Compare The Virginia International Tattoo at the Virginia Arts Festival by Road Scholar vs USA Road Trip — Highway 1, Yosemite & Utah by G Adventures

Day 1
Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Norfolk, VA D Courtyard Marriott Norfolk Downtown
Activity note: Hotel check in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00-5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and pick up your Welcome packet containing an up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet dinner with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Unless noted otherwise, travel and transfers will be provided primarily by school buses, which are not equipped with air-conditioning. We will pre-select choices for some meals using forms in the preparatory materials. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 2
Parade of Nations, Chrysler Museum, Backstage, Tattoo
Norfolk, VA B,L,D Courtyard Marriott Norfolk Downtown
Activity note: Walking approx. 1.5 miles throughout the day; some stairs at parade risers and Scope Arena; periods of standing at Chrysler Museum. Our reserved seats for the parade are not covered; be sure to account for the weather. Driving approximately 4.5 miles; about 2 hours total, with stops. School buses are not equipped with air-conditioning. Evening performance is approx. 2 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Immediately following breakfast we’ll walk a few blocks from the hotel with our Group Leader and take our reserved seats for the Parade of Nations, held in conjunction with the Virginia International Tattoo and the Norfolk NATO Festival. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a political and military alliance safeguarding freedom and security. Norfolk has been the site of NATO’s Supreme Allied Command, Atlantic, since 1953. Not only does the Parade of Nations feature floats and international military bands from all 28 NATO nations as well as high school marching bands, but it is the only parade in the United States that formally honors NATO. After the parade, we’ll board our school bus for a very short transfer to the Chrysler Museum of Art.

Lunch: At the museum, we’ll have our pre-selected boxed lunches including a choice of sandwich, plus chips, a cookie, and drink.

Afternoon: Then we’ll go on a docent-led exploration through the Chrysler Museum of Art. It was preceded by the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences, but everything changed when art collector, philanthropist, and benefactor Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., donated his personal art collection to Norfolk in 1971. His contribution — one of the greatest museum gifts in American history — resulted in the Norfolk Museum being renamed for him as it became one of the finest art museums in the country. It has been dubbed by museum experts one of America’s “Six Magnetic Museums” for its audience engagement. Next, we’ll board the school bus for a short ride to the Scope Arena for a behind-the-scenes look at the Virginia International Tattoo led by the directors and event staff. A tattoo, in this context, is a gathering of an ensemble for the performance of military music, but the word originated in the 17th century when military drummers would signal the time for soldiers to return to their barracks. As we walk, we will learn from them about tonight's performance, the production and staging of the event, and the venue before having some time to pose any questions. We’ll then return to the hotel.

Dinner: After walking a short distance to the Brick House Diner, we’ll arrive and enjoy our pre-selected plated entrée choices, plus salad, rolls, and dessert. Non-alcoholic beverages included; BYOB is permitted.

Evening: Returning to the Scope Arena via school bus, we will head inside to our reserved seats for an exceptionally exciting and colorful display of musical "tattoos." Tonight's Grand Performance lasts approximately two hours with all of the participating bands and units, concluding in a grand finale. The Virginia International Tattoo, the greatest and grandest in the U.S., involves more than 1,000 performers. In addition to the military bands and drill teams, there are pipe and drum bands from around the world, dancers, choirs, and much more. The spirit of patriotism and love of country suffuses every event. We’ll then return to the hotel via school bus after the performance.

Day 3
Norfolk History, MacArthur Memorial, Nauticus, A Capella
Norfolk, VA B,L,D Courtyard Marriott Norfolk Downtown
Activity note: Walking approx. 1.5 miles; about 2 hours, with periods of standing; some stairs. Driving approximately 2 miles; about 1/2 hour for the day, with stops.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will start our day with a presentation in the hotel meeting room given by a local historian and Norfolk resident. Norfolk is the home of the world’s largest naval base. Service members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Marines are also well represented. The total population of active duty service members and related civilian personnel is approximately 150,000, not including their families. Next, we will walk the short distance to the MacArthur Memorial, which pays tribute to General of the Army, Douglas A. MacArthur, as well as the men and women who served with him during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The memorial uses his life and times to learn about American history and we will have time to explore MacArthur’s grave and the museum’s other exhibits independently. Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) was one of America’s most notable military leaders before, during, and after World War II. He was also controversial, and was ultimately removed from command by President Harry Truman. He is particularly remembered for two statements: the first, when leaving the Philippines in the face of advancing Japanese troops, “I shall return!” and the second from his farewell address, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.” We’ll then continue to Scope Arena to listen to the music of the Hullabaloo in the open air.

Lunch: At the Scope Plaza, everyone will receive a stipend with which to enjoy lunch. Choose from the many food vendors as the Hullabaloo performances and Drumline Competition are underway. Outdoor venue; no seating for dining.

Afternoon: Rendezvousing at a predetermined time and place, we’ll board the school bus and head to our next stop, Nauticus, Home of the Battleship Wisconsin, Nauticus is an interactive science and technology center that explores the naval, economic, and nautical power of the sea, with exhibits that range from the anatomy of a battleship to secrets of the deep. This field trip will be free for independent exploration, giving us the opportunity to see and do what interests each of us most. There will also be docents around the facility to answer any questions you may have. We’ll then return to the hotel before walking to dinner.

