Top Williamsburg Walking Tours - page 2

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.

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.

Learn all about a different side of early American history—and explore Colonial Williamsburg in the company of a costumed guide—on this small-group, pirate-themed tour. Pick between morning and afternoon start times, meet your guide right outside the Capitol Building, and set off on foot. In between admiring the centuries-old landmarks, you’ll learn about how piracy influenced American history—and can soak in your guide’s in-depth stories as you go.

To play Operation City Quest in Williamsburg, you'll use an app to gather points by completing exciting tasks and finding objects around the city in any order you choose. Use strategy to gain the most points on the app's leaderboard and beat out other Williamsburg teams. Our scavenger hunt has a remote host that will help throughout the game via chat. Let's get competing in Williamsburg!

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 tent from the Battle at Yorktown in October 1781), 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 3 hours touring and about an hour driving which makes this a 4 hour tour. If we meet in Yorktown, then the tour is about 3 hours, slightly longer if anyone shops at the museums.

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 James River, Fort 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 includes free scooters first come, first serve. For NPS option, wheelchairs are available with notice to guide. Estimated time 3-4 hours. NOTE:SPANISH SPEAKING GUIDES AVAILABLE WITH NOTICE

Walk the final steps of the condemned on this adults-only ghost tour led by the Executioner of Colonial Williamsburg. Through chilling tales of crime, punishment, and restless spirits, this immersive experience explores the haunted legacy of justice in the colonial capital. From gallows to graveyards, uncover the dark truths behind public executions, vengeful ghosts, and the souls left behind. Gripping, grim, and unforgettable—this tour is not for the faint of heart.

Not all women were high-born ladies… many worked long and hard to survive. This walking tour will open your eyes to pieces of the past. Women were fully one half of the story, and you will learn about their roles as business owners and consumers. Over more than 325 years, the buildings in Williamsburg have had many lives and multiple uses, as social and political history was made both inside and out, shaping the community we know today.

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.

See Washington DC’s key attractions, all in one day—and leave the navigation to your guide—on this full-day tour from Williamsburg. Set off early in the morning via air-conditioned bus, and stop by Arlington National Cemetery en route to the nation’s capital. Discover highlights like the Lincoln Memorial, stop for photos outside the White House and US Capitol, enjoy free time for lunch (own expense) and a stroll, and more.

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!

This private walking tour reveals the historic and cultural charm of Williamsburg. Step into an Old Town shaped by early American civilization. Walk through streets older than the United States. Discover stories that connect generations through heritage. In Colonial Williamsburg, history comes alive through engaging tales. What moments shaped this early community and its legacy? Cultural traditions and daily life unfold through stories designed to inspire all ages. Each step reveals a deeper connection to the past. Architectural landmarks reflect a classical era of growth and identity. Hear stories of transformation that shaped a young civilization. This journey blends education with exploration in a meaningful way. Experience a cultural adventure filled with history and storytelling. Discover a heritage that continues to inspire today. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Be transported back to Williamsburg in 1943 in this 1-hour character tour. Learn how the citizens of the town are dealing with rationing, blackout drills, and all the new servicemen in town during the Holiday season. Please note that each tour is unique, so the advertised routes may vary. You will be guided through town by either a USO Hostess or an Air Raid Warden. However, for evening tours, the guide will solely be an Air Raid Warden. Routes may also be changed to accommodate activities in Colonial Williamsburg. 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. Please be aware that due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on certain days. For details about these programs, please visit our website.

This private walking tour reveals the historic and cultural flavors of Williamsburg. Step into an Old Town shaped by early American civilization. Walk through streets older than the United States. Discover how culinary traditions reflect a rich heritage.In Colonial Williamsburg, aromas of the past still linger. What meals defined daily life in this historic settlement? Cultural practices shaped food and community across generations. Each step connects you with traditions rooted in centuries of history. Experience how seasonal ingredients guided colonial kitchens. Hear stories of craftsmanship and survival through food. Architectural surroundings reflect a classical era of growth and identity.This journey blends heritage, culture, and cuisine into one experience. Discover a civilization shaped through taste and tradition. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Dare to experience the #1 ultimate ghost hunt tour in Williamsburg, where real history meets real hauntings every night, year-round! Led by expert guides—this USMC Disabled Combat-Veteran-Owned, experience takes you deep into the eerie past of one of America’s most haunted cities. Feel the chilling presence of spirits as you visit Bruton Parish Church, the Governor’s Palace, Peyton Randolph House and Burial Grounds, and Market Square & Magazine. From witch trials to scandalous murders, hear the twisted tales that still haunt Williamsburg today. Equipped with ghost-hunting gear, track paranormal activity as you wander through the historic district. Every shadow and whisper could be an unseen visitor making their presence known! While we don’t enter buildings, this ensures you visit as many haunted locations as possible. This unforgettable ghost hunt is packed with mystery, history, and spine-tingling encounters. Ready to uncover Williamsburg’s darkest secrets? Join us—if you dare!

