Top Virginia Cultural Tours

Don’t just visit Colonial Williamsburg’s most important historic landmarks—bring the complexities and drama of the colonial period to life with this immersive, insider history tour. Meet your guide at a convenient start point in Williamsburg, and set off on foot to really soak up the scenery. As you spot landmarks like the Governor’s Palace, Market Square, and more, your historian guide will share stories about the city’s former residents and political tensions.

This leisurely stroll takes you through downtown Richmond with a guide who will tell you about the layers of history all around you. Talk about the town’s role in the Revolution, Civil War, and more. This is a small group tour, so you’ll keep costs down by sharing your guide, but still have an intimate tour group. You’ll also be wearing a headset on tour to encourage safe distancing.

Spend an entertaining and educational hour with a local guide who’s more than happy to share what they know about this historic town. Learn all about how events in the 1770s shaped America as it’s known today, and gain fresh insight into the attitudes of the founding fathers. Your friendly tour leader would love for you to pick their brain.

*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY-AGES 17 +* During this one-hour walking tour, hear the darker side of 18th-Century Williamsburg. Stories of murder, mayhem, and scandal--those things talked about in taverns, back alleys, and the courts--straight from the town's citizens. Each tour will be different and the stories are a-plenty. Due to the sensitive nature of the subjects and the salty language of the time, this tour is recommended for mature audiences 17 and older. Please note, that since every tour is different, the routes advertised may also differ. Please note: Due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on some days. Please see our website for information. Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions.

If you think history is boring, this tour is here to prove you wrong. Offbeat History takes you on a lively, 90-minute journey through the city’s most offbeat and entertaining stories—the kind that surprise you, make you laugh, and leave you saying, “Wait… that really happened?” With a guide who knows how to bring the fun, this tour dives into the odd characters, strange moments, and head-scratching facts that make Richmond anything but ordinary. You won’t hear about battlefield strategies or memorized dates—just unforgettable stories, unexpected twists, and a whole lot of laughs.

Travel back in time more than 300 years—and learn all about Williamsburg’s wealth of history—on this flexible, self-led smartphone tour. Upon booking, download the app; after arriving at Colonial Williamsburg (tickets own expense) set off at your own pace. Thanks to the app’s offline capabilities and GPS maps, you can navigate with ease as you discover the park’s top landmarks and hear the stories behind the sights.

Discover the art of bourbon making at Brady’s Distillery with a one-hour guided tour that showcases craftsmanship, history, and exceptional spirits. This immersive experience takes you through the distillery, revealing the fascinating process from grain to glass. Conclude your visit in the tasting room, where you'll savor a selection of spirits and craft a cocktail of your choice. Perfect for bourbon lovers and those seeking a unique local adventure. - One-hour guided tour of Brady’s Distillery - Learn the bourbon-making process from grain to glass - Sample a variety of spirits and enjoy a handcrafted cocktail - Suitable for bourbon enthusiasts and curious locals alike

Explore Old Town Alexandria at your pace, anytime. See the sites George Washington frequented, including his house. Walk along the cobblestone streets. Learn about the history, civil war, and people. Walk down picturesque alleys. And all in an hour! From museums and libraries to historic landmarks, alleyways, cobblestones streets and a very famous restaurant, we’re about to take a stroll through the days of yore! Why choose this tour? This is a smart phone guided tour that uses GPS to play as you walk. It's like a person, but better. Go anytime at your own pace The tour is professionally produced with narration and music See the main sites and hear their stories, just like other tours, only at your pace.

The only tour in Williamsburg that gives the history of slavery in one presentation. We discuss what is and is not slavery. We debunk the myths that have been associated with slavery for generations. We are also the only tour that explores the impact on our modern society.

Discover the highlights of Washington D.C. during this four-hour private tour. Follow a customizable itinerary with a seasoned guide and long-time local resident. Understand the history and significance of iconic landmarks like the White House, Supreme Court, Lincoln Memorial, and more—with plenty of get-down photo stops along the way. Enjoy complimentary bottled water and door-to-door transfers from the airport or your DC Metro Area hotel.

Learn all about Leesburg Virginia and the history of the area on this guided, small group walking tour. This is about an hour and a half long excursion, where you’ll amble along and make stops at several places, like Tally Ho Theater, Joseph Norris House, the Loudoun Museum, and St. James’ Episcopan Church, and plenty more stops.

This is the only tour in Old Town Alexandria that focuses on the Revolutionary War. We will show some of the most important (yet not well known) locations that led to the American Revolution. On this tour you will discover Alexandria's connection to the the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Bill of Rights. We will visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. Get ready to walk in the churchyard where George Washington publicly declared he would take up arms to fight for the American colonies. We will explore the historic homes and businesses of famous Revolutionary War veterans. Plus we will show you where the Marquis de Lafayette addressed the citizens of Alexandria! Along the way, we will point out places of interest and show you Alexandria's hidden gems. Ask questions and experience Old Town Alexandria through one of the most fun tours in the D.C. area!

