New Bern Tours and Convention Services also offers a variety of specialty tours that can be specifically arranged for both small and large groups. Minimum party numbers do apply, but there is so much flexibility in what you can do! We also offer “Custom Tours” if there is something you would like to see or do that is not included in our current list. See the list below for a sampling of what we offer and call today to schedule your Specialty Group Tour.

African American Tours

Many visitors to New Bern are surprised to learn that half of the town's population before the Civil War was African American. As a matter of fact, in 1860, New Bern has the largest population of African Americans in the state, and one fourth of the members of the black community were free.

These free blacks owned and operated a variety of businesses, accumulated real estate, and owned fine homes. In addition, many free African Americans owned slaves. After the Civil War, New Bern boasted an enterprising, educated African American elite. African American leaders included politicians, doctors, lawyers, businessmen, teachers, investors, and religious leaders.
New Bern Tours will host a Trolley Tour with a special emphasis on the African American community living in New Bern during the 19th century. Travel on the Trolley with our professional guides through historic downtown New Bern to learn about these people and see the places where they worked and lived.

The lives of the free African American and slaves who lived, worked and worshiped in 19th century New Bern were colorful and varied. Enjoy a professionally narrated 90 minute tour of African American sites in Historic Downtown New Bern to discover New Bern's fascinating and rich African American heritage.

Minimum of 20 people or more
Two trolley options:
Trolley 1 at $390, holds 30 passengers
Trolley 2 at $285, holds 22 passengers

Civil War Tours
New Bern's Civil War Heritage is rich, colorful and can be discovered throughout the town. Experience the story of the Civil War on a 90-minute professionally narrated tour by visiting an old graveyard and other important Civil War sites in Historic Downtown New Bern.

Minimum of 20 people or more
Two trolley options:
Trolley 1 at $390, holds 30 passengers
Trolley 2 at $285, holds 22 passengers

Trolley Car Tour of Christmas Past
Travel through three centuries of Christmas past on a Trolley Car Tour of historic downtown New Bern! View over 150 historic sites and observe the history and architectural beauty that New Bern has to offer in a comprehensive 90-minute narrated tour.

Professional guides will recount the fascinating details of this former royal capital of North Carolina and will leave you enchanted by the city's Old World charm. You'll also take away a sweet treat to remind you of the tour. This is a very special holiday gift to share with family and friends and a perfect prelude to Tryon Palace Candlelight Tours! 

Minimum of 20 people or more
Two trolley options:
Trolley 1 at $390, holds 30 passengers
Trolley 2 at $285, holds 22 passengers

Recount the classic novel by Charles Dickens as you enjoy a trolley ride through the historic downtown business district. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the unique decorations and lights that our downtown merchants will showcase as the story of “A Christmas Carol” is unveiled throughout the tour.

Tours are offered on Friday evenings at 5:30pm and 7:00pm beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving until the Friday before Christmas. Space is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended.

Tickets are $10 per person

Make it a holiday to remember.
New Bern Tours puts the
"jolly" back into Christmas.
Contact New Bern Tours today!

Custom Tours
New Bern Tours & Convention Services wants you to enjoy your stay in New Bern as much as possible. If there is something you would like to see or do that is not on our current tour list, don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange something special just for you! Popular requests include Ghost Tours, Architectural Tours and Historical Church Tours, just to name a few! Our city has a lot to offer and we appreciate your patronage. We are always looking for ways to expand our services and would love to hear from you. Contact us today for more information on how to make your trip to New Bern an exciting one!

Packages are subject to availability.

Day Packages
We also offer Day Packages for groups of 20 or more. Included in this package is a 90-minute narrated Trolley Car Tour, lunch in the Historic District and admission to Tryon Palace.

Tickets are $50 inclusive
Reservations are required, so contact us today to book this delightful package!

Student Tour
At New Bern Tours, our primary focus is to make history come alive for people of all ages. New Bern Tours would like to offer you and your students an educational Trolley Car Tour through New Bern's downtown historic district. Our professional tour guides will take you on a journey through three centuries of history, architecture, folklore, and landscapes. Tours can be customized upon request to suit different age groups and focus on specific curriculum needs, including African American and Civil War history, as well as admission to Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens. Contact us for more information!

Minimum of 20 people or more
Two Student Tour Options:
One hour tour for grades 5-12 at $8/student; $12/adult
½ hour tour for grades K-4 at $4/student; $10/adult
Complimentary tickets available for one teacher and one assistant. Two enclosed trolleys are available to prevent safety hazards and keep passengers dry. One trolley seats 22 passengers and the other seats 30 passengers.

Teachers! Students!

Contact New Bern Tours
for information on how to
make history fun!

Walking Tour
Walking tours are available by reservation only and can be customized to suit your group’s needs. New Bern, the second oldest city in North Carolina, with a rich history made up of famous places and firsts, events and inventors. Experience our professional tour guides as they escort you through 200 years of history, architecture, folklore, and landscapes.

Tour length: 1-1/2 Hours
Minimum of 10 people or more
Tickets are $12 per person
By reservation only.