This morning we leave the mountains and rolling hills of the Piedmont, crossing the sand hills and traveling into the coastal plains and swamplands of the North Carolina Outer Banks. Tonight we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the area restaurants. After dinner, we visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park. (D)

This morning we arrive at the North Carolina Aquarium, a marine-oriented educational and research facility. Aquariums, exhibits and films will enable us to gain a better understanding of marine life. The Elizabeth II is representative of the 16th century sailing vessel that brought the original English colonists to our shores. Walk the decks of the ship to get a feel for what these men, women and children went through as they crossed the wide Atlantic Ocean. Crossing Roanoke Sound to the Outer Banks and turning south, we cross the Oregon Inlet by way of the impressive Herbert C. Bonner Bridge, which connects Bodie Island to Hatteras Island. Perhaps you recall the story of Diamond Shoals, the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” You may see the remains of old ships protruding from the sand as we continue on our way. Next we visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Museum. At 203 feet, Hatteras is the tallest lighthouse in the United States. After a delicious dinner this evening, you’re promised a most enjoyable evening of drama as we experience The Lost Colony, Paul Green’s story of America’s first English colony. Decide for yourself what happened to this colony which vanished without a trace. (D)

This morning, we travel to the town of Kitty Hawk. It was here on December 17, 1903, that the Wright Brothers made the first powered airplane flight. We visit the memorial that commemorates that accomplishment. All too soon, our tour of the North Carolina Outer Banks has come to an end. We return home today, arriving early in the evening.