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey from Roanoke to Waynesboro with Shaka Guide's Shenandoah National Park tour in Virginia. This adventure promises an exhilarating blend of natural splendor and cultural richness. With real-time audio narration, you'll discover hidden waterfalls, wildlife hotspots, and scenic overlooks at your own pace. Here are just a few of the awesome spots you can explore on the tour: - Stony Man Overlook: Marvel at the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains from the vantage point of Stony Man Overlook - Hawksbill Gap: Reach new heights at Hawksbill Gap, Shenandoah's highest peak! - Big Meadows: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Big Meadows, a sprawling grassland where wildlife roams freely Book your tour today and let Shaka Guide be your trusted companion on this remarkable journey through the heart of Virginia's natural wonders and cultural treasures. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Discover the rich history of Staunton on a guided 90+ minute, 12 block walking tour through the charming Beverley and Newtown Districts. Marvel at the stunning Victorian architecture while hearing captivating stories about early settlers, the Civil War, and the city’s renaissance. Visit iconic sites such as the Smith Center for History and Art, the National Valley Bank, and Trinity Church with its exquisite Tiffany windows. Along the way, explore local art galleries, antique shops, and the vibrant Farmers Market. Perfect for history buffs and families alike, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Staunton’s past. - Enjoy a 90-minute guided walking tour through historic districts - Explore architectural gems and hear tales from Staunton’s history - Visit notable landmarks including Trinity Church and the Farmers Market - Tours available Friday and Saturday at 11:00 AM, or by appointment - This tour may also be conducted on Staunton Downtown Trolley depending on availability

This tour is the only Ghost tour in Williamsburg specifically for small children. A unique experience recommended for children up to the age of ten. The Children's Ghost tour is designed for the smallest and most sensitive ghost hunters. A one-hour walk filled with entertaining and fun stories (this is not scary) for smaller children that your family can enjoy. All Children must be accompanied by at least one Adult (parent or guardian over 18 years old) traveler.

Explore the boardwalk of Virginia Beach and its history on this tour of the city's historic coastal community. Learn about the growth of the city as a tourist hotspot, the growth of the hotel industry, and the rise of its distinct early 20th-century boardwalk culture. Hosted by a professional historian, this tour will give you unique insight into the city's history. Whether you are a local, visitor, or new arrival, this tour will help you explore the fascinating culture and history of VA Beach

Journey into the heart of 18th-century America with our immersive Three-Hour Colonial Williamsburg History Walking Tour. Explore the buildings that capture the spirit of a young nation on the brink of independence. Enter the elegant halls of the Governor’s Palace, seat of British authority—and later, revolutionary resistance. Walk the creaking floors of the Capitol Building, where debates that shaped the birth of democracy echoed through its chambers. Along the way, you’ll visit blacksmiths, printers, apothecaries, and wigmakers—living history tradespeople who carry on colonial craftsmanship. Each stop unveils another layer of the complex, fascinating world of 1700s Virginia. Perfect for history lovers, families, or curious travelers, this tour offers a vivid, interactive experience. *MUST HAVE COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG TICKET VALID FOR THE DATE OF YOUR TOUR*

Watch the sun set over Chesapeake Bay on a 2-hour, small-group dolphin tour by kayak from Virginia Beach. Paddle along the coast as you spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and see the Cape Henry Lighthouses and Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from the water.

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

On our historic solo walking tour you’ll discover Fredericksburg Revolutionary past and the people that fought for and won our independence. The tour is a smart phone guided tour on our walking tour app. Go at your own pace, anytime. The tour never expires. After the tour, listen again, anytime. You’ll see sites linked to George Washington, Mary Washington, James Monroe, the man who came up with the now infamous plan of crossing the Delaware to catch the Hessians unaware and thus win the battle, The Rising Sun Tavern, Cemeteries and hear and uncover the stories linked to these historic building bringing them to life.

Explore the northernmost section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to discover scenic overlooks, hiking trails for all levels, and even a historic resort. Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour! • Serene lakes and picturesque trails await at Peaks of Otter, a tranquil haven along the Parkway. • Conquer the challenging trail to Humpback Rocks for breathtaking Shenandoah Valley views that reward your journey. • Immerse yourself in the Parkway's history and nature at the James River Visitor Center, a gateway to understanding the region. • Step into the past at Explore Park, where living history and interactive exhibits revive Virginia's heritage. • Find relaxation and recreation at Sherando Lake, a serene escape perfect for swimming and picnicking. • Witness nature's grandeur at Thunder Ridge Overlook, where sweeping vistas showcase the Parkway's beauty. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Join Preserve Tours for a walk through historic Old Town Alexandria where your local guide provides insight on historic preservation initiatives and policy that are responsible for the protection of the historic district to this day. Experience the preservation of Alexandria's downtown shopping district, the Carlyle House, George Washington’s Townhouse, the Basilica of St. Mary’s, an authentic apothecary, and more while getting some great photos along the way. Photos are emailed after the tour. Mel Serravalle worked a decade in an urban planning career before she founded Preserve Tours, curated walking and photo tours that would provide an opportunity to learn about historic neighborhoods and their role in the past and present. As a fourth generation Washingtonian herself, she strives to provide a quality educational experience with a local, fun feel. A portion of the proceeds of each tour goes to the Rosedale Conservancy, a community funded park in Upper Northwest DC.

Come on to our history of black Americans tour presented by Junket! We often learn the history and stories of heroes of the American Revolution and the early history of America. What isn't often covered in history classes and history books is the story of African Americans who were enslaved during this time. On this unique tour, we'll discover the stories of African Americans who lived and worked in Colonial Williamsburg. From the slaves buried in the graveyard of the Historic First Baptist Church, to the woman who left property to her freed black servants, you'll uncover the untold stories of the oppressed, and their path to freedom.