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Alexandria Small-Group Historic Walking and Photo Tour, Virginia

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Virginia, USA

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On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Join Preserve Tours for a walk through historic Old Town Alexandria where your local guide provides insight on historic preservation initiatives and policy that are responsible for the protection of the historic district to this day. Experience the preservation of Alexandria's downtown shopping district, the Carlyle House, George Washington’s Townhouse, the Basilica of St. Mary’s, an authentic apothecary, and more while getting some great photos along the way. Photos are emailed after the tour.

Mel Serravalle worked a decade in an urban planning career before she founded Preserve Tours, curated walking and photo tours that would provide an opportunity to learn about historic neighborhoods and their role in the past and present. As a fourth generation Washingtonian herself, she strives to provide a quality educational experience with a local, fun feel. A portion of the proceeds of each tour goes to the Rosedale Conservancy, a community funded park in Upper Northwest DC.

What's Included

  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Professional Tour Guide

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    320 King Street
    Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    1 Wolfe Street
    Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

    We end at the waterfront a few blocks from King Street and Waterfront Park.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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    Alexandria

    Our first stop is Market Square in Old Town Alexandria, established in 1749 as a port town by the colonial government. The district features a wealth of well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, including Federal style homes and a WWI-era munitions plant. We'll learn how these styles have been preserved and protected through historic preservation while getting some great photos along the way.
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    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Alexandria Visitors Center

    The Ramsay House is the oldest house in Alexandria and serves as the city’s visitor center. It was built around the early 1700s by William Ramsay, one of the city’s founders. It’s a fairly modest house but had a perfect view of the Potomac River from the second story balcony when it was first built.
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    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Carlyle House

    Carlyle House was constructed between 1751 and 1753.The house was built by John Carlyle, a prominent merchant and one of Alexandria’s founding figures. The mansion is an example of Georgian architecture, characterized by its symmetrical design, brick façade, and classic proportions. John Carlyle and his family lived in the house, which was a center of social and political life in colonial Alexandria.
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    20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Gadsby's Tavern Museum

    The original Gadsby’s Tavern was constructed in 1785 by John Gadsby, a prominent innkeeper and businessman. The tavern was expanded in 1792 to include a ballroom, which became a key feature of the establishment. The tavern exhibits Federal-style architecture, characterized by its symmetrical design, brick façade, and classical detailing. The interior features period furnishings and décor, preserving the late 18th and early 19th-century ambiance.
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    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

    The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is a historic site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of medicine and pharmacy. The apothecary was initially established by Edward Stabler, a pharmacist who operated the business with his family. It served as a vital medical resource for the local community, providing medicines, remedies, and medical advice. In the mid-19th century, the business was taken over by the Leadbeater family, who continued to operate the apothecary until it closed in 1933. The interior of the apothecary museum retains much of its original design and furnishings, including wooden cabinets, glass jars, and other apothecary equipment from the 19th century.
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    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The Basilica of Saint Mary

    The Basilica of St. Mary, originally known as St. Mary's Catholic Church, was established in 1795. It was the first Roman Catholic parish in the area and played a significant role in the early Catholic community of Alexandria. Initially, services were held in a small wooden church, which was replaced by a more substantial building as the congregation grew. The current church building was constructed between 1810 and 1814. Designed by the architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the church is a notable example of Federal-style architecture with a neoclassical design.
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    20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

    We end the tour at Roberdeau Park on the waterfront, named after Danial Roberdeau, one of our founding fathers. He represented Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress when he signed the Articles of the Confederation which was essentially the first draft of our Constitution. He served as a Brigadier General in the PA state militia during the war and was very active in freemasonry. This last stop will take you right to the waterfront.
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    20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 6 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
    • Operated by a business

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Alexandria Small-Group Historic Walking and Photo Tour, Virginia?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-5572610P4

    Reviews

    5.00
    1 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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    On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

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    • Professional Tour Guide

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    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
    • Operated by a business

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    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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