Washington, DC

Potomac River and Georgetown Walking Tour

Explore DC and one of its oldest neighborhoods, hearing stories dating back before the country’s founding. Spend an afternoon taking a guided cruise along the Potomac River, passing by iconic markers of DC before disembarking for a guided walking tour around Georgetown. With an expert guide to bring the past to life, you’ll sample a delicious local treat and come away with a true understanding of Georgetown’s place in the story of the US.

National Archive and US Capitol Tour

Uncover the fascinating history of the birth of the US on this tour of the National Archives and US Capitol. Tickets in DC can be difficult to get, so take the pressure off trying to secure time slots and instead get lost in the absorbing story tracing the foundations of the country. Skip the line at the National Archives and see some of the most important documents in existence alongside an expert guide able to bring the stories behind the documents, places and iconic buildings to life.

Take a deep dive into US history on this revealing tour of the National Archives and US Capitol. You’ll uncover secrets most visitors never learn, from presidential assassinations to the burning of the Capitol, and rare stories behind monuments you never would have guessed. Begin by meeting your guide on the steps to the National Archives where you’ll get an introduction to the day ahead and the riveting history waiting for you inside. Waste no time waiting with skip-the-line tickets to National Archives already secured. Accompanied by your expert guide, your first stop will be to see some of the most influential documents in the founding of the USA. As you step into the Rotunda the documents collectively known as the Charters of Freedom – the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights – will be laid out before you. Seeing these monumental charters in real life is inspiring in and of itself but learning about the murals above them will surprise even the most studious of guests. Next, it’s on to the Public Vaults, an interactive permanent exhibition that transports you beyond the Rotunda, allowing you to explore the foundational documents for yourself. Opened in 2004, The Public Vaults displays approximately 1,100 records—originals or facsimiles of documents, photographs, maps, drawings, and film or audio clips. It’s a fascinating way to discover the raw materials of American democracy for yourself. As your guide takes you further into the National Archives, you’ll discover surprises around every corner! Hear one of the only recordings of Theodore Roosevelts voice and see the most recent presidents as children, giving you an insight into the figures behind the prestigious office. Your guide will be on hand to fill in the gaps with fascinating anecdotes and history, giving color to these exhibits. One of your last stops in the National Archives will be the vaults where the Magna Carta is kept. The document is one of only four surviving originals of the 1297 Magna Carta. Learn the story of its origins, how it became an inspiration behind the American Revolution – and how it ended up in Washington DC. Before you exit, your guide will take you through some of the more recent amendments and acts that have shaped the course of the country as we now know it.

Once you’re ready to leave, you’ll wander through the Sculpture Garden in the National Gallery of Art as your guide points out some of the most interesting designs dotted along the picturesque walkway. On your way to the Capitol, you’ll also pass by the National Mall seeing iconic sights like the Smithsonian Castle, Hirshhorn Museum and the National Air and Space Museum. On your way to the US Capitol, stop to admire the beautiful Reflecting Pool and memorials outside. With tickets already secured in advance, there’s no need to focus on anything except the significance of the building before you. Tour the crypt at the US Capitol as well as the original House of Representatives and see the exact spot where Abraham Lincoln’s desk once stood for a comprehensive insight into this seminal building. When you leave the Capitol, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area on your own with a newfound appreciation for the historic landmarks surrounding you and how they have shaped the country as we now know it.

Contact us for the operating schedule and pricing.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & Arlington Cemetery Tour

Arlington National Cemetery is the resting place of some of the most distinguished and decorated people in the history of the United States. Every major war the US has fought in is represented in Arlington. There’s no better way to pay respect and learn the stories of the great women and men laid to rest here. But spanning nearly 260 hectares and with over 400,000 graves, Arlington is immense. Without mapping out a route beforehand, many visitors overlook some of the most interesting areas. Even with a route, without someone to explain what you’re seeing, it’s almost impossible to fully appreciate Arlington’s connection with the wider context of US history. That’s why on this tour, you’ll see the cemetery alongside a local expert who is able to fully explain the grave markers and places of interest. On this curated route, you’ll come away with a deep understanding of the larger story behind this hallowed ground.

Begin by meeting your expert guide at the Arlington Welcome Center, where you’ll get a short introduction about the cemetery and the people you’ll be paying respects to. Spend a few minutes taking in the incredible view of Washington DC, then, it’s on to hear the stories of the dedicated women in military service. There are a total of two presidential graves at Arlington. First, you’ll stop at the grave of President Taft, 27th President of the USA, the 10th chief justice and the only person who has ever held both offices. Next, you’ll come upon the grave of Robert Todd Lincoln. Here, within eyesight of JFK’s grave, you’ll discover the strange curse associated with his name due to his unfortunate connection with three presidential assassinations in the space of just 36 years.

