Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
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 here, 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 at 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.”
This tour can be designed to focus on your interests. It will give you an insightful overview of Colonial Williamsburg and help make the most of your time here.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will meet in the Lobby at The Williamsburg Inn, 136 Francis St. (off Colonial St.), Williamsburg, VA 23185. Your guide will be wearing a tour guide badge.
We will end our tour near the Kimball Theater, 424 Duke of Gloucester St., in the heart of Merchant's Square. With its 40 shops and restaurants to choose from, you can go souvenir shopping or grab a bite to eat.
Itinerary
-
1Williamsburg Inn, an official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel
Your licensed guide will meet you at the elegant Williamsburg Inn, 136 E. Francis Street, and escort you back in time to the 18th-century. As we walk up Duke of Gloucester Street we will enter a different, slower-paced town. We will learn why the Colonists decided to break off from Great Britain. We will experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the 1700s, when Virginia was the largest and wealthiest colony in British America.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building
We will immerse ourselves in the 18th century as we walk up Duke of Gloucester Street, "the most historic street in America." We will stop to view the Capitol Building, where our Founding Fathers debated British taxation and finally proposed independence. Along the way we will pass by busy trades, merchant shops, and taverns. And maybe even visit the dark jail cells and shackles of the Public Gaol (Jail) where Blackbeard's pirates were imprisoned.
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3Tarpley, Thompson, And Company
Walking down Duke of Gloucester Street, we will talk about Virginia's role in declaring our independence and chat about Colonial life here in the capital city. We will see costumed interpreters and observe the busy shops, working trades, and taverns for hungry travelers where our Fouding Fathers debated independence. We will stop by the Courthouse where we'll share the punishments doled out to convicted criminals and perhaps take a photo with your feet in the "stocks."
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
4300 Palace Green St
On our way to the magnificent Governor's Palace, we'll pass by horse-drawn carriages, perhaps encounter a patriot, and walk up Palace Green to see the mansion that showcased the wealth and power of the British empire.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square
We will conclude our tour in charming Merchants Square, with its 40 quaint shops including gift shops, clothing stores like Talbot's and Scotland House, and award-winning restaurants, from fine dining to casual spots. You may want to grab a bite or go souvenir shopping. Your guide will let you know their favorite spots!
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a private tour, for your group only
Show 2 more
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a private tour, for your group only
- This is a 1.5 mile walking tour
- Walking is on paved roads, brick sidewalks, cobblestones, shell pathways, and grassy areas
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Company
Get our app
