Group Tours to Williamsburg Virginia

Believe It or Not!® Tour*

The Historic Triangle - made of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown - is full of interesting, fascinating and often unbelievable information, which is why it's only fitting we have a tour to match our finer (and unusual) points! Williamsburg's Believe It or Not! ® Tour is perfect for school groups, church groups and those looking for a little action- packed fun and oddball adventure!
Vivian Bunting
Consumer Sales Manager, Tourism

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757.229.6511
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Believe It or Not!® Tour*
2 Days

Believe it or not!®...

•  Williamsburg was originally called Middle Plantation.
•  Allegedly, there is a secret crypt buried in the Bruton Parish Churchyard!
•  Williamsburg was host to the first mental institution in the United States.
•  The first observed Thanksgiving was held at Berkeley Plantation in 1619.

Day One

 

Begin your "Believe It or Not!" adventure at Go-Karts Plus!  Hop into one of the stockcars for a fast paced race around the tracks.  Take a crash course in fun on one of the bumper cars or get a wet dose of delight aboard the blaster boats!  Go-Karts Plus's Italian ride, the Disk'O, will take you spinning through the air up as high as three stories!  Believe it or not, some of you will want a break from the cool thrills of Go-Karts Plus.  If this is the case, be sure to check out the park's arcade and midway games; or grab a bite to eat at the snack bar.
Believe it or not!®... If you like theme parks and carnivals, chances are you've ridden the "dodgems."  So, what's a "dodgem"?  That's the British saying for the bumper cars!

It's no wonder that Ripley's Believe It or Not!® Museum was the inspiration for this unbelievable tour!  While exploring the maze-like museum, you'll encounter an assortment of oddball exhibits!  From a South American shrunken head to strands of George Washington's hair; from African tribal masks to a life-size gorilla made entirely of nails; from a two-headed calf to a two-faced kitten; this place is wild enough to educate even the most skeptical guest about the strange and unusual world around us!
Believe it or not!®... Did you know that the Historic Triangle cities have been featured in the Ripley's Believe It or Not! cartoon 23 times?

Lunch

In the comfort of your hotel, enjoy Colonial Connections' fascinating program, Early American Medical Practices, which focuses on the 18th century.  You'll be surprised to learn about the interesting and often gruesome techniques used by colonial doctors.  The treatment was oftentimes worse than the illness itself!  Compare and contrast a modern-day medical bag with that of an 18th-century doctor.  Explore and discuss the scientific studies of our nation's past and even participate in mock amputations and dental extractions!
Believe it or not!®... Extracting a tooth in the 18th century required two dentists: one to pull the tooth and the other to hold down the patient! 

Head into the Historic Area where you'll dine at Colonial Williamsburg's Shields Tavern.  Enjoy your traditionally styled (but modernly appetizing) dinner in the backdrop of historical furnishings, colonial ambiance and good cheer.  Believe it or not, Shields Tavern is one of the best documented reconstructed buildings in the Historic Area.  Its interior is based on a room-by-room inventory taken after innkeeper James Shields died in 1751.  Menu items include Corn Stew, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Barnyard Chicken and Mrs. Shields Favourite Peanut Butter Pie.
Believe it or not!®... Colonial laws set maximum prices for everyday meals and drinks and did not allow patrons to "drink more than is necessary" on the Sabbath.  What's more, 18th-century college students could not attend a tavern without the company of an older friend or family member.  Much alike today, sometimes the students broke these rules!

As darkness falls, Williamsburg's rich history takes on a whole new form!  Venture out, if you dare, and experience The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Candlelight Tour.  With a certified guide leading the way, take a tour through the Historic Area and learn about local legends, myths and folklore.  It's no wonder this tour is Williamsburg's number one requested evening program!  Visit their website for guest testimonials and photos!  You won't believe your eyes!
Believe it or not!®... History buffs will tell you that Peyton Randolph was the first president of the Continental Congress.  Colonial Williamsburg residents and employees will tell you that his house is one of the most haunted sites in Williamsburg - some say it's one of the host haunted sites in America!

Day Two

 

Begin the day at the Virginia Living Museum where you will come face to face with the area's furry, feathery, slimy and slithery inhabitants!  The museum's exhibits literally go from mountains, forests and plains to swamps, oceans and rivers!  Pelicans, egrets and ducks, oh my!  The Outside Aviary lodges 15 different species of birds!  Along the Boardwalk, keep your eyes peeled for those furry critters, including otters, skunks and even red wolves!  For a visually stunning experience, stroll through the Butterfly Garden which features a colorful mix of flowers, plants and of course, butterflies!  From crawly critters to lush plant life, Virginia's natural environment is truly extraordinary!  You'll have to see it to believe it! 
Believe it or not!®... The archaeologists at Historic Jamestowne have uncovered numerous turtle shells in the food waste areas - yes, that means turtles were a common meal for early settlers!

Join a Park Ranger at Yorktown Battlefield for a Siege Line Walking Tour.  Learn how General George Washington and his troops finally defeated Cornwallis in the landmark battle that led to this country's independence.  Believe it or not, at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, you can see an original tent used in Washington's military camp.  Peek into the "dining hall" tent and get a feel for what it was like to be a revolutionary soldier!
Believe it or not!®... Some historians believe that General Washington's most important Revolutionary War decision was not that of military tactics, but his decision to have all troops inoculated against the smallpox epidemic!

Lunch

After lunch, take time to stroll along the Riverwalk Landing, the beautiful outdoor retail, dining and entertainment development nestled right on the coast of the York River.  The colonial style buildings and varied shops add to its relaxing small-town charm and atmosphere.  While there, grab a cup of coffee, enjoy an ice cream cone, browse through the stores or soak up the afternoon sun!  Once a busy seaport welcoming visitors from Europe and other colonies, today Riverwalk Landing is thriving again as a multi-purpose destination for both tourists and locals alike! 
Believe it or not!®... Legend and history state that at the bottom of the York River, you will find "Yorktown's Sunken Fleet" - lost or scuttled ships from General Cornwallis's navy during the Siege at Yorktown. 

Spend the afternoon sailing on the York River aboard the Schooner Alliance - named for this country's monumental partnership with the French during the American Revolutionary War.  Cruising along the coast, you'll see the Yorktown Battlefield, the Victory Monument and you may even spot a few dolphins or osprey!  If you want, you can help the crew set sail, or simply sit back and feel the wind on your face.  It's not every day you get the chance to nautically navigate through history! 
Believe it or not!®... At the Battle of Yorktown, French troops outnumbered American troops nearly three to one!  This French Alliance was crucial to America's victory over the British Army!

Everyone loves food and entertainment - so, let's combine the two into one great evening!  The Student Dinner Theater offers a variety of program, venue and menu options - from dance parties, scavenger hunts and games shows to seafood buffets, pizza and chocolate cake!  Not only is this experience extremely entertaining, it's also educationally rewarding!
Believe it or not!®... Critically acclaimed actor, Robert De Niro was once fired from a dinner theater production - right in the middle of a show!  Reasons for his termination are unknown!

Arrr!  In the evening, cap off your "Believe it or Not!" journey to Williamsburg at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf.  In the midst of cascading waterfalls, shipwrecks and caves, putt your way into a hole-in-one!  Swashbuckling fun for students, families and buccaneers alike!  May the winds be fair and may your mates play fair!
Believe it or not!®... Even though pirates raided ships, most did not bury their plunder.  Oftentimes, these stolen "treasures" would be food, alcohol, water, weapons or clothing - and it would be silly to bury these findings!

For more information, contact Vivian Bunting, Consumer Sales Manager, Tourism.

*The above itinerary is only suggestion.  For a more customized tour to match your group's wants and needs, feel free to browse our group tour attractions, shopping, dining and lodging options OR contact one of our local tour services - no one knows the ins and outs of the Historic Triangle better than they do!  Should you have any questions or comments about this itinerary or simply want to start planning your trip, please contact us via email at Vivian Bunting, or call 800-368-6511.

We strive to keep all information accurate and updated.  If you notice any mistakes or changes, please contact Joanna Skrabala, Manager, Tourism & Interactive Programs, via email or call 800-368-6511.