Sail250® Virginia - See the Tall Ships

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our Nations Birth!

Day 1: Join us as we make our way to Norfolk, VA for Sail250® Virginia.  More than 4,000 officers, cadets, and crews of Tall Ships from 20 nations will engage in events along Virginia’s waterfront to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Harborfest is America’s largest, longest-running, free maritime festival, celebrating all of the elements that make Norfolk & Hampton Roads a historic maritime & Naval community, and this year it will take place during Sail250. You’ll enjoy live music and other exciting performances, interactive family games and activities, Navy exhibits and demonstrations, artisan foods and beverages, national and regional live entertainment, and much, much more!

Day 2: After breakfast at the hotel, we will start our day with a visit to Fort Story in Virginia Beach. This location is rich in military history and had significant historical influence on the area. The Cape Henry Memorial Cross marks the spot where the first permanent English settlers landed on April 26, 1607. The crew of 104 men and boys erected a wooden cross to mark their arrival. A granite cross was erected in 1935. Also located on this site is the Battle of the Capes Monument – honoring the Battle of the Chesapeake Bay between the French and British- one of the most significant battles, that helped clear the path for the creation of the United States, as well as a Statue of Admiral De Grasse, leader of the French Fleet. The highlight of our visit, however, is the Cape Henry Lighthouse. Cape Henry was the first federally funded lighthouse and the first public works project in the United States. Construction (1792) was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. The Lighthouse is open to the public and you are welcome to climb 191 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Located next door (not open to the public) is the New Cape Henry Lighthouse, which is still in use today, and is the tallest cast iron, fully enclosed lighthouse in the United States. After our visit, we will make our way down the coast of Virginia Beach to Rudee Inlet for lunch on your own at one of the many restaurants. After lunch, we will hop on a boat for a 90-minute Dolphin Watching Cruise. Rudee Tours dolphin watching boats have multi-level decks, climate-controlled cabins, and 360-degree views even when inside. Enjoy all the sights of the beautiful Virginia Beach coastline while watching dolphin frolic in the water. After our cruise, we begin our journey home, making a dinner stop on your own en route. Arriving home approximately 10pm. (CB)

Please Note: Fort Story is an active military base. All passengers must have a REAL ID or passport for base access.

Special Notice: Balance due 30 days prior to departure. Cancellation within 30 days of departure will result in payment forfeiture.