Virginia Historic Garden Week & International Tattoo
April 21, 2027 thru April 27, 2027
Experience Virginia at its most beautiful during this beautiful springtime journey showcasing the elegance of Historic Garden Week and the pageantry of the internationally acclaimed Virginia International Tattoo. From the historic streets of Richmond to the oceanfront charm of Virginia Beach and the scenic foothills surrounding Charlottesville, this tour combines exclusive access to magnificent private homes and gardens with fascinating visits to historic landmarks, museums, and colonial estates. Along the way, enjoy Southern hospitality, breathtaking spring blooms, and the rich heritage that has shaped the Commonwealth for more than four centuries.
Highlights include touring some of Virginia’s most spectacular private gardens, cruising Norfolk Harbor alongside the world’s largest naval base, attending the unforgettable Virginia International Tattoo, and exploring iconic sites such as the Virginia War Memorial, the Thoroughgood House, and the Military Aviation Museum. Scenic drives through Virginia’s countryside, time to stroll Virginia Beach’s lively boardwalk, visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and evenings filled with exceptional dining create a well-balanced itinerary that celebrates the history, culture, natural beauty, and enduring traditions of one of America’s most captivating states.
Air
Roundtrip air transportation from ABQ
Transportation
Motorcoach
Duration
7 days, 6 nights
Activity Level 3
Moderate
Meals
11 meals (6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners) included
Availability
Available
Hold your space today!
Tour Highlights
- Exclusive tours of Virginia Historic Garden Week homes and gardens
- Attend the spectacular Virginia International Tattoo
- Cruise Norfolk Harbor aboard the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise
- Explore the Virginia War Memorial and Richmond’s historic sites
- Visit the Military Aviation Museum and historic Thoroughgood House
- Relax along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Atlantic coast
- Experience Monticello and Virginia’s scenic Piedmont region
- Enjoy Virginia’s beautiful spring blooms, history, and Southern hospitality
Inclusions
- Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ (not including airline baggage & in-flight charges)
- Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
- 6 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
- 11 meals (6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners) included
- Admission to all listed attractions
- Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
- Your professional SUN TOURS Tour Director
- All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)
Day 1 - Welcome to Historic Richmond
Your Virginia adventure begins as you arrive at Richmond International Airport, where you transfer to your downtown hotel. Once the capital of both colonial Virginia and the Confederacy, Richmond is a city where centuries of American history blend seamlessly with vibrant modern culture.
After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring. Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Canal Walk, where murals, restored canals, and historic architecture tell the story of Richmond’s transformation from colonial settlement to thriving riverfront city. This evening, settle into your accommodations and prepare for an unforgettable week exploring Virginia’s celebrated gardens, rich history, and coastal beauty.
Overnight: Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond
Day 2 – Historic Gardens & Virginia's Military Legacy
Following breakfast, immerse yourself in one of America’s most anticipated spring traditions—Virginia Historic Garden Week. Exclusive private homes and gardens, many open to the public only during this special event, showcase breathtaking landscapes, elegant architecture, and centuries of horticultural excellence. Depending on this year’s schedule, visits may include the stately homes of Windsor Farms, the historic Fan District, or magnificent estates overlooking the James River.
Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing to the inspiring Virginia War Memorial. Overlooking the James River, the memorial honors Virginians who have served in conflicts from World War II to the present day through thoughtful exhibits, moving tributes, and beautifully landscaped memorial gardens.
Make an additional stop at Tredegar Iron Works and the American Civil War Museum offering fascinating insight into Richmond’s role as the capital of the Confederacy and the lasting impact of the Civil War on the nation.
This evening, enjoy an independent evening in Richmond.
Overnight: Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond
Meals Included: B
Day 3 – From Richmond to Virginia Beach
After breakfast, depart Richmond and journey east toward Virginia’s Atlantic coast. Along the way, continue enjoying the beauty of Historic Garden Week with additional visits to exceptional private homes and gardens in eastern Virginia, each offering its own unique blend of architecture, history, and seasonal blooms.
Pause for lunch near the picturesque Hampton waterfront before continuing to Virginia Beach. Upon arrival, check into your oceanfront hotel and enjoy time to unwind beside the Atlantic Ocean.
As evening arrives, take a leisurely walk along Virginia Beach’s famous boardwalk, where ocean breezes, lively entertainment, and panoramic coastal views create the perfect introduction to this popular seaside destination. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcoming group dinner at Bunker Brewpub, a lively restaurant, craft brewery, and live music venue known for its house-brewed beers, coastal-inspired American cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere.
Overnight: Hampton Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront North
Meals Included: B, D
Day 4 – Coastal Gardens & Colonial Virginia
Today’s adventures combine beautiful gardens with fascinating colonial history. After breakfast, continue exploring selected Historic Garden Week properties in the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake region, where beautifully preserved homes and expertly designed landscapes celebrate Virginia’s rich gardening traditions.
