A Journey Through Virginia’s Legacy, Landscapes, and Local Flavors

Journey into a blend of history, natural beauty, and authentic local culture. Guests will experience moving tributes to national service and sacrifice, immersive museum experiences that bring military and founding-era history to life, and engaging storytelling that connects the past to the present in meaningful ways. Alongside its historic depth, the trip highlights Virginia’s scenic landscapes, from mountain vistas and countryside views to charming small towns filled with local character. Guests will also enjoy regional dining, unique cultural stops, and relaxed moments in beautiful outdoor settings—creating a well-balanced itinerary that combines reflection, discovery, and memorable shared experiences. 

Day 1: Arlington County

Morning

Arlington National Cemetery
1 Memorial Ave., Arlington, VA 22211
(Visit Time: 1.5-hour tram tour)
For groups of 20 or more, please call 703-979-0804 or visit www.arlingtontours.com/group-tours-charters.

Start the day at the Arlington National Cemetery. The grounds of Arlington National Cemetery honor those who have served our nation by providing a sense of beauty and peace for guests. Make time to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, performed by the U.S. Honor Guard. Notable memorials and gravesites include the Challenger Space Shuttle Memorial, and the grave sites of John F. and Robert Kennedy.

The Military Women’s Memorial
Memorial Ave & Schely Dr., Arlington, VA 22203 (at the entrance to the Arlington National Cemetery)
(Visit Time: 45-minute guided tour)
Contact: Amy Sorvillo, (703) 533-1155

After the tram tour walk over to The Military Women’s Memorial, Located at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. The Military Women’s Memorial is the is the only major one of its kind in the United States (and the world!) to showcase the service of women in the military, preserving moments and stories of military women from the Revolutionary War through the present.

Group Photo at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima)
1000 Marshall Dr., Arlington, VA 22209
(Visit Time: 30 minutes)
Note: There is motorcoach parking on site
Reservations are not required. For questions call (703) 289-2500

Stop by the Marine Corps War Memorial for a group photo. One of Arlington’s most photographed memorials, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) is one of the largest cast bronze sculptures in the world with its 32-foot-high ­figures sitting atop gilded granite base. The magni­ficent memorial was based on an iconic, Pulitzer Prize winning photo of the second flag-raising on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. The memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States in 1775. 

National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
Defense Blvd., Arlington, VA 22202
(Visit Time: 1-hour guided tour)
Contact: Joseph Kornhoff, [email protected], (703) 273-8477

Located just outside the Pentagon, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial commemorates the 184 people who lost their lives at the Pentagon, and on American Flight 77 on the Pentagon attack on September 11, 2001. 

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum
700 Army Nave Dr., Arlington, VA 22202
(Visit Time: 1-hour guided tour)
Contact: Chaise Miller, [email protected]
Note: If requested early and upon availability, a DEA agent may be available to speak to the group. All visitors must present valid government issued REAL ID.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Museum o­ffers group tour and educational experiences unlike any other in the US. Located inside DEA headquarters, the Museum features content for any group, from history and culture to science and technology. Visitors learn about the history of drug use in America, drug trends, and the work of DEA. 

Afternoon

Lunch at Water Park
1601 Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA 22202
(Suggested: 90 minutes)
Contact: Aly Cunningham, [email protected]

Enjoy lunch at Water Park. A vibrant open-air food hall and urban park that bring together a wide variety of cuisines and year-round community events. Explore eight food kiosks—featuring favorites like Call Your Mother, Montstera, Spot of Tea, Fat Fish, PhoWheels, Queen Mother’s, Bird’s Eye  Thai, and Pizzeria Paradison Pronto!—or relax at the full-service Water Bar, where fresh dishes are paired with scenic views. 

Exploring the artistic treasures of Metropolitan Park | National Landing
1429 S Fern St., Arlington, VA 22202
(Suggested: 45 minutes)
Reservations are not required

Set in the dynamic hub of National Landing, Metropolitan Park is more than just a green oasis, it’s a destination where art and nature blend seamlessly, offering visitors a uniquely enriching experience.

Don’t miss Queen City, a towering brick sculpture from renowned public artist Nekisha Durrett that pays homage to the former Arlington neighborhood of the same name. This working-class Black community was displaced for construction of the Pentagon, and today the brick exterior gives way to an interior display of 903 ceramic orbs that represent the 903 individuals who were part of the historic community.

