Alexandria Cold Case Self Guided City Exploration Game
Overview
A self-guided detective game through Old Town Alexandria, built on the city's most famous unsolved mystery: the Female Stranger, who died at Gadsby's Tavern in 1816 and was buried without a name. You reopen the case on your phone, guided by Director Zero, and each stop hides a puzzle that moves the investigation forward. Play at your own pace.
The app shares the real history behind each place: the tavern where Washington and Jefferson dined, the Georgian Carlyle House, the 1918 torpedo plant that became an art centre, the ferry landing that once shipped tobacco out of an 18th-century port, the sea captains' houses by the Athenaeum, and the apothecary that served the town for nearly 150 years. Hints are built in; chat support answers 24/7.
The route is a compact loop from Gadsby's Tavern down to the waterfront and back through Market Square, laid out in 1753. Flat, easy and 90 to 120 minutes, for history lovers, mystery fans, couples and families with older kids.
What's Included
- Full availability: Every day of the year.
- Flexibility: start, take a break and continue at your own pace.
- Access to the self-guided city exploration game in the Questo app
- Private transportation
- Meals
- Live game master or physical guide
Meeting Location
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Carlyle House
16 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Waterfront Park
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Athenaeum
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
14 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Alexandria City Hall & Market Square
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- A charged smartphone with internet is required to play the game in the Questo app
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Alexandria Cold Case Self Guided City Exploration Game?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-107194P757
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- Full availability: Every day of the year.
- Flexibility: start, take a break and continue at your own pace.
- Access to the self-guided city exploration game in the Questo app.
- Private transportation.
- Meals.
- Live game master or physical guide.
The minimum age to participate is 14..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Alexandria Cold Case Self Guided City Exploration Game is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Alexandria Cold Case Self Guided City Exploration Game will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Full availability: Every day of the year.
- Flexibility: start, take a break and continue at your own pace.
- Access to the self-guided city exploration game in the Questo app
- Private transportation
- Meals
- Live game master or physical guide
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- A charged smartphone with internet is required to play the game in the Questo app
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
