Private Colonial Williamsburg Architectural Tour
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for children and teenagers younger than 17
What To Expect
Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center
They will see original and reproductions of Colonial Williamsburg's architecture and watch films, if desired.
Governor's Palace
We will enter the Governor's Palace and tour the exterior and interior of the palace, surrounding buildings and gardens.
Options
Private Colonial Williamsburg Architectural Tour
What‘s Included
Official Colonial Williamsburg Map
Lunch
Brunch
Dinner
Snacks
Bottled water
Private transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour!
G8231OLdanv,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience with this architectural tour. Great combo of the history, culture and architectural designs in Williamsburg. Highly recommended!
Dennis was absolutely...
Curt B,Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Dennis was absolutely great! Super knowledgeable and a great conversationalist. Would highly recommend him! I’d take this tour all over again without any hesitation
Great tour, knowledgeable guide!
NOLASaintsfan1971,Mar 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience with Dennis touring some of our nation's most historic buildings, learning different architectural designs and touring inside Colonial Williamsburg's buildings. Two thumbs up!
Architectural Tour of Williamsburg
elainerswartz,Mar 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. The leader was very knowledgeable and personable. He answered all my questions. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants in-depth information on the buildings in Colonial Williamsburg
Informative and Insightful
Steve P,Mar 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’ve been to CW many times and never stopped to looked closely at the intricate architectural detail of the buildings. This tour provided a detailed and intimate look at period design and architecture. The host was a wealth of knowledge and information, describing details one may normally overlook when experiencing the history of CW. I learned things I never knew before and strongly recommend this tour for any history of architecture lover. Come prepared for a great educational experience. I would not recommend this tour for children, as it does go in depth into architecture and leaves out the “entertainment” factor kids would likely desire from CW.
Worth every penny, I would highly recommend this tour, top rate, five-star
Bambi W,Nov 26, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Five-star tour to learn about Colonial Williamsburg architecture and restoration. I was extremely impressed how he connected the British and Colonial architecture to Palladianism. The history of Williamsburg was explained in detail without being boring and our tour guide's enthusiasm and sense of humor was wonderful. The Governor's Palace was the prime example of Palladianism and Georgian designs. I was surprised that the tour included us with a one-day pass for Colonial Williamsburg buildings. It was worth every penny.
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Operated by Williamsburg Architectural Gems