Virginia Beach has all the elements of a classic seaside resort: gorgeous beaches, a lively boardwalk, and plenty of restaurants and attractions. This 7-day tour explores this unique waterfront destination that boasts well preserved history, fine architecture and stunning landscapes. The coast line of North Carolina is nothing less than spectacular. Its lighthouses, remote landscape, and rich American History are a large part why this beachfront destination is so popular. Come see why author Nickolas Sparks wrote so many colorful novels about a destination that only exists on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Day 1,2- Travel eastward through the states of Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia, stopping in Charleston, West Virginia en route to Virginia Beach. Arrive in Virginia Beach and spend four nights enjoying spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. The rest of the afternoon is all yours to explore the ocean, boardwalk, or just relax. We recommend Waterman’s ocean front restaurant for dining on your own. Just steps from the hotel. Try the original “Orange Crush” (B)
Day 3- Enjoy a guided tour of Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Visit the United States Naval Seaport with a Navy tour guide to conduct this one hour tour of the largest Naval Base in the world.
Learn about Norfolk’s historic skyline aboard a luncheon cruise along the Elizabeth River. Experience enchanting views of the historic Hampton Roads Harbour, home of the US Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. After a great day in and around Norfolk, the evening is free back on the oceanfront boardwalk in Virginia Beach. (B L)
Day 4- Honor the service of today’s military men and women with The Sound of Freedom, a tour of the master jet base, Naval Air Station Oceana. See some of the world most sophisticated aircraft and hopefully encounter some real American hero’s, with the highlight of the entire tour-a chance to say Thanks.
Even before Captain John Smith and the Jamestown settlers landed here in 1607, Native Americans farmed this area. American Classic Tours is introducing its new hands on experiences tours with this Farm to Table program. Agricultural heritage began with corn, squash, potatoes, and other vegetables, and lives on though the working farms of Virginia Beach. Venture into the fields to pick your own produce and hear stories of living life on the land by the sea.
Afterwards enjoy a sunset ocean front dinner, three miles out at sea on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Dine and learn about this structure, it is designated as the 7th Engineering Wonder of the Modern World. (B L D)
Day 5- Become your own pilot at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. See where on a cold day, December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright changed the world forever as their powered airplane, the “Wright Flyer”, skimmed over the sands of the Outer Banks for 12 seconds before returning to the ground. Visit the flight museum which still has exhibits from the First Flight Centennial Celebration.
You’ll stop and visit the most picturesque lighthouse of the Outer Banks: Bodie Island Lighthouse This 156 foot beacon began operation in 1872 and has black and white horizontal bands. Learn why Bodie Island is named. You’ll be surprised.
Manteo, this elegant upscale community is where we will spend the afternoon shopping in locally owned shops and restaurants. You will have your choice to continue on shopping or visit the local Elizabethan Gardens, a unique garden, that appeals to horticulturists with myriad varieties of plants, nature of plants, nature lovers with wildflowers and indigenous shrubs and trees. Historic bluffs within its historical setting at the site of the first English Colony in the new World and culture seekers with period furniture, English portraits, and ancient garden statuary. YUM YUM, dinner time which is included at one of the famous seafood restaurants in Nags Head before returning to Virginia Beach. (B D)
Day 6,7- Complete your journey with a drive thru of historic Williamsburg. Just a look at what is in store next with another American Classic Tour before beginning your journey home. (B B)
