Silversea Expedition Cruises A NORFOLK (Virginia)

Depart the pier via air-conditioned motor coach and travel to the historic town of Williamsburg. Along the way, you guide will provide insight of the historic Virginia Peninsula and Hampton Roads areas, as well as an overview of Williamsburg.

Enjoy a full day touring this living museum, with admission ticket providing entry into the many exhibition buildings, including the Capitol and the Governor's Palace. You will tour historic homes, public buildings and 18th century craft shops where costumed hosts recreate the sights and sounds of America 200 years ago. Witness live re-enactments of actual colonial life, portrayed by actors in period garments.

Enjoy free time to shop and browse in the many unique specialty shops in Merchants Square if you so desire. High quality apparel, gifts, jewellery, unusual quilts; beautiful furniture and Christmas decorations are but a few of the offerings

On your arrival, you may choose to follow your guide or explore the notable area on your own.

Experience gracious 18th century hospitality in one of the Colonial Williamsburg historic taverns where lunch will be included for your group. The taverns reflect the traditional styles of the original 13 colonies. Your group will dine on a delicious 18th century inspired meal served in the charming Colonial atmosphere.

For 300 years, this town has been at the centre of monumental clashes of ideas, wills and warfare. The history of America will remain fresh in your mind as you make your way back to your ship at the conclusion of the tour.

Please note: This tour can an extensive amount of activity to fully explore Colonial Williamsburg. However the total amount of walking is at each guest's discretion. It is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise wheelchairs. Dress in layers for changing weather conditions during the day. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Any souvenirs or alcoholic refreshments are at each guest's discretion. Bring local currency or credit cards for any purchases.

Spend the day surrounding yourself in the elegance and beauty of gracious southern living.

After boarding your motor coach enjoy a leisurely sightseeing drive through beautiful Norfolk. See the beautiful turn of the century homes along The Hague and the historic Ghent neighborhood. Arrive at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, which encompasses 155 acres rich with some of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, roses and rhododendrons on the East Coast. Enjoy a relaxing trackless train ride around the gardens and spend time browsing the Garden Gift Shop which specializes in unique garden related items and rare gardening books.

Your tour continues on to the Hermitage Museum and Gardens. The 12-acre estate, housed in an elegant Tudor style mansion was built in 1908 and encompasses woodlands, gardens and early 20th century buildings, all of which appear frozen in time. Works featured include Italian and French textiles and laces, English and European ceramics and paintings, hand painted glass from Germany, ivory carvings, Persian rugs and ceramic tomb figures from China. The expert carving and attention to detail of two master craftsmen resulted in a home of uncompromising craftsmanship, featuring elegantly carved eaves and wrought iron accents.

Enjoy a guided tour of this exquisite home and garden, as well as time to relax over a cup of coffee or tea and light refreshments served in the elegant atmosphere.

Please note: This tour requires moderate activity. All venues are wheelchair accessible; however guests must be able to climb steps and get on and off the vehicle independently. All wheelchairs must be collapsible. Dress for the weather, in layered clothing, bring a jacket if necessary. Guests should wear sturdy shoes and avoid high heels.

Depart the pier by motor coach and travel to visit Virginia's Historic Peninsula. Tour Jamestown Settlement, adjacent to the site of the first permanent English settlement in America; enjoy a scenic drive along the Colonial Parkway to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, as well as a driving tour through the village of Yorktown. Your guide will provide interesting and informative narration during your ride about the Coastal Virginia region and the significance of Virginia's historic triangle, including Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown

Jamestown Settlement

At the recreated village of Jamestown Settlement (located approximately one hour drive from ship) you will step back in time through the portal of living history. Costumed docents are your guides to the past, and exhibits include replicas of the three ships that arrived at Jamestown in 1607, as well as replicas of the Powhatan Indian Village and the James Fort. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of the Settlement. Also included on site is a beautiful new Visitors Center which weaves together the ethnic groups who contributed so much to create today's Virginia and United States - Native Americans, Europeans and African Americans. Lunch will be included at Jamestown Settlement Café and guests will have free time for shopping in the extensive gift shop which features many Made in Virginia items, as well as unique gifts for home and garden.

Colonial Parkeway Drive

Following lunch, board the coach for the beautiful drive along the Colonial Parkway, which was built during the Depression by WPA workers and connects Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown and winds along the James and York Rivers. The Parkway remains free of commercial traffic and signage, reminiscent of the road that the early colonists would have taken in the 1700's.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

In the afternoon, visit the the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, which tells the story of America's founding, from the twilight of the colonial period to the dawn of the Constitution and beyond. Exciting new indoor galleries feature period artifacts, immersive environments, interactive exhibits and films, including "The Siege of Yorktown," with a 180-degree surround screen and dramatic special effects.

In the outdoor living-history areas, guests can witness artillery demonstrations, drill with wooden muskets at a re-created Continental Army encampment and explore a Revolution-era farm based on a real-life 18th-century family.

Panoramic Drive

Before returning to the ship, enjoy a drive through the quaint village of Yorktown and past the Revolutionary War Battlefields. Sights include the oldest Customs House in the United States, Grace Episcopal Church, built in 1697, and the charming historic homes in this community founded in the late 1600's. See Surrender Field, where General Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington in 1781.

Please Note: This tour requires a moderate amount of activity. All venues are wheelchair accessible; however guests must be able to climb steps and get on/off the vehicle independently or with the assistance of their travelling companion. We are able to accommodate collapsible wheelchairs only. We recommend to dress weather appropriate with layers and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a jacket if necessary.

Get to know Norfolk on a leisurely two-hour guided walking tour. See public buildings that feature a variety of architectural styles and unique public art while learning the history of this bustling seaport city. Recent years have seen a renaissance in downtown Norfolk with the addition of a state of the art cruise and celebration centre, numerous Chefs owned and operated restaurants, vibrant arts district and renovated waterfront area.

Begin your walk at Nauticus, an innovative museum that's part science centre, aquarium and interactive museum. From here you'll pass by the mighty U.S.S. Wisconsin, the largest and last battleship built by the U.S. Navy and has seen service in World War II, the Korean War and the Persian Gulf War.

Nearby is the ornate Taiwanese Pagoda, a gift from the Republic of China in 1983 which features exquisitely manicured grounds and gardens on a one acre plot. Then, you'll walk to the quaint Freemason area, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recently named one of America's Top Ten Neighbourhoods. As you walk along its tree lined cobblestone streets you'll see many beautiful pre-Civil War structures that date back to the 1790s. Learn about the history of this charming seaport as your guide shares local legends, folklore and stories.

Crossing in to downtown proper, walk by St. Paul's Church, Norfolk's oldest building, and The Moses Myers House, one of the first brick homes built after the Revolutionary War. Pass by the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial, final resting place of the general and Mrs. MacArthur and regarded as one of the finest military museums in the country.

See unique public art throughout downtown and learn about the country's smallest light rail transit system, The Tide.

Your walking adventure will conclude at the Pier or you may stay downtown and walk back to your ship.

Please Note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 2414 metres (1.5 miles) sometimes over cobblestones. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. We recommend guests wear weather appropriate clothing, comfortable closed toes shoes, a light jacket and bring bottled water from the ship

Walk the short distance from the Half Moone Cruise Centre through Norfolk's beautiful Town Point Park to the Waterside Marina and board the magnificent American Rover Sailing Schooner for a private charter cruise.

The American Rover is Coast Guard Certified and inspected to carry up to 129 passengers. She is 135 feet in length and is a three masted topsail schooner. There is ample comfortable seating with shade topside. Below decks you will find two smartly appointed climate controlled lounges, ship's store and bar, and clean, comfortable restrooms. While on board, you will cruise the historic Hampton Roads harbour for two hours on this fabulous sailing experience.

Guests may enjoy hands on opportunities to set the beautiful red sails, steer the ship and even learn a thing or two about line and knot tying on this interactive sailing experience. For those who prefer simply to relax just sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you gracefully float across the waters of the Elizabeth River. Enjoy the informative narration provided by the Captain about this historic harbour and the Port of Virginia.

Light refreshments will be provided on board and include cheese and crackers, pretzels, bottled water, soft drinks and a glass of wine or beer. (Cash bar available should guests wish to purchase additional wine or beer).

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of activity. This tour is suitable for those who utilise a wheelchair, however lounges below-deck are only accessible by stair. Dress for the weather, in layered clothing, bring a jacket if necessary. Guests should wear sturdy shoes and do not wear high heels.

Discover the ocean side city of Virginia Beach and the Military Aviation museum on this half day excursion.

Military Aviation Museum

Depart the pier with your tour guide and head to the nearby ocean side city of Virginia Beach! Your first stop is a visit to the Military Aviation Museum, one of Virginia Beach's most revered attractions. The museum is home to one of the largest private collections of World War II and Korean War era fighters, bombers, trainers and seaplanes in the world. Many aircraft have been fully restored to their World War II condition and are used for flight demonstration, movie production or commercials. Enjoy a guided tour of the galleries and shopping in the gift shop which is stocked with all things flight related.

Ocean Side Virginia Beach

Next, enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay as you learn about the history of Virginia's largest city and get the pulse on current day in Virginia Beach. Ride down the resort strip; see the historic Cavalier Hotel as well as the Tidewater Veterans Memorial, a unique structure which pays homage to veterans everywhere.

See the First Landing Cross at Cape Henry where the English colonists first came ashore in 1607 prior to settling at nearby Jamestown. Walk out on the overlook to see where the bay and the ocean meet, and where the famous Battle of the Capes took place during the Revolutionary War. Enjoy a stop at the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792, this lighthouse was active until the late 1800's and is currently a Virginia Historic Landmark. Guests may choose to climb to the top of the Lighthouse or shop in the gift shop for all things Lighthouse related.

Please Note: This tour requires a minimal to moderate amount of walking mostly at guest's discretion. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair however guests must be able to get in/out of the vehicle on their own or with the assistance of their travelling companion. The lighthouse is not handicap accessible and requires 5 steps to enter and 191 steps to reach the top. There is a lift to reach the Military Museum's second floor. We recommend guests wear weather appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket and bring water from the ship. There is a gift shop at the Lighthouse and Aviation Museum. Credit cards and USD cash are accepted.