Gettysburg’s guided tours pack centuries of American history into manageable chunks. The standout options deliver excellent value and historical accuracy.
The 2-hour Battlefield Bus Tour ($60) earns our top rating, efficiently covering major sites while avoiding summer heat and lengthy walks. For families, the Ghost Tour ($25) brings Civil War stories alive through engaging storytelling that’s suitable for all ages.
Well-researched walking tours hit sweet spots for both casual visitors and history enthusiasts, particularly those focused on civilian life or military strategy. Groups stay small – rarely more than 15 people – ensuring questions get answered.
Let’s explore our favorite Gettysburg tours that offer the best historical insights and value for your money.
Key Points
- Gettysburg Battlefield Guided History Bus Tour is a highly-rated 2-hour tour covering key landmarks like Devils Den and Pickett’s Charge, priced from $41 per person.
- Family-Friendly Guided Ghost Tour is a 1.5-hour storytelling experience visiting sites related to the Gettysburg Address and Civil War ghost stories, priced at $24.99 per person.
- Civilian Experience Guided Walking Tour focuses on civilian life during the Civil War, with a maximum group size of 10 and highlights like President Lincoln’s visit.
- Reluctant Witness Guided Walking Tour offers insights into civilian lives with first-hand accounts, is wheelchair accessible, and priced at €2400 per person.
- Beer, Wine, and History Guided Walking Tour explores local breweries and wineries while providing historical context, suitable for participants aged 21 and above, priced at $98 per person.
2-Hour Gettysburg Battlefield Guided History Bus Tour With a National Park Guide
The 2-hour Gettysburg Battlefield Guided History Bus Tour with a National Park guide offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the historic site. Starting at $41 per person, the tour provides a low-price guarantee and flexible cancellation policy, allowing guests to reserve now and pay later.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, the tour covers key locations like Devils Den, Little Round Top, and Pickett’s Charge, delving into the three-day battle’s phases.
With an overall rating of 4.7 from over 1,700 reviews, the tour earns praise for its engaging presentations and the guide’s ability to effectively convey historical facts. Visitors highlight the importance of early attendance to maximize their exploration time.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it accommodates up to 40 travelers and operates in all weather conditions. Feedback suggests considering adjustments to the pace and duration to enhance the overall experience.
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Gettysburg: Family-Friendly Guided Ghost Tour
Gettysburg: Family-Friendly Guided Ghost Tour offers visitors a unique and captivating exploration of the city’s haunted history. The 1.5-hour tour, led by the renowned storyteller Major Finn, takes guests to locations where the spirits of Civil War soldiers are said to linger.
At just $24.99 per person, the tour is an affordable way for families to learn about the Battle of Gettysburg and hear chilling ghost stories.
During the tour, you will visit the sites where Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address and gain insights into the experiences of soldiers and citizens during and after the battle.
The small group size, limited to 9 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized experience. With an overall rating of 4.7/5 and a 5/5 for guides, the tour is praised for its entertaining and informative style, suitable for all ages.
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, and no video recording is allowed. Rain or shine, this family-friendly ghost tour provides a spooky and educational adventure in Gettysburg.
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Gettysburg: The Civilian Experience Guided Walking Tour
This 1-hour guided walking tour of Gettysburg immerses visitors in the civilian experience during the Civil War.
Led by experienced and licensed town guides, the tour explores Gettysburg’s rich history, focusing on the details of the battle and the impact on the local population.
Participants will hear stories of civilians who witnessed the battle, including accounts of casualties and care for the wounded.
Learn about the immense challenge faced by fewer than 2,300 civilians in caring for 22,000 wounded soldiers.
The tour also covers President Lincoln’s famous visit to Gettysburg in November 1863.
Praised for their storytelling ability and expertise, the guides bring the history to life.
With a maximum group size of 10, this intimate tour offers great value for money.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the meeting point is outside the Gettysburg Hotel.
Availability and skip-the-line convenience make this a must-do activity for anyone interested in the civilian perspective of the Civil War.
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Gettysburg: Reluctant Witness Guided Walking Tour
Although the Gettysburg battle is well-documented, the civilian experience is often overlooked. The “Gettysburg: Reluctant Witness Guided Walking Tour” aims to change that, offering a unique insight into the lives of Gettysburg residents during the three-day conflict.
This 2-hour walking tour takes guests through the historic streets of Gettysburg, stopping at key locations and hearing first-hand accounts from townspeople who witnessed the battle.
Along the way, visitors will learn about the role of musicians, including young drummers, and the importance of Unity Square during the fighting.
With knowledgeable guides, such as the highly-rated Jeff and Ken, guests can expect an engaging and informative experience.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. At €2400 per person, it provides a premium experience for those interested in the civilian perspective of this pivotal moment in American history.
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Gettysburg: Danger & Courage– A Guided Walking Tour
Offering a captivating glimpse into the civilian experience during the Battle of Gettysburg, the “Gettysburg: Danger & Courage– A Guided Walking Tour” takes visitors on a journey through the historic streets of this pivotal town.
Priced at $25 per person, the 1-hour tour is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience led by experienced storytelling guides.
Focusing on the southern end of Gettysburg, the tour delves into the tragic death of Jennie Wade and provides insights into how civilians survived and coped with the aftermath. Guests can also expect to learn about presidential visits and the early history of Gettysburg.
The tour conveniently starts near the drummer boy statue in Unity Park and complements the 11 a.m. Civilian Experience tour covering the northern end of town.
With flexible booking and free cancellation policies, this captivating walking tour offers an immersive glimpse into the civilian realities of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Read our full review: Gettysburg: Danger & Courage– A Guided Walking Tour Review
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Gettysburg: Beer, Wine, and History Guided Walking Tour
Departing from The Brickhouse Inn Bed & Breakfast, the “Gettysburg: Beer, Wine, and History Guided Walking Tour” takes visitors on a captivating 1.5-hour journey through Gettysburg’s historic streets.
