Virginia
The Best of Norfolk & the Virginia International Tattoo
Program No. 1835460MEADV-1116-60
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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DATES
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PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Apr 23 - Apr 27, 2025
Starting at
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5 days
4 nights
8 meals
4B 1L 3D
3
Nauticus, Victory Rover, Evening Entertainment
Norfolk, VA
5
Wrap up
Norfolk, VA
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 musical performance and narrated Norfolk Naval Base cruise.
- 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 trip experts
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.
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.
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.
The Best of Norfolk & the Virginia International Tattoo
Program Number: 18354
Legacy: Walter Chrysler Jr. and the Untold Story of Norfolk's Chrysler Museum of Art
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.
Historic Photos of Norfolk
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!
Norfolk: A People's History
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.
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.
- 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
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, 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.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(3 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.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
5 days
4 nights
What's Included
8 meals | 4B | 1L | 3D |
8 expert-led field trips
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
4 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, History
Location:
Norfolk, VA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Courtyard Marriott Norfolk Downtown
Activity Note
Hotel check in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00-4:30 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: 6:45 p.m (following dinner) 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 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 following dinner for Program Orientation and Introductions with our Group Leader. 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
Norfolk Botanical Garden, Chrysler Museum, MacArthur Museum
Location:
Norfolk, VA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
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. Breakfast burrito with pork sausage, scrambled egg and Monterey Jack cheese in a flour tortilla with salsa. Pancakes with butter/syrup. Fresh cut fruits, Assorted muffins, Danish & bagels, Assorted yogurts, individual cereals, fresh oatmeal, Assorted juices, Coffee and Hot water.
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 picnic lunches.
Afternoon:
Next, we will travel via motorcoach to the Chrysler Museum of Art where a docent will lead us through the museum, followed by time for self 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. Boarding the motorcoach we will travel a short distance to the MacArthur Memorial Museum for self-guided exploration. The Museum 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. Spend however much time you would like to explore the Museum on your own and then make your way by foot back to the hotel at your own pace (5 minute walk)
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
Free time after dinner to explore the surrounding area at your leisure.
Day
3
Nauticus, Victory Rover, Evening Entertainment
Location:
Norfolk, VA
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Courtyard Marriott Norfolk Downtown
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 2.5 miles, approximately 15 minutes. Walking about 1.5 miles, periods of standing throughout the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, pork bacon, Biscuits and country gravy. Fresh cut fruits, Assorted muffins, Danish & bagels, Assorted yogurts, individual cereals, fresh oatmeal, Assorted juices, Coffee and Hot water.
Morning:
After an early morning breakfast we will walk a short distance for a narrated 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 our surroundings. 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:
This afternoon has been left free for you to explore the sights and sounds of Norfolk at your own pace. You may wish to schedule a tour of the Battleship Wisconsin and learn about the areas of the boat not open to the public. You may visit the Hermitage Museum & Gardens, the Hunter House Victorian Mansion, the Mermaid Factory to hand paint a souvenir, Doumar's for a world famous waffle cone, or join your Group Leader for a walk to the Pagoda & Oriental Gardens with a stop at the Hummingbird Dessert Boutique for a tasty macaroon. All of the above suggestions are at your own expense with no group transportation provided.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
This evening at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a private musical performance for our Road Scholar group.
Day
4
Parade of Nations, Behind the Scenes at Tattoo, Tattoo
Location:
Norfolk, VA
Meals:
B
Stay:
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 with periods of standing. 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. French toast, scrambled eggs, pork sausage. Fresh cut fruits, Assorted muffins, Danish & bagels, Assorted yogurts, individual cereals, fresh oatmeal, Assorted juices, Coffee and Hot water.
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 with 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 transfer back to the hotel via motorcoach after the performance
Day
5
Wrap up
Location:
Norfolk, VA
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Walking 1 mile. Getting on/off an excursion boat; wear comfortable non-slip shoes. Hotel check-out 12:00 p.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Breakfast casserole of egg, breakfast meats, cheese and tater tots. Pancakes with butter/syrup. Fresh cut fruits, Assorted muffins, Danish & bagels, Assorted yogurts, individual cereals, fresh oatmeal, Assorted juices, Coffee and Hot water.
