Drums of Liberty: Historic Virginia & Int'l Tattoo

Day 1

Day 1: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Your adventure begins this morning as you board a luxury Burlington Trailways motorcoach at the available departure location of your choice. Meet your professional driver and friendly onboard tour host who will accompany you throughout the trip. Settle into spacious leather seats and enjoy the ride with onboard Wi-Fi, ample legroom, and complimentary snacks to keep you comfortable. This is a relaxing travel day, with planned rest and refreshment stops along the way. Tonight’s accommodations are at the Drury Inn Dayton North, where you’ll enjoy a restful evening before the journey into Revolutionary history continues.

Day 2

Day 2: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Start the day with a delicious hot breakfast buffet at the Drury Inn before boarding your Burlington Trailways motorcoach for another comfortable travel day. As we journey eastward to Richmond, Virginia, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travelers, scenic views, and the attentive care of your tour host. We’ll make rest and refreshment stops, along with a break for lunch on your own. This evening, we arrive in historic Richmond and gather for a welcoming group dinner, kicking off the heart of our Revolutionary journey.

Day 3

Day 3: Friday, April 17, 2026
Enjoy a hearty hotel breakfast before setting out on a day filled with heritage and history. Our first stop is Tuckahoe Plantation, the boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson. This National Historic Landmark offers a glimpse into 18th-century plantation life with its beautifully preserved Georgian architecture, formal gardens, and original outbuildings. As you stroll the grounds on a guided tour, you’ll learn about the Jefferson family and the lives of those who lived and worked at Tuckahoe, gaining insight into Virginia’s colonial past.
Following free time for lunch on your own, we continue to Virginia’s State Capitol in downtown Richmond. Designed by Thomas Jefferson and modeled after a Roman temple, this neoclassical marvel has been the seat of the Virginia General Assembly since 1788. Step inside to discover fascinating details like pre-historic fossils embedded in the marble floors and a hidden interior dome that surprises visitors expecting a grand exterior.
A highlight of your visit will be the Rotunda’s awe-inspiring statuary, including the renowned life-size statue of George Washington by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Widely considered the most accurate likeness of Washington, the statue shows him in military uniform beside a plowshare and fasces—symbols of peace and civil authority. The Capitol also features busts and portraits of Virginia’s founding figures, such as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, celebrating the Commonwealth’s deep ties to America’s founding.
Later this afternoon, we continue to Williamsburg, where we’ll check in for a relaxing overnight stay at the Embassy Suites. This evening, enjoy a group dinner and take time to reflect on a day filled with architectural splendor, powerful storytelling, and unforgettable glimpses into America’s Revolutionary heritage.

Day 4

Day 4: Saturday, April 18, 2026
After breakfast at the hotel, step back in time as we meet our expert Colonial guide and begin a captivating tour of Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum. Walk the same streets as the patriots who sparked a revolution, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories of 18th-century Virginia.
Our guided tour includes visits to two of Williamsburg’s most iconic landmarks: the Capitol and the Governor’s Palace. The Capitol building, once the center of political life in colonial Virginia, is where passionate debates and legislative decisions helped pave the way toward American independence. The Governor’s Palace, with its grand facade, lavish interiors, and formal gardens, served as the official residence of the Royal Governors of Virginia—and later, revolutionary leaders like Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. As you explore, costumed interpreters bring the past vividly to life, sharing tales of rebellion, loyalty, and leadership.
After some free time for lunch on your own, we continue our historical journey with a visit to the Jamestown Settlement. This immersive museum and outdoor living-history site tells the story of America’s first permanent English colony, founded in 1607. Your guided tour includes exploration of the recreated James Fort, Powhatan Indian village, and full-size replicas of the three ships—the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery—that brought the first settlers across the Atlantic. Onboard and along the shore, costumed interpreters demonstrate 17th-century skills, answer questions, and interact with visitors, offering a true hands-on experience.
In the Indian village, learn how the Powhatan people lived, farmed, and interacted with early colonists. Inside the museum galleries, discover engaging exhibits featuring rare artifacts, interactive displays, and stories of the complex relationships between the English, the Powhatan, and African peoples in early Virginia.
This evening, we gather for a delicious group dinner at a local Williamsburg favorite, where we can relax, share your thoughts of the day, and enjoy new friendships before returning to our hotel for the night.