Next, it’s time to stop into Arlington House where you’ll step through time to see a chapter of the country’s past. Take a tour of the house once occupied by General Robert E. Lee. Lee’s story is one characterized by inner conflict and turmoil. One of the most highly decorated soldiers in the US Army before the Civil War, Lincoln asked him to command the northern armies. But he defected to defend his home state of Virginia which seceded with the rest of the south. You’ll hear more about this turbulent chapter in history and see for yourself part of the reason for the conflict by visiting the slave quarters, segregated into North and South sections.

During your tour, you’ll take a curated route through the cemetery ensuring you see the most important areas commemorating US history and service. The Space Shuttle Challenger memorial, Columbia Memorial, Nurses memorial and many more are both a chance to pay respects and learn more about some of the most monumental moments in US history. One of the key stops is the Memorial amphitheater, a stunning visual space inside the cemetery grounds where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands, commemorating those soldiers whose remains have never been identified. The symbolic changing of the guard takes place every 30 minutes during summer and when you experience it, it will help you understand how this practice marks with significance to the way we remember those fallen in battle.

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Washington National Mall & Monuments Tour

Telling the story of people and events that have shaped the nation, The National Mall is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Over 1,000 acres of green space in the heart of Washington DC would be difficult to traverse alone. But on this tour, an expert local guide takes you through the park revealing the secrets hidden in the monuments and weaving together their full, fascinating story before your eyes.

Begin by meeting your guide at the Albert Einstein Memorial where you’ll get an introduction to the National Mall. On the ground before the statue lies a map and your guide will show you the exact spot to stand on to hear your voice echo back. Next, it’s on to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial – the most visited memorial in the National Park. There are over 58,000 names on the wall commemorating those who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. We’ll wind our way to the iconic Lincoln Memorial afterwards. It’s here that the nation honors a beloved president who freed over 4 million people from slavery. The memorial was dedicated in 1922, sixty years after Lincoln’s assassination. The statue of Lincoln, which has appeared in numerous films through the years, was designed by artist Daniel Chester French. Hear about the legends surrounding the statue’s features, as well as the mistake on his second inaugural address printed on the wall here.

The Memorial Reflecting Pool, perhaps one of the most filmed and symbolic visuals of Washington DC, is your next stop. Designed by Henry Bacon, it holds approximately 6 million gallons of water and depending on your vantage point reflects different but equally gorgeous views of the National Mall. The tree lined paths along the pool will shortly take you to the Korean War Memorial. Here 19 statues form a platoon on patrol, with members from all branches of the US Army represented. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Martin Luther King Memorial, the first African American to receive a statue on the Mall. The last part of your tour is the Washington Monument. Tickets to the top are like gold dust but included in your tour. Take some time to soak in the gorgeous views over the park and surroundings. Back on ground level, you’ll leave the National Mall with an understanding of how these monuments symbolize a chapter of the past, reflect on the present and look ahead to the future.

Contact us for the operating schedule and pricing.

A Private Walking Tour of The National Gallery of Art

Experience the awe-inspiring grandeur and scale of America’s prestigious National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C with an expert art historian. On your private tour you will:

• Enjoy the personalised attention of your expert private guide.
• Explore the vast National Gallery of Art with its incredible collection of 4,000 European and American paintings, 31,000 drawings, and 3,000 sculptures plus an expansive library of 70,000 prints and 12,000 photographs.
• Learn about the history of the building itself – a neo-classical design (similar to the façade of the National Gallery in London) with very modern additions, consisting of the West Wing, the East Wing and the beautiful sculpture garden.
• Walk along the mesmerizing subterranean concourse, a tunnel of light that links the West and East Buildings and is called ‘the Multiverse’.
• Admire an extensive array of art dating from the medieval and High Renaissance period, through to the Impressionists and renowned artists of the 20th Century.
• See world-famous works from the Renaissance by Raphael, Titian and the only Da Vinci in the Americas the portrait of Ginevra de Benci, dubbed Washington’s Mona Lisa. Hear the stories and political scandals behind the art and the artists.
  Admire the Rembrandts and Rubens and Vermeers while learning all about their lives and their groundbreaking techniques in painting.
• View the extensive collection of Impressionism including works by Mary Cassatt, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and Monet’s iconic Japanese Bridge.
• Moving toward the contemporary collection, see works by legendary artists of the twentieth century Kandinsky, Picasso, Pollock and Warhol.
• Discover the origin story of the collection and the Gallery’s wealthy benefactor, Andrew W Mellon – a great philanthropist and former US Ambassador to the UK.
• Wander around the beautiful sculpture garden and end the 2.5-hour tour within the grounds of the gallery to enjoy exploring at your own leisure.

