You may know Alexandria like the back of your hand, but the city’s new niche tours give Novinians and visitors alike the chance to discover the city from a new perspective. Alexandria’s new tours are targeted toward specific interests, including photography, running, history and even the paranormal.
“I just think it’s really exciting that visitors have an even bigger variety of choices for how they want to get to know our city,” Claire Mouledoux, vice president of communications for Visit Alexandria, says. “Having an opportunity to go on a tour that resonates with them personally brings visitors a more powerful experience.”
Perfect for photography lovers, Fetching Photos takes guests on a trip around Alexandria based on a preplanned itinerary or an organized private tour. The first of the Fetching Photos tours is Frigid Photos, and those willing to brave the cold will take a one-hour walking tour of Old Town’s most picturesque and historically significant sites. Guests are welcome to bring their pets, and complimentary hot chocolate is included in the $25 reservation. The tour is capped at six people, and the first tour will take place Jan. 14 with a second following on Feb. 11.
Discover Alexandria boasts tours for everyone, whether you’re into running or history or want to indulge your sweet tooth or even ponder the paranormal. You can book one of the following niche tours by emailing [email protected].
Virginia Is for Runners: This tour takes fitness fanatics on a 3-mile trek through Old Town’s lesser-known historical sites.
Sweet History: This walk takes visitors beyond King Street to explore the best dessert shops Old Town has to offer.
Alexandria at War: These tours examine Alexandria through the lens of war, from the French and Indian War all the way through World War II.
Historical Pub Crawl: On Discover Alexandria’s most popular tour, guests can get acquainted with Alexandria’s bar scene.
Ghosts of Alexandria: Thrill-seekers can wander through the city at twilight, learning more about the city’s history and lingering spirits.
Discover Alexandria: Discover Alexandria’s baseline tour introduces newcomers to the must-know Alexandria spots and history. This tour doesn’t have to be booked in advance; the next ones will take place Jan. 15 and Jan. 22, both at 1 p.m.
Led by a costumed tour guide, Frights and Pints Old Town Alexandria tourgoers embark on a 2- to 2 1/2-hour journey highlighting historic and potentially spooky sites. While testing their fright index, guests can take the edge of at three or four local pubs, where the fascinating stories will be complemented with a brew of their choice. The tour costs $25 per person and begins at 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Manumission Tour Company (“manumission” is the act of a slave being freed) offers the Alexandria Fight for Freedom tour led by John Taylor Chapman. The 75-minute walking tour reflects on Alexandria’s African-American history, its time as a hub for international and domestic slave trade and the historic figures who played key roles in resistance. The tour costs $15 per adult at $10 per child under 12. Tours take place at 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Sundays.
