Governor’s Palace Tours & Attractions

This exclusive, private tour (only your group) highlights Colonial Williamsburg's Christmas traditions and picturesque holiday decorations of our historical area. This tour provides insight about the materials, crafts people, construction and design of the wreaths and garlands adorning the exterior of most 18th Century buildings, exhibits and private homes and different judging categories. We meet at The Williamsburg Inn to admire the spectacular decorations and begin our journey to the Duke of Gloucester. We'll discuss how holidays were celebrated in 18th Century Williamsburg, on Virginia's plantations and during the Revolutionary War. Gingerbread cookies are offered to guests.

Note: Grand Illuminations are the first, second and third Saturdays of December (7pm fireworks from the Governor’s Palace and Capitol). The Yule Log lightings are the first, second and third Fridays of December. Decorations are judged Monday after the first Grand Illumination and a second time two weeks later.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

This exclusive private tour explores the birth place of America's History. Points of interest include:

1) On Duke of Gloucester Street we visit shops and trades that teach about early America's banking system, the commission of the Tin Smith to support our militia, the power of the press and Virginia's leadership to send invitations out to other colonies to meet for the 1st Continental Congress.

2) Walk around the Capitol Building and understand why America's Constitution carved out three government branched.

3) Enjoy the Palace Green and the Governor's Palace where townspeople and our gentry celebrated important events.

4) Learn about Bruton Parish Church

5) Shop in Merchant's Square

6) Visit the Sir Christopher Wren building (the College) and learn why the oldest academic building in America plays a significant role in our history

Note: Colonial Williamsburg (CW) hours are 9am-5pm. Bruton Parish closes at 4pm.

Note 2: We will customize your tour to suit your preferences.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Come on to our untold secrets of Williamsburg history tour presented by Junket!

Experience Untold Secrets of Williamsburg to discover the true, dark, and unbelievable stories of the giants of American History who lived here. They helped found our country...but also walked the streets of Williamsburg as living, loving, fighting, and real human beings with personal stories, good and terrible, waiting to be uncovered.

While Colonial Williamsburg is a true museum of living history, many storytellers shy away from the details that made it real and avoid unpopular stories of the great, and terrible, men and women who lived, loved, laughed, killed, and died here. On this tour experience, instead of stepping carefully around those stories, expert tour guides will dive headfirst into unflinching accounts and gripping backstories of the famous and infamous figures who called Williamsburg home.
Duration: 90 to 120 minutes.

Come on to our history of black Americans tour presented by Junket!

We often learn the history and stories of heroes of the American Revolution and the early history of America. What isn't often covered in history classes and history books is the story of African Americans who were enslaved during this time. On this unique tour, we'll discover the stories of African Americans who lived and worked in Colonial Williamsburg. From the slaves buried in the graveyard of the Historic First Baptist Church, to the woman who left property to her freed black servants, you'll uncover the untold stories of the oppressed, and their path to freedom.
Duration: 2 hours.

This unique ghost hunt provides an opportunity to learn how to use scientific instruments to detect ghosts, a skill often showcased on popular TV shows like Ghost Hunters.

Participants can experience firsthand the proper use of these instruments in some of the most haunted locations in America, allowing them to measure paranormal activity themselves!
Duration: 2 hours.

Don’t just learn about American history… live it! At Colonial Williamsburg, America’s Colonial past comes to life through beautifully restored architecture and authentic reenactors. Stroll down these historic streets while this tour tells you everything you need to know about Williamsburg, early America, colonial life, and more.

Williamsburg has a long and complex history that predates the creation of the United States by almost 150 years! Dig into the town’s origins, the dramatic struggles which unfolded here during the revolution, and the people who put Williamsburg on the map.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Our tour is filled with historic information in the city where it happened!

We present the events of the 1770s in a clear time-line and discuss actions and attitudes the founders that shaped the revolution and the founding of our nation. The average visitor would have to spend multiple days (visiting just the right buildings) to learn the information we present in just 1 hour without waiting in long lines and missing information because of closed attractions.

Questions are encouraged throughout the tour to ensure you are getting the information and experience you desire.
Duration: 1 hour.

Step back into the 18th century with “Colonial Williamsburg Wander: A Journey Through Time”. This immersive tour begins at the Williamsburg Inn, a classic example of colonial elegance. Stroll through Merchants Square and the Resort Historic District, bustling with shops and historical ambiance. Visit Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, a living symbol of America’s religious heritage. Wander down W Duke of Gloucester St., lined with well-preserved colonial structures. Admire the homes along Palace Green St., leading up to the Governor’s Palace, a stunning recreation of a colonial government residence. Conclude your historical exploration at the Capitol Building, the heart of colonial political life. This tour offers a glimpse into colonial American life, perfect for history buffs and those seeking to experience Williamsburg’s unique charm.


Duration: 2 hours.

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.

Duration: 4 hours.

Get ready to explore the historic streets of Williamsburg like never before with Trivia Walks! Our captivating self-guided tour and scavenger hunt combo will take you on an immersive adventure through Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary’s campus, uncovering fascinating stories and hidden gems along the way.

From early American history to modern secret campus hideaways, battlefield scars to pirate prisons and more, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture and heritage of the area.

Along the way, places you’ll see include:

- The original Capitol of Virginia
- Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse
- The first English American theatre
- The Governor’s Palace
- The Crim Dell Bridge
- The oldest college building in America
- ...and more!
Duration: 2 hours.

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment!

Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!
Duration: 2 hours.

Independence from Mother England was not a foregone conclusion as we've been taught. Many questioned what American Independence would mean. For the colony of Virginia, it was a very difficult decision. During this one-hour walking tour discover how and why the men of the House of Burgesses finally decided to declare independence for Virginia and how their 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.
Duration: 1 hour.