Dinner: Brick House Diner pre-selected plated meals.

Evening: Back at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a private performance just for our Road Scholar group by members of the Virginia Coast Chorus (VCC), an award-winning women’s show chorus. The group has members from all walks of life and specializes in the close harmonies of a capella “barbershop” singing. The VCC is an affiliate of the highly respected organization Sweet Adelines International that extends over five continents. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure following our final field trip in the morning.

Day 4
Harbor Naval Base Cruise at Nauticus, Program Concludes
Norfolk, VA B,L
Activity note: Short driving transfer. Walking approx. 1/2 mile; ramp to board boat; wearing comfortable and non-slip shoes aboard boat suggested. Getting on/off harbor boat; ride is about 2 hours; expected to end by approx. 10:30 a.m.; hotel check out by 12:00 Noon. Booking flights after 2:00 p.m. is recommended to allow ample time to travel to the airport.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: For our last field trip, we will be transported via school bus a short distance and board the cruise vessel, Victory Rover, for a morning of amazing sights along the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. This is one of the world’s busiest seaports with the world’s largest naval base, home of America’s Atlantic Fleet. The main cabin has large picture windows and comfortable seating with more seating and views up top. As we go, the captain will give fascinating and entertaining commentary about what we’re seeing. At the conclusion of harbor cruise in the mid-morning, we’ll get off the boat, pick up our boxed lunches, and transfer back to the hotel for check-out.

Lunch: Box lunches will be available dockside to take with you. The choices have been pre-selected prior to arrival at the program. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1 Los Angeles/Santa Margarita

Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.

Day 2 Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz

Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.

Day 3 Santa Cruz/San Francisco

Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 4 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park

Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.

Day 5 Yosemite National Park

Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.

Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.

Day 6 Yosemite National Park

Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.

Day 7 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach

Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.

After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.

Day 8 Hermosa Beach

Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.

Day 9 Hermosa Beach/Joshua Tree National Park

Depart the coast for the desert today, travelling through Los Angeles on the journey eastward to explore Joshua Tree National Park. Climb through the park’s famous rock formations and make sure to get some photos of the park's namesake tree as the sun lights up this desolate landscape.

Day 10 Joshua Tree National Park/Grand Canyon National Park

Drive down the famed Route 66 today as we cruise further east to the Grand Canyon. Get ready to see breathtaking views with arguably the best sunset you have ever seen overlooking the Grand Canyon. Kick off those shoes, sit back, relax, and enjoy one of nature’s finest performances. Enjoy a cheesy slice of pizza or two overlooking the Grand Canyon during sunset.

Day 11 Grand Canyon

Get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon as you spend the day hiking from the South Rim. There are a variety of hikes to choose from that will take you deeper into the canyon where you can really appreciate the size and depth of this national park. Choose whichever trail you wish or do short bursts of multiple hikes, just make sure you bring plenty of water and take your time.

Opt to book the Grand Canyon helicopter ride for a bird's-eye view during a 45 to 50 minutes flight over the canyon.

Day 12 Grand Canyon/Page/Bryce Canyon

Journey onwards from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona, the site of Lake Powell. There will be free time here. Opt to join a local Navajo guide and explore Antelope Canyon; a stunning natural sandstone slot canyon located on tribal lands. Then, lace up those hiking boots for a visit to Horseshoe Bend, a geological masterpiece that has been sculpted by the Colorado River. Walk to the overlook where you can hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment. Finish the day with a picturesque drive to your camp in Bryce Canyon.

Day 13 Bryce Canyon

After a camp breakfast head out for a short drive into Bryce Canyon National Park. Once in the park, take advantage of your free time to hike through the wild and weird rock formations known as hoodoos. Opt to visit Inspiration Point, hit the rim trail, horseback ride, or hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo loop trails to see sites like Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street. At night stargaze in a park known for its night skies.

Day 14 Bryce Canyon/Zion National Park

We pack up early this morning and move on towards Zion and our Glamping tents! Located in a private canyon away from civilization, but close to Zion National Park this location is made for outdoor enthusiasts who also like to be pampered a little. On route to camp we will make a stop at the lesser-known Coral Pink Sand Dunes and enjoy a scenic overlook of Utah’s surrounding landscape on the Colorado Plateau. It’s a unique geological feature that you shouldn’t miss. You’ll have free time in the afternoon and evening to become acquainted with your surroundings. Maybe hike the Water Canyon trail or enjoy camp and put on a cornhole tournament as a group. The only rule is to have a good time!

Day 15 Zion National Park

It’s all about Zion today as you get a chance to wander this beautiful national park in Southwest Utah. Take the shuttle into the park and spend the day exploring and hiking with your fellow travelers. Admire the monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and remember you can choose to turn around on these hikes at any point. In the evening enjoy leisure time back at our Glamping tents. Once it gets dark get ready to sit around the campfire and roast some marshmallows as a group.

Day 16 Zion National Park/Las Vegas

This morning opt to get in one last activity at our Glamping site if you ran out of time yesterday or simply relax in the wild surroundings. Then the group will drive from Zion to Las Vegas where the tour ends on arrival.