Evening

La Posada Restaurant
320 23^rd S, Arlington, VA 22202
Contact: Julian Giraldo, [email protected], (443) 904-5164

Inspired by Latin American flavors and his grandmother's love for cooking, Julian Giraldo brings La Posada to National Landing. The menu consists of a wide range of Mexican comfort foods and other Latin American staples

Day 2: Fairfax County

Morning

National Museum of the United States Army
1775 Liberty Drive Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060
(Suggested Visit Time: 90 minutes)
Contact: Jessica Conforti, Group Sales Manager, [email protected]

Step into the story of America’s soldiers at the National Museum of the United States Army, where history comes alive through powerful, immersive exhibits. Groups will be taken on an unforgettable journey from the earliest days of the Continental Army under General George Washington to today’s modern forces, experiencing the evolving role of those who have served and sacrificed for the nation, as seen only through their eyes.

Through engaging displays, personal stories, and interactive galleries, visitors gain a deeper understanding of how generations of soldiers have shaped and defended democracy. With free admission and a seamless timed-entry process for groups, this is an inspiring and accessible experience that brings America’s military legacy to life in a meaningful and memorable way.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, VA 22121
(Suggested Visit Time: 2 hours)
Contact: Amy Kruse, Group Sales Manager, [email protected]

Step into the story of America at Mount Vernon—the iconic estate of the nation’s first President and Revolutionary War General, George Washington. As the most visited historic estate in the United States, it offers an unforgettable group experience that blends history, beauty, and immersive storytelling.

Freshly restored and fully reopened, the mansion now welcomes guests back for complete tours, showcasing its original grandeur and intimate details of Washington’s life. Your group can also explore the newly renovated Education Center and expanded Museum, where engaging exhibits bring the founding era vividly to life. Beyond the mansion, the estate invites discovery at every turn—from guided interpretive programs to curated tours. Groups will gain deeper perspective at the powerful Slave Memorial and can pay tribute at the final resting place of George and Martha Washington, with the option to arrange a wreath-laying ceremony. With a wide range of customizable tours and activities, Mount Vernon offers something for every interest.

Lunch - Mount Vernon Inn 
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Contact: Anthony Cavallo, Group Manager, 703.799.6310, [email protected]

Treat your group to a memorable meal at Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, where colonial charm meets warm hospitality just steps from Mount Vernon. With menus inspired by 18th-century recipes, inviting period-style dining rooms, and the convenience of accommodating groups, it’s the perfect place to relax, connect, and savor a taste of early American tradition after a day of exploring.

Afternoon

The Winery at Bull Run
15950 Lee Highway Centreville, VA 20120
(Suggested Visit Time: 60- 90 minutes tour and tasting)
Contact: Colleen Corrado, Director of Tours, [email protected]

Escape the ordinary and treat your group to an unforgettable experience at The Winery at Bull Run—where Virginia’s rich history and award-winning wines come together in a stunning countryside setting just minutes from Washington, DC.

This scenic 225-acre working farm vineyard offers the perfect retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Here, your group can unwind, take in sweeping views, and enjoy exceptional wines crafted from grape to glass—all while surrounded by the historic landscape neighboring Manassas National Battlefield Park.

For a truly unique group experience, don’t miss their exclusive Witness to History tour—designed and priced especially for tour groups with advanced scheduling. This immersive experience includes guided tastings along with a private tour of their Civil War Museum, bringing the stories of the land to life in a way you won’t find anywhere else. Planning a full outing?  This destination stands out not only for its wines, but for its deep connection to history, preservation, and authentic Virginia charm. Perfect for group tours, it’s more than a winery—it’s an experience your guests will be talking about long after.

Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum/Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway Chantilly, VA 20151
(Suggested Visit: 60-90 minutes)
Contact: Holly Williamson, Public Affairs Specialist, [email protected]

Visit this awe-inspiring Smithsonian Institution museum, conveniently located next to Washington Dulles International Airport. This free museum—larger than its Washington, D.C. counterpart—brings the story of human flight and space exploration to life, from early ballooning to cutting-edge NASA achievements. Your group can stand amongst and beneath hundreds of historic aircraft, including the legendary Space Shuttle Discovery, explore thousands of fascinating artifacts, and take in incredible views from the observation tower or the massive IMAX screen. For an even richer experience, groups can pre-schedule a complimentary docent-led tour, adding expert insight and unforgettable context to this high-flying adventure.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens 
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court Vienna, VA 22182
(Suggested Visit: 60 minutes)
Contact: Jules Malony, Program Manager, [email protected]

Stop for a breathtaking escape into nature at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens—a hidden gem that offers beauty, tranquility, and unforgettable scenery every season. Spanning 95 acres of beautifully curated landscapes, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens invites visitors to wander through vibrant seasonal displays, peaceful lakes, and winding walking paths that showcase the natural beauty of Virginia. From colorful native plant collections to the stunning Korean Bell Garden, every turn offers a picture-perfect moment and a chance to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Ideal for tour groups, the gardens offer guided tours tailored to enrich your visit with fascinating insights into horticulture, history, and design. Whether your group prefers a leisurely stroll or a more in-depth educational experience, Meadowlark provides a serene and engaging setting for all ages.

Evening

Dinner - Silver Diner 
**Multiple Locations in Fairfax County-Suggested Based On Itinerary 
Tysons Corner-8101 Fletcher Street McLean, VA 22102
Falls Church/Merrifield-8150 Porter Road Falls Church, VA 22042
Contact: Cindy Sabana, Marketing Manager,  [email protected]

For a dining experience that blends classic American comfort with fresh, modern flavors in a vibrant, welcoming setting, look no further. Perfect for tour groups and motorcoaches, Silver Diner offers specially designed group-friendly menus that make ordering easy, keeping your group on time, while providing made-to-order delicious options—from breakfast classics, to light-fare lunches, to hearty and wholesome dinners. 

The Magic Duel Comedy Show
Crescendo Studios, 8101-A US-29N, Falls Church, VA 22042
(Visit Time: 90 minute performance)
Contact: Mark Phillips, President and Creator, mark@the magicduel.com

After dinner and moments away, this show delivers a perfect mix of laughter, surprise, and friendly competition that pulls everyone in from the start. Two sharp, quick-witted magicians face off in a hilarious battle of tricks and mind games—roasting each other, dazzling the crowd, and getting the audience directly involved in shaping the show. Your group won’t just be watching—you’ll help decide what happens and even vote on who wins.

It’s high-energy, interactive, and completely unpredictable, making it ideal for your group. No two shows are ever the same, so every moment feels fresh and spontaneous. If you want something more memorable, this is the kind of experience that gets everyone laughing, engaged, and talking long after it’s over.

Day 3: Front Royal

Morning

The Apple House
4675 John Marshall Hwy., Linden, VA 22642
(Suggested Visit Time: 1 hour)
Contact: Amber Mitchell, [email protected]

The Apple House is a long-established (since 1963) family-run restaurant, gift shop, and roadside attraction in Linden, VA, in Warren County, near the northern entrance to Skyline Drive along John Marshall Hwy. It’s known as a local landmark for good food, friendly southern hospitality, and unique offerings that draw both locals and travelers alike. Grab a dozen of the “World Famous Donuts”!

Skyline Drive, Dickey Ridge Overlook & Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
17065 Skyline Dr., Front Royal, VA 22630
(Suggested Visit Time: 2.5 hour)
Contact: Corrina Wendel,  [email protected]

Experience sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley at Shenandoah Valley Overlook, along the famous Skyline Drive. This vantage point minutes from the park entrance is easily accessible, with no hiking required—just step outside and take it all in. Pair it with a visit to Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, where you can grab maps, talk with Park Rangers, and hike the quick and easy Fox Hollow Trail.

Lunch—Downtown Front Royal

Enjoy a casual lunch on your own at any one of the many local restaurants situated in this walkable and charming downtown area. Click for the restaurants on Main and Chester Streets.