Morning:
Hotel check out is 12:00 PM. Before heading home we encourage you to take in more of the Tattoo festivities located outside of the Scope Arena on your own. The Hullabaloo will be from 11:30-2:30 PM and the DrumLine Battle on the Green Space across from the Scope Plaza will begin at 1:00 PM. We wish you safe travels on your journey home. 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!
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MEALS
8 Meals
4 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
- Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 15 Reviews
Sort By:
Norfolk Tattoo program was great. Norfolk is an interesting city at any time of the year, many activities for any interests. The Tattoo presentation was unbelievably outstanding.
— Review left April 25, 2024
The program was very well organized with a balance of history and culture, scheduled and free time. I enjoyed every aspect of the program. It was well worth the money paid. The group leaders were excellent.
— Review left April 23, 2024
I had long wanted to see the Virginia International Tattoo and it did not disappoint. The associated parade and festival were fun, but the actual performance at the Tattoo was even better than expected. The performers were topnotch and the range of music that was performed was unexpected. I also enjoyed exploring the Norfolk area on our various excursions.
— Review left April 27, 2023
Great trip. Thinking might do it again. Would Ask for Linda Culpepper again. Great Lady!
— Review left April 25, 2023
A well-organized program that showcases the varied assets of Norfolk and gives participants an opportunity to experience firsthand the profound sensory and emotional effects of a tattoo. Our group leader Linda was instrumental in helping make the whole program a truly enjoyable experience. I have found over the years Norfolk to be a very easy and friendly place to visit the multitude of places just asking to be explored. The quiet presence of the NATO personnel and all our U.S. assets based in Norfolk should give one a sense of security. Spending some time in the Norfolk Botanical Gardens offers a peaceful interlude in what otherwise might be a frenzied day. This was the second time I participated in this program; a repeat is not out of the question.
— Review left April 24, 2023
This was a delightful, well-planned Road Scholar program . Visiting the beautiful Norfolk Botanical Gardens was a delightful experience as was the Chrysler Art Museum. Hotel was in a great location within walking distance of the waterfront and near the streetcar stop. I was impressed with the Armed Forces Memorial in the Waterfront Park , very creative .
Enjoyed the NATO celebration with the lengthy parade and displays by all NATO countries in the waterfront park , a beautiful setting . Enjoyed the harbor cruise and the afternoon concerts by the various military bands outside the arena almost as much as the International Tattoo in the evening . The backstage private tour and meeting the Scottish drum major was a special treat
— Review left May 28, 2022
Traveling with Road Scholar is a very informative experience.
When considering a program, be sure to read the itinerary carefully so you
understand what it entails.
— Review left May 11, 2022
Especially if you're into things military and/or musical, this will be a good one.
— Review left May 4, 2022
If you are considering this program just for the Tattoo, be prepared to be delighted by the botanical gardens and the Chrysler Museum, both wonderful experiences.’
— Review left May 3, 2022
If you love history, art and gardens this program is a great way to have it all. The best part of course is the Military Tattoo. That was a great experience and the seats were perfect
— Review left May 3, 2022
The program was outstanding and other activities were interesting
— Review left May 2, 2022
This is a gem of a program, made all the more special by our group leader Linda. Norfolk is a very small city and you can walk to almost everything. One note of caution -- there are not any drug or food stores in downtown Norfolk, so make sure you bring supplies and snacks with you.
I recommend this program and it makes a great mini-getaway. I came home feeling that this was one of my favorite Road Scholar programs. People are so nice and very friendly in Norfolk.
— Review left May 2, 2022
It is a new program and still growing. The drill teams were breathtaking and of course the Bagpipers-outstanding.
You will not be disappointed.
— Review left June 3, 2019
Road Scholar is a wonderful program for people who enjoy learning and like socializing with others in similar circumstances. Dinner conversations
were stimulating and enriching. Participants are generally open minded and
considerate. My first experience with Roads Scholar was amazing, and I have already signed up for the next adventure !
— Review left May 19, 2019
If you have never attended a Tatoo before, this is the program to come to. It is a fabulous experience.
— Review left April 29, 2019