Top Williamsburg Cultural Tours

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.

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.

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.

*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.

Exclusive, private tour (only your family/friends) of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (ARMY), some of the Yorktown Battlefields (Surrender Field), the federal museum (National Park Service with General Washington's original tents from the American Revolutionary War), Victory monument, and alleged cave where Cornwallis retreated. This is the only private tour with a private guide at all stops. This is NOT a group bus or group shuttle tour. This tour includes an in depth learning experience about the siege of Yorktown that lasted several weeks and explores the surrendering of arms on October 19, 1781 including Surrender Field. The afternoon tour at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown includes the canon firing at 3:00pm (weather dependent from March 1st-November 30th). We spend about 4 to 4.5 hours touring and about an hour driving which makes this a 5 to 5.5 hour tour. Note: the state museum has scooter rentals for $15.

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*

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.

Step into the heart of Colonial Williamsburg on this self-guided walking tour that goes beyond the costumes and reenactments. This tour invites you to explore not just what happened, but how it's remembered. Along the way, you'll uncover stories of power, protest, labor, and legacy. Each stop reveals how colonial life was lived, contested, and reimagined. As you walk, you'll hear about the celebrated and the overlooked: from revolutionaries and craftsmen to the enslaved and the displaced. Rather than simply retelling history, this tour asks deeper questions about memory, identity, and what it means to inherit the past. Designed to be thoughtful and accessible, this tour is perfect for curious travelers, history buffs, and anyone who wants to see Williamsburg in a new light. Please note this tour is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and does not include admission to any ticketed exhibits.

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 on a private 2-hour walking tour that highlights the city’s most historic streets, landmarks, and stories. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this experience blends must-see sites with hidden corners and authentic insights into 18th-century Virginia. Walk through charming avenues, scenic squares, and beautifully preserved buildings that shaped early American history. Learn about daily life, politics, traditions, and the people who influenced Williamsburg’s role in the nation’s beginnings. Hear engaging stories, discover local culture, and enjoy time for photos and questions as you explore the city’s top highlights. This private tour is perfect for first-time visitors, history lovers, families, and travelers looking to experience Williamsburg in a deeper and more meaningful way.

There’s something for everyone at Busch Gardens Williamsburg — the theme park with a European twist. Get your heart racing on dozens of thrilling rides and attractions inspired by Old World legends, including the Griffon, Loch Ness Monster and Alpengeist coasters, plus the Land of Dragons and other kid-friendly areas. Grab a pint at the Oktoberfest beer hall, dine at an authentic Italian ristorante, and catch live shows like the Celtic Fyre Irish extravaganza for a day of international fun!

Join us as we explore the fascinating stories of women from all walks of life—each of whom played her part in the community’s development. From the beloved midwife whose knowledge and care were instrumental to the town’s health, to the famous schoolmistress who taught future leaders, these women were pillars of the community. Discover the Governor’s Lady, who maintained the standards of society, and the Councillor’s wife, who helped shape political circles from behind the scenes. Learn about the enslaved cook who worked closely with the Founders, displaying incredible skill and resilience, and even hear the tales of actresses who broke societal norms to entertain and inspire. .

This private tour picks you up from your Williamsburg hotel to visit Berkeley, Westover and Sherwood Forest Plantations. Berkeley’s 1726 Georgian mansion is the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and also the birthplace of William Henry Harrison, 9th U.S. President, and his grandson, Benjamin Harrison, 23rd U.S. President. During the Civil War, Berkeley was occupied by General McClellan’s troops. While at Berkeley, General Butterfield composed the familiar tune “Taps”, played by his bugler. We will explore the Native American, Colonial and Civil War artifacts, along with historical paintings and exhibits in the 18th century basement museum. At Westover, we tour the grounds of this beautiful Georgian mansion, its amazing gardens and secondary buildings. At Sherwood Forest, we tour the grounds of our 10th U.S. President, John Tyler's home, the longest frame house in America. If scheduling in advance, we can request an interior tour.

Discover Colonial Williamsburg and experience all this renowned historic city has to offer by prebooking your ticket and securing your spot at one of the world's largest living museums. Learn about life in colonial America and the American Revolution. Enjoy historical reenactments and theatrical performances, the vibrant gardens and art museums, plus guided and self-guided tours of the original 18th-century buildings and homes, and personal interaction with the townspeople. Parking fee not included.

