North Carolina's Outer Banks
Exploring the National Seashore
The Outer Banks is a long narrow strip of land sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and a large shallow body of water called Albemarle Sound. The unique geography and wind conditions attracted the Wright Brothers who proved their theory of flight was possible in 1903. Birds use the Outer Banks as a refuge and resting area on their migratory flights every spring, dolphins playfully frolic in the Atlantic waters, and wild Spanish mustangs still roam free, descendants of horses that survived shipwrecks dating to the late 1600s. From Duck in the North to Hatteras in the South, each town has its own quirky personality. Together, we explore the rich history of this unique area of the US.
North Carolina's Outer Banks
May 15 - May 21, 2027Highlights
- Walk Virginia Beach's Boardwalk
- See the Wright Brothers Memorial, the Birthplace of Aviation
- Look for Wild Mustangs
- Meander through Elizabethan Gardens
- Climb Lighthouses
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
- 70% Easy
- 30% Moderate (multiple walking-based activities, driving long distances in the WTT Coach, optional lighthouse climbs)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Itinerary
Saturday, 15 May 2027: Arrive Norfolk, VA; Overnight in Virginia Beach; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your flight into Norfolk Airport no later than 4:00pm and take local transportation to our hotel in Virginia Beach. The tour begins at 6:00pm in the hotel lobby. We will depart after this meeting for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Virginia Beach - 1 night
Sunday, 16 May 2027: Virginia Beach Boardwalk Tour; Wright Brothers Memorial (B,L)
We'll stretch our legs for a walking history tour of Virginia Beach's Boardwalk along one of the longest pleasure beaches in the world. Stretching three miles along Atlantic Avenue, the Boardwalk traces Virginia Beach's past — from its origins as a quiet seaside resort in the late 1800s to the bustling coastal destination it is today. We then depart for the 1.5 hour drive to the barrier islands, stopping for lunch en route. After lunch we cross onto the Outer Banks and stop at the Wright Brothers Memorial to see where the first manned flight took place. Be sure to walk up the steep paved trail to the top of Kill Devil Hill for the panoramic views. Overnight Kitty Hawk area - 4 nights
Monday, 17 May 2027: Explore Quaint Towns & Experience a Wild Horse Adventure (B)
Take a step back in time as we drive to the northern tip of the Outer Banks, past quaint towns like Duck, Sanderling and Corolla. We'll stop to visit the Whalehead Club. Originally built in the 1920s, this magnificent residence has been restored to its original grandeur on 39 acres of pristine waterfront property. Next door to the club is the northern lighthouse at Corolla. This red-brick lighthouse, which still serves as an aid to navigation, was the last major brick lighthouse built on the barrier islands. You might want to climb the 220 steps to the top of the 162-foot lighthouse to take in the views from the top. This northern stretch of the OBX is where the legendary Corolla wild mustangs still roam the beaches, dunes and maritime forest as they have for hundreds of years. To view these wild horses, known officially as the Banker (as in the Outer Banks) horse, we take an off-road tour through the back country to (hopefully!) spot them in their own environs. Be sure to bring a jacket as it can get a bit chilly in the jeeps!
Tuesday, 18 May 2027: Roanoke Island: Fort Raleigh & Elizabethan Gardens (B,D)
On the barrier island of Roanoke lies the town of Manteo, with several attractions that preserve the history of the earliest English settlements. We begin at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, to learn more about the expeditions of Sir Walter Raleigh and the establishment of the first settlements. We then enjoy a walk through the lovely Elizabethan Gardens, dedicated to preserving the beauty and tranquility of the area. Some of the special places we can see include Shakespeare's Herb Garden and the Queen's Rose Garden, meandering paths amidst blooming bulbs, azaleas and camellias, and the formal sunken knot garden. Enjoy free time to stroll through Manteo’s waterfront and enjoy a bite to eat. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. This evening we will regroup and enjoy dinner together.
Wednesday, 19 May 2027: Cape Hatteras National Seashore & Lighthouse (B,L)
Today we drive the National Seashore stopping along the way as time allows. We will visit Jockey's Ridge State Park, famed for having the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast. If we are lucky, perhaps we will catch sight of hang gliders who like to launch off the dunes. We continue on to our ultimate destination, the historic black-and-white-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse that protects the "graveyard of the Atlantic," one of the most hazardous sections along the Atlantic Coast. The lighthouse was relocated in 1999 due to beach erosion; a walk along the seashore to see where the lighthouse was originally situated is interesting. Due to restoration efforts, the lighthouse is unlikely to be open for climbing, however it is still worth visiting. It will be a fun-filled and relaxing day.
