NORFOLK INTL. TATTOO MUSIC FESTIVAL & OUTER BANKS ADVENTURE
April 18 - 25, 2024

Day 1
Begin our exciting journey traveling today, with our overnight at Embassy Suites, Charleston, WV, with dinner included at the hotel. (D)

 

Day 2
Continue our journey, checking into the Holiday Inn, Oceanside, 2101 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA.  Dinner is included at Hemingways at the hotel this evening. (B,D)

 

Day 3
Following breakfast, we will depart for the Nauticus Museum, a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown Norfolk, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages.  Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry and the military. We then depart for the Parade of Nations – reserved seats. This parade is the oldest continuously held parade in the region and the only one in the United States honoring NATO. It features floats representing each of the NATO Nations in addition to U.S. and International Military and high school bands. Over 100 Parade Units with local and visiting high school bands, U.S. and International Military bands, and colorful floats which represent each of the NATO Member Nations! Local community organization and Festival partners are also featured. Lunch is included before we return to our hotel for a little free time.  Dinner on your own tonight in downtown Virginia Beach. Tonight, we return to Norfolk for the International Music Tattoo. The centuries-old tradition of Tattoo originates as a signal from drummers instructing Dutch innkeepers near military garrisons to “Doe den Tap-toe” or “turn off the tap.” Hearing the call “Tap-toe,” soldiers would return to their barracks for an evening roll call. The ensuing parade of soldiers evolved into a military marching band performance now known worldwide as “Tattoo.” Experience the majesty and grandeur of one of the most celebrated events in the US featuring military music acts from the US Armed Forces and around the globe! (B, L)   

 

Today we depart for the Outer Banks of North Carolina!  Our first stop will be the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Wilbur and Orville Wright made history here on December 17, 1903, by piloting four successful flights with their powered, heavier-than-air flying machine. These sons of Ohio traveled all the way to the Outer Banks because it had all the elements that they needed to safely and secretly learn how to fly: wind, sand, and isolation. Wright Brothers National Memorial encompasses the spot where Wilbur and Orville made their world-changing first flights, the historic sand dune where they did most of their gliding, and the location they lived while they were experimenting in the Outer Banks. We will then have lunch on our own before visiting Roanoke Island Festival Park Living History Museum.

Day 5
Following breakfast, we will depart for the Wild Horse Adventure Tour in Corolla, where we will ride in oversize hummers searching for the last wild herd of ponies on the Outer Banks!  Lunch is on your own today before we depart for Currituck Beach Lighthouse, towering above the northern Outer Banks in the Historic Corolla Village.  The last brick and mortar lighthouse built in North Carolina; its unpainted red brick served as a day market to distinguish it from other coastal lighthouses.  It is a first-order lighthouse, having the largest of seven Fresnel lens sizes.  With a 20-second flash cycle, the light can be seen from 18 nautical miles away.  Upon entering, you will find exhibits interpreting the history and significance of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and its role in cultural and maritime history on the Outer Banks.Time for a break back at the hotel before we depart for another delicious dinner!  (B, D)

 

Day 6
Following breakfast this morning, we depart for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where we’ll catch the ferry over to Ocracoke Island, with a box lunch included to enjoy on the island. Known for 13 miles of pristine undeveloped beaches, quaint art galleries and boutiques, the island is a delightful departure from life’s hustle and bustle.  Travel Channels Dr. Beach has rated Ocracoke number one twice in the last decade! Later that afternoon, we will catch the ferry back to Hatteras, then stop by Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Bodie Island Lighthouse. We then return to our hotel with dinner included tonight.  (B, L, D)

 

Day 7
Following breakfast, we depart for home, with wonderful memories of the spectacular International Tattoo and the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina!  We overnight at The Resort Glades in Daniels, West Virginia.  Dinner is included tonight. (B, D)

 

We continue homeward, arriving back to Southern Illinois in the late afternoon. (B) 

PRICE PER PERSON: 

Double:  $2,589

Triple: $2,314

Quad:  $2,190

Single $3,731

$350 deposit with reservation. 

$25 early bird discount with deposit received before September 1, 2023, to be deducted from final payment. Final payment due January 29, 2024.