Questions & Answers
DO I NEED TO OBTAIN TICKETS IN ADVANCE?
YES! Since we now limit the number of Guests to only 14 people on all four of our Public Tours, we insist on Advance Tickets. For our Select Signature Tours, you must purchase tickets for the tour of your choice for the specific, date and time you desire.
DO I NEED TO INCLUDE ALL CHILDREN FOR TICKETS?
Yes, because the tours are limited to 14 people, tickets are required for all guests.
HOW DO I OBTAIN A TICKET?
Simply click the “Book Now” button on any of our pages. This will open a “Real Time” Calendar. Select the desired tour, day and time. On the booking page, select the day and amount of tickets you want, and fill in the requested information. A ticket confirmation will be sent to you via email.
CAN A MINOR (UNDER 18) ATTEND A TOUR WITHOUT AN ADULT?
We love younger guests on our tour, but they must tour with an accompanying adult.
SHOULD WE TIP OUR GUIDE? IF SO, WHAT IS APPROPRIATE?
We are committed to providing you with the highest quality walking tours in Richmond. If you feel your guide has done an excellent job, then gratuities are certainly welcomed.
We are often asked what amount is appropriate. Simply put, it varies widely, and we leave that up to you. Tipping reflects customer appreciation for excellent service, while customary, but never required.
ARE THE TOURS WHEELCHAIR AND STROLLER ACCESSIBLE?
Yes and no. The Downtown and Capitol Tours are the most accessible with lower curbs and lots of wheelchair ramps. Church Hill and Shockoe Bottom Tours are not recommended for those with wheelchairs due to stairs, cobblestones, high curbs, and lack of curb cuts.
HOW LONG AND STRENUOUS ARE THE TOURS?
All of our tours are a full 2 hours long. Our most strenuous tour is The Shockoe Tour where stairs are encountered several times. Otherwise, the tours are relatively flat. You may reach your steps goal, but we’re not looking to wear you out.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE CAN I PURCHASE A TICKET?
Tour dates and times are typically posted a minimum of several months in advance.
CAN I SHOW UP WITHOUT A TICKET OR WHEN A TOUR’S SOLD OUT?
Yes, If you show up without a ticket or when the tour is fully booked, you will be on “standby”. If the tour guide can get you a spot on the tour while also obeying the tour limitations, they will be happy to do so – however we are unable to guarantee you a spot in this situation. Also, if no one has booked a spot ahead of time, the guide will not show up. Please reserve ahead of time.
I DON’T SEE THE DATE I’M INTERESTED IN LISTED ON THE CALENDAR?
Tours do not always run every day, depending on the season and availability. Our available tours follow the Tour Calendar available on the tour’s page. There are no Public Tours offered on days which are not listed on the Tour Calendar.
DO I NEED TO PRINT MY TICKETS AND BRING THEM WITH ME?
No. It isn’t necessary to bring a paper copy of your tickets with you, as the tour guide will have an electronic guest list available to them and will check you in.
CAN I DO BOTH A morning TOUR AND afternoon TOUR or other combinations ON THE SAME DAY?
We recommend that grabbing a bite to eat and then visiting a site learned of on the tour will likely make for a wonderful, relaxing full-day and time well spent. Remember, there are no cancellations on the day of a tour.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE ARRIVE LATE TO A TOUR?
Please make every effort to be on time for the start of your tour. We ask that you arrive at the meet-up point at least 15 MINUTES Early. You are checked in, handed a freshly sanitized Listening Pack and lanyard together with a sealed pair of earplugs, yours to keep forevermore. We go over safe walking tips and what to expect on the tour.
Please keep in mind the travel time from where you are to the meet-up point, parking and walking to find your tour. Adding that buffer is always a good idea.
In all seriousness, if you arrive late, there is no way to catch-up and there are No Refunds or rescheduling on the day of the tour.
IF THERE’S A CHANGE OF PLANS, CAN I GET A REFUND, ARE THERE TIME LIMITS, ETC.?
For our Public tours, you will receive a full refund when requested at least 24 hours prior to the start of the tour.. There are NO REFUNDS on the day-of-the- tour.
WHAT ABOUT CANCELLATIONS?
There are two instances when cancellations can occur, not meeting minimums and weather. In the first instance, if any of the four Public Tours do not have a minimum of two adult guests, two hours prior to the start time, we may need to cancel the tour. This is the primary reason we ask you for a best phone number to contact you on the day of the tour. If we should cancel, we will attempt to reach you either by text or phone. You will be given instructions on refunds or rescheduling at that time.
In case of extreme weather before or during a tour, we may be required to cancel for safety reasons. If this occurs, you will be notified and can either reschedule the tour or request a full refund.
CAN WE BRING PETS?
We love pets. Unfortunately, many guests do not, and many pets may not like the group of strangers around them. Please, do not bring pets on the Public Tours. We do offer Private Tours where pets may be accommodated. Registered Service Animals are allowed on the tours if documentation can be provided.
DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE TOURS?
Indeed, we do. Public Tours are seasonal, usually running from late March until Thanksgiving weekend, our Private Tours are available year round. These tours are intimate, one on one tours which can offer a more leisurely pace and an opportunity to explore your special interests with the guide. Please see more detailed information here.