography

Peggy McPhillips is a life-long resident of Norfolk, Va., and a graduate of Mary Baldwin College in Staunton Va. She currently serves as president of the Norfolk Historical Society, and is on the boards of the Friends of Historic Houses, Chrysler Museum of Art, Friends of Norfolk's Historic Cemeteries and Norfolk History Museum. Peggy is the author of “Historic Photos of Norfolk, Virginia,” and contributes to Downtowner Magazine. Sharing Norfolk's history is one of her favorite things to do!

Lynn Macaluso View biography

Lynn Macaluso was born and raised just outside Boston. Then she moved to Boulder, Colorado, and worked in the business world for more than 20 years. She then traveled extensively throughout Italy and Sicily and decided to change careers. She was certified at the International Guide Academy in Denver, Colorado, and has been leading groups ever since, primarily with Road Scholar. Lynn is very knowledgeable about her native New England. She speaks Italian and, in her spare time, loves to play tennis, read, and cook.

Suggested Reading List (3 books)

Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop

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

Search for a Title

Norfolk: A People's History

by Ruth A.Rose

With Norfolk: A People's History, Ruth A. Rose takes a fresh look at the people who made Norfolk but who are often overlooked in other versions of the city's history.

Historic Photos of Norfolk

by Peggy Haile McPhillips

From Norfolk Naval Base, the world's largest naval base, to the Norfolk Southern Railway, one of North America's largest railroads, Historic Photos of Norfolk is a photographic history collected from the areas top archives. With around 200 photographs, many of which have never been published, this beautiful coffee table book shows the historical growth from the mid 1800's to the late 1900's in stunning black and white photography. The book follows life, government, events and people important to Norfolk and the building of this unique city. Spanning over two centuries and two hundred photographs, this is a must have for any long-time resident or history lover of Norfolk!

Legacy: Walter Chrysler Jr. and the Untold Story of Norfolk's Chrysler Museum of Art

by Peggy Earle

The Norfolk museum that would one day bear the Chrysler name was always a good museum of its kind, home to a respectable collection serving a smallish city. But when Norfolk native Jean Outland married Walter Chrysler, heir to the automobile manufacturing fortune and an avid art collector, the museum found a person with whom its fortunes would be intertwined, sometimes spectacularly, for decades to come. Walter had already established a Chrysler Museum in Provincetown, Massachusetts, but in 1971—in need of more space and, admittedly, a fresh start—he relocated the operation to Norfolk. In Legacy, Peggy Earle paints a vivid picture of this provincial museum’s transformation into one of the finest art museums on the East Coast. She also delivers a captivating portrait of Walter Chrysler, a generous and demanding man who found in art patronage a focus not only for his wealth but also for his tremendous energy. Not content to merely admire the work, Walter had a naturally gregarious side and was apt to deal with artists such as Pablo Picasso directly. And yet he was also intensely private. Earle provides readers with a fascinating view of the politics of the museum world, where even good relationships are never uncomplicated. (The addition of the Chrysler collection’s works to the museum was not unanimously applauded by the community; nor was it a foregone conclusion that, upon Chrysler’s death, the pieces would even stay with the museum.) This lively account of the unlikely union between an arts maverick and a city on the cusp of cultural evolution sheds new light on how great art finds a place to call home.

Start Enrolling

Print All

Map details are not available for this location.

View Map

Expand All

5 days

4 nights

8 meals

4 B 1 L 3 D

DAY

1

Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, History

Norfolk, VA

D

Courtyard Marriott Norfolk Downtown

Activity note: Hotel check in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 4:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Travel and transfers will be primarily by motorcoach unless noted otherwise. We will pre-select choices for some meals using forms in the preparatory materials. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: We will gather in the hotel meeting room for a presentation by a local historian and Norfolk resident. Norfolk is the home of the world’s largest naval base. Service members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Marines are also well represented. The total population of active duty service members and related civilian personnel is approximately 150,000, not including their families.

DAY

2

Naval Study Cruise, Nauticus, MacArthur, Performance

Norfolk, VA

B,D

Courtyard Marriott Norfolk Downtown

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 1.5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour with stops. Walking about 2.0 miles and periods of standing, approximately about 2 hours; some stairs. Getting on/off an excursion boat; wear comfortable non-slip shoes.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will hop aboard our motorcoach and ride a short distance for a narrated study cruise aboard the “Victory Rover” along the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. This is one of the world’s busiest seaports with the world’s largest naval base, home of America’s Atlantic Fleet. The boat’s main cabin has large picture windows and comfortable seating with more seating and views up top. As we go, the captain will provide fascinating and entertaining commentary about what we’re seeing. We’ll then take a short walk to our next field trip site, Nauticus. Home of the Battleship Wisconsin, Nauticus is an interactive science and technology center that explores the naval, economic, and nautical power of the sea, with exhibits that range from the anatomy of a battleship to secrets of the deep. During our self-directed exploration, we will have an opportunity to see and do what interests each of us most. There will also be docents around the facility to answer questions

Lunch: Lunch on your own at the Waterside Restaurants along the James River.

