Old Town's Famous 125 year old Jelly Cake

The Historic Old Town Food Tour in Alexandria offers this unique food tasting and cultural walking tour that will take you into the area's most historic and significant neighborhoods. While tasting an array of dishes from locally owned and operated restaurants, you'll learn from highly trained guides about the neighborhoods' architecture and history.

Old Town Alexandria is bursting with life. It's a thriving, yet laid back community located only across the Potomac from Washington DC. Teaming with restaurants, nightlife and other activities while being surrounded by 18th and 19th century buildings, the area is an ideal combination of old and new and will be enjoyed for years to come.

On this tour, all dishes are included in the price and enough food is served that most participants will not need dinner after the tour. All dishes are served sitting down in order for you to enjoy the ambiance of each restaurant while trying their specialties and hearing their unique stories. The restaurants and dishes have been meticulously chosen to showcase the culinary variety that exists within Old Town and the different meals will compliment each other as you progress throughout the tour.

Feel like a guest of honor, as you speak with the owners or their families, and taste their specialties. After the tour, you will have the confidence to navigate the colonial streets, and eat and live like a local. So book today and see what makes this former port town so charming, unique and delicious.

Your culinary adventure may include the following specialties:

• Traditional Lebanese dishes
• Old Town's Famous 125 year old Jelly Cake
• Globally inspired tapas
• Fresh baked Artisan bread
• Freshly brewed specialty teas chosen from the largest selection in the DC area
• Regional cuisine from a 100+ year old restaurant
• Local seafood specialties served in an eighteenth century captain's warehouse

FAQS

What about taking children on the tour?
While child tickets are offered, the tour is three hours long and some children have a limited attention span and therefore the tour may not be appropriate for some of them. Parents, who know their children best, should assess the situation individually. Since there is a lot of standing and walking, please carefully consider this when deciding whether the tour is appropriate for your child and as a courtesy to other participants on the tour. Although children under the age of 7 are free, they will not receive any of the food samples.

What types of foods are served on the tour?
There'll be stops at 3-4 sit down restaurants during the tour. The types of food at the restaurants include Lebanese, Greek, European/Asian Fusion, Thai, Local/Continental, and French. You may also have tastings at a gourmet coffee, specialty store and a local chocolate shop. Everyone will also receive Alexandria's Famous Jelly Cake. Food-tasting locations may change without notice.

Are there kosher options on the tour?
Unfortunately there is no kosher food on the tour.

Are there any beverages served on the tour?
Water will be served with each meal. You will be served either tea or coffee with dessert.

Do we just walk around and sample food?
Absolutely not! Aside from sampling delicious food, you will also experience life traversing down the streets of Old Town Alexandria. The tour is fully narrated by your guide, who will discuss the history, culture, architecture and entertainment that Old Town has to offer.

Are bathrooms available during the tour?
Yes, bathrooms are available during the tour at all restaurants. Stops will be made at each restaurant for 20-25 minutes, which includes time to use the bathrooms.

How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?
Expect to be on your feet for approximately half of the tour. A good deal of information will be covered while walking at a comfortable pace. You'll be able to sit at most restaurants for 20-25 minutes. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes.

Does the tour leader accept gratuities?
Gratuities are always appreciated, although not mandatory.

What happens if it rains or snows?
The tours are held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, you'll be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. You wont be outdoors for the entire tour. You should still dress appropriately for the day's weather conditions.

May I bring my dog on the tour?
Unfortunately, pets of any kind are not allowed on this tour.

Does this tour have anything to offer DC area residents?
Absolutely! Many attendees live in the Washington DC area. Locals often take the tours to learn about the unique neighborhoods that surround the nation's capital. The tour takes place mainly off the beaten path which helps avoid being consumed by crowds of tourists.

Can I shop on the tour?
In order to stay on schedule and continue with the informative tour and food tastings in a timely manner, you'll be asked to wait to shop until the tour has ended. Hopefully, you will allow time at the end of the tour to return to your favorite locations and/or stores.

Are cameras allowed on the tour?
Yes. Cameras and filming are allowed during the tour. You are strongly encouraged to take photos throughout the tour.

Is the tour stroller and/or wheelchair accessible?
The tour will cover some uneven terrain. If you or another guest with you needs wheelchair access, please note it on the order form.

48 HOURS MINIMUM ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED. Tour does not include hotel pick-up. Child rate applies to ages 8 to 11, children 7 and under are free. Reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-878-9870.