For $98 per person, guests can explore the town while enjoying drinks at local breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries. The tour visits five different pubs, including the vintage Tattered Flag Taproom and a haunted tavern, where knowledgeable guides share insights about beer production and Civil War history.
Participants can savor a snack and a drink, such as chocolate cherry wine or apple whiskey, at various stops along the way. The tour engages visitors with the local culture and history in a casual setting, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive and enjoyable experience.
Participants must be 21 or older and should bring comfortable shoes, their ID, and cash for additional purchases. Advance booking is recommended, as the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
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Gettysburg: Western Battlefield Licensed Guided Segway Tour
The “Gettysburg: Western Battlefield Licensed Guided Segway Tour” takes visitors on a captivating exploration of the historic Western Battlefield.
This 2-hour tour, with a 4.9 rating, provides an immersive experience for guests to discover the significance of the Gettysburg campaign.
Riders will glide effortlessly through the scenic landscapes, learning about key battle sites and the strategies employed by both Union and Confederate forces.
The tour is led by licensed guides who bring the history to life with their expertise and engaging storytelling.
With an optional audio guide available, guests can tailor the experience to their preferences.
At $144.00, the tour offers a unique and informative way to explore the Gettysburg battlefield from a new perspective.
Whether a history buff or a first-time visitor, this Segway tour promises an unforgettable journey through one of America’s most important Civil War battlegrounds.
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Town Tour With Licensed Battlefield Guide: 2hrs.
Although the Gettysburg Western Battlefield Segway Tour provides an immersive experience, the Town Tour with Licensed Battlefield Guide offers a complementary perspective on the historic town.
This 2-hour walking tour allows visitors to explore Gettysburg’s storied past, led by knowledgeable guides who bring the town’s history to life.
Participants will explore Gettysburg’s downtown, visiting landmark sites like the Soldiers’ National Cemetery and the Shriver House Museum.
Along the way, the guide will share captivating stories about the town’s role in the Civil War and the impact it had on the local civilian population.
With a focus on the town’s architecture, infrastructure, and everyday life during the conflict, this tour provides a unique and insightful look into Gettysburg’s history.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars, the Town Tour with Licensed Battlefield Guide is a must-do activity for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Gettysburg’s rich heritage and the civilian experience during the Civil War.
Read our full review: Town Tour With Licensed Battlefield Guide: 2hrs. Review
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Gettysburg: Shriver House Museum Guided Tour
Immersing visitors in Gettysburg’s Civil War history, the Shriver House Museum Guided Tour offers a unique glimpse into the civilian experience during the pivotal battle.
This 1-hour tour, rated 4.8 out of 5 stars, takes guests through the meticulously restored 19th-century home of the Shriver family, who witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg firsthand.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour explores the family’s daily life, the impact of the battle, and the home’s transformation into a makeshift hospital.
At $25 per person, the Shriver House Museum Guided Tour provides an intimate and engaging way to understand Gettysburg’s civilian perspective.
Suitable for all ages, the tour is a family-friendly activity that complements the region’s rich Civil War history.
Whether you’re a history buff or seeking a deeper understanding of the conflict, this guided tour offers a unique and memorable experience in Gettysburg.
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Eastern Battlefield Tour With Licensed Guide: 2hr
Exploring Gettysburg’s Eastern Battlefield with a licensed guide offers visitors a comprehensive 2-hour journey through the pivotal events of the Civil War’s seminal battle.
This immersive experience provides guests with a deeper understanding of the historic significance of the terrain and the strategic decisions that unfolded during the three-day conflict.
The tour encompasses key landmarks, such as Culp’s Hill, the site of intense fighting on the battle’s second day, and the Eternal Light Peace Memorial, a striking monument honoring the sacrifices made during the engagement.
Knowledgeable guides bring the past to life, sharing vivid firsthand accounts and military tactics that shaped the outcome of the battle.
With a focus on the Eastern Battlefield, this tour offers a unique perspective, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of the Gettysburg campaign.
Visitors can expect an immersive and educational experience that brings them closer to the pivotal moments that defined one of the most significant battles in American history.
Read our full review: Eastern Battlefield Tour With Licensed Guide: 2hr Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Pet on the Guided Tour?
Many guided tours don’t allow pets due to safety and comfort concerns for other participants. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to see if they permit pets and what their policy is.
Do the Tours Offer Discounts for Seniors or Students?
Many guided tours in Gettysburg offer discounts for seniors and students. Visitors should check with the tour operator for specific pricing information and availability of any discounted rates before booking their tour.
Are the Tours Accessible for Individuals With Disabilities?
Many guided tours in Gettysburg offer accessibility accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Providers often provide wheelchair-accessible transportation and ensure tour routes and sites are accessible. Visitors should inquire about specific accessibility features when booking a tour.
Can I Take Photographs During the Guided Tours?
Yes, visitors can typically take photographs during the guided tours in Gettysburg. However, they should check with the tour operator beforehand as some may have restrictions or require permission. The tours are generally accessible for individuals with disabilities as well.
Do the Tours Provide Water or Snacks for Participants?
Most guided tours don’t provide water or snacks for participants. Visitors should bring their own hydration and refreshments to stay comfortable during the tour. It’s a good idea to check with the tour provider beforehand to confirm their policy on food and drinks.
The Sum Up
The article provides a rundown of the best guided tours in Gettysburg. From battlefield tours and ghost walks to civilian experiences, visitors can choose from a variety of options to suit their interests and explore the rich history of this iconic American town. These guided tours offer knowledgeable local guides, ensuring a memorable and informative experience for all.