Enjoy a day of family fun at Water Country USA water park in Williamsburg, Virginia. With this admission ticket, you'll have access to attractions such as the wave pool and water slides. When booking, select a single-day ticket or upgrade to a multi-day pass that also includes admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

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.

This exclusive, private tour (only your group) highlights Colonial Williamsburg's Christmas traditions and picturesque holiday decorations of our historical area. This tour provides insight about the materials, crafts people, construction and design of the wreaths and garlands adorning the exterior of most 18th Century buildings, exhibits and private homes and different judging categories. We meet at The Williamsburg Inn to admire the decorations and begin our journey to the Duke of Gloucester. We'll discuss how holidays were celebrated in 17th and 18th Centuries here in Virginia including plantations, our Capital cities and during the Revolutionary War (e.g., Continental Army). Holiday biscuits by African descendants or traditional gingerbread cookies are offered. If before 7PM, we offer hot beverages. Note: Grand Illuminations are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of December (7pm fireworks). The Yule Log lightings are the first, second and third Fridays of December.

Join us as we discover the History of Christmas in the colony while exploring the handcrafted decorations that adorn the historic buildings. On our 1-hour leisurely stroll thru the city, you will have the opportunity to photograph some of the most iconic decorations that are uniquely Colonial Williamsburg. Handcrafted one-of-a-kind decorations made by employees and residents of the city are beautifully and proudly displayed on each building and we will discover the most beautiful and unique of this year's display. We will discover the religious, humorous, and heartfelt traditions that span the centuries. While learning how the decorations are made, how they became a tradition, and even helpful tips and tricks on how the create your own decorations at home. Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg is truly an experience that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

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.

Join the Night Watchman for a chilling evening walk through the city’s shadowy past. Led by a professional guide, this 90-minute tour uncovers real tales of crime, punishment, and restless spirits. Wander historic streets and hear eerie stories that bring the dark side of history to life. Perfect for fans of true crime, ghost stories, and immersive storytelling.

Be amazed, entertained, and scared (in a good way) on this ghost tour of Williamsburg. The tour is based around a photo study of ghosts and paranormal activity, 'Haunted Historic Colonial Williamsburg'. You'll be shown the amazing photos while visiting the places they were taken. Each tour is slightly different and you'll visit various locations, including what is considered to be Williamsburg's most haunted house, Peyton Randolph House.

This is a private tour (your group) to an exceptional tour to visit Monticello, a World Heritage Site, home to our 3rd President, Thomas Jefferson, primary author of our Declaration of Independence and founder of the University of Virginia. Monticello provides in-depth tours of the historic house, gardens, views of the plantation, and, sometimes, an opportunity to engage in a lively presentation by Bill Barker, who portrays Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson enslaved over six hundred people throughout his life, and there are hourly slave tours to learn about the enslaved men, women, and children who labored on the plantation, including the Hemmings family and many others, like the Fosset family. The Monticello tour concludes with an opportunity to visit Thomas Jefferson's gravesite which is still owned by the family today. After leaving Monticello, guests may choose to have lunch at a nearby restaurant before returning to Williamsburg. Approx: 4 hours travel, 3.5 hours touring, 1 hour lunch.

`This private tour explores the historic and cultural heritage of Williamsburg through a refined journey across one of America’s most significant academic and colonial centers. Walk through an environment shaped by centuries of intellectual and architectural influence, reflecting a history older than the United States. Begin near Williamsburg United Methodist Church, where classical design reflects enduring community and cultural traditions. Continue to the Crim Dell Bridge, set within a landscape that represents the evolving story of local heritage and identity. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.