Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our answers to common queries we receive. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you can’t find what you’re looking for. 

Are your private tours like the Gettysburg private battlefield tours?

Yes. Our private tours are conducted very similar to the ones in Gettysburg, where you hire a guide by the hour and the guide joins your vehicle.

Do you provide a vehicle for your private tour?

No. The battlefield guide joins your vehicle at the $50 per hour rate. This keeps the cost down so you can tour more battlefields. If we’re able to provide a vehicle, it will cost more. If you need a vehicle for some reason, please contact us for price and availability.

Do you charge per person for your private tours?

No. It is a flat rate of $75 per hour for the guide not per person for up to 6 people in a standard passenger vehicle.

Are most battlefields in Virginia right next to each other?

No. Most battlefields do not overlap or touch one another, nor are they usually close by. Travel time must be considered between battlefields (usually 20-30 minutes one way depending on which battlefield).

Is there much walking or hiking involved?

No. Most tour stops are only steps from the vehicle. Some stops require a short walk. If anyone has a mobility issue, we can adjust the tour to your needs.

Do you still conduct tours when the weather doesn’t look good?

Yes. We conduct all tours rain or shine. We can make adjustments to your tour in most weather conditions to make you comfortable.

Do you have a brick-and-mortar store location?

No. We do not have a store location to visit, book, or start tours. All tours start at the actual battlefield location.

How do I book a private tour with a battlefield guide?

You may self-book a half or full-day tour with us on our website. Or you may contact us and create a custom tour and we will email you an invoice where you can go to a link and pay online. A tour isn’t booked until payment is received.

How much advance notice do you need to book a private tour?

We ask you to have at least a one-week notice of your private battlefield tour. The more advance notice, the better to ensure we have a guide available.

Can we get a private tour on the same day we arrive in Virginia?

Yes. Though at times difficult, it’s not necessarily impossible to get a same-day private tour upon arrival. Our battlefield guides are rather limited, especially during peak season, so it’s best to give us as much advance notice as possible.

How do I pay for a private battlefield tour?

By self-booking on our website and paying online. For custom tours, we email an invoice which can be paid securely online with most forms of payment, by going to the link provided. A tour isn’t booked/reserved until payment is received.

What is your cancellation policy?

A tour may be canceled and fully refund up to 48 hours before your tour. With less than a 48-hour notice, we will retain 50% of the tour cost for holding up a guide.

How many hours do you need to cover an entire battlefield?

4 hours in order to cover all stops. Less time spent will only cover the highlights with fewer stops along the way.

What is the minimum amount of time needed to see a battlefield?

2 hours is the minimum in order to cover the most basic highlights of a battlefield after travel time.

If we didn’t want to spend an entire day touring the area’s battlefields when is the best time of day to book a tour?

In the morning between 9 am and 1 pm or in the afternoon between 1 pm and 5 pm touring around the lunch period.

Do you charge for the travel time to get to and from a battlefield?

Yes. The travel time spent to get to and from a battlefield is considered in the price of the tour.

Does the battlefield guide talk during the travel time between battlefields?

Yes. The battlefield guide will give you running commentary to and from a battlefield, so no time is wasted.

Can you show me where my ancestor or living history/reenactment regiment fought on a battlefield?

Yes. With advance notice, we’re able to show you where a specific Civil War regiment fought. We’re unable to do family genealogy research.

Where do your private tours start?

Generally, tours start at the actual battlefield location. Either outside or in front of a battlefield visitor center, exhibit shelter, or battlefield stop. Tours do not start inside any National Park visitor centers.

Are your private battlefield tours scripted?

No. Every private tour is a unique battlefield experience. We strive to offer guests the best possible experience based on their personal historic interests.

Do you offer a step-on-guide service for a bus or large vehicle?

Yes. Contact us for pricing which is based on the size of the vehicle.

Do you have permission to conduct tours on National Park battlefield property?

Yes. We are one of the few local battlefield guide tours with a permit to conduct tours on National Park Property. We have an outstanding relationship with the National Park Service.

Is this tour associated with the National Park Service, Trolley Tours, or another company?

No. Battlefield Tours of Virginia is independently owned and operated.

Do you have more than one battlefield guide conducting private tours?

Yes. We currently have a number of local battlefield guides, however limited, available to conduct private battlefield tours.

Can you recommend a local hotel?

Yes. We can give you some options based on the location and budget. Please check our travel guides.

Can you make restaurant recommendations for where we are staying?

Yes. We can give you some options based on the location and budget. Please check our travel guides.

Is food or drink included on a private tour?

No. At any time of the tour, we may make a lunch or rest stop.

May we eat or drink on a private tour?

Yes. Sit back and relax while we do all of the work.

For day tour lunch breaks, what kind of food can we expect?

Either counter service for those who do not want to waste time on the battlefield or restaurants for those that want a more leisurely break.

Are dogs allowed on private tours?

Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join a private tour in your vehicle. Dogs on leashes are welcome on National Park Service battlefields but are not allowed inside visitor centers and historic properties.