Top Virginia Cultural Tours

*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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learn AND visit Civil War hospitals in the heart of Old Town Alexandria! Hear tales of house confiscation, waves of wounded soldiers, and medical feats performed by the city's surgeons on this detailed walking tour. You will view over 15 different hospitals on this 1.5 hour tour, learning how some locations were saved from demolition and how residents came back to their homes-turned-hospitals after the war. Your guide leads extensive research on Alexandria's Civil War occupation, so you will get a front row seat to the city's critical past!

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.

Learn about life after the Civil War and the role of Alexandria in perpetuating the Lost Cause Myth. Attendees will visit sites related to secessionism and examine how the city challenged Reconstruction. You will explore the common misconceptions of the Lost Cause and learn more about Alexandria's dark past, and how historians are reckoning with it today. - Hear the debates about the now-removed Confederate statue - Visit sites of tragic lynchings in Alexandria - Stop by the homes of former Confederates and Lee family members - Ideal for history buffs, Civil War enthusiasts, civil rights advocates, and anyone interested in learning Alexandria's darker history!

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.

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!

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*

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.

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

Discover the beauty of Skyline Drive, a stunning 100-mile stretch through Shenandoah National Park. This self-guided audio experience transforms your drive into an engaging journey, revealing the rich history and natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Encounter sweeping overlooks, hidden waterfalls, and captivating tales of the land's past as you cruise along. Perfect for both newcomers and seasoned travelers, this tour lets you explore at your own pace—just drive, look, and listen to the stories unfold along the way. — Self-guided audio experience through Shenandoah National Park — Explore over 100 miles of scenic mountain roads at your own pace — Learn about the geology, history, and local lore of the Blue Ridge — Ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike

Explore the history of Danville, Virginia, and explore its historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Featuring stunning historic architecture, picturesque churches, and outstanding vintage hotels, Danville is an impressive historic gem with endless stories to share. Explore the city in a whole new way on this guided walking tour of Danville's history and architecture.

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.

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

Join us on an immersive walking tour through historic Fredericksburg, where Colonial-era history comes to life beyond the textbooks. Led by passionate local historians, our tour uncovers hidden stories, little-known facts, and fascinating figures who shaped the city. What Makes Our Tour Unique? Engaging Storytelling: More than just dates, we bring history to life with captivating tales, surprising facts, and interactive discussions. Exclusive Insights & Hidden Gems: Explore preserved 18th-century buildings and lesser-known landmarks beyond the usual tourist spots. A Thoughtful Blend of History & Fun Whether you're a history buff or just curious, we balance deep knowledge with entertaining anecdotes and humor. Small Groups for a Personal Experience: Our intimate tours allow for interactive discussions and time to ask questions. Perfect for visitors and locals alike, this tour offers a unique, engaging journey through Fredericksburg’s past.

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.

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway with Shaka Guide's Ultimate Bundle! Explore three incredible regions: Virginia, South Carolina (Asheville to Cherokee), and Blowing Rock to Asheville. Our GPS audio tour brings this iconic roadway to life, sharing captivating stories, hidden secrets, and breathtaking vistas. Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and nature as you explore this iconic route like never before. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

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.