What is the Virginia International Tattoo?
It’s an elaborate military marching band performance featuring personnel from over a dozen militaries around the world. The Tattoo is the largest ceremonial military band performance in the United States!
“Tattoo” Origin
Historically, tattoos stem from a 17th-century European tradition of military drummers alerting soldiers that it was time to return to their barracks for the evening. After hearing the call of the local regiments’ fifes and drums, the Dutch Low Country innkeepers would call “Doe den tap toe!” – “Turn off the taps!” The “tap too” evolved over time, and the word “tattoo” now refers to a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands.
Day 1 – Home to Virginia Beach, VA
Today our grand adventure to scenic Virginia Beach begins! Upon arrival at Norfolk International Airport, our motorcoach takes us directly to the heart of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk where we’ll check into the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. We’ll happily settle into our oceanfront rooms with private balconies, our home for the next 5 nights! A welcome dinner is served at Waterman’s Surfside Grill, giving us the opportunity to get to know one another.
Included Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oceanfront (5 Nights)
Day 2 – Virginia Beach & Colonial Williamsburg
After a hot breakfast, our local guide will take us on a “Welcome to Virginia Beach” driving tour, getting us acquainted with this coastal resort town. Our morning includes a visit to the Military Aviation Museum, home to one of the largest private collections of World War II and Korean War era fighters, bombers, trainers and seaplanes in the world. Many aircraft have been fully restored to their World War II condition and are used for flight demonstration, movie production and commercials. Lunch is on your own to choose from the many options at Landstown Commons. Then we travel northwest to the charming town of Colonial Williamsburg, where we will be transported back in time as we meet the tradespeople, members of the enslaved community, shopkeepers, and political figures that call Williamsburg home. With the help of our guide, we’ll explore historic 18th century buildings, engage with our nation’s founders, and gain a new perspective of our American story. With so much to see and do, there is something for everyone – history lovers, makers, and fans of architecture – as we tour this living museum, where costumed hosts recreate the sights and sounds of America 300 years ago. We’ll enjoy dinner here in Colonial Williamsburg before we head back to Virginia Beach.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Virginia Beach & Norfolk
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some time to explore our wonderful Virginia Beach oceanfront! Mid-morning we head to the Fort Story Military Base and explore the grounds around the old 1792 Cape Henry Lighthouse, a symbol of Virginia Beach that stands near the spot where in 1607 Captain Newport raised a cross to offer thanks for the safe crossing of the Atlantic by the first settlers. Next we visit the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, lovely in full bloom. Take a trackless tram to explore 155 acres of rare flowers, mature forests, and one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, and roses on the East Coast. Afterwards, lunch will be on your own along downtown Norfolk’s historic Granby Street. It’s time to board the Victory Rover for a 2-hour narrated naval base cruise on the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River. Our captain will share a wealth of information as we tour one of the world’s busiest seaports including the world’s largest naval base. Home of the Atlantic Fleet, we’ll view destroyers, guided missile cruisers, submarines, aircraft carriers, and more. Then we’ll learn all about downtown Norfolk as a step-on guide join us for an interesting tour. A delicious dinner is served at the classy Town Point Club before we return to our hotel for the evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Virginia Beach
After breakfast, we depart early to visit Nauticus, a marine and science center that explores the power of the sea with interactive exhibits. Connected to the museum is the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy, which we can explore above and below deck. Next we will settle into our assigned seats for Norfolk Fest’s Parade of Nations, the nation’s only parade dedicated to our NATO allies and their families! Afterwards, we’ll walk to the Norfolk NATO Festival International Village where we’ll have the chance to interact with NATO Representatives and explore international heritage with cultural performances & international art. We’ll have a boxed lunch before it’s time to head back out on the water as we go cruising for dolphins. Be watching for these playful & intelligent mammals! Back on land, we return to the hotel to freshen up before a delicious dinner at Bubba’s Seafood, set on the waterfront of Lynnhaven Inlet.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Virginia Beach & Norfolk