The afternoon includes a visit to the Military Aviation Museum, home to one of the world’s finest collections of restored World War I and World War II aircraft.
Return to Virginia Beach with time to relax on the beach, browse local shops, or simply enjoy the ocean views before spending a leisurely evening at your own pace.
Overnight: Hampton Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront North
Meals Included: B, L
Day 5 – Norfolk's Naval Heritage & The Virginia International Tattoo
After breakfast, travel to neighboring Norfolk, home to the world’s largest naval base and one of America’s most important maritime cities.
Board the Victory Rover for an informative harbor cruise through Hampton Roads, where you’ll enjoy close-up views of aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, and other vessels while learning about the region’s vital role in American naval history.
Following an independent lunch along Norfolk’s revitalized waterfront, experience the highlight of the tour—the spectacular Virginia International Tattoo. This internationally acclaimed performance features military bands, precision drill teams, ceremonial units, dancers, pipers, drummers, and performers from around the world. Combining stirring music, colorful pageantry, and inspiring patriotic tributes, the Tattoo is one of Virginia’s signature annual events and an unforgettable cultural experience.
Following the performance, return to Virginia Beach for the evening and enjoy a group welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Hampton Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront North
Meals Included: B, D
Day 6 – Scenic Virginia & Charlottesville
Leaving the coast behind, travel inland through Virginia’s beautiful countryside toward the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rolling farmland, historic villages, and picturesque landscapes accompany your journey into the heart of Virginia.
Enjoy a traditional Virginia lunch at the historic Michie Tavern before continuing to explore additional Historic Garden Week properties nestled throughout Virginia’s celebrated Piedmont region. Depending on final scheduling, the afternoon may also include visits to some of the Commonwealth’s most treasured landmarks, including Thomas Jefferson’s magnificent Monticello.
Arrive in Charlottesville late this afternoon and check into your hotel. This evening we enjoy a delicious group meal.
Overnight: Hampton Inn & Suites Charlottesville – University
Meals Included: B, L, D
Day 7 – Steamboats, History & Farewell Celebration
Enjoy a final breakfast before departing Charlottesville for Richmond International Airport. As your journey concludes, reflect on a memorable week filled with magnificent spring gardens, colonial history, military heritage, coastal scenery, and one of the world’s premier military music festivals.
Depart for home with wonderful memories of Virginia’s timeless beauty and warm Southern hospitality.
Meals Included: B
Itinerary subject to change.
Fun Facts
Virginia Historic Garden Week
America's oldest statewide house and garden tour!
The Virginia International Tattoo
The largest military tattoo in the United States!
Hotel Information
Drury Plaza Hotel
Richmond, VA
Hampton Inn & Suites
Virginia Beach, VA
Hampton Inn & Suites Charlottesville - University
Charlottesville, VA
Package Pricing
$3,995 per person
Double occupancy
Deposit: $200
$4,505 per person
Single occupancy
Deposit: $200
Final Payment Due:
January 14, 2027
Deposit: N/A
Price Includes
• Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ (not including airline baggage & in-flight charges)
• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• 6 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
• 11 meals (6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners) included
• Admission to all listed attractions
• Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
• Your professional SUN TOURS Tour Director
• All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)
Booking Policy
CANCELLATION FEES:
- None – through January 14, 2027
- $200 – January 15 – February 10, 2027
- 60%* – February 11 – March 15, 2027
- 100%* – after March 15, 2027
*Fee as percentage of total package price.
We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (505) 889-8888.
Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to help protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. TRAVEL PROTECTION IS ENCOURAGED. Travel protection starts at $288. Please click here for more information.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 3
Level 3: Moderate
Expectations: Expect a moderate amount of walking, 2-3 hours of walking each day. There will be time to rest on the coach and between attractions. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions. The daily pace and timing can fluctuate significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. There may be some changes in altitude or temperatures.
Appropriate for: Most travelers beginning with those who are moderately fit, lead semi-active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities and expect some physical exertion without the use of a cane or walker mobility aid.
AIRLINE TICKETS
You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Albuquerque International Sunport. If you have an airline frequent flyer number, or a Global Entry or TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.
If you are joining the tour from locations other than Albuquerque, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.
AIRPORT SECURITY
Do not forget to bring your passport to show at the airport. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline will turn you away.
BAGGAGE
We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
The traditional end-of-tour gratuity to your tour director is included on this tour. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach/livery drivers. Hotel housekeeping tips are not included.
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS
Late April is one of the best times of year to visit Virginia, which is exactly why Virginia Historic Garden Week is held then. The weather is typically mild, flowers are in peak bloom, and humidity is much lower than during the summer months. Highs are in the low to mid 70's and lows in 50's at night.
Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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