The International Tattoo and The Outer Banks of North Carolina

Experience the History and Beauty of the Outer Banks followed by the Magnificent Military Pageantry of the International Tattoo

April 20-25, 2025

Embark on a captivating journey through the historic gems and picturesque landscapes of the Outer Banks region. Explore historic lighthouses, witness the wild horses, immerse yourself in the maritime beauty, and experience the largest tattoo event in the country on this luxurious epicurean tour.

Duration
6 Days /5 Nights

Group size
Min 35

Customization
Available!
Highlights:
  • Currituck Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour
  • Currituck Lighthouse
  • Whalehead in Historic Corolla
  • Bodie Island Lighthouse
  • Roanoke Island
  • Manteo Waterfront
  • North Carolina Aquarium
  • The Christmas Shop
  • Wright Brothers National Memorial
  • Virginia Beach Oceanfront accommodations
  • Premium Seating for the International Tattoo Performance
  • Norfolk Botanical Gardens
  • Military Aviation Museum
  • Exclusive VIP Mermaid Beach Bash
  • Nauticus, The National Maritime Center
  • Battleship USS Wisconsin

Sample Itinerary:

 

Estimated Tour Pricing Inclusions: 5 nights’ luxury accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners, admissions, entrance, and guide fees as stated in the itinerary, including taxes, and gratuity. Except gratuity for guide fees is not included on adult tours unless otherwise requested.

Day 1 - Sunday, April 20, 2025 - 
  • Arrive in the Outer Banks, NC, and check-in to your hotel.
  • Begin your adventure with a mouth-watering Welcome Dinner Seafood Feast at a popular restaurant serving the freshest of local fare.
 
Day 2 - Monday, April 21, 2025 - 
  • Enjoy an included breakfast at your hotel this morning.
  • Embark on an wonderous adventure today with a Guided Wild Horse Tour. On the Currituck Outer Banks, the Corolla Wild Horses, are descendants of colonial Spanish Mustangs brought by explorers over 400 years ago. You will get within picture-taking distance while hearing a great history lesson about the horses.
  • Visit the Currituck Lighthouse and climb the 220 steps to the top for breathtaking views while learning from docents, exhibits, and brochures about the lives of lighthouse keepers, along with the history and significance of the light station.
  • Take a step back in time when you visit Whalehead in Historic Corolla. Originally built in the 1920s, you’ll explore this magnificent residence, restored to its original grandeur.
  • Enjoy a fantastic included dinner to conclude your day of adventure before returning to your hotel.
 
Day 3 - Tuesday, April 22, 2025 - 
  • A leisurely breakfast is served with time to enjoy the beach and boardwalk.
  • Visit the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the 3rd such beacon built to help mariners on the coast from Cape Hatteras to the beaches of Currituck. Adventures can climb the steps to the top and take in the gorgeous natural surroundings of Bodie Island, the Atlantic Ocean, and Pamlico Sound.
  • Return to your hotel to freshen-up for the evening.
  • Visit Roanoke Island, one of the best known Outer Banks attractions with a colorful history dating back to the 16th century. The history of Roanoke Island is tied to the very foundation of colonies on North America and is famous for the “Lost Colony” which continues to mystify historians today.
  • Enjoy free time and lunch on your own at Manteo Waterfront known for its tranquil marina and historic lighthouse.
  • Explore the North Carolina Aquarium, a beloved attraction located in a 68,000-sq.-ft. complex featuring all manners of aquatic sea life and exceptional exhibits.
  • Discover the Christmas Shop, an Outer Banks staple for over 50 years! Explore 25,000-sq.-ft. of ornaments, decor, coastal accents, jewelry, wine and more.
  • Delight with a delicious included dinner at a local favorite restaurant.
 
Day 4 - Wednesday, April 23, 2025 -
  • A leisurely breakfast is served at the hotel this morning.
  • Check-out this morning & stop to see the Wright Brothers National Memorial the spot of the first airplane flight before departing for Norfolk, VA.
  • Enjoy free time and lunch on own at Norfolk’s Waterside District with expansive patio seating and direct views of the Elizabeth River.
  • Explore Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, an exciting science and technology center exploring the power of the sea. Visit the Battleship USS Wisconsin, one of the largest Battleships ever built. This mighty ship was used during the Korean Conflict, World War II, and the Gulf War. Venture around the museum to view additional small crafts from around the world, view maritime art, handcrafted ship models and rare figureheads, and experience a 3D film in the Explorers Theater!
  • Check-in to your Oceanfront hotel and enjoy a free evening to take advantage of the hotel amenities, explore the beach, stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy dinner on your own. Retire to your room at your leisure.

 
Day 5 - Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 
  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning.
  • Embark on a Tram Ride among the blooms at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. The garden has one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons on the East Coast in a 155-acre garden with canal boats, trackless train tours, and unique special theme gardens
  • Enjoy free time today for additional exploration time and lunch and dinner on own.
  • Depart this evening for Hulabaloo, the perfect opportunity to shake hands with an active duty member of armed forces and take a selfie with a highland dancer.
  • Experience Military Pageantry like no other! Enjoy the amazing International Tattoo Performance from your Premium-View Seats! This awe inspiring show is filled with “Music & Might” inspiring audiences around the world. Enjoy precision drill teams, resplendent militia bands, and a host of performers sure to thrill. This is the largest spectacle of military music and might in the United States featuring an astounding display of inspirational music, majestic massed Pipes and Drums, show stopping Drill Team maneuvers, elegant dancers in colorful costumes, and more.  This is the largest tattoo event of its kind in the United States.
  • Return to your hotel for the evening.
 

Day 6 - Friday, April 25, 2025 - 
  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning prior to checking out.
  • Tour Fort Monroe National Monument which has a diverse history spanning the American story from American Indian presence, Captain John Smith's journeys, first arrival of enslaved Africans in English North America, a safe haven for freedom seekers during the American Civil War, and a bastion of defense for the Chesapeake Bay through the 21st Century. Visit and witness the on-going preservation work in action.
  • Discover the Mariner's Museum and Park. The Museum is filled with fascinating stories, captured in priceless artifacts that celebrate the spirit of the open sea. Designated by Congress as America’s National Maritime Museum, The Mariners’ Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive maritime museums in the world. Through the stories told in the Museum’s world-class collection, guests are encouraged to explore their own history and discover their story to see how we are all connected to the water.
    • Enjoy an included lunch while visiting the museum.
  • Depart for home

Base rate does not include motor coach transportation, airfare, airport transfers, driver gratuity, guide gratuity, (student groups exempt) or any upgrades or add-ons unlisted from itinerary as stated. Pricing may vary based on day of arrival or other conditions. Personalized itineraries with custom pricing and/or additional transportation can be created and added based on client needs and upon client’s request. MARS will customize quotes or personalize itineraries for FREE.
*Additional add-ons available including Jamestown / Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg, The National Museum of the United States Army, the Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico, Washington, DC, touring, and much more.
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