Thursday, 20 May 2027: Return to Norfolk; Chrysler Museum of Art; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
Today we depart the Outer Banks and return to Norfolk in time to visit the Chrysler Museum of Art, comprised of 62 galleries and 30,000 objects spanning 5,000 years. Automotive heir Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., whose wife was a native of Norfolk, donated most of his extensive collection to the museum. One fun aspect of this museum is the Glass Studio, which brings the world's top glassblowers to the facility as artists in residence. After checking into our hotel, we'll enjoy our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Norfolk Airport Area - 1 night
Friday, 21 May 2027: Return Home (B)
Sadly, our adventure has come to an end. It’s time to return home. Schedule your return flight at your convenience.
North Carolina's Outer Banks
May 15 - May 21, 2027Pricing
Room Share
$2,725.00Single Room
$3,535.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Space Available
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals or activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any personal expense
- Any gratuities for the WTT Tour Director
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Monday, 16 Nov 2026: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Sunday, 14 Feb 2027: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Wednesday, 31 Mar 2027 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Wednesday, 31 Mar 2027: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
North Carolina's Outer Banks
May 15 - May 21, 2027Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own transportation arrangements:
Arrival Airport: ORF - Norfolk, VA (Norfolk Int'l Airport)
Arrival Date: Saturday, May 15. Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: ORF - Norfolk, VA (Norfolk Int'l Airport)
Departure Date: Friday, May 21st. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi. WTT Tour Leader can assist with ride-sharing coordination.
When to Book Your Air
It is up to you to decide how soon you want to make your travel arrangements, however we recommend waiting until you receive your final payment invoice. You will still have plenty of time to get your air (about 4 months).
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
Getting from the airport to the hotel (i.e. the arrival transfer) can be a point of concern for some travelers. Locate the "Arrival and Departure Information" -OR- "Want to Arrive a Day Early?" on this page for arrival transfer information.
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Virginia Beach: Hampton Inn VA Beach North
OBX: Hilton Garden Inn OBX Kitty Hawk
Norfolk: Doubletree By Hilton Norfolk Airport
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$137.00 Roomshare pp $272.00 Single Occupancy
The pre-tour package is an optional service. Rates are established at time of tour posting. Early check-in is solely at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be arranged in advance.
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
North Carolina's Outer Banks
May 15 - May 21, 2027Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 70% Easy
- 30% Moderate (multiple walking-based activities, driving long distances in the WTT Coach, optional lighthouse climbs)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O=Other). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general the temperature, rainfall and humidity levels vary based on the time of the year. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You May Want —
- Windbreaker
- Beach-friendly footwear
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Warm hat and lightweight gloves as it can be windy on the OBX
- One smart-casual outfit if you'd like to dress up a bit for dinners
- Warm jacket/sweater for the cool mornings and evenings or the unusually brisk day
- Inexpensive rain poncho or travel umbrella, just in case!
- Swimsuit— indoor pools are available at the hotels
Good Packing Habits-
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
We will be using the WTT coach on this tour. The luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations and the requirement that travelers manage their belongings.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- You may bring one suitcase and a day pack or shoulder bag to keep with you in the coach.
- Maximum suitcase size: 22-24 inches in height. This is the size of bag that fits into the overhead bins of aircraft. Suitcases larger than this will not fit properly in the WTT coach; don't bring them.
- The weight of your bag should not exceed 30 pounds as you will need to lift it into the coach luggage compartment.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach and load it on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on-hand for snacks and drinks, and your individual shopping interests and habits. More and more, restaurants are no longer allowing groups to split the bill by charging to multiple credit cards. Therefore, you might want to have cash-on-hand for meals on your own when dining with others in the group.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
All tips to local guides during your tour will be paid on your behalf.
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $9-$12 per day.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
North Carolina's Outer Banks
May 15 - May 21, 2027SPACE RESERVATION REQUEST
If becoming a member and signing up for a tour at the same time, you only need to fill out this form.
Our Promise to You
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