Bands and Battleships Student Tour
Day 1
P.M. Sail across the Elizabeth River on the American Rover Tall Ship Cruise, the largest passenger carrying topsail schooner operating under the US flag! This majestic, three-masted tall ship, modeled after the cargo schooners that once sailed the Chesapeake Bay, leaves from the downtown Norfolk pier for a narrated two-hour harbor cruise. Educational classes and pizza cruises with a DJ are available for students.
Evening
Walk the cobblestone streets of the historic Freemason district and downtown Norfolk to learn about Sea Legends & Tales on a special Nauticus walk.
Day 2
A.M. Take a guided bus tour of the world’s largest naval installation, Naval Station Norfolk. A knowledgeable, active duty Navy sailor will board your motor coach at the Tour Office and give a narrated tour of the Base.
A.M. Perform aboard the USS Wisconsin, one of the last and largest battleships built by the US Navy. Stand beneath her 16-inch guns and feel the excitement of being aboard a historic warship.
A.M. Explore the power of the sea at Nauticus with one of many educational programs. Nauticus offers many programs including real scientist demonstrations for student groups. Nauticus also features more than 150 exhibits including computer and video interactive films on a giant screen, exotic aquaria, touch pools, shark petting, and national-caliber traveling exhibits. Then stroll through 200 years of naval history at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. (Student educated programs are available).
Lunch
Students can watch the ships sail down the Elizabeth River on the decks of Nauticus with a boxed lunch.P.M. Depart for the Virginia Air and Space Center. Trace the history of flight from its inception and learn about the future of our nation’s space programs through interactive hands-on exhibits. Student programs are available. Aero Zone is a hands-on laboratory experience where students prepare for a cross-country flight that will take them on a tour of various NASA research centers or students can research weather conditions using the Center's weather station, gather information for visits along the way, and work with a global positioning system and amateur radio sty.
Dinner
Board the Spirit of Norfolk. Students can enjoy a nautical setting with dancing and live entertainment all while enjoying the panoramic skyline of Norfolk.