Visitor Center
414 E. Main St., Front Royal, VA 22630
(Suggested Visit Time: 1 hour)
Contact: Visitor Services, [email protected] 

Afternoon

Warren Heritage Society/Ivy Lodge, Belle Boyd Cottage, Balthis House, Warren Rifles Confederate Museum
101 Chester St., Front Royal, VA 22630
(Suggested Visit Time: 3 hours)
Contact: Liz Rishel,  [email protected]

Warren Heritage Society offers a rich, story-driven look at Front Royal’s past through exhibits, historic homes, and personal artifacts that reveal what everyday life was like in the Shenandoah Valley. It’s an easy, rewarding stop where you can walk through real 19th-century spaces and connect the dots between Civil War history, local culture, and the people who shaped the region.

Belle Boyd Cottage is a small but fascinating historic home in Front Royal, best known as the birthplace of Belle Boyd, one of the most famous Confederate spies of the Civil War.

The Balthis House is where you step into Front Royal’s earliest days—a real 18th-century home where you can walk the same floors as the town’s founders and see how ordinary people lived, worked, and built a community from scratch.

Warren Rifles Confederate Museum is located at 95 Chester St., Front Royal, VA, (540) 636-6982, Dewey Vaughn

Inside Warren Rifles Confederate Museum, you’re not just looking at history—you’re standing inches from it. This compact, artifact-packed space is filled with real Civil War uniforms, weapons, letters, and personal items tied to figures like Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, giving you a direct, unfiltered connection to the past.

Main Street Americana Experience

A “Main Street Americana” experience in Front Royal is all about stepping into a classic small-town streetscape—historic brick buildings, local shops, murals, and a laid-back pace that feels a world away from city life.

Dinner suggestions can be found in the Main Street Eats Guide, Front Royal, VA.

(Suggested: 3-4 hours or until shops close at 7 p.m.)

Day 4: Winchester

The final day of the tour introduces visitors to the rich history, scenic beauty, and small-town charm of Virginia’s northern Shenandoah Valley. Winchester offers an inviting blend of walkable historic districts, nationally significant Civil War history, regional arts and culture, and authentic local agriculture. The itinerary is designed for active adults and seniors who are comfortable with moderate walking, particularly throughout downtown Winchester and museum grounds.

Morning

West Oaks Farm Market
4305 Middle Rd Winchester, VA 22602
(Suggested Visit Time: 1–1.5 hours)

The day starts with a relaxing visit to West Oaks Farm Market, a family-owned destination celebrating the agricultural traditions of the Shenandoah Valley. Surrounded by scenic farmland and mountain views, the market offers fresh produce, locally made products, baked goods, jams, ciders, and seasonal specialties. 

Depending on the season, guests may enjoy homemade ice cream, fresh cider donuts, farm-themed activities, or opportunities to browse gifts and locally crafted items. The stop provides a memorable and distinctly local start to the group’s Shenandoah Valley experience before continuing onward to the next destination.

Split Group Historic Experiences
(Suggested Combined Visit Time: 2-2.5 hours total)

Due to the size of the motorcoach group, guests will be divided into two smaller groups to ensure a more comfortable and engaging visitor experience at Winchester’s historic house museums. Half of the group will begin at Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum while the other half visits Patsy Cline Historic House. Groups will then switch locations midway through the touring period. This staggered approach allows for manageable tour sizes and a more personalized interpretive experience at both attractions.

Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum
415 N Braddock Street Winchester, VA 22601
(Suggested Visit Time Per Group: 60-80 minutes)

The Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters Museum is one of Winchester’s most historically significant Civil War sites. The museum occupies the building used as Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s headquarters during the 1861–1862 Valley Campaign.

Guests will experience guided interpretation and exhibits featuring period artifacts, military memorabilia, and personal items connected to Jackson and the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley. The stop offers valuable insight into Winchester’s strategic importance during the war, as the city changed hands dozens of times throughout the conflict.

Patsy Cline Historic House
608 Kent Street Winchester, VA 22601
(Suggested Visit Time Per Group: 60-80 minutes)

Guests visiting the Patsy Cline Historic House will explore the early home of legendary country music singer Patsy Cline, one of Winchester’s most beloved native daughters. Preserved to reflect the period during which Cline lived there during her teenage years, the modest home offers insight into her upbringing and early life before rising to national fame.

Interpretive exhibits and memorabilia highlight Cline’s musical legacy, personal story, and lasting influence on American country music. The attraction provides an intimate and nostalgic experience that appeals to music lovers and history enthusiasts alike.