Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Active
1h - 1h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Are you looking for a way to see Old Town Alexandria without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.
• Find out how a banker’s wife hid a portion of the George Washington family fortune in her underwear drawer during a Union raid
• Hear from producer Rick Snider, an award-winning Washington journalist and tour guide
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.
The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
Available options
Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
What's included
VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Lifetime access to this tour in English
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Detailed itinerary
1
Three-hundred years of history featuring George Washington, the first martyrs of the Civil War, and a sea captain with 29 children await you in Alexandria’s Old Town, one of the earliest port neighborhoods in North America. On this walking tour, I’ll show you where to find traces of this history, from Colonial America to the Civil War.
2
Our tour starts in the heart of Alexandria at the Old Town Farmers’ Market, which is as old as the city itself, and still bustles on Saturday mornings.
3
On this hour long tour, you’ll also learn how John Carlyle’s House inspired the design of Mount Vernon.
4
You’ll make your way to Gadsby’s Tavern, where George Washington ate and the staff still wear 18th-century costumes.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
As you make your way through this riverside port, you’ll see Spite House Alexandria, a property built to spite its neighbors.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
I’ll also show you where America’s greatest president slept when he visited Alexandria, and where he worshiped at the nearby Christ Church.
7
As you make your way through this riverside port, you’ll see Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, a former drug store that cured the ailments of the town’s residents for more than a century.
8
On your way towards Old Town Alexandria’s Waterfront, you’ll walk over the historical cobblestones of Captain’s Row, where millionaires now live in homes that were once owned by sea captains.
9
The tour ends in front of the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
What's not included
Food/Drink
Smartphone and headphones
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Transportation
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
2 reviews
5★
1
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
3.7
3 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Virginia
Virginia is a state rich in history and natural beauty, offering a diverse range of experiences from the bustling streets of Washington D.C. suburbs to the serene Blue Ridge Mountains. It's home to historic sites, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes, making it a versatile destination for all types of travelers.
Top Attractions
Monticello
Monticello is the iconic plantation home of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the life and times of one of America's founding fathers.
Historical
2-3 hours
Moderate ($28 for adults)
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the world's largest living history museum, offering a immersive experience of 18th-century American life. Visitors can explore historic buildings, interact with costumed interpreters, and witness reenactments of colonial times.
Historical
Full day
Moderate to Expensive ($25-$50 depending on the package)
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is a stunning natural landscape featuring the Blue Ridge Mountains, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to the famous Skyline Drive, a scenic road that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Nature
Full day or overnight
Free entry, but some activities may require permits or fees
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns is the largest series of connected caves in the eastern United States, featuring stunning formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. The caverns offer a unique and awe-inspiring underground experience.
Nature
2-3 hours
Moderate ($34 for adults)
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is a historic military cemetery established during the American Civil War. It is the final resting place of many notable figures, including President John F. Kennedy, and is home to the iconic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Ham
Virginia is known for its high-quality ham, often cured and smoked to perfection. The Smithfield ham is a famous delicacy from the state.
Main Course
Contains pork
Oysters
Virginia's coastal waters are rich in oysters, which are often served raw, grilled, or fried. The state is known for its Chesapeake Bay oysters.
Appetizer
Seafood, may contain allergens
Peanut Soup
A creamy and flavorful soup made with peanuts, vegetables, and sometimes meat. It's a unique and delicious dish that showcases Virginia's peanut harvest.
Soup
Vegetarian options available, may contain allergens
Popular Activities
Hiking in Shenandoah National Park
Whitewater rafting on the James River
Kayaking and paddleboarding in Chesapeake Bay
Beachcombing and sunbathing in Virginia Beach
Spa treatments and wellness retreats
Wine tasting in the Shenandoah Valley
Exploring historic sites and museums
Attending festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These periods offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring brings beautiful blooms, while autumn showcases stunning fall foliage.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5:00, UTC-4:00 during daylight saving time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Virginia is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates in most areas. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis and agree on a fare before starting your journey
- • Purchase tickets from official sources and authorized sellers
Getting there
By air
- Washington Dulles International Airport • 45 km from Washington D.C.
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport • 15 km from Washington D.C.
By train
Union Station (Washington D.C.), Richmond Main Street Station
By bus
Washington D.C. Union Station, Richmond Greyhound Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Washington Metro is efficient and widely used, offering easy access to major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town Alexandria
The Fan
Cape Charles
Day trips
Mount Vernon
20 km from Washington D.C. • Half day to full day
Mount Vernon is the historic plantation home of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The estate offers a glimpse into the life and times of one of America's founding fathers.
Chesapeake Bay
150 km from Washington D.C. • Full day
Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, offering a diverse range of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy water sports, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives along the bay.
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
200 km from Washington D.C. • Full day
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a vast and diverse ecosystem, offering a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. The refuge is home to a variety of bird species, as well as black bears and other wildlife.
Festivals
Neon Festival • Early October
Virginia Wine Expo • Late February to Early March
Virginia Beach Neptune Festival • Late September to Early October
Pro tips
- Visit historic sites and museums early in the day to avoid crowds and long queues.
- Explore the state's natural beauty by hiking, biking, or kayaking in one of the many national or state parks.
- Sample the local cuisine by visiting farmers' markets, wineries, and historic taverns.
- Attend festivals and events to experience the state's vibrant culture and traditions.
- Use public transportation, walk, or bike whenever possible to reduce your environmental impact and support sustainable tourism practices.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
