Trip Planning
Sample Itineraries
Here are some sample itineraries to help plan your visit.
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Celebrate Spring, Honor Our Heroes, and Enjoy VIP Exclusive Events during our Exclusive “American Patriot Celebration”!
Enjoy Exclusive VIP Events and join others as we celebrate spring and honor our Heroes in Virginia Beach! Package includes premium seats for the International Tattoo, a Pre-Show Luncheon featuring a performance and meet & greet with actual Tattoo performers, a private Luncheon at the Military Aviation Museum including Swing Time Entertainment, a Live Vintage Airshow and Demonstration, Red, White & Blue Salute to America Dinner & Dance Cruise aboard the Spirit of Norfolk!
- The International Tattoo Performance: More than 1,000 performers from countries around the globe at this Military Pageantry including Bag-Pipers, Military Bands, Precision Drill Teams and Performing Ensembles. The Legendary Tattoos of Edinburgh, Scotland, are now rivaled by the largest Tattoo in the USA in Norfolk, Virginia.
- Accommodations at Oceanfront hotels in Virginia Beach in the summertime with plenty of time to enjoy the beach and boardwalk from your Oceanfront hotel.
- Salute to America Dinner Dance Cruise: Enjoy a delicious meal, dancing, and tons of fun on this luxurious ship with incredible views you have to see to believe. The ship will be patriotically decorated and music will feature American classics from a variety of genres.
- Pre-Tattoo Luncheon with actual Tattoo Performers Live Entertainment
- Private Vintage Aircraft Show with Lunch and Live Entertainment
International Tattoo ~ Full 3 Night/4 Day Itinerary
DAY 1 — INTERNATIONAL TATTOO FESTIVAL
Arrive in Norfolk, VA and enjoy a pre-Tattoo Luncheon and Meet & Greet with actual Tattoo performances Live during lunch. Depart for the amazing International Tattoo and enjoy the show from your premium seats! This is the largest spectacle of military music and might in the United States featuring an astounding display of inspirational music, majestic massed Pipes and Drums, show stop-ping Drill Team maneuvers, elegant dancers in colorful costumes, and more! Check in to your Oceanfront Hotel. Enjoy dinner on own and free time along the boardwalk. (Meals: L)RIVATE VINTAGE AIRCRAFT SHOW
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing for a Private Vintage Aircraft Show and Luncheon at the Military Aviation Museum. Enjoy Live Musical Entertainment while surrounded by one of the largest private collections of vintage WWI and WWII era military aircraft in the world. Following lunch in the hangar, you’ll be amazed with a Private Vintage Aircraft Airshow and Private Demonstration - a MARS Exclusive! Return to the hotel for free time to relax and enjoy dinner on your own along the boardwalk. (Meals: B, L)DAY 2 — NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDENS, THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM, THE MACARTHUR MEMORIAL, & A DINNER CRUISE!
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before departing to enjoy a Tram Ride amongst the spring blooms at the beautiful Norfolk Botanical Gardens. The Gardens boast one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons on the East Coast in a 155-acre garden complete with canal boats, trackless train tours, and unique special theme gardens throughout. Enjoy lunch on own this afternoon at the MacArthur Mall prior to a tour of The Chrysler Museum of Art. The Museum displays the extensive collection of automotive heir, Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. This afternoon, visit the MacArthur Memorial where General of the Army Douglas MacArthur was laid to rest in the Rotunda. The Memorial and Museum is dedicated to his life and legacy. Today, the museum has expanded into one of the premier institutions in the United States dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of WWI, WWII, the Occupation of Japan, and the Korean War. This evening, commemorate your final evening in luxury with a Farewell ‘Red, White, & Blue’ Dinner & Dance Cruise aboard the Spirit of Norfolk. Enjoy a delicious meal, dancing, and tons of fun on this decadent ship with incredible views you have to see to believe! (Meals: B, D)DAY 3 — NORFOLK NAVAL STATION & NAUTICUS
Enjoy breakfast and packing at your leisure this morning prior to checking out. Explore Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, one of the largest maritime museums in the country, & designated by Congress as, “America’s National Maritime Museum”. Here, you will discover fascinating stories captured in the priceless artifacts and high-tech virtual reality exhibits celebrating the spirit and power of the open sea. Also onsite, guests will experience first-hand the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battle-ships ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore the deck of this majestic ship which earned five battle stars during WWII. Venture around the museum to view additional small crafts from around the world, view maritime art, handcrafted ship models and rare figureheads, and experience a 3D film in the Explorers Theater! Bid a fond fare-well and depart for home. (Meals: B)Tour Inclusions:
- Three (3) nights’ luxury oceanfront accommodation;
- Baggage handling;
- Three (3) breakfasts, Two (2) lunches with Live Music and Entertainment, and One (1) dinner;
- Premium seats for the International Tattoo;
- Dinner Dance Cruise aboard the Spirit of Norfolk;
- Admissions as stated in the itinerary;
- Taxes and gratuity.
