Top Virginia Sightseeing Tours in 2026

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.

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.

*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.

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.

Discover Roanoke’s food, history, architecture, and culture without having to book multiple tours on this small-group excursion. Stroll through Roanoke's thriving downtown area and sample a variety of food and beverage tastings from local restaurants and specialty food shops. Along the way, uncover hidden gems, iconic landmarks, back alleys, and the Star City’s colorful history.

We are the only tour boat that specializes in birdwatching tours. We will take you to the most remote areas of the islands to spot the unique and beautiful native birds. We travel through the marshlands and waterways around the barrier islands for a true island experience.

Download GuideAlong's self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Shenandoah road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically along the route, all based on your location. You'll be guided to all of Skyline Drive's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including the park's top summit and waterfall hikes, President Herbert Hoover's historic retreat, and a high-elevation meadow that's one of the best places to spot wildlife like deer, elk and black bears. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you. ✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location ✅ Travel at your own pace ✅ Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed ✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use ✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates ✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Experience the beauty of the Potomac River and Old Town Alexandria on this independent bike tour along the Mount Vernon Trail. Check out the historic estate, which was once home to George Washington, and wander through the grounds, galleries, and hallways of this stately mansion. Opt for a tour upgrade and kick back for your return trip on a narrated Potomac River cruise to Alexandria. This independent tour offers plenty of flexibility and is one of the best ways to explore Mount Vernon.

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.

Our guides are locals and have local knowledge of all the wildlife and island history. All of our guides are licensed Captains.

Delve into the eerie history of Williamsburg on the Forgotten Spirits of the Past ghost tour. This one-hour walking experience reveals the chilling tales of those forgotten by history—ordinary souls and overlooked tavern keepers who still linger in the shadows. Venture off the beaten path into hidden courtyards and narrow lanes, uncovering stories that reveal the haunted heart of the city. Ideal for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike, this tour offers a unique perspective on Williamsburg's past. Join us and meet the spirits that history left behind. - One-hour walking tour exploring the haunted corners of Williamsburg - Discover the stories of forgotten souls and lost spirits - Suitable for all ages; children 6 and under are free - Check for varying times and availability on our website

Cruise in a Comfortable Golf Cart: You’ll ride in a cozy, open-air golf cart accommodating up to five guests, perfect for small groups or families. The leisurely pace allows you to soak in the island’s charm while enjoying a relaxed, guided journey. Pass by iconic landmarks like the historic Assateague Lighthouse, visible across the channel, adding a picturesque backdrop to your journey. Spot the Famous Chincoteague Ponies: A highlight of the tour is the chance to see the wild ponies of Assateague Island, known for their beauty and featured in the classic novel Misty of Chincoteague. Your guide will take you to prime viewing spots, such as areas near the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where ponies often graze along the banks or marshlands. While pony sightings aren’t guaranteed, expert guides know the best locations and times (often early morning or late afternoon) to increase your chances of spotting these iconic animals.

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.

With the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding the quaint vineyards of Virginia, this private wine excursion delivers a peaceful and harmonious experience in the great outdoors. A private chauffeur will cruise you and your guests from historic Charlottesville to the countryside. Spend the day touring the area and sampling wines from multiple wineries. On the Wine Trail, you’ll have your choice of which tasting rooms to visit and when to have a picnic lunch.

This exceptional tour takes us to two of Thomas Jefferson's most iconic masterpieces, the University of Virginia and Monticello, both honored as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1987 for their outstanding cultural significance. Our journey begins with a detailed guided tour of the picturesque University Lawn and the distinguished Rotunda at the University of Virginia, where history and architecture blend beautifully. Next, we head to Monticello's David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, a thoughtfully designed space featuring an excellent gift shop and numerous engaging exhibitions dedicated to Thomas Jefferson and the rich history of Monticello. For a convenient and pleasant break, you can enjoy a quick bite and refreshing drink at the Monticello Farm Table Cafe before proceeding to your in-depth guided tour of the historic estate.

Get close to the wild ponies of Assateague Island without disturbing their peace on this kayak tour from Chincoteague. Grab your year and gently paddle along the shores of Assateague Island, where you can observe the wild ponies in their natural habitat. Your guide provides information on the wild ponies as well as other local wildlife.

Turn a day in Virginia wine country into a seamless experience. Our private wine & beer tours are designed for couples, small groups and anyone looking to enjoy the best of the Monticello Wine Trail without worrying about driving, planning or logistics. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, planning a girls day, or just want a relaxing afternoon, we make it effortless from start to finish. Your experience includes: 6 hours Private, luxury vehicle Custom itinerary or let us plan it for you Door-to-door pickup and drop-off Flexible timing & personalized experience

Discover the charm and history of Old Town Alexandria, one of the nation’s most beautifully preserved colonial cities just outside Washington, DC. Step inside the legendary Gadsby's Tavern - once the social hub of colonial Alexandria - where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams dined, danced, and debated. Stroll along cobblestone streets lined with 18th-century architecture as your expert local guide brings centuries of American history vividly to life. Explore Christ Church (Interior Visit When Open) - originally built in 1773 - whenever services or private events are not in session. From George Washington’s favorite tavern to a church that’s hosted presidents, patriots, and even royalty, this walking tour takes you beyond the monuments and into the real stories that helped shape a nation.

We will give you a grand water view of the island colors at sunset, we will cruise along the world famous Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.

Enjoy panoramic views of Washington D.C.'s most important monuments during this attraction-packed, small-group boat cruise from the D.C. Wharf to Alexandria Old Town and back. Highlights covered include the Lincolm Memorial, Washington Monument, and Arlington National Cemetery. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard.

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.”

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.

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.

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.