Top Virginia Private and Luxury

Discover a different side of Alexandria with a nighttime ghost tour, timed perfectly for folks looking for a post-dinner activity. Hear a combination of paranormal tales and local history from your guide—dressed in colonial garb for added theatrics—while simultaneously checking some Old Town landmarks off your list, such as Carlyle House and Gadsby’s Tavern. All routes end on a spooky note in a church graveyard.

Discover Richmond’s 400-year history during a ride on board one of its 19th century streetcars by its iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. Pass by James River, where Richmond’s story began, Virginia State Capitol, and Jackson Ward, the “Harlem of the South. Discover how Richmond became the city it is today with fascinating and engaging live narration throughout the ride.

Step back in time on a private ride through historic Fredericksburg in a fully restored 1920's Model-A. Guests meet in the heart of downtown and climb aboard cushioned seats for a 20-30min tour with open-air views and plenty of charm. Along the way you'll pass Fredericksburg's most treasured landmarks including the Mary Washington House & Monument, Huge Mercer Apothecary, Kenmore Plantation, Chatham Manor, and the Rappahannock Riverfront. Your guide shares fascinating stories of colonial times, the Civil War, and Fredericksburg's unique past while you relax and enjoy the ride. This tour is the ideal way to enjoy Fredericksburg highlights with history, nostalgia and fun all rolled into one unforgettable experience. Remember Don't Just Look at History, Ride in It!

Join us on our Norfolk Signature Lunch Cruise for amazing views of the mighty Atlantic Fleet while cruising along the Elizabeth River. Our lunch cruises are casual yet festive, ideal for the whole family or a nice office escape with friends! Dance along to our DJ entertainment, sip on cocktails from our full-bar selection, listen to our live narration, or enjoy interactive games on our skyline deck. This lunch cruise offers something for everyone! Including a 2-hour cruise along the Elizabeth River, a delicious lunch buffet with freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dessert dishes, spectacular views of the Navy's mighty Atlantic Fleet with engaging narration, onboard entertainment with DJ music, access to lounge spaces, and interactive games, and unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.

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.

Experience the beauty of Assateague Island and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, renowned for wild ponies, dolphins, and eagles, on this sunset cruise. Learn island history and wildlife facts with expert narration as you navigate the inland coastal waterways during the golden hour, feeling the warm sea breeze in your hair.

Immerse yourself in the atmospheric setting of Colonial Williamsburg after dark—and learn all about the real-life murders, executions, and other sordid events that happened here—on this nighttime ghost tour. No separate ticket to Williamsburg is needed: meet your costumed guide at the Capitol Building and set off. Visit supposedly haunted landmarks like the Peyton Randolph House, and hear stories about pirates, witch trials, and more as you go.

Learn all about the storied past of this historic area of Alexandria from an engaging guide who’s passionate about making your trip to the city a memorable one—from Gadsby's Tavern Museum to the cobblestone streets of Captain’s Row. You’ll hear well-researched stories, explore local landmarks like Historic Christ Episcopal Church, and get familiar with Old Town as a local leads the way.

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.

Let's go back in time together! Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area covers 10 blocks, making a private walking tour with a licensed local guide a fun, practical way to see its main sights. Walk from the Williamsburg Inn along Duke of Gloucester St, viewing the Capitol, trades and shops, horse-drawn carriages, and the Governor’s Palace while learning about Virginia’s colonial history and the move toward independence. Discover the spots only a local knows, like formal gardens, hidden sheep, and a bakery with 18th-century cookies. The route concludes at Bruton Parish Church near Merchants Square, where you can continue exploring, shop, or grab a bite. The tour can be customized to your interests and covers up to 1.5 miles. Guests are saying: “We rank Cyndi in the top 2% of professional guides we’ve experienced.” “She knows her history and shows a lot of enthusiasm for it.” “She was a pleasure to be with.”

Visit the Historic Triangle and learn about early American history with this full-day group tour of Jamestown, Yorktown, and other sites. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver-guide and go to each site in chronological order. Enjoy a midday stop for a Colonial-style lunch at a local restaurant.