Day 5

Day 5: Sunday, April 19, 2026
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out for the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, where the story of America’s founding comes to life through immersive exhibits and powerful storytelling. Begin with a guided tour of the museum’s impressive galleries, filled with interactive displays, rare artifacts, and multimedia presentations that trace the path from colonial unrest to the birth of a new nation.
Outside, step into the past in the Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm, where costumed historical interpreters demonstrate daily life during the Revolutionary War. Watch as soldiers drill, cook over open fires, tend crops, and describe the hardships and hopes of wartime life. You’ll have time to explore these living-history areas and museum exhibits at your own pace after the guided portion.
An included box lunch will be served in a private classroom while a short introductory film sets the stage for the afternoon’s events. Then, take your seat in the museum’s outdoor amphitheater for an exciting live presentation featuring a cannon firing, fife and drum performance, and a musket demonstration—an unforgettable sensory experience that echoes the battles and spirit of 1776.
Following this enriching visit, we return to the hotel to freshen up before a very special evening.
Tonight’s Revolutionary Welcome Reception and Dinner is a true step back in time. Dine in the company of the Revolution’s most iconic figures—Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Patrick Henry—brought to life by skilled historical interpreters. As you mingle and enjoy your meal, these larger-than-life characters share stirring stories of rebellion, liberty, and the bold vision that shaped our nation. The evening will also feature live musical entertainment offering an evening of dancing and fun with the Rondels.

Day 6

Day 6: Monday, April 20, 2026
After one final breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a fascinating visit to The Mariners’ Museum, one of the largest and most comprehensive maritime museums in the United States. Home to over 35,000 square feet of exhibits, the museum highlights the rich history of global maritime exploration, naval warfare, and the evolution of seafaring technology. Explore the world-renowned USS Monitor Center, which houses the artifacts and remains of the Civil War-era ironclad warship, as well as a vast collection of ship models, paintings, and maritime artifacts from across the centuries. This is a must-see stop for those with an interest in the high seas and American history.
Next, we continue on to Norfolk, where a buffet lunch awaits at the Taste ‘n See at the Murray Center, accompanied by a preview of the International Tattoo with live performances. This event provides a sneak peek into one of the world’s largest and most prestigious military music festivals, where military bands, drill teams, and performers from around the globe showcase their talents in an exhilarating display of pageantry and precision.
Following lunch, we take a short walk to the Hullabaloo, a special performance event that adds another layer of fun and excitement to our journey. The Hullabaloo is an energetic pre-show celebration held as part of the Virginia International Tattoo, blending music, dance, and theatrics to create an unforgettable experience. With reserved seating, you’ll have an excellent view of this exciting performance, setting the stage for the main event.
For those who might be unfamiliar, The Virginia International Tattoo is not a body art convention! It’s an annual, world-renowned military pageant that features spectacular performances by military bands, marching units, and entertainers from across the globe. The Tattoo is a tribute to military traditions, highlighting the power of music, precision, and international unity.
After an action-packed day, we head to our Holiday Inn & Suites in Virginia Beach, where you’ll have the evening free to explore the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Stroll along the oceanfront, take in the sea breeze, and enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many local restaurants offering diverse cuisine.

Day 7

Day 7: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before departing for an exciting and educational visit to Nauticus, a maritime discovery center located on the waterfront in Norfolk. This dynamic facility blends interactive exhibits, science and technology, and maritime history, offering visitors a hands-on experience that’s both fun and enriching. One of the highlights of your visit will be “The Living Sea,” an award-winning giant-screen film that explores the wonders of the world’s oceans and the incredible creatures and ecosystems beneath the waves.
Next, step aboard one of the most impressive naval vessels in U.S. history—the USS Wisconsin. As one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the United States Navy, the Wisconsin served with distinction in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War, before being decommissioned in 1991. You’ll walk the teak decks of this awe-inspiring ship and learn about its powerful 16-inch guns, its long service, and the lives of the brave sailors who served aboard her.
While at Nauticus, you may also explore the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, located within the same complex. the museum highlights over two centuries of naval history in the region, including rare artifacts, ship models, and personal stories of those who served in the Navy throughout America’s history.

