2026024 Virginia Parade of Tall Ships 250th Event

Day 1

Day 1, Thursday June 18, 2026
12:00pm Arrive in Richmond for lunch on your own.
1:00pm Meet your guide and depart.
1:30pm Tour the Virginia State Capitol Thomas Jefferson's neo-classical marvel features a hidden dome, pre-historic fossils in the floor marble and the world-famous statue of George Washington
2:30pm Depart.
3:00pm Visit St John's Church with a guided tour and meet Patrick Henry! As tensions grew between the colonies and Great Britain in the 1770s, Virginia held a series of meetings to organize its protests against the mother country. In March of 1775, the Second Virginia Convention was held here at what was then called Henrico Parish Church. Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Peyton Randolph and other prominent Virginians were delegates to the convention. Here, Patrick Henry embodied the spirit of the Revolution on March 23, 1775, with his words, "Give me liberty…or give me death!"
4:30pm Depart.
5:45pm Check in to Embassy Suites Williamsburg Baggage handling is included.
" Enjoy the included cocktail reception while bags are delivered.
7:00pm Depart.
7:15pm Enjoy included dinner at The Whaling Company An old-school eatery designed like a boathouse serving local seafood and steaks. Menu TBD. (DI)
8:30pm Depart.
8:45pm Return to the hotel for rest.

Day 2

6:00am Enjoy included breakfast at the hotel and check out. Baggage handling is included.
7:00am Depart.
8:00am Arrive at Fort Monroe .
9:00am View the Tall Ship Parade from the bleacher seats along the waterfront at Ft. Monroe as they sail to Norfolk. The parade will begin at Lynnhaven Anchorage in Virginia Beach around 7 a.m. June 19, 2026. It will continue for more than four hours. The flotilla will stretch 12 miles as it cruises over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge- Tunnel and the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. Once in Hampton Roads, the ships will peel off to their respective host cities - Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Hampton. As the ships come into the Hampton Roads Harbor, Fort Monroe will offer views of ships under sail, and they proceed down the river to Norfolk.
12:15pm Depart
12:30pm Enjoy an included lunch at Paradise Ocean Club A seafood-centric bar & grill. Menu TBD.
2:00pm Return to Fort Monroe. (approx. 0.5 miles, 5 minutes)
2:15pm Enjoy a guided tour of Fort Monroe. Fort Monroe has witnessed some of our nation's most significant events. Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay you can enjoy the panoramic waterfront views, nature trails, historic homes and buildings, restaurants, and beaches
4:00pm Depart
5:00pm Arrive and check into Comfort Suites Beachfront Baggage handling is included.
At Leisure Enjoy the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and dinner on your own. 3 miles of not only many restaurants and hotels, but also a wide array of art, museums, historic sites and events. The popular 24-foot, 12-ton King Neptune Statue stands at the gateway to Neptune Festival Park on 31st St., while colorful fish sculptures are scattered about, and other nautical art works adorn side streets. You can visit a video arcade, ride on a Ferris wheel at the Fun Park, or check out any of a number of live entertainment stages that host great acts throughout the busy season at 7th, 17th, 24th & 31st Streets. Museums include the Atlantic Wildfowl Museum in historic DeWitt Cottage, the Surf and Rescue Museum and more.

Day 3

7:45am Enjoy included breakfast at the hotel.
8:45am Depart via motor coach.
9:30am Arrive in Norfolk.
10:00am Visit Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military.
12:00pm Board docked SAIL ships for guided public tours.
Then enjoy free time to experience the Sail250® VA Waterfront Festival, lunch on your own, and exploring Norfolk.
NOTE: An All-day ferry pass is included for water view perspectives and visiting Historic Portsmouth on your own throughout the day.
3:45pm Depart back to the hotel.
4:45pm Return to the hotel to freshen up.
6:00pm Depart for Norfolk.
7:00pm Arrive at Blue Moon Tap HouseBlue Moon Tap House offers an unparalleled dining experience along the Elizabeth River. As you settle in, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking views of the river, offering a tranquil backdrop throughout your meal. When night falls, the private patio transforms into the perfect vantage point for enjoying the spectacular fireworks display. Menu TBD.
10:00pm Depart back to the hotel via motorcoach.
10:30pm Arrive back at the hotel for the evening.

Day 4

7:30am Enjoy included breakfast at the hotel and check out. Baggage handling is included.
8:30am Depart.
10:00am Visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Take a guided tour of the museum followed by time to explore on own. Recapture the drama of the American Revolution. Powerful new galleries tell the story of everyday people who lived during the war. Costumed interpreters demonstrate 18th century military and domestic life on a re-created 1780's farm site and in a re-created Continental Army encampment.
"Enjoy an included box lunch in a classroom while they show a film.
1:00pm Depart for home
5:30pm Approximate arrival home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner