The year 2026 marks the 250^th Anniversary of our Nation’s founding in 1776 and for this milestone occasion, a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships, in an epic peacetime gathering, will sail into the port of Virginia as part of Sail250^® America.   For ten days in June 2026, 10,000 officers, cadets, and crews of more than 60 ships from 20 nations will engage with residents and visitors across the Chesapeake Bay region in events and programs symbolic of the bonds of international goodwill.

Once arriving in Norfolk, board the Victory Rover. This ideal sightseeing boat features an enclosed first deck and open-air covered top deck. Your excellent captain will narrate and entertain you during this two-hour morning cruise.  Sail past all the tall ships docked in the Norfolk harbor and see the mighty Naval fleet that calls Norfolk home. See destroyers, submarines, and other vessels while taking in the sights of the harbor.  Walk a short distance for your included lunch at Stripers Waterside, followed by an afternoon visiting many of the tall ships that will have their “doors” open for you to visit! Arriving on Monday – should not be as crowded.  This is a once-in-a-generation event planned as part of the worldwide commemoration of this significant milestone in our nation’s history.     Space is limited - don’t wait to sign up

Tangier Island is a remote Virginia island only accessible by air or boat, 12 miles out in the Chesapeake Bay.  All Virginians should visit Tangier Island at least once (or two or three times for the delicious seafood!). In 1608 Captain John Smith sailed up the Chesapeake Bay and landed at a small island he named Tangier.  Tangier was transformed from the hunting and fishing grounds of the Pocomoke Indians to the unique island it is today. Learn how the rich oyster and crab grounds surrounding the Island drew early settlers to Tangier many years ago and continues to draw fishermen today.

Once arriving in Reedville, Virginia, board the Chesapeake Breeze for a 1 ½ hour cruise to Tangier Island, a small, largely unspoiled, fishing village which remains the “soft crab capital” of the nation. The people of Tangier, who speak with a lingering trace of Elizabethan accent, are warm, friendly and proud of their heritage.  Once arriving at Tangier, lunch is included followed by plenty of time to explore. Stroll along the small roads and visit the unique gift shops or, for a small fee, hop aboard one of the local’s golf carts and take a tour around the island.

For more than 200 years, the National Mall in Washington D.C. has been the symbolic heart of the United States – historically, culturally and civically. It is a living symbol of democracy as it connects the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial, physically linking the legislative branch, the presidency, and the ideals of freedom and equality. It is a Stage for American History as some of the nation’s most pivotal moments happened there—Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, protests against wars, presidential inaugurations, and national celebrations. It’s where people gather to make their voices heard, for remembrance and reflection, and the home of our wonderful Smithsonian Museums.

There is no better time to visit than during America’s 250^th Birthday Celebration as it will host a very special event, The Great American State Fair.  For two weeks this summer, pavilions from 50 states and historical exhibitions will be spread out throughout the mall.    This is your chance to explore on your own – you may choose to visit a Smithsonian Museum. Lunch will be on your own at the various food courts. SignaTours will provide maps and information for you. We will have a central drop off and pick up.  For those interested, and if construction is complete – we will visit the Undercroft, a new museum and exhibit space underneath the Lincoln Memorial. This new expanded space, housed several stories below the iconic statue of Lincoln, is a historic preservation project like no other and hopefully we will be one of the first to see it!

The U.S. Army traces its origins to June 14, 1775.  That’s when the Continental Congress created the Continental Army to fight in the American Revolutionary War. After independence, that force evolved into today’s U.S. Army—who just celebrated its 250^th birthday.  What better time to celebrate our great army than during the year we celebrate the United States 250^th Birthday! The fantastic National Museum of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir cannot be missed.  This impressive museum honors the United States Soldier – past, present, and future – and provides an interactive educational experience explaining the Army’s role in creating and defending our nation.  Explore the many galleries, including a new exhibit called “Call to Arms”, curated specifically to commemorate the 250^th anniversary of the American Revolution.  Step inside their 300-degree theatre for the 12-minute film “Of Noble Deeds” that explores what it means to truly be an American Soldier.  A buffet late lunch/early dinner is included at the museum.

Travel a short distance into Arlington, VA for the Army’s Twilight Tattoo, an action-packed military pageant performed on select Wednesdays in the summer at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, an Army post adjacent to Arlington Cemetery.  The show features Soldiers from the U.S. Army’s ceremonial units, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band’s "Pershing's Own." The Twilight Tattoo is a time-honored tradition that provides a glimpse into history through the eyes of the American Soldier. The hour-long show demonstrates that U.S. Army history is America's history.

Come out and join us for the perfect afternoon at Nationals Park in Washington D. C. where both friends and rivals enjoy “America’s Pastime.” Dress up in your team’s gear and cheer them on to victory.   From your covered seats off the third base line, the rivalry between the Atlanta Braves vs the Washington Nationals continues.  This rivalry is fueled by their continuous battle for control over the National League East division.

Forget all your worries, settle back into your outstanding shaded seats and cheer on your favorite team. We plan to get there early so you have time to get lunch, on your own, before the game begins. Please note, Nationals Park is a cashless venue so will need to bring a credit card (and they have a clear bag policy).  As the song goes…. Take me out to ball game (we are), Take me out with the crowd; Buy me some peanuts & Cracker Jacks (we are), I don’t care if I never get back (we will get you back). Let me root, root, root for the home team, if they don’t win, it’s a shame. For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out, At the old ball game!

All aboard for a scenic adventure you won’t want to miss! After quickly selling out the last three years, we’re bringing back this extremely popular train ride for those who may have missed it or who want to experience it again! Step aboard the all new Virginia Scenic Railroad, Virginia’s newest scenic railway experience, for the Alleghany Special, a three-hour, round-trip journey through the breathtaking Shenandoah Valley. Travel west from historic Staunton through rolling farmlands and toward the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, passing the stunning landscapes of the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains. The train turns around in the charming hamlet of Goshen in Rockbridge County, offering unforgettable views of rural Virginia along the way. A delicious Plated Lunch is included on board, allowing you to relax and savor both the scenery and the flavors of the region.

Back at the depot, enjoy a Guided Tour of Staunton that includes a visit to the beautiful Trinity Episcopal Church to see its historic Tiffany windows. Take time out to explore the quaint downtown area before departure for home. Join us on this perfect day of scenic beauty, rich history and more! Space is extremely limited, so sign up immediately to reserve your place.

As we wind down our yearlong celebration of America’s 250^th Birthday this year, there is no better place to visit than where America began – our victory at the Battle of Yorktown.  This victory convinced Britain that the war was unwinnable and paved the way for American independence.  The day will start where it all actually happened - the Yorktown Battlefield, the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. It was here in the fall of 1781 that General George Washington, with allied American and French forces, besieged General Charles Lord Cornwallis’ British army.  On October 19, Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending the war and ensuring independence. Enjoy a presentation by a Park Ranger followed by time in the Visitors Center and surrounding sites.

Next, travel a short distance into the quaint town of Yorktown and enjoy lunch at Water Street Grill, followed by time to explore the shops or perhaps take a scenic walk along the York River.  The afternoon will be spent at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, for a chance to see Virginia’s signature 250^th commemorative exhibition, Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation.  It highlights how diverse Virginians, including iconic founders and ordinary people, shaped and were tested by the ideals of liberty.  As Virginians, this is a must see!  Enjoy a guided tour once we arrive.

2026 marks the 52^nd anniversary of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival! Every year, over 200 artisans display their handmade arts and crafts along the Boardwalk. This Art & Craft Show has been ranked Fifth out of 200 Fine Art and Design Shows across the country. Enjoy a free afternoon to view, shop, or browse the many artisan’s displays located along the boardwalk. A ticket is also included to see the magnificent sand sculptures created by world-renowned international sculptors at Neptune’s International Sand Sculpting Championship.

An early lunch is planned right on the waterfront at Waterman’s Surfside Grille, one of Virginia Beach’s most popular restaurants! A delicious crab cake sandwich will be on the menu today along with other options.  You will be steps away from all the action at the conclusion of lunch.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the Fall scenery as you travel west towards the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Nestled in Virginia’s north-central Piedmont region, Orange and Madison Counties are graced with rolling landscapes and incredible views.

Our first stop of the day is at the popular Yoder’s Country Market in Madison, Virginia. The Amish and Mennonites have been well known for their delicious made-from-scratch home cooking and at Yoder’s you will find their mouthwatering bread, pies and cakes. You’ll also find everything for your baking needs (30 different kinds of flour and many hard-to-find spices), snacks and candies, and gourmet cheeses – just to name few things you will find here.  Enjoy a buffet lunch at Graves Mountain Lodge, nestled deep in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the end of the road in Syria, Virginia.  This lodge attracts people from every corner of the state and during this time of year.  After lunch enjoy time at one of Virginia’s most popular fall festivals, the Graves Mountain Lodge Apple Harvest Festival.  This year they will be celebrating their 57^th year!   This family-friendly features over 70 craft vendors, hayrides, blue grass music and chance to purchase apple butter, cider and those delicious Virginia apples!  We will even have folding chairs available if you just want to sit back and enjoy the music.   Board the motorcoach in the late afternoon for a relaxing ride home while enjoying that beautiful Virginia scenery along the way.

Nestled in the western foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley you will find the charming town of Lexington.  Not only is it surrounded by natural beauty, it has deep roots in American history.   Today’s tour highlights the historic district and it two colleges. If mother nature cooperates, the fall foliage should be breathtaking!

Once arriving in Lexington, a guide will join us today, entertaining and educating us along the way. Much of the downtown area form the Lexington Historic District which is on the National Register of Historic Places.  Visit Virginia Military Institute with a riding tour through the campus.  Founded in 1839, VMI is the oldest state-supported military college in the United States. It is often referred to as the “West Point of the South” due to the similar structure and prestige in military education. VMI cadets famously fought as a unit at the Battle of New Market during the Civil War in 1864.  Enjoy a stop at the VMI Museum, dedicated to the history and heritage of VMI and notable alumni.   Travel to the nearby campus of Washington & Lee for a buffet lunch in their Dining Hall, followed by a riding and walking tour of their campus.   Founded in 1749, W & L is one of the oldest Universities in the U.S. with connections to both George Washington and Robert E. Lee, who was its President after the Civil War. Enjoy a visit to W & L’s renowned University Chapel, a National Historic Landmark. It was opened in 1868 during Robert E. Lee’s tenure. In 1928, a museum was installed showcasing the history of the university and museum shop.

Travel southwest toward the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains for the most popular fall lunch destination in Virginia, Peaks of Otter Lodge! It is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Bedford, VA.  Enjoy their special Octoberfest Buffet featuring several hot entrees, vegetables and desserts. We’ve allowed time to enjoy a walk out to the lake that sits behind the lodge.  You can’t visit this part of Virginia without a stop at a local orchard farm for freshly picked “Grown in Virginia” apples, homemade cider, apple butter, jams and jellies and other farm fresh products.

This afternoon, travel into the quaint town of Bedford, Virginia, just at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  A visit is scheduled to the Bedford Boys Tribute Center.  It tells the story and honors the 38 “Bedford Boys”.  The Virginia Unit from Bedford was the only National Guard contingent to land in the first wave on D-Day; all others were regular Army units comprised of recruits from across the United States. The little town of Bedford, with a population of 3200 people, was brought to her knees with the loss of twenty of her sons.  Proportionally this community suffered the nation’s highest per capita loss. Those lost and their surviving comrades will forever be known as the “Bedford Boys”.   Enjoy a 30-minute documentary film in their auditorium followed by a guided tour of the Center.

Maryland Live! Casino is Maryland's most popular gaming and entertainment experience!  Located in Hanover, Maryland, between Washington D.C and Baltimore, it is one of the largest casino destinations on the East Coast.  Here you will find thousands of slots and electronic gaming machines with a wide variety of themes and betting options as well as over 200 live table games including classics like blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more!

If you want to get a head start on your holiday shopping, step next door to Arundel Mills Outlet Mall, the perfect place to find great bargains!  Lunch is “on your own” today, whether at a restaurant at the Casino or the great Food Court at the Mall, you’ll have plenty of options.    We wish you GOOD LUCK – hope you hit it big!

Celebrate Thanksgiving in grand and gracious style as you journey with fellow travelers to the Historic Hotel Roanoke in beautiful Roanoke, Virginia, for a truly unforgettable holiday experience. Anticipation builds as the stately Tudor-style façade welcomes you into a world of timeless elegance and refined Southern hospitality. A cherished landmark since 1882, The Hotel Roanoke is renowned for its rich history, impeccable service, and architectural beauty, creating an atmosphere that feels both majestic and warmly inviting. Your celebration unfolds in the magnificent Roanoke Ballroom, where sparkling chandeliers, soaring ceilings, and classic décor provide a breathtaking backdrop for this treasured holiday gathering. Here, laughter flows easily and conversation is shared among friends as the spirit of gratitude fills the room. Indulge in a lavish Thanksgiving Buffet feast thoughtfully prepared by the hotel’s exceptional culinary team, featuring traditional favorites, seasonal specialties, and artfully presented desserts crafted with the utmost care. Every detail reflects the hotel’s longstanding tradition of excellence, ensuring a dining experience as memorable as the occasion itself. Surrounded by history, elegance, and heartfelt fellowship, this extraordinary Thanksgiving celebration offers the perfect opportunity to relax, reflect, and give thanks while savoring the flavors of the season in one of Virginia’s most distinguished and beloved destinations.

Celebrate the holiday season with SignaTours as we travel to Fredericksburg, Virginia, to the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts for a wonderful lunch and afternoon musical.  A Christmas Carol: The Musical is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens' most well-known story.  Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated "Bah! Humbug!" Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he's forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful "Happy Christmas" before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.

Enjoy a Three-course, Plated Lunch before the matinee begins.  The perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family!

Celebrate the holidays in Richmond with a three course, plated Lunch at The Jefferson Hotel, a luxury property known not only for its incredible beauty and history, but also for its fine service and culinary expertise. As Richmond’s premier hotel, The Jefferson takes pride in its reputation as Richmond’s leader in the city’s tradition of gracious hospitality. It is in the National Register of Historic Places and is a charter member of the distinguished Historic Hotels of America. The Jefferson is one of only 31 hotels in North America to hold both the Mobil Five Star award and the AAA Five Diamond award. It will be beautifully decorated for the season, including their signature Christmas tree in the lobby.

This afternoon, enjoy a holiday matinee production at “A Christmas Carol” at the November Theatre in Richmond.  After its hit run in 2025, Virginia Repertory’s A Christmas Carol returns! Experience the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, as he’s visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future—and rediscovers the joy and true meaning of the Holiday season.

Gaining in popularity year after year, it is now a top seller and an annual SignaTours holiday event! The music changes each year, making the show an original production each Holiday Season! The National Cathedral is a stunning place to visit any time of year, but during the Christmas season and the events surrounding the holidays, there is simply not a better time to visit. Join us for D.C.’s favorite Christmas tradition as the National Cathedral Choral Society presents… “Joy of Christmas.” Hear voices soar under the Cathedral’s arches and stained-glass windows, delighting hearts of all ages with brand-new and classic holiday carols. With its lofty ceilings and beautiful chamber, the ambience and the sounds of the season are unmatched with any other location. There’s really no better place to feel the true spirit of Christmas than in the National Cathedral.

Before the afternoon show, a delicious lunch is planned at The Chart House located in Old Town Alexandria, offering scenic views of the Potomac River.

SignaTours plans to end the holiday travel season on a high (and bright) note with our annual “100 Miles of Lights” Tour! This year we travel to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens for their Garden of Lights Display.   A 30-minute Tram Ride is included taking you through this award-winning holiday lights display.  Immerse yourself in more than 1.5 million twinkling lights. It’s a magical experience like no other in Coastal Virginia with more lights and more surprises! Once the tram ride is complete, you’ll have time to explore on your own and visit their fabulous gift shop.

We will then travel to Newport News to City Center at Oyster Point.  This upscale shopping and restaurant area is worth the visit during the holiday season to see their nightly choreographed, state-of-the-art light show where their 50 Christmas tree and surrounding pixel-wrapped trees are synchronized to music. Dinner is included while here the Cove Tavern.  As we work our way back to Richmond this evening, prepare for another amazing light show at the Newport News Celebration in Lights known historically as Virginia’s first drive through holiday lights event.  Amazing!

Celebrate the magic of Christmas Day with an elegant holiday banquet in beautiful Virginia Beach, thoughtfully designed to delight the senses and warm the spirit. Relax and enjoy the fellowship of your travel companions as you travel in style to The Founders Inn and Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, where timeless charm and coastal beauty create a breathtaking holiday setting. Upon arrival, step into a world of refined elegance as the Inn is adorned in seasonal splendor, glowing with twinkling lights, rich garlands, and classic Christmas décor. In this enchanting atmosphere, gather in their Ballroom, beautifully decorated for the holiday, reflecting both sophistication and warmth. Here, locally sourced seasonal ingredients are artfully prepared by Virginia’s finest culinary artist, creating a gourmet Christmas feast that celebrates time-honored traditions. Indulge in expertly crafted favorites, inspired culinary touches, and decadent desserts worthy of this most cherished day of the year. As laughter fills the room and glasses are raised in celebration, enjoy meaningful conversation and the joy of togetherness that defines the holiday season. This extraordinary Christmas Day experience blends comfort, fellowship, and exquisite dining into one unforgettable celebration, offering a graceful and memorable way to honor the most wonderful day of the year.