Tours in Williamsburg

With this top-tier self-guided tour bundle, explore America's beautiful East Coast. Explore Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. Walk the Boston Freedom Trail, Cambridge, Plymouth. Explore the Salem Witch Trials, Lexington & Concord, Cape Cod, Cape Ann, Martha's Vineyard, and Newport's Gilded Age grandeur. Cades Cove, Great Smoky National Park, and Washington D.C. Recommended: Purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time! 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. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

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.

Join a costumed Spooks and Legends guide on a tour of historic Colonial Williamsburg, Learn the dark history of Williamsburg and the nation’s most influential people from colonial America all the way up to “Rockefeller’s Williamsburg”.

Explore at your own pace with a fully private guided tour! “Shadows of the Past: Tracing Slavery’s Legacy in Williamsburg” invites you to delve into the history of slavery in colonial America, beginning in the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg. This tour provides insights into how slavery shaped the community and the lives of those who lived during that era. After exploring Colonial Williamsburg, the journey continues to the Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse, reflecting the legal aspects of slavery. Next, visit the Capitol Building, where significant legislative decisions about slavery were made. Conclude the tour at the James Geddy House, offering a perspective on the daily lives of both free and enslaved people of the time.

Historic Colonial Williamsburg is once again dressed in its holiday splendor. Come join us in the celebration with us as we stroll back in time this winter season. Your holiday ghost host will lead you through this Revolutionary City by candlelight while you hear about traditions of Christmas past as well as the spirits that still linger here today.

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.

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 is a private tour, tailored to your interests and schedule! Embark on a romantic journey through Williamsburg, a city rich in history and love stories. Your tour begins at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church, where you’ll be captivated by its stunning architecture and the heartwarming love stories it has witnessed. Next, cross the enchanting Crim Dell Bridge, a symbol of eternal love. It’s said that a kiss at its crest with your beloved ensures a lifelong bond. Discover the serenity of the Natural Wildflower Refuge, established in the 1970s. This tranquil spot is home to an array of ferns, wildflowers, and native plants, providing a perfect backdrop for romantic moments. Conclude your tour at the College of William and Mary, the second-oldest university in America. Stroll through its historic grounds while unraveling the romantic story of its namesakes, William and Mary.

Survive an apocalypse in Williamsburg today with Zombie Scavengers! An app will provide you with a list of items needed to survive the zombies. Find these items in any order you'd like and perform fun zombie themed challenges for points. Come up with a system to get the most points in order to survive the zombie apocalypse. Your friendly remote host will help you throughout the game via chat. Get enough points to survive the zombie apocalypse in Williamsburg today!

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.

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.

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. .

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.

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!

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 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.

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.

Skip the crowds this is a private tour for your group only! Embark on the “Williamsburg Family Explorer: An Outdoor Historical Adventure,” a tour tailored for families to experience the rich history of Williamsburg entirely outdoors. Begin your exploration at the Kimball Theatre, appreciating its historical facade. Then, view the George Wythe House from the outside, imagining the life of this influential patriot. Stroll through Market Square, soaking in the lively atmosphere of this historic gathering place. Observe the Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse, a symbol of 18th-century law and order. Conclude at the Peyton Randolph House, where the stories of its past residents are told through its architecture and surroundings. This tour is perfect for families looking to enjoy a day of historical discovery and outdoor enjoyment in Williamsburg.

This is long distance tour out of Charlottesville to either of any of the following locations: Cape Light House; Bacon's Castle, Fort Wool (place of arrival of American first colonial Settlers & African Americans, Historic James Town and More. Customers will be picked up at our Pantops

Raise a glass with the spirits of the past on this haunted pub crawl through Colonial Williamsburg. Led by a costumed guide steeped in ghostly lore, you’ll explore historic taverns and haunted landmarks where tales of executions, scandal, and lingering souls still echo. Sip on local brews and cocktails as you uncover the chilling stories behind America’s colonial capital—perfect for those seeking a spirited night out with a supernatural twist.

The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a unique blend of affordability and engaging holiday activity, making it ideal for groups. Tickets are sold per team (up to 10 people), providing great value for families and friends. The hunt is self-guided and playable in any city decked out for the holidays, putting you in control of the schedule. The core of the game is its focus on fun and laughter, achieved by mixing the search for holiday items with silly photo missions and collaborative challenges. This combination ensures that the focus remains on group bonding and light-hearted, memorable competition to top the scoreboard.

Available only for groups of 6 or more with a phone call. This bike tour is more than just a leisurely ride through scenic landscapes; it's an opportunity to confront our past, understand our present, and shape a more just and equitable future. We will have wheeled our way through 400 years of history to a modern vineyard for wine and celebrating good friends and shared connections. What truly sets this tour apart? We present a balanced and nuanced account of history, acknowledging the complexities and contradictions that shaped America's identity. We encourage open dialogue and respectful exchange of ideas, fostering a sense of shared understanding and empathy. We prioritize responsible travel practices that minimize our impact on the environment and support local communities. We donate a % of every tour to local conservation groups like Capital Trees, VCU Rice Rivers Center, and the James River Association.

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

Available only for groups of 6 or more with a phone call. This bike tour is more than just a leisurely ride through scenic landscapes; it's an opportunity to confront our past, understand our present, and shape a more just and equitable future. We will have wheeled our way through 400 years of history to a modern vineyard for wine and celebrating good friends and shared connections. What truly sets this tour apart? We present a balanced and nuanced account of history, acknowledging the complexities and contradictions that shaped America's identity. We encourage open dialogue and respectful exchange of ideas, fostering a sense of shared understanding and empathy. We prioritize responsible travel practices that minimize our impact on the environment and support local communities. We donate a % of tour proceeds to local conservation concerns like Capital Trees, VCU Rice Rivers, James River Association.