See the wild ponies of Assateague Island without having to navigate the barrier island on this boat tour from Chincoteague. Board your vessel and enjoy panoramic views of the ponies in their natural habitat as you sail along Assateague Island. Enjoy live narration on board and keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife like dolphins, eagles, and bird species.

Hear all about the spookier side of Colonial Williamsburg on this nighttime walking ghost tour led by a local resident. Great for anyone from history buffs to fans of scary stories, you’ll see Colonial Williamsburg by night and tour (allegedly) haunted locations without worrying about getting lost thanks to your guide and group.

Face the ghosts of Williamsburg’s past on an evening haunted history tour in one of America’s oldest cities. After nightfall, visit centuries-old sites in Colonial Williamsburg while a guide shares reports of ghostly activity, from the days of early settlers through the Civil War. Beyond just chilling anecdotes, all sightings are based on paranormal research and thoroughly documented for a spine-tingling evening experience.

Standard history tours in Colonial Williamsburg often gloss over the lived experiences of Black Americans. On this Black history-focused walking tour, go beyond the standard curricula to focus exclusively on the resilience, stories, and journeys toward freedom of early Black communities. Visit a Baptist church secretly founded by both enslaved and free Black Americans, a colonial-era tavern, historic estates where Black Americans were forced to live and labor, and much more.

Charlottesville has experienced its fair share of turmoil and tragedy, alongside its charming streets and delectable cuisine. From the legend of the enigmatic Moon Ghost who terrorized a local family to the brooding figure of James Madison reported at his beloved Montpelier, the Charlottesville area has been haunted by the shadow of death and destruction for centuries. A bone-chilling stroll at night exposes the enduring existence of the city’s distressing past. This spine-tingling ghost tour will take you to some of the most haunted spots in the city. From the former home of a murdering husband to chilling experiences at a local park, you will delve into the shadows of Charlottesville's murky history. This is a walking tour. We do not ever the private homes or businesses. The duration of the tour is outside and the total tour time is account for us walking from spot to spot.

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.

With this tour, you can expand your knowledge of the colonial history of Williamsburg—dating back to the 18th century. Instead of reading a guidebook, enjoy a much more immersive way of learning about the city—by following a costumed guide around key landmarks. Along the way, hear stories about famous historical figures linked to the city—such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington—as well as fun facts about the monuments you pass.

*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.

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.

Explore the history of Richmond's black artists, business leaders, politicians, and innovators on this tour of the Jackson Ward neighborhood. Known for its charming Victorian architecture and powerful historical legacy, the Jackson Ward was long known as the "Harlem of the South" for its innovative and impactful black population. On this historic walking tour, we explore the stories of Richmond's Jackson Ward, its rise, challenges, successes, and crucial figures. Learn about black-owned banks, insurance companies, theaters, and much more.

Private guided tour of the Jamestown Settlement. This exclusive tour (only your family/group) includes an in-depth learning experience about the beginning of our oldest, permanent English colony that begins with exploring replicas of the ships that arrived in 1607, the re-created Paspahegh town, the James Fort reflecting the outpost in 1610-1614 and the museum with spectacular artifacts, replicas of 17th Century homes and more. There is an option (for a fee) to tour Historic Jamestowne, actual site of the Jamestown Fort, including the NPS Visitor Center, views of the Fort, James River and Tercentennial Monument that stands 104 feet tall. The monument was installed in 1907 commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Jamestown Colony. This trip may be customized for handicapped patrons as the state park has scooter rental for $15/scooter. For NPS option, wheelchairs are available with notice to guide. Estimated time 3.5-4 hours for Jamestown and Glasshouse and 4.5-5 hours to include NPS.

Experience Colonial Williamsburg’s holiday traditions with the added insight of a costumed guide who brings local history to life. Instead of exploring on your own, discover the stories behind the town’s seasonal decorations and celebrations while strolling its historic streets. It’s an engaging way to see how Christmas has been celebrated through the centuries.