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The International Tattoo Parade & NATO Fest
Friday - BOTANICAL GARDENS & WELCOME DINNER
Arrive in Norfolk VA, and enjoy a Tram Ride among the spring blooms at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Check-in to your Oceanfront Hotel then enjoy a free evening for dinner on own and to explore the beach and boardwalk. (Meals: None)Saturday - NATO PARADE & INTERNATIONAL TATTOO
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel the morning then tour Nauticus, The National Maritime Center. It is an exciting science and technology center exploring the power of the sea. This high-tech, virtual reality “museum” allows visitors to explore the rich life of the ocean realm, human uses of the sea through shipping and the role the port of Hampton Roads has played in world maritime affairs. Visit the Battleship USS Wisconsin, one of the largest Battleships ever built. This mighty ship was used during the Korean Conflict, World War II, and the Gulf War. Discover why the USS Wisconsin is truly the most unique battleship in the world. Afterwards, find your reserved seats for the NATO Parade! Enjoy NATO Fest then return to Nauticus. Depart for lunch on own at Waterslide Marketplace. After lunch, depart for the International Tattoo and enjoy your Premium Seats. This evening, check-in then enjoy free time at the beach and dinner on own along the boardwalk. (Meals: B)Sunday - MACARTHUR MEMORIAL, LUNCHEON, & FAREWELL TATTOO PERFORMANCE
Check out with your breakfast to go bag and depart for the MacArthur Memorial. A museum research center dedicated to preserving the life of Army General Douglas MacArthur and the millions of men and women who served with him in WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. Up next is an EXCLUSIVE Private Farewell Luncheon with Live Tattoo Performers! Afterwards depart for home. (Meals: B, L)Tour Inclusions:
- Two (2) nights’ luxury accommodation;
- Baggage handling;
- Two (2) breakfasts;
- An EXCLUSIVE Private Farewell Tattoo Luncheon;
- Premium seats for the International Tattoo;
- Admissions as stated in the itinerary;
- Taxes and Gratuity.
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THE PARADE OF NATIONS & VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO
YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 3 Nights Lodging
- 3 Breakfasts
- 3 Full Course Dinners incl. The Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise
- Performance of the Virginia International Tattoo Show
- Reserved Seats for the 68th Annual Parade of Nations
- NATO Fest Activities
- Norfolk Naval Base Tour
- MacArthur Memorial
- Chrysler Museum of Art
- Evening Entertainment
- Souvenir Gift
- Luggage Handling
- Taxes & Meal Gratuities
- Motorcoach Transportation
The Tattoo Tradition The term "tattoo" derives from the cries of the 17th & 18th century Low Country innkeepers in Scotland, who, as the fifes and drums of the local regiment signaled a return to quarters would cry, "Doe den tap toe!" (meaning "turn off the taps!) The sound of the "taps" caused the innkeepers customers to depart and return to their barracks. The word "tattoo" evolved over time and refers to what developed as a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands today. The Virginia International Tattoo incorporates groups from around the world including acrobats, choral groups and precision military drill teams.
The sample itinerary described below is approximately like the itinerary your group will be following during your stay with WHITE STAR TOURS. However, the exact times, days, and destinations may vary for your group.
Day 1
A morning departure has you heading into the State of Virginia. Your destination today is the Hampton Roads region where accommodations have been arranged for your group for the 2021 Parade of Nations & Virginia International Tattoo. After check-in, you will have an opportunity to freshen up, then enjoy an evening of dinner and entertainment.Day 2
Breakfast this morning before traveling to Norfolk for a driving tour of the Norfolk Naval Base. Home port to more than 78 ships of the Atlantic Fleet, Naval Station Norfolk is the world’s largest naval installation. Narrated by naval personnel, you will pass by Atlantic Fleet training centers, awe-inspiring aircraft carriers and sleek submarines. The tour also features historic homes from the 1907 Jamestown Exposition. Later, visit the Chrysler Museum of Art, one of America’s great fine arts museums and including the collection of automobile heir and art collector, Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. After your visit, board the Spirit of Norfolk for a buffet dinner, music, and entertainment as you sail along the Elizabeth River. After the cruise, continue to Scope Arena for a performance of the Virginia International Tattoo. “Tattoo” refers to a Scottish military last call, when pipes and drums called troops back to post for an evening ceremony. Long regarded as the most patriotic of the world’s great tattoos, the Virginia International Tattoo is a Scottish tradition with American soul! The 2021 show will feature more than 1,000 military and civilian performers from several nations who will share their unique music, dance, culture and pride with the audience as they showcase their individual excellence, their esprit de corps, and their friendship as nations. You will not only be entertained, you will be inspired …when your hand touches your heart during the Star Spangled Banner, when you proudly stand during your family’s service song, and when you rise in solemn prayer as hundreds of pipers, military musicians and singers join together to perform Amazing Grace.Day 3
Once again, you will enjoy breakfast this morning, then depart for downtown Norfolk where reserved seats have been arranged for the 68th Annual Parade of Nations. Sponsored by NATO, the parade includes themed floats from each participating country reflecting their culture and heritage. There are also marching bands, antique & classic cars, comic brigades and much more. After the parade, enjoy the NATOfest activities in Town Point Park featuring booths representing each of the NATO countries, entertainment, activities and food vendors. There will be time for lunch on your own in the area, then continue to the MacArthur Memorial - final resting place of five-star general Douglas MacArthur. The memorial features mementos and gifts the famous general received throughout his career, his staff car and a film on his life. After your visit, return to your motel for an opportunity to relax and freshen up before dinner.Day 4
Following breakfast, check out and depart for home with fond memories of the Parade of Nations & Virginia International Tattoo Show! -
Restaurants
Accommodations
From the oceanfront to downtown Norfolk and beyond, stay at any number of the region's world-class accommodations.