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.

Our Founding Fathers loved liberty. And loved the ladies as well! Led by your 5-star guide on the romantic streets of Colonial Williamsburg, we'll explore the yearnings of our restless patriots who trod here – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry. We'll learn their schoolboy crushes, passionate pursuits, and breathless encounters to (finally!) settling into loving, long-lasting marriages. We'll meet the flirtatious ladies they yearned for, the haughty ones who rejected them, and the devoted beauties who won them. I say! It's just like Bridgerton! We'll also learn 18th-century courting customs and how a lady used her fan to entice a suitor. Come see our surprising and oh-so-human founding fathers! Our guests are saying: - “We rank Cyndi in the top 2% of professional guides that we have experienced.” - “Cyndi felt like a comfortable friend with a vast store of information.” - She has the honor of being ranked nationally in the “Top 10% of guides in the Country.”

Venture into the eerie history of Colonial Yorktown on the Maritime Murder Ghost Tour, where chilling tales of ghostly encounters and dark pasts await. Uncover the stories of spirits that linger long after their tragic fates and explore haunted maritime sites that echo with the whispers of the past. This tour offers a unique blend of history and the supernatural. Prepare for an unforgettable evening that blends the intrigue of history with the thrill of ghostly legends.

Spend the evening exploring the historic streets of Colonial Williamsburg on a candlelit guided ghost tour. The ghost tour reveals a lesser-known side of the historic streets and takes you to parts of the town most tourists wouldn’t be comfortable visiting on their own. Along the way, a guide entertains the group with family-friendly stories and local legends.

The Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum located just 15 minutes by car from Colonial Williamsburg. This 7–day pass with complimentary free parking allows you to explore Jamestown at your own pace with breaks in between—a convenient choice for families with children. Your admission ticket grants you access to films, historical interpreters, working farms, and recreated colonial spaces.

Our certified tour guide will greet you in front of illy's cafe and share background information as you walk over to the historic College of William & Mary (est. 1693), our "Alma Mater of the Nation." You'll tour the oldest academic building in the United States, the Sir Christopher Wren building, and learn about the second-oldest college in America, alma mater to four United States Presidents. If the Wren building is open, there may be an opportunity for a free organ recital on Saturdays at 10am in the Chapel, and our morning tour time on Saturday is longer for the recital. All tours include touring the Colonial classroom, the Chapel, the Blue Room, the Hall of Leadership, the Great Room and academic classrooms that are still used for religious studies. We'll also visit the Brafferton, former school for Native Americans, the Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved, and the Sunken Garden, visiting James Monroe, James Blair, the Tyler Family Garden (aka "Echo Wall") and Thomas Jefferson.

With its hundreds of years of history, it’s no surprise that Colonial Williamsburg has accumulated some macabre stories over the centuries—and you’ll learn all the local lore on this dark history tour. Meet your guide in the afternoon at the Capitol, and set off on foot. From tales of creepy secret societies to stories of sinister happenings, you’ll discover a side of Colonial Williamsburg that few other visitors encounter.

Explore the eerie side of Colonial Yorktown on the Yorktown Ghost Tour. This guided stroll takes you through the town's haunted history, revealing stories of spirits from the Revolutionary and Civil War eras. As you walk the historic streets, discover the explosive tales behind the ghosts that still linger, offering a glimpse into the past. This tour ensures a unique blend of history and mystery that will captivate both children and adults alike. Join in on an unforgettable journey through time and the supernatural.

Experience the magic of Colonial Williamsburg Christmas on one of our most popular private walking tours. Discover the beauty of Colonial Williamsburg's Christmastide as we stroll from the Williamsburg Inn along Duke of Gloucester Street, admiring spectacular holiday decorations, historic homes, and 18th-century architecture. Learn how handcrafted wreaths and garlands are created from fresh greenery, fruits, seed pods, oyster shells, feathers, and other natural materials, then judged in the Professional, Amateur, Trades, and Crafts divisions. Your knowledgeable local guide brings history to life with stories of Christmastide traditions celebrated by plantation owners, middling families, and military during the Revolutionary War. It's the perfect way to experience Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Note: Traditional ginger cake is included. Tours before 7PM include a beverage. Grand Illuminations: first three Saturdays in December. Yule Log ceremonies: first three Fridays.