Today is a special patriotic day! We’ll start out with a leisurely breakfast and time to explore the Virginia Beach oceanfront. You’ve see the 28-foot-wide boardwalk from your private balcony, so if you haven’t already, this morning is a perfect time to stroll along, taking in the gorgeous ocean views! Or perhaps you’ll wish to enjoy the indoor heated pool and hot tub. Sitting out on your balcony and watching the crashing waves or sinking your toes in the sand as you stroll along the beach (there’s over 3 miles of beach right outside your door!) – the possibilities are wonderful! Gathering together, we’ll set sail aboard the Spirit of Norfolk for their fantastic Sunday Brunch Cruise! We’ll feast on a sumptuous, chef-prepared brunch buffet as we take in the gorgeous views of Norfolk’s spectacular architecture. Don’t forget your dancing shoes as there will be DJ entertainment onboard. Be sure to step out to an open air-roof deck as we pass by the magnificent skyline! The moment we’ve been waiting for is here – let’s prepare ourselves for the downbeat of the Virginia International Tattoo! Established in 1997, the Virginia International Tattoo, is an annual celebration of patriotism and international goodwill. Every year, the Tattoo welcomes over 800 performers from all over the world in a display of military bands, drill teams, massed pipes and drums, Celtic dancers, choirs, and more. We’ll witness pageantry and patriotism, spirit and spectacle, talent, teamwork, and precision personified. It is the largest tattoo in the United States – and R&J Tours has premium seating reserved for this incredible experience! Returning to the hotel, dinner is on your own to choose from a restaurant along the boardwalk. Then you’ll probably find yourself out on your balcony, savoring the spectacular view, with rhythms of patriotism in your heart!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Day 6 – Virginia Beach to Home
Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel. The breakfast area’s floor to ceiling windows sure have offered us beautiful views of the beach & boardwalk every morning! Departing the hotel, we will visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to experience coastal habitats from around the world. The aquarium includes thousands of animals representing over 300 species, displayed in entertaining and educational exhibits that are ready to enchant and inspire us. A boxed lunch is included at the aquarium. Then we arrive at the Norfolk International Airport to catch our flight for home. Ohhh… Virginia Beach you’ve been so fun to visit, and as for the International Tattoo… you’re a performance we won’t forget!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch
Judy and Vic Treptau, R&J Virginia Beach Tour Directors in 2025, stated:
“When we found out we had the honor of Tour Directing this 2025 tour, we were thrilled! Having the opportunity to visit Norfolk and Virginia Beach and immerse ourselves in the rich military history of these two towns was an experience we won’t soon forget! Each day was filled with interesting sights to see and hear. One morning as we were getting ready for the day, the F-18 Super Hornets flew over the hotel out towards the ocean in 12 groups of 2!!! We couldn’t believe it!! The tour of the battleship USS Wisconsin was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Walking all the decks and seeing all the rooms & spaces was just amazing. Attending the International Tattoo Festival was an unbelievable display of music, dance and precision performances done by military groups from around the world. To see people from many nations combine their talents in such a beautiful way touched our hearts deeply. We were all fixated on each performance and wished it would never end!! If you are someone who loves our country, the military, or if you are someone who served in one of the armed forces, this tour is a must!!”
Flyaway Per Person Pricing Information
Flyaway Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
RT Airfare including taxes, fuel surcharges & baggage fees! 12 Meals, Activities & Hotels as stated, Luxury Motorcoach
04/15/2026 04/20/2026
Tour Map
Tour Highlights
* 5 Nights at Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Virginia Beach featuring Oceanfront Rooms with Private Balconies!
* Virginia International Tattoo featuring Premium Seats!
* Virginia Beach Guided Tour
* Military Aviation Museum
* Historic Colonial Williamsburg Guided Tour
* Norfolk Guided Tour
* Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise
* Norfolk Botanical Gardens Tram Tour
* Spirit of Norfolk Brunch Cruise
* Nauticus Museum & USS Wisconsin
* NATO Fest’s Parade of Nations featuring Assigned Seats
* Dolphin Watching Cruise
* Fort Story Military Base, home to Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
* Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
