Top Williamsburg Private Sightseeing Tours

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.

Let's go back in time together! Join your licensed guide on this fun, engaging walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg. See the major historic sights, learn how our democracy began, and walk in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers – and maybe bump into them! Discover the special places only a local knows, like delightful gardens, where they hide the sheep, and favorite spots for 18th-century cookies. Starting at The Williamsburg Inn, you'll view the Capitol, stroll by trades and shops, and see horse-drawn carriages on your way to the Governor’s Palace. Our walk ends close to Merchants Square where you can shop or grab a bite. Our 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.” - She has had the honor of being ranked nationally in the Top 10% of guides in the country. - This tour can be customized to your interests to make the most of your time here.

Explore the significant Yorktown Battlefield—and go at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour for your car. Drive through the park in your own car with GPS directions enabled as you listen to the storied history of this site. See and learn about famous landmarks like Washington’s Headquarters, Grand French Battery, and Yorktown National Cemetery without feeling rushed.

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.

We will discuss the different philosophies of architectural preservation between Europe and the United States during the late 19th and 20th Century and how it applies to the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. The restoration materials of Colonial Williamsburg had to appear as if they were constructed in the 18th Century. For example, the roofs of many of the reconstructed buildings were man made fire retardant composites, and the masonry emulated the original bound of the public buildings. When the Main College was rededicated as the Wren building, credit was given to the the famous English Architect, Sir Christopher Wren. However, there is no proof that this is true. The base of this building is a Flemish design as opposed to the English bond. As the Wren building stands today, it is a redesign of the building that existed in 1733. It will be a comprehensive discussion of the vision of Rev. W.A.R. Goodwin and John D. Rockfeller, Jr. that resulted in Colonial Williamsburg.

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.

Download GuideAlong's Yorktown Battlefield audio tour to see the landmarks of the 1781 Siege of Yorktown. This 10-mile driving tour of the Yorktown Battlefield points out each landmark of this final major conflict. See fortified Redoubts 9 &10, where the British tried to stave off the American advance. At the Yorktown Victory Monument, a 210-foot-tall obelisk honors the fallen. Visit the original site of Washington’s Headquarters, the French Artillery Park, and the Grand French Battery, and Surrender Field before ending the driving loop near the Yorktown Visitor Center. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates

Explore Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg, where America’s future was decided. This historical voyage transports you to an era that shaped our nation. See meticulously preserved colonial architecture, revolutionary battlefields, and much more as you explore these iconic destinations. Fascinating audio stories and historical reenactors bring the past to life with this easy-to-use tour bundle. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Colonial Williamsburg offers the chance to step back in time to the 18th century—and this private walking tour will give you an even richer understanding of this early American destination. Explore the city’s key historical landmarks, including the Colonial Williamsburg Capitol, learn about colonial–era life, and hear behind-the-scenes stories about Williamsburg’s history.

Enjoy a time-saving way to discover the best of Colonial Williamsburg—and learn the stories behind the sights—on this private walking tour. Pick from a range of convenient start times, meet your guide in Merchants Square, and set off on foot. You’ll see highlights like the Governor’s Palace and Capitol, will stroll along the history-saturated West Duke of Gloucester Street, and will visit the adjacent College of William & Mary.

Download GuideAlong's Colonial Williamsburg audio tour for a walk that brings America’s past to life. Explore Williamsburg’s Historic Area with this three-mile walking tour of the historic streets that inspired the American Revolution. Walk along Duke of Gloucester Street, passing storied colonial sites like the Capitol Building, the Governor’s Palace, Raleigh Tavern, and Bruton Parish Church. Walking through the Historic Area is free. Entering historic buildings or seeing shows requires a separate Colonial Williamsburg Pass purchased from the Visitor Center. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Like having a personal guide by your side at every step Purchase one tour per person, or listen together by sharing headphones or a speaker.

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.

The Ghost Tour is Williamsburg's first and only murder-focused tour. Explore areas that other history tours would be afraid to visit. Explore a historic city that conceals a sinister and unsettling past. A netherworld of horrific death and hatred. Accompany your guide on foot to some of our favorite local watering establishments. To help you get ready for what's to come, try a drink with a murder theme or one of the pub's specialty beverages. Then, take a stroll through the dim, peaceful streets of Historic Williamsburg, where you may learn the real stories of the city's most notorious crimes. There's nothing ghostly about Williamsburg's scariest tour. It has to do with murder.

Have you ever wondered how our modern Christmas traditions began? Join us for a 1-hour walking tour through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, where your guide will reveal the colonial Christmas celebrations that shaped our current traditions. You'll also learn how the decorating style of Colonial Williamsburg influenced decorations across the nation. Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entry to any buildings owned by Colonial Williamsburg. The tour takes place through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg and is subject to weather conditions. Please be prepared for various weather scenarios. Additionally, the advertised tour route may change based on activities in the Historic Area. Please note that tours may be unavailable on certain days due to staff participating in other events. For more details about these programs, please visit our website.

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.

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.

Meet your certified guide in front of illy Caffè and walk to the College of William & Mary, founded in 1693 and the second-oldest college in America. Discover its remarkable role in America's story: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler studied here, while George Washington received his surveyor's commission from the College. Benjamin Franklin, the Marquis de Lafayette and King Charles III are among its honorary degree recipients. When open, tour the historic Sir Christopher Wren Building, including the Colonial classroom, Chapel, Great Hall and other historic spaces. Saturday morning tours may include the complimentary 10:00 a.m. Wren Chapel organ recital. Explore the Brafferton, an exceptionally rare surviving colonial Indian school; Hearth Memorial to the Enslaved, Sunken Garden, Tyler Garden and Echo Wall and, as time permits, Crim Dell Bridge. This is an active university campus; access may vary due to classes, events or services. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

During this one-hour walking tour, discover how a sleepy southern town was restored to its former colonial splendor through the dream of Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and the backing of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. We will discuss the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg from its conception through to the continuing restoration efforts. We encourage questions and conversation so all guests can better understand why Williamsburg was, and is, so important not only to Dr. Goodwin and Mr. Rockefeller but also to future generations. 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.

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.

During this 1-hour walking tour, learn the complexities of Virginia's decision to seek independence from England. Discover the challenges faced by the men of the House of Burgesses as they ultimately chose to declare Virginia's independence and learn how this pivotal decision influenced the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. 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.

America turns 250 in 2026. The celebrations are deserved. But the full story of those 250 years includes voices that were long left out of the official account. This private 2-hour walking tour traces the history of slavery in Colonial Williamsburg — the legal systems that enforced it, the buildings where enslaved people lived and worked, the courts that judged them, and the legislature that debated their lives as political abstractions. Your dedicated guide does not simplify this history or soften it. They bring it to life with care, context, and humanity. Colonial Williamsburg, the Courthouse, the Capitol Building, and the James Geddy House — each stop reveals a different dimension of a society built on enslaved labor. Understanding this history is not separate from celebrating America's 250th anniversary. It is essential to it.

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.

Discover Williamsburg's famous ghosts and spirits walking the streets at your own pace, anytime. This is one of the most haunted and historic places, don't miss it's spooky story. This tour is built on those records. Newspaper clippings folded into court archives. Letters never meant for strangers. Names scratched into margins and ledgers. What follows tonight does not rely on imagination. Everything you will hear was once written down by someone who saw it happen, or by someone who tried to explain why it should be forgotten. Go at your own pace, anytime.