About this experience
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.”
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Private Tour of Colonial Williamsburg
- Official Map of Colonial Williamsburg
Not included
- Gratuities
- Bottled water
- Does not include Admission Ticket to Colonial Williamsburg
Itinerary and highlights
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.
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.
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."
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.
We will conclude our tour at the historic Bruton Parish Church, near Merchants Square.
This gives you the option to continue touring the historic area or to visit Merchants Square with its 40 shops and restaurants.
Shops include Lululemon, Talbot's, and Scotland House, and award-winning restaurants, from fine dining to casual spots.
You may want to continue touring or grab a bite, or go souvenir shopping. Your guide will let you know their favorite spots!
Meeting and pickup information
- 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.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Friendly Williamsburg Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- 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 spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a Walking Tour, walking 10 blocks and up to 1.5 miles.
- Colonial Williamsburg has a lot more walking than visitors may realize.
- Be prepared to walk over large cobblestones, uneven brick sidewalks, and high steps, in the historic area.
- Not recommended for those with walkers or rollators.
- Be prepared to walk over large cobblestones, uneven brick sidewalks, and high steps in the historic area.
- Not recommended for those with walkers or Rollators.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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Service animals allowed
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