Williamsburg: Colonial Holiday Experience
Including the Grand Illumination
December 2 - December 7, 2026Williamsburg: Colonial Holiday Experience
December 2 - December 7, 2026Highlights
- Experience Colonial Williamsburg, decorated for the Holidays
- Explore historic locations of Jamestown & Yorktown
- View the Grand Illumination, concluding with Fireworks
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
- 60% Easy
- 40% Moderate (walking and standing outside for 2-3 hours at a time in weather that is likely to be cold. Some locations have steps with no handrails and walking surfaces can be uneven.)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Itinerary
Wednesday, 02 December 2026: Arrive Norfolk; Drive to Williamsburg; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your flight to arrive into Norfolk Airport no later than 2:30pm. Once everyone has arrived, we will depart for Williamsburg as a group. Travel time is approximately one hour. We will check in and then gather in the lobby for an orientation meeting before having dinner together to get better acquainted. Overnight Williamsburg - 5 nights
Thursday, 03 December 2026: Williamsburg Orientation Tour; High Tea; Free Evening (B,O)
Colonial Williamsburg is among the world's largest living history museums and brings American colonial history to life. We begin our exploration with a 3-hour walking tour of the historic area, which will help us discover the way the inhabitants of the capital of Virginia lived during the 18th century. After the tour, there will be time to explore more than 30 reconstructions of colonial houses, governmental buildings and craftsmen workshops on your own. When you enter into the homes and gardens of Williamsburg’s 18th-century residents, you'll hear firsthand perspectives from historic interpreters. We will regroup this afternoon for a Holiday Tea Party. It's a lovely way to experience the ambiance of Colonial Williamsburg for the holidays. The evening is yours to spend as you wish.
Friday, 04 December 2026: Day Trip to Nearby Plantation Homes; Theater Show (B,L)
The James River plantations near Williamsburg are among America's oldest homes, many now open to the public. As witnesses to more than four centuries of American history, these Virginia plantations were home to influential figures, including signers of the Declaration of Independence and several U.S. presidents. Today, we visit two plantations to learn about their architecture, furnishings, and gardens, with lunch together between visits. We'll also explore the lives and experiences of some of the enslaved people whose labor built and sustained these plantations, honoring their resilience, contributions, and enduring legacy. This evening, we'll attend a performance at Colonial Williamsburg's theater for a memorable conclusion to our day.
Saturday, 05 December 2026: Historic Jamestowne; Grand Illumination (B)
Today we visit Jamestowne, the first successful English settlement established in 1607. We'll explore the archaeological remains and reconstructed fort, standing where Captain John Smith and the early colonists carved out their precarious existence along the James River. From the 17th-century church tower ruins, we'll gaze across the same waters that brought both hope and hardship to America's earliest settlers. Later this afternoon, we gather for Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination celebration beginning at 4:00 PM. This beloved holiday tradition showcases how Christmas customs evolved from colonial times to today through music, food, and festive traditions. You'll marvel at how the period decorations transform the colonial streets and musicians perform seasonal favorites. The celebration culminates with a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the historic buildings.
Sunday, 06 December 2026: Colonial Williamsburg & Yorktown; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
A free morning offers you the chance to explore Williamsburg at your own pace. This was the political, social, and cultural capital of Britain's largest and wealthiest colony, where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Mason, and other Virginia patriots debated liberty, independence, and personal freedoms that shaped American democracy. Stroll leisurely through the streets, chat with interpreters and craftsmen, and admire the handmade holiday wreaths and decorations adorning the buildings. In the afternoon, we drive to Yorktown, site of the decisive 1781 battle that ended British rule. At Surrender Field, we'll stand where victorious American and French forces accepted the British surrender, effectively ending the American Revolution. We return to Williamsburg this evening and enjoy our Farewell Dinner together.
Monday, 07 December 2026: Return Home from Norfolk, VA (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. We depart Williamsburg together early this morning, returning you to Norfolk International Airport. Please plan your departure no earlier than 11:00 am.
Williamsburg: Colonial Holiday Experience
December 2 - December 7, 2026Pricing
Room Share
$2,543.00 (Sold Out)Single Room
$3,340.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full, Accepting Standbys
Tour Pricing Includes
- Meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- Tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Any gratuities for the WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Friday, 5 Jun 2026: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Thursday, 3 Sep 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Sunday, 18 Oct 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard
Williamsburg: Colonial Holiday Experience
December 2 - December 7, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: ORF - Norfolk, VA (Norfolk Int'l Airport)
Arrival Date: Wednesday, December 2nd. Arrive no later than 2:30pm.
Arrival Transfer: One Group Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Williamsburg Details will be provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: ORF - Norfolk, VA (Norfolk Int'l Airport)
Departure Date: Monday, December 7th. Depart no earlier than 11:00am.
Departure Transfer: Transfer as a group to the Norfolk Airport.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details -AND- use this same form again to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Williamsburg, VA: Woodlands Hotel & Suites
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Visit to the Chrysler Museum & Lunch
$150.00 Roomshare pp $260.00 Single Occupancy
The pre-tour package is an optional service. Rates are established at time of tour posting. Early check-in is solely at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be arranged in advance.
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses a hotel in Norfolk, VA for the pre-night stay. Final Travel Instructions will contain the hotel name as well as details on when and where to meet on the tour start day to travel to Williamsburg.
Williamsburg: Colonial Holiday Experience
December 2 - December 7, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
- 60% Easy
- 40% Moderate (walking and standing outside for 2-3 hours at a time in weather that is likely to be cold. Some locations have steps with no handrails and walking surfaces can be uneven.)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O=Other). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general the temperature, rainfall and humidity levels vary based on the time of the year. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You May Want—
- Comfortable walking shoes and/or boots
- Warm clothing that layers and is appropriate for the weather
- Winter coat
- Gloves, scarf, hat
- Smart-casual wear if you’d like to dress up a bit for dinners
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
We will be using the WTT coach on this tour. The luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations and the requirement that travelers manage their belongings.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- You may bring one suitcase and a day pack or shoulder bag to keep with you in the coach.
- Maximum suitcase size: 22-24 inches in height. This is the size of bag that fits into the overhead bins of aircraft. Suitcases larger than this will not fit properly in the WTT coach; don't bring them.
- The weight of your bag should not exceed 30 pounds as you will need to lift it into the coach luggage compartment.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach and load it on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
All tips to local guides will be paid on your behalf.
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Williamsburg: Colonial Holiday Experience
December 2 - December 7, 2026STANDBY REQUEST FORM
1)There is no obligation to take the tour if you submit a standby request. 2)If an opening occurs, WTT will email you based on the room-type available. 3)WTT membership is not required to go on standby, however we do notify our members ahead of non-members.

Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
You’ll find your people and make memories that last a lifetime.

