Tall Ships Virginia & America's 250th Anniversary

Experience Tall Ships Virginia & America's 250th Anniversary with Our Preferred Partners at Mayflower Tours

 

In the summer of 2026, America begins a once-in-a-generation celebration of its 250th Anniversary, and along the historic waterfront of Norfolk, Virginia, the world’s great sailing vessels gather for one of the most spectacular maritime festivals ever assembled. Towering masts rise above the harbor, colorful flags snap in the coastal breeze, and proud naval vessels join magnificent tall ships arriving from across the globe for Sail250®, an international celebration marking the beginning of the nation’s Semiquincentennial.

 

Norfolk’s rich maritime heritage provides the perfect setting for this remarkable event. Your journey unfolds amid the beauty of Norfolk Botanical Garden, where winding paths lead through vibrant blooms, tranquil waterways, and beautifully designed landscapes. Nearby, the MacArthur Memorial honors the life and legacy of one of America’s most distinguished military leaders.

 

The region’s history continues along the waters of Hampton Roads during a narrated harbor cruise. Along these storied shores stand landmarks such as Fort Monroe and the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, reminders of a coastline that has witnessed the earliest chapters of the nation’s story.

 

One of the most unforgettable moments of the celebration is the magnificent Parade of Sail. From the historic ramparts of Fort Monroe, watch as a fleet of the world’s most beautiful tall ships and naval vessels enters the harbor in a breathtaking procession. Their towering masts and billowing sails recall the romance of the great age of exploration as ships from around the world gather in a rare peacetime assembly.

 

Along Norfolk’s lively waterfront, the festivities continue as you stroll among the visiting ships and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere surrounding this international gathering. At Nauticus, the city’s maritime discovery center, interactive exhibits reveal the powerful connection between Norfolk and the sea. Nearby, the legendary Battleship Wisconsin rises above the harbor, her massive decks telling the story of American naval service from World War II through the modern era.

 

A special farewell dinner provides a fitting conclusion to this unforgettable journey celebrating the opening chapter of America’s 250th Anniversary.

 

Tour Fare:

$2,099 per person double occupancy (Land Only)

• For a single room for one person, add $999 

• To include round-trip air from San Diego, add $1,150 per person 

 

Protect Your Investment with Mayflower Travelers Protection Plan

• $299 per person, cancel for any reason at least one day prior to departure**

 

Deposit and Final Payment:

• A deposit of $200 per person due within 5 days of booking

• Final Balance is due April 17, 2026

 

** Optional Travelers Protection Plan (TPP) – $299 per person

This nonrefundable fee waives all cancellation fees when we are notified of cancellation at least one day before the tour departs. If you must leave the tour early due to personal illness, illness or death of a member of your immediate family, TPP guarantees a full refund for any unused services after the departure of the tour. Other benefits include medical expenses for illness and injury, emergency transportation, 24 hour hot line, and lost or stolen baggage assistance. Return air transportation is included ONLY if your air tickets were provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours. If you purchase the optional Travelers Protection Plan (TPP), you will be refunded all payments, including deposit amount, less the TPP premium amount.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Norfolk Botanical Garden

 

Norfolk Botanical Garden

 

Apollo 12 Command Module

Tour Manager: Mayflower Tours Professional

 

Activity Level: Moderate

This tour is ideal for travelers with average mobility who enjoy active sightseeing but do not require strenuous physical exertion. A reasonable level of stamina and balance is recommended to comfortably participate in the included touring activities.

 

What's Included in the Tour Fare

• 8 Meals: 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners

• Optional Round-trip air from San Diego to Norfolk, Virginia can be purchased for $1,150*

• Round trip airport transfers

• Spend four nights in Norfolk, Virginia

• Experience Sail250® Virginia, a global gathering of tall ships and military vessels created to kick off the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States

• Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Norfolk Botanical Garden of Lights

• Tour the Norfolk Botanical Garden, a 175-acre garden with more than 60 themed and formal gardens

• See the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial

• Set sail aboard the Hampton Queen for a narrated habor cruise highlighted by over 20 points of interest and over 400 years of history

• Witness the incredible Sail250® Virgina’s “Parade of Sail” featuring a sailing fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military vessels

• Tour Fort Monroe, a National Historic Landmark whose history spans 400 years

• Visit the Virginia Air and Space Center featuring over 30 historic aircraft and the Apollo 12 Command Module

• Stroll among the tall ships, costumed characters, military vessels and shop among the many festival vendors while enjoying live demonstrations and entertainment

• Tour the Nauticus Maritime Discovery Center and tour the Battleship Wisconsin, the largest battleship ever built in the U.S.

• Special farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Manager

 

* With Mayflower Airfare Included

If you choose to include Mayflower's round-trip air transportation at $1,150 per person, please know that air schedule and itineraries may not be available until final documents are received. Air seats are assigned by the airline for the entire group and may not be available until airport check-in. Seat changes can only be attempted at the airport and may not be possible. If specific seat assignments are vital to your reservation, we recommend booking air on your own rather than booking air with the group. If you'd like to provide your own air, please plan to arrive in Norfolk in time to attend the 6:00 PM welcome dinner, and plan your return flight to San Diego to depart Norfolk after 12:00 PM on day five.

 

What's Not Included in the Tour Fare

• Airline baggage fees

• Meals not listed on the itinerary

• Transportation to and from San Diego International Airport

• Travel Insurance or Traveler's Protection Plan

• Gratuities for the Tour Manager and driver

 

Hotel Accommodations

• Courtyard by Marriott or Wyndham Garden Downtown, Norfolk, VA

 

Optional Travelers Protection Plan (TPP) – $299 per person

This nonrefundable fee waives all cancellation fees when we are notified of cancellation at least one day before the tour departs. If you must leave the tour early due to personal illness, illness or death of a member of your immediate family, TPP guarantees a full refund for any unused services after the departure of the tour. Other benefits include medical expenses for illness and injury, emergency transportation, 24 hour hot line, and lost or stolen baggage assistance. Return air transportation is included ONLY if your air tickets were provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours. If you purchase the optional Travelers Protection Plan (TPP), you will be refunded all payments, including deposit amount, less the TPP premium amount.

 

Cancellation Deadlines and Charges Without Traveler’s Protection Plan (TPP)

• 61 days or more: Deposit Amount

• 60 to 31 days prior: 20% of tour cost

• 30 to 15 days prior: 30% of tour cost

• 14 to 1 day prior: 40% of tour cost

• Day of departure or early departure from tour: 100% of tour cost

• No refund on unused portions of the tour

 

How to Make a Reservation

Making your tentative booking is easy. Simply click the Book Now button above, select the number of passengers, then click Book Now next to the tour date to request your space online. You can also call the DayTripper Tours reservations department at (619) 334-3394 during business hours of M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Smartphones

To fully enjoy your trip and to be reachable during your tour, a personal smartphone can greatly enhance your tour experience. Take high-quality photos, share your experience on social media in real time, search for nearby restaurants and topics of interest, set reminders, and more.

 

Tall Ships Virginia and America's 250 Flyer