Virginia’s history is written in its streets, buildings, and even its cemeteries. Unlike many states, Virginia offers a richness of stories from colonial times, Civil War battles, and Revolutionary landmarks—all easily accessible for visitors. We especially love A Guided Walking Tour through Historic Old Town Alexandria, where passionate guides bring to life the stories behind Gadsby’s Tavern and the cobblestone streets of Captain’s Row. If you’re into food and history, the Southern Comfort – Old Town Alexandria Food & History Tour combines tasting local dishes with fascinating tales. And for those who want a deeper dive into the Civil War, the Journey Through America’s Most Historic Cemetery Complex offers a rare look inside graves of presidents, spies, and generals, with stories you won’t hear elsewhere.
Virginia is a treasure trove for anyone eager to understand America’s past. Whether you prefer a quick walk of historic streets, a food and history combo, or a detailed cemetery tour, the options below are sure to enrich your trip.
Quick Overview
Our list features eight top-rated Virginia tours that capture the state’s diverse history. You’ll find lively guided walking tours of Old Town Alexandria, with options for small group or private tours that get into the details of Revolutionary and Civil War sites. We also include specialty tours like the Civil War cemetery journey and the spooky Buena Vista Ghost Tour. For food lovers, the Old Town Alexandria Food & History offers a delicious way to combine culinary exploration with local stories. Lastly, the Historic Leesburg Guided Walking Tour and the Northern Virginia Civil Rights Tour reveal lesser-known but impactful chapters of Virginia’s history.
1. A Guided Walking Tour through Historic Old Town Alexandria
At number one, this 1.5-hour walking tour is perfect for history enthusiasts who love storytelling as much as sightseeing. Led by a local resident guide, you’ll stroll through Alexandria’s cobbled streets, learning about the city’s founding by William Ramsay, a Scottish merchant and close friend of George Washington. The tour covers key sites like Gadsby’s Tavern and Carlyle House, which played a role in the American Revolution. The guide’s well-researched stories include anecdotes about Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and even Mick Fleetwood—that’s right, a bit of rock history mixed in. The small group size ensures a personal experience, with opportunities to ask questions. Reviews consistently praise the guide’s depth of knowledge and engaging storytelling.
The highlight for many is walking past the Hollensbury Spite House—famous for its tiny footprint—while hearing the story behind its construction. Though only 10 minutes are allocated at each stop, the tour packs in a lot of history at a relaxed pace. It’s perfect if you want an affordable, enriching introduction to Alexandria’s past.
Bottom Line: An excellent, affordable option for travelers who want a thorough, engaging overview of Old Town Alexandria’s most famous landmarks.
2. Southern Comfort – Old Town Alexandria Food & History Tour
For around $127, this 3-hour walking tour combines local cuisine with fascinating stories of Old Town Alexandria. Led by passionate guides, you’ll sample dishes from carefully selected eateries, getting a taste of the city’s culinary scene alongside its history. The tour includes passing by landmarks like Alexandria City Hall and Market Square, which hosts the longest-running farmer’s market on Saturdays. You’ll also see the Athenaeum—a stunning Greek Revival building—and end up at Waterfront Park, where public art installations add a modern contrast to the historic surroundings.
What sets this tour apart is the blend of food sampling and story sharing, including some scandalous tales and surprising facts about Alexandria’s past. The capped group size of eight makes for an intimate experience, with plenty of opportunities to chat with the guides and local shop owners. Reviews highlight the quality of the food and the stories, with some mentioning memorable conversations with restaurant owners. The price includes some of the tastings, and part of the proceeds goes to charity, making it a socially conscious choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for first-time visitors who want a relaxed, flavorful way to understand Alexandria’s history and culture.
3. Historic Leesburg Guided Walking Tour
At number three, this 1 hour 20-minute tour explores the well-preserved historic core of Leesburg. The small-group format is perfect for those who want to ask questions and get detailed stories about each site. Stops include the Tally Ho Theater, showcasing impressive Art Deco architecture, and St. James’ Episcopal Church, a rare example of Romanesque Revival in the area. The guide also points out the Philip Nolan House, which supposedly stored the Declaration of Independence during the War of 1812, and the Glenfiddich House, where Robert E. Lee met with Confederate leaders.
The tour is packed with visits to museums and historic homes, giving a comprehensive picture of Leesburg’s role in American history. Many reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and the engaging storytelling—Carla, in particular, gets high marks. The tour is suitable for history buffs who enjoy walking and stopping at multiple sites, with plenty of historical tidbits shared along the way.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in the detailed architecture and stories of Leesburg’s Civil War and early American history.
4. Private History of Old Town Alexandria Walking Tour
For those seeking a personalized experience, this private 90-minute tour allows you to explore Alexandria’s most famous landmarks with a dedicated guide. The tour can be scheduled in the morning or afternoon, giving flexibility to your plans. It covers highlights like Gadsby’s Tavern, the Carlyle House, and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop—full of stories about American presidents and colonial life. The private setting ensures tailored storytelling, making it ideal for families or history aficionados who prefer customizing their experience.
The guide’s background includes a deep knowledge of Civil War history and the city’s founding, sharing lesser-known facts along with popular stories. Visitors mention the guide’s friendly manner and the relaxed pace, which makes for a memorable experience. At $275 per group, the value is high for those seeking a thorough, private tour without the crowds.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want an exclusive, flexible, and in-depth look at Alexandria’s historic sites.
5. Journey Through America’s Most Historic Cemetery Complex
This 1.5-hour tour takes you inside a 13-cemetery complex with over 35,000 burials, including George Washington’s pallbearers and Confederate generals. Led by cemetery superintendent David Heiby, the tour offers a rare chance to walk among graves and hear stories that are usually hidden from regular visitors. Using ground-penetrating radar, the guide discusses graves rediscovered after 200 years and shares discoveries from restricted archives—making this tour stand out from others that simply walk past gravestones.
Expect to learn about the lives of Revolutionary War soldiers, spies, and Civil War figures, with stories that connect Virginia’s past to the broader fabric of American history. Visitors have commented on how energetic and humorous the guide is, making the experience both educational and entertaining.
Bottom Line: Suited for those interested in detailed cemetery history, archaeology, and stories behind the tombstones.
6. Duke Street Black History Tour
This $15 tour offers a poignant look at Black history in Alexandria, focusing on slavery, civil rights, and the stories of influential local figures. It covers sites like the Freedom House Museum, the Bruin Slave Jail, and the African American Heritage Memorial Park. Although the reviews are limited, the tour’s focus on the legacy of slavery and resilience makes it a meaningful experience. The tour is a good choice for those interested in social justice and African American history.
The tour’s short duration makes it accessible for a wide audience, but it’s best for travelers who want a focused, emotionally impactful experience. You’ll walk past historic markers and hear stories of the Edmonson sisters, linking past struggles to ongoing conversations about race and equality.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful, compact exploration of Black history in Alexandria.
$15.00 per person
7. Buena Vista Historic Ghost Tour
For the thrill-seekers, this 1.5-hour ghost tour explores Buena Vista’s spooky stories and haunted sites. Led by the town’s mayor, the tour mixes history with supernatural tales, passing places like Main Hall, where paranormal activity is reported. The stories include outlaws, restless spirits, and legends passed down through generations.
While the reviews are currently limited, the tour’s combination of local history and ghost stories offers a fun, spooky option. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a good ghost story with a historical twist and don’t mind walking through the dark. Expect to hear tales that are both chilling and rooted in real events.
Bottom Line: Perfect for night owls and horror fans interested in ghostly Virginia stories.
$15.00 per person
8. Historical Tour of Northern Virginia
This 5-hour small-group tour is led by a retired FBI historian, taking you through important Black heritage sites like Freedom Hill, Tinner Hill, and the Fairfax Courthouse. It’s a deep dive into civil rights history in Northern Virginia, including stories of resilience, community, and justice. The tour ends with lunch at a Black-owned restaurant, adding a personal and community-focused touch.
The detailed stories, such as those of early activism and landmark legal battles, make this tour excellent for travelers interested in social justice and African American history. The guide’s background adds credibility, and the length of the tour allows for a more comprehensive experience. The small group size ensures everyone gets personal attention.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a detailed, meaningful exploration of Black history in Virginia with a focus on social change.
$75.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Historical Tour in Virginia
When picking a tour, consider your interests and time availability. If you want a quick overview of Old Town Alexandria’s streets, the Guided Walking Tour is perfect. For a more immersive experience combining food and stories, Southern Comfort delivers delicious insights. History lovers who appreciate detailed, personalized attention will value the Private Alexandria tour, while those interested in Civil War graves will find the cemetery complex tour compelling.
Budget-conscious travelers can opt for the Duke Street Black History Tour, while families or night adventurers might enjoy the spooky Ghost Tour. When booking, consider the length of each tour, your physical activity level, and whether you prefer guided or private experiences.
Final Thoughts
Virginia offers a range of historic tours that cater to every interest—from the streets of Alexandria to Civil War cemeteries and ghostly tales. For a comprehensive introduction, the Old Town Alexandria walking tours are hard to beat, especially with their engaging guides. For a deeper dive into Civil War history, the cemetery tour is unmatched. And if spooky stories are your thing, the Buena Vista Ghost Tour adds an extra layer of fun.
No matter your choice, booking early is wise—these tours fill up fast, especially in peak seasons. Take your pick, and enjoy uncovering Virginia’s compelling past.