Afterward, enjoy lunch on your own at Waterside Marketplace, a lively waterfront venue with a variety of restaurants and shops where you can relax, dine, and soak in the harbor views.

This afternoon, we journey westward to Charlottesville, Virginia, nestled in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Upon arrival, check in for a two-night stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton, your comfortable overnight accommodations. This evening, we gather for another delicious group dinner, sharing stories and memories from a day full of naval history, maritime discovery, and waterfront charm.

Day 8

Day 8: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
After breakfast at the hotel, we delve into the lives and legacies of America’s early leaders with visits to two of Virginia’s most treasured presidential homes.
Our day begins at Monticello, the remarkable mountaintop estate of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States. A guided tour reveals Jefferson’s brilliance as an architect, inventor, and thinker—alongside the complexities of his legacy. Explore the beautifully restored home, the ornamental gardens, and Mulberry Row, the industrial hub of the plantation where enslaved individuals lived and worked. Monticello offers a powerful and nuanced glimpse into the ideals and contradictions of America’s founding.
Following our visit, we’ll enjoy an included lunch at historic Michie Tavern, just down the road. Established in 1784, this 18th-century tavern welcomes guests with period furnishings, costumed servers, and a hearty southern fare buffet served in true colonial fashion. It’s a dining experience that brings history to life.
After lunch, we continue to Highland, the home of James Monroe, fifth President of the United States. Tucked in a peaceful, pastoral setting, Highland offers a more intimate view of presidential life. Learn about Monroe’s pivotal role in shaping America’s early foreign policy and his friendship with Jefferson, as you explore the house, grounds, and exhibits that paint a picture of leadership during the nation’s formative years.
Dinner this evening is included at a local favorite Charlottesville restaurant before we return to our hotel for a relaxing evening at leisure.

Day 9

Day 9: Thursday, April 23, 2026
After an included breakfast at the hotel, we check out and set out for an enlightening morning at the University of Virginia—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the vision of Thomas Jefferson. Here, we’ll take a guided tour that not only highlights Jefferson’s architectural genius but also explores the profound legacies of James and Dolley Madison, the enslaved community who built and sustained the university, and the evolving meaning of the Constitution over time.
Our tour includes thoughtful exploration of the landscapes and spaces connected to the Madisons, including insightful interpretation of their roles in shaping the young nation and how those ideals continue to resonate—and be challenged—today.

Day 10

Day 10: Friday, April 24, 2026
Today is a dedicated travel day as we continue making our way back to the Midwest. Enjoy the comfort of your Burlington Trailways luxury motorcoach, with rest and refresh breaks provided along the way, as well as a stop for lunch on your own.
This evening, we arrive in Greenfield, Indiana, for our final overnight stay at the Hampton Inn. Dinner tonight is included at a beloved American favorite—Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Known for its welcoming front porch, country-style cooking, and nostalgic general store, Cracker Barrel offers comforting classics like meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, and warm fruit cobbler in a cozy, down-home atmosphere. It’s the perfect setting to relax, share a few laughs, and enjoy good food with fellow travelers.

Day 11

Day 11: Saturday, April 25, 2026
After a memorable journey through America’s Revolutionary past, it’s time to return home. As we board our Burlington Trailways motorcoach one last time, we reflect on the incredible stories, iconic landmarks, and shared experiences that have made this journey so special.
We’ll make rest and refresh breaks as needed, along with a stop for lunch on your own, before arriving back at your original departure location.
While it’s always exciting to explore new places and make new memories, it’s just as comforting to return home. We hope you’ve enjoyed every moment of the Drums of Liberty tour and that you’ll travel with us again soon!