Norfolk 50th Annual Harborfest & Tall Ships 2026

DAY 1

Celebrate America with Wolf's Bus Lines on this trip to Norfolk, VA! Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's birth in 1776 with a trip to Norfolk, Virginia to witness a fleet of International tall ships and military vessels parade through the waterfront as part of Sail250 America. 2026 also marks the 50th anniversary of Harborfest which features an amazing variety of food vendors, spectacular live entertainment and a grand fireworks display through the downtown Norfolk waterfront.Following a breakfast stop at your expense along the way, you arrive in Richmond, VA for a tour of Historic St. John's Church before you take a seat in a pew for a reenactment. During this immersive experience, witness the democratic process at work through the animated reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention in 1775, which culminates in Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death!" speech that changed the course of history lighting the spark of the War of Independence. Afterwards, you depart for check in at your host hotel for the next three nights, the Wyndham Norfolk Downtown (757-627-5555). Hotel amenities include a fitness center, business center, complimentary Wi-Fi, onsite lounge and restaurant. Guest rooms feature flat screen HD TV and complimentary wireless internet. Dinner tonight is included at a local restaurant with the remainder of the night to relax and unwind.

DAY 2

Wake to breakfast included at the hotel before you board the motorcoach and depart for a self-guided visit of Nauticus. Located at the Norfolk waterfront, Nauticus is a "floating museum" filled with interactive maritime history and science exhibits. Adjacent to Nauticus is the Battleship Wisconsin (BB-64), an Iowa-class battleship, the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Enjoy a self-guided walk on her teak decks, explore interior rooms and discover vast history while on the great ship. Next, prepare to witness the Parade of Sail event featuring approximately 4,000 officers, cadets and crews of more than 55 ships from 20 nations. Have your camera ready as you watch tall ships, boats and vessels sail past you down the Elizabeth River. At the conclusion of the Parade of Sail, you have additional time to continue exploration of Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin, as well as have lunch included during that time. This afternoon, you will board a sightseeing vessel to enjoy a narrated, sightseeing cruise. Your captain provides entertaining and fascinating commentary as you cruise the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and one of the busiest seaports including the world's largest naval base which is home of the Atlantic Fleet. Next, enjoy time to yourself to stroll through the 50th Annual Harborfest. The celebration offers visitors live music, a variety of artisan food vendors and the opportunity to explore the deck of a tall ship and talk with crew members. Harborfest also has one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast, interactive games and activities, as well as Navy exhibits and demonstrations. Dinner is on your own tonight as you enjoy Harborfest. Afterwards, you return to the hotel to rest up after a busy day maritime excitement.

DAY 3

Following breakfast included at the hotel, you board the coach and depart for the MacArthur Memorial to discover the compelling story of General Douglas MacArthur, a five-star General of the Army who served our nation through five wars. The memorial consists of a museum, archive and research center, education center, theatre, welcome center and a gift shop. Following your visit, enjoy free time to stroll Granby Street for lunch on your own. Just one block from Harborfest, Granby Street is home to over 30 locally owned and operated restaurants. Scattered throughout the area are local retailers to satisfy your craving to shop. Next, Proper Identification is Required to tour the Naval Station Norfolk. (Please Note: Passengers 18 years and older are REQUIRED to present valid Government Issued Photo Identification and clear airport-style security to enter Naval Station Norfolk. Valid Passports are REQUIRED for NON-US Citizens.) The world's largest naval installation and home to the Atlantic Fleet, Naval Station Norfolk is the hub for Navy logistics going to the European and Central Command theatres of operations, and to the Caribbean. (Tour is Subject to Availability) Afterwards, return to Norfolk waterfront to further explore the Harborfest Celebration. Listen to the live music, stroll the deck of a tall ship, engage in one of the many available activities, view the Navy exhibits and demonstrations, and get a taste of Norfolk's fabulous food vendors as dinner is on your own and at your expense while at Harborfest. You return to the hotel after free time to enjoy Harborfest.

DAY 4

Enjoy breakfast included at the hotel before you check out and begin to make your way home. There is one more stop along the way at Maymont Mansion. A 100-acre green space in the heart of Richmond, Maymont welcomes visitors to tour the Gilded Age Mansion, stroll through the beautifully curated gardens and gaze out over the rolling hills that make up this scenic property. After your visit, you board the motorcoach and depart for home with appropriate meal and rest stops as needed.

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**Please Note: Proper valid photo identification is required to enter the Naval Station Norfolk.**

***ALL WOLF'S TOURS - Times and Itinerary are Subject to Change ***

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner