Virginia’s rich historical past and beautiful scenery offer its residents and visitors unlimited opportunities for discovery. For a taste of history and a glimpse of beauty, check out these tours near Chesapeake.
The Battleship Wisconsin Tours
Come aboard one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy. Named in honor of the 30th state and launched in 1943, the USS Wisconsin departed for the British West Indies in 1944. After its initial training and shakedown cruise out of Trinidad, the ship returned home for repairs and alterations. Since then, it earned five battle stars in WWII and one in the Korean War.
Nested in Nauticus since 2000, it is now part of the maritime museum and offers tours to the public. A free self-guided tour of this massive “City at Sea” will take you through the infrastructure of the battleship. You will see its original hotels, restaurants, city government and post office buildings, phone company, law firm, medical offices, churches, banks, and shops.
Today, for an additional $20 fee, Wisconsin is offering tours of previously forbidden areas. The Guided Engine Room Tour will take you seven floors down inside the ship, into the engine room where you will learn how the ship was powered. During the Guided Command and Control Tour, you will visit the captain and admiral’s cabins, combat engagement center, flag bridge, navigation bridge, and quartermaster’s space. These tours last 60 and 90 minutes respectively. Make sure you are fit enough to climb steep ladders and can tolerate small spaces.
Norfolk Helicopter Tours by Hampton Roads Helicopters
Adventure seekers can check out aerial tours of Norfolk. The helicopter can take up to four passengers, allowing one person to sit next to the pilot and the others in the rear. During the Christmas season, the Holiday Lights Tour will take you over some of the most beautiful displays of lights in Norfolk.
For the most mesmerizing natural sightseeing, pick the Dismal Swamp and Norfolk Tour that will fly you over the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. For an extra shot of adrenaline, ask for a tour with the doors off! These tours last an hour and cost $275 per person, with a discounted rate for each additional passenger.
Monticello Wine Trail Tour
This luxurious historical tour will take you back in time. It starts early in the morning and leaves from Virginia Beach or Hampton and goes all the way to the Monticello Wine Trail. It’s a relaxing day full of live historical entertainment and includes a complimentary breakfast with fruit mimosas and an 18th-century Southern “Midday Fare” luncheon. In the afternoon, you will tour a historic Michie Tavern, the home of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings.
The tour will also stop at local private vineyards where you will get a taste of unique wines. Many shopping opportunities will be available at every stop along the way. This tour lasts almost 12 hours and costs $250 per person.
Whether your style of exploring is active or more leisurely, one of the tours near Chesapeake is sure to fit you well.
Image via Pixabay by pasja1000
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