Afternoon: Next we will walk a short distance to the MacArthur Memorial that pays tribute to General of the Army, Douglas A. MacArthur, as well as the men and women who served with him during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The memorial uses his life and times to teach American history. Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) was one of America’s most notable military leaders before, during, and after World War II. He was also controversial, and was ultimately removed from command by President Harry Truman. He is particularly remembered for two statements: the first, when leaving the Philippines in the face of advancing Japanese troops, “I shall return!” and the second from his farewell address, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away. Following a brief presentation at the Memorial we will have time to explore on our own and then make our way by foot back to the hotel, each at our own pace.

Dinner: We will ride to Stripers Waterside Restaurant

Evening: Riding back to the hotel, we’ll enjoy a private performance for our Road Scholar group by members of the Virginia Coast Chorus (VCC), an award-winning women’s show chorus. The group has members from all walks of life and specializes in the close harmonies of a capella “barbershop” singing. The VCC is an affiliate of the highly respected organization Sweet Adelines International that extends over five continents.

DAY

3

Parade of Nations, Backstage at Tattoo, View Tattoo

Norfolk, VA

B

Courtyard Marriott Norfolk Downtown

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 2.5 miles, approximately 1 hour with stops. Walking about 1.5 miles, periods of standing throughout the day; stairs at parade risers and Scope Arena. Reserved seats for parade not covered; be sure to account for the weather. Evening performance approximately 2 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will walk a few blocks from the hotel with our Group Leader and take our reserved seats for the Parade of Nations, held in conjunction with the Virginia International Tattoo and the Norfolk NATO Festival. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a political and military alliance safeguarding freedom and security. Norfolk has been the site of NATO’s Supreme Allied Command, Atlantic, since 1953. Not only does the Parade of Nations feature floats and international military bands from all 28 NATO nations as well as high school marching bands, it is the only parade in the United States that formally honors NATO. Following the parade we walk to the Town Point Park that serves as the International Village during the Tattoo Festival

Lunch: Lunch is on your own to enjoy the foods of your choice from the many vendors set up in the Park.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll board the motorcoach for a short ride to the Scope Arena. We will have an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Virginia International Tattoo led by the directors and event staff. A tattoo, in this context, is a gathering of an ensemble for the performance of military music, but the word originated in the 17th century when military drummers would signal the time for soldiers to return to their barracks. As we walk, we will learn about tonight’s performance, the production and staging of the event, and the venue plus some time for questions

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions within easy walking distance of the Scope Arena including the MacArthur Center, Granby Street, and Monticello Avenues.

Evening: Returning to the Scope Arena and assembling at our predetermined meeting spot, we will walk inside to our reserved seats for an exceptionally exciting and colorful display of musical “tattoos.” The Virginia International Tattoo, the greatest and grandest in the U.S., involves more than 1,000 performers. In addition to the military bands and drill teams, there are pipe and drum bands from around the world, dancers, choirs, and much more. The spirit of patriotism and love of country suffuses every event. Tonight’s Grand Performance will last approximately two hours with all of the participating bands and units, concluding in a grand finale. We’ll ride back to the hotel after the performance.

DAY

4

Botanical Garden, Chrysler Museum of Art

Norfolk, VA

B,L,D

Courtyard Marriott Norfolk Downtown

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20.5 miles, approximately 1 hour with stops. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day, periods of standing.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board the motorcoach and ride to Norfolk Botanical Garden. This lush 175-acre garden boasts more than 14 miles of paved and unpaved paths with 60 plus gardens in bloom during all four seasons. The gardens range from those dedicated to a specific region of the world to those displaying a certain species of plant: fragrant and colorful, manicured and wild. We may also catch a glimpse of local birds and wildlife. We will hop aboard a tram for a half-hour narrated ride through the gardens to view the azaleas followed by time for self-exploration.

Lunch: At the Botanical Garden, we will have our pre-selected choices.

Afternoon: Next, we will ride to the Chrysler Museum of Art where a docent will lead our exploration. It was preceded by the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences, but everything changed when art collector, philanthropist, and benefactor Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., donated his personal art collection to Norfolk in 1971. His contribution — one of the greatest museum gifts in American history — resulted in the Norfolk Museum being renamed for him as it became one of the finest art museums in the country. It has been dubbed by museum experts one of America’s “Six Magnetic Museums” for its audience engagement, We ride back to the hotel. Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. You might like to visit the Hermitage Museum & Gardens, the Mermaid factory where you can paint your own mermaid or dolphin souvenir, or the Battleship Wisconsin. You may also elect to walk with the Group Leader to the Pagoda and Oriental Gardens and a stop at Hummingbird Macarons.

Dinner: We will ride to the Brick Anchor Brew House.

Evening: At your leisure.

DAY

5

Program concludes

Norfolk, VA

B

Activity note: Hotel check-out 12:00 p.m.

Breakfast: Hotel Buffet.

Morning: We will gather one last time for a wrap-up session with our Group Leader. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Enroll with Confidence

Protecting the Environment

At a Glance

Best of all, you’ll…

General Notes