Historical Tours

Historical tours in Pennsylvania are the most common type of experience in the state, making up 50% of all tours sold—237 out of 476. This means travelers can choose from a huge range, whether they want a deep dive into colonial history or a lighter walk with stories and humor.

These tours attract everyone from first-time visitors to history buffs, with prices starting as low as $9 and stretching above $250. With 15% of options rated below 4 stars, careful selection matters to avoid disappointment and get the most from your visit.

With 237 historical tours, Pennsylvania offers more in this category than any other. The median starting price is $63, the same as for walking, bus, cultural, private, and food tours in the state. However, the overall destination median is much lower at $31, as many other categories include shorter or less inclusive experiences.

A majority of historical tours are affordable: 129 are priced under $30, and only 21 exceed $250. The median is skewed upward by some higher-end or private options, but most popular tours—especially those with hundreds or thousands of reviews—fall between $20 and $60 per person. This makes them accessible for most travelers, whether solo, as a couple, or in a group.

Compared to other categories, historical tours in Pennsylvania are as varied as they are numerous. From walking tours of Philadelphia’s revolutionary sites to ghost walks in Gettysburg and Amish experiences in Lancaster, there’s a tour for nearly every interest and budget.

For travelers seeking value, the sweet spot is between $20 and $40 per person. Many of the best-reviewed tours, like Revolution and the Founders or the Dark Philly Adult Night Tour, fall in this range and consistently earn ratings above 4.8 from thousands of reviewers. These tours tend to include knowledgeable guides, access to major sites, and engaging storytelling—qualities that set them apart.

If you want a comprehensive introduction to Philadelphia’s founding history, tours like Revolution and the Founders or the Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour deliver the classic highlights in two hours or less. For those interested in a more offbeat or adult-oriented experience, the Dark Philly Adult Night Tour offers a mix of history and humor, though some reviews note a lack of historical depth and a heavier focus on entertainment.

Travelers with mobility needs or looking for less walking can opt for the Electric Cart Tour, which covers similar ground at a higher price ($52 per person) but offers comfort and efficiency. Meanwhile, families or those with younger children often choose all-ages ghost tours in Gettysburg, though some reviewers felt these tours leaned more on history than spookiness.

Disappointments most often relate to the quality of the guide: several reviews across different tours cite guides who were unprepared, hard to hear, or focused too much on personal opinions or jokes rather than history. Large groups can also mean less personal attention, and some tours have been criticized for missing advertised stops or running late. Food-focused historical tours are praised for their guides but sometimes let down by underwhelming food selections. In summary, the best experiences come from tours with consistently high ratings, clear itineraries, and guides with strong historical knowledge.