Rediscover Your Freedom Virginia International Tattoo
When the azaleas are in bloom, Norfolk's spring season is in full swing. As the North American home to NATO, it celebrates the International Azalea Festival and Virginia's International Tattoo with charm and pageantry. Delight in the Azalea Festival's Grand Parade featuring beautiful flowers, marching bands, floats and the Azalea Festival Court. The Norfolk Botanical Garden, a 155 acre jewel containing 30 themed gardens and the largest collection of azaleas on the East Coast, is at its finest during the Festival. The Tattoo is a patriotic display of military splendor, with a cast of over 800 performers from drill teams to pipe and drum corps.Friday, April 18, 2008
P.M. Discover one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, roses and rhododendrons on the East Coast at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Experience 155 glorious acres with guided tours on foot, tram or boat. Then stroll over to The Coronation of the Azalea Festival Queen which takes place inside the garden with special reserve seating for groups.
Dinner
Cap off your tour with dinner and dancing aboard the Spirit of Norfolk. Enjoy freshly prepared food in a nautical setting with dynamic professional live entertainment, as you cruise along the Elizabeth River with the Norfolk skyline as your backdrop.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
A.M. The morning is filled with excitement with the International Azalea Festival “Parade of Nations,” featuring Queen Azalea and her Court, international floats, marching bands and specialty units. Special seating is available for groups.
Later, tour Nauticus, Hampton Roads Naval Museum and Battleship Wisconsin. Nauticus is a fun and exciting interactive science and technology center exploring the power of the sea. It features more than 150 exhibits, films and exotic aquatic life. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum introduces you to over 200 years of naval history in Hampton Roads. Located next to Nauticus is the Battleship Wisconsin, the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy.
Lunch
After the floats, bands and the Queen pass by in the parade, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the 26 NATO Nations and their cultures at NATOfest. Food, entertainment, and ships to tour are just a few of the surprises.P.M. Take a bus tour of the world’s largest naval installation, Naval Station Norfolk. A knowledgeable, active duty Navy guide will board your motor coach and give a narrated tour of the base.
Dinner
Dine at the Freemason Abbey Restaurant & Tavern. The congregation of the Second Presbyterian Church originally dedicated the structure as a church in 1873. 1988, renovation began on the 128 year-old church to refurbish the building into the restaurant it is today.Evening
Enjoy the Virginia International Tattoo which is part parade and part performance featuring top military bands, precision drill teams, massed pipes and drums with over 800 performers.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
A.M. Tour the Macarthur Memorial and discover the life and career of a five star general of the Army. Located in downtown Norfolk’s restored 1850’s City Hall, the complex contains a museum, theater and special exhibit galleries.
