Sail250® Virginia and Norfolk Harborfest
June 14-21, 2026
8 Days / 7 Nights
Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution
Step back in time with our George Washington & Colonial America Tour! This immersive 8-day journey takes you through the homes and haunts of America's Founding Fathers, from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Sail aboard a tall ship in Alexandria, witness history in Colonial Williamsburg, and experience the excitement of Sail250® Virginia and Norfolk Harborfest. With guided tours, reenactments, and a celebration of America’s maritime heritage, this tour offers the perfect blend of history, adventure, and celebration with these two, amazing events. Enjoy delicious meals, scenic drives, and unique historical experiences along the way!Duration
8 Days /7 Nights
Group size
Min 35
Customization
Available!
Highlights Include:
- Old Town Alexandria,
- Guided Colonial Tour,
- Gadsby’s Tavern,
- Christ Church,
- Tall Ship Providence,
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate,
- George Mason’s Gunston Hall Estate,
- Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello,
- Michie Tavern,
- James Monroe’s Highland - Ash Lawn Estate,
- University of Virginia’s Rotunda,
- James Madison’s Montpelier,
- Virginia State Capital Richmond,
- St. John’s Church & Patrick Henry actor,
- Colonial Williamsburg with Guide,
- Yorktown Visitor Center,
- Sail250® Virginia event,
- Norfolk HarborFest event,
- Parade of Sail event,
- Fort Monroe,
- Virginia Aviation Museum
Sample Itinerary ~
Day 1 - Sunday, June 14, 2026- Arrive in Old Town Alexandria, a beautiful port town and key location during the Revolutionary War. Begin with a Colonial History Tour, visiting iconic landmarks such as Gadsby’s Tavern & Museum and Christ Church.
- Set sail on Tall Ship Providence and capture the spirit of early American seafaring. When you tour Providence, you step back in time into the shoes of a sailor fighting the American Revolution. A sailor straight out of the 18th Century will assign you your role among the crew, show you the ropes, and give a short briefing on your duties and the mission assigned to Providence by the higher ups of the Continental Navy. When you’re ready, you will board Providence and present yourself to her esteemed captain – the legendary John Paul Jones, Father of the American Navy. From there, you will visit the quarterdeck, the main deck, the captain’s cabin, and the hold to see where you’ll be spending the next several months during your time at sea. You may even learn to load a cannon! After disembarking, head to the Naval History Theater for an exclusive showing of the short film, Providence: Dawn of the US Navy, produced especially for Tall Ship Providence and featuring four subject matter experts and many beautiful camera shots.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner in Old Town before checking in to your comfortable accommodations for the night.
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning prior to checking out.
- Discover George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate where America's first president escaped the rigors of public office and enjoyed the life of a plantation farmer. Tour the mansion and explore the estate grounds followed by an included lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn.
- Next, visit Gunston Hall, the estate of Founding Father, George Mason. The 1750s home of Virginia statesman George Mason, features Georgian design and 250-year-old shrubs on a vast, 550+ acres estate.
- In the afternoon, head to Charlottesville for an included dinner and a relaxing evening at your hotel.
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning prior to heading out for a day of adventures.
- Delve into history with a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. During your tour, you'll learn about the ideas of freedom and the realities of slavery that made the United States. The house is a remarkable integration of classical architecture and modern innovation designed by Jefferson and built on the mountain top where he had played as a boy. Mr. Jefferson named his home Monticello, meaning “Little Mountain” and always used the Italian pronunciation of Monticello (mon-ti-chel-oh).
- Lunch is a colonial-themed experience at Michie Tavern, a historic tavern with a period restaurant serving Southern fare by colonial-dressed waitstaff, plus a gift shop & tours.
- In the afternoon, tour Highland / Ash Lawn, the home of James Monroe, where you might even meet Mr. Monroe himself! Highland, formerly Ash Lawn–Highland, located adjacent to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, was the estate of our country's fifth president of the United States.
- End the day with a visit to the University of Virginia’s Rotunda to see the designs of Thomas Jefferson, before enjoying an included dinner and returning to your hotel.
- Fill up with breakfast at the hotel this morning before checking out and hitting the road!
- Tour Montpelier, the lifelong home of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, Architect of the Bill of Rights, and fourth President of the United States. It was also the home to six generations of enslaved individuals. As a museum of American history and center for constitutional education, Montpelier engages the public with the enduring legacy of Madison’s most powerful idea: government by the people. The historic home and 2,700-acre grounds are open to visitors and groups throughout the year with a Visitor Center, formal gardens, and over 8 miles of walking trails to explore.
- Afterwards, head to Richmond to see the Virginia State Capitol, another design by Thomas Jefferson. Experience a reenactment of Patrick Henry’s iconic "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech at St. John’s Church. Continue to Williamsburg for an included dinner and overnight stay.
- Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel this morning.
- Explore Colonial Williamsburg with a Guided Tour. This unique experience boasts a 301-acre living history museum portraying life in the 18th century with 40+ landmark sites & tours.
- Enjoy an included lunch and then head to Yorktown to visit the Visitor Center with a Step-on Guide.
- End the day with a lovely dinner followed by a "Revolutionary" evening program at Colonial Williamsburg.
- Return to your hotel to rest and relax this evening.
- After breakfast, check out and embark on an exciting day of continued celebration!
- Arrive at Fort Monroe and take your waterfront seats to watch the amazing historic ships sail by on their way to Norfolk.
- Enjoy a Guided Tour of historic Fort Monroe with an included lunch while exploring. The Fort has witnessed some of our nation’s most significant events. Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay you can enjoy the panoramic waterfront views, nature trails, historic homes and buildings, restaurants, and beaches. The parade of ships will begin at Lynnhaven Anchorage in Virginia Beach around 7 a.m. June 19, 2026. It will continue for more than four hours. The flotilla will stretch 12 miles as it cruises over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge- Tunnel and the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. Once in Hampton Roads, the ships will peel off to their respective host cities – Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Hampton.
- As the ships come into the Hampton Roads Harbor, Fort Monroe will offer views of ships under sail, and they proceed down the river to Norfolk. View Tall Ships from the bleacher seats along the waterfront at Ft. Monroe as they sail to Norfolk.
- A Guided Tour and an included lunch cap off your exceptional visit to this historic location and amazing event.
- Discover maritime marvels at the Newport News Maritime Museum. One of the largest maritime museums in the country. You will discover fascinating stories captured in the priceless artifacts that celebrate the spirit of the open sea. Explore small craft from around the world, view maritime art, handcrafted ship models and rare figureheads, before heading to Norfolk/Virginia beach.
- A delightful dinner is included this evening prior to returning to your hotel to rest and relax. A two-day ferry pass is included in your tour package for direct access to the Norfolk Waterfront. The Ferry is walking distance from your hotel and ongoing throughout the day.
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning.
- Depart to board the Ferry to the Norfolk Waterfront to board and explore docked SAIL Ship Tours and HarborFest!
- Enjoy a free day to explore using your Ferry passes, the Sail250® Virginia and Norfolk Harborfest. (Schedule: TBD)
- Be sure not to miss exploring Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin. Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military.
- Other activities to consider are the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Douglass McArthur Memorial.
- End the day with an exclusive Dinner Cruise and stunning fireworks display over the water on the beautiful Spirit of Norfolk Cruise Ship. Live entertainment caps off an incredible day of adventure and history and an indulgent evening of great food, company, dancing, and fireworks celebration!
- Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel this morning prior to checking out.
- Depart for home, taking with you a wealth of memories from America's historic beginnings and the excitement of Sail250® Virginia and Norfolk Harborfest!
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