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. is one of the most important art museums in the world, with masterpieces dating from the 12th century to the present day, and welcomes over 4 million visitors per year.

It is a hugely impressive complex, founded in 1937 by Andrew W Mellon, a wealthy philanthropist and patron of the arts. It consists of two buildings, the West and East Buildings. The neo-classical West Building was designed by John Russell Pope and is home to the earlier collections including one of the most prestigious collections of Renaissance works anywhere in the world. Enjoy hearing about the life and legend of Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and many others as you gaze at their beautiful masterpieces.

The East Building houses the vast collection of twentieth-century art, with pieces by Picasso, Rothko, Pollock and many legendary contributors to modern art. It also hosts contemporary exhibitions and immersive, interactive art experiences, the print and photographic collections. It was opened in 1978 and is a much more modern edifice designed by I.M Pei the Chinese-born American architect who also designed the Louvre in Paris. The tranquil sculpture garden was opened in 1999 and is a lovely way to end your guided tour.

Contact us for the operating schedule and pricing.

Private Walking Tour of Historic Alexandria

Enjoy a walking tour of Alexandria with a private guide, where you will uncover the city through the stories of notable American figures. On your private tour, you will:

• Explore the best of the historic city on foot
• Visit Christ Church and its graveyard, where notable literary figures attended church and were buried.
• Hear how Gadsby Tavern was at the centre of several revolutionaries and founding fathers who went on to be American presidents.
• Learn about the notable figures who called Alexandria home, including George Washington who first fell in love while living in the city.
• See some of the country’s greatest Georgian architecture, and walk through one of America’s oldest historic districts.
• Visit one of the largest art collectives in the country in a converted torpedo factory.
• Your tour ends on King Street, where your guide will happily direct you to some of the best local eateries or guide you to museums, which you can visit at your leisure.

On your private walking tour of Alexandria, you will hear the tales of one of America’s earliest cities, and one of its most important leading up to the Revolution. You’ll learn about America’s famous founding fathers and their ties to the town—from Washington and Jefferson to Frenchman Lafayette and founding trustee John Carlyle. Explore the larger-than-life figure, Washington, by traversing the places which made Alexandria his home: visit the church where Washington was a member, walk by the home of his first love, and the home of his physician.

On your walking tour, you’ll see Gadsby’s Tavern, where you will hear of the letters written between other notable past presidents — Thomas Jefferson and John Adams — political opponents who went on to have an epic friendship, carried out largely through letters. You’ll see some of the country’s greatest Georgian architecture at the Fairfax home, and walk Captains Row, where the cobblestone roads date back to the early 1700s.

Along your walk, learn how the city of Alexandria arose — from its landed gentry to its slave heritage who built much of the infrastructure that remains today. Visit the historic Alexandria waterfront, which is always bustling now with water taxis and private craft, and visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center to see the city’s vibrant art scene.

At the end of your walking tour, you are free to continue exploring this gem of a town at your own leisure, grab a bite to eat or see the farmer’s market and enjoy the town’s waterfront.

Contact us for the operating schedule and pricing.

Scandals and Secrets: Private Walking Tour of Washington D.C

Explore the political heart of Washington D.C with an expert private guide to regale you with the stories of corruption and scandal at the very heart of political power in the U.S.A from presidents to politicos, police to media pundits, law-makers to spies. On your private tour you will:

• Enjoy the personalised attention of your private guide.
• See the famous buildings synonymous with American power and democracy the world over.
• Hear tales of corruption, secrets, and lies at the heart of political power in Lafayette Square, including Kennedy’s affair with suspected East German spy Inga Arvad and how his father involved the notorious FBI director, J Edgar Hoover, in ending the tryst.
• Learn about the 4 presidential assassinations from Abe Lincoln to JFK, and the many attempted assassinations – and how they were thwarted.
• Hear about the wild parties thrown in the White House, including Andrew Jackson’s inauguration party in which he slipped out of the house through a back window to escape the rabble.
• Enjoy stories of how during the Prohibition era, DC was likely, and hypocritically, the least dry place in the United States.
• Hear all the historic and very latest gossip about what really goes on behind those secure, closed doors protecting those in power, and the various drinking holes that litter the city.
• End your tour outside the presidential residence, at the Ellipse of the White House.

Washington DC has a reputation as a wheeler-dealer city where billion-dollar contracts, cosy media deals, and political alliances are sealed in smokey bars, boardrooms, and dinners hosted by power brokers in swanky Georgetown townhouses. On your tour down memory lane of scandals past, discover the secrets, lies and backstories behind DC’s congressmen, journalists, military men and politicos throughout history, from Capitol Hill, the Judicial Branch and the FBI to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

On this tour, your guide will spill all the details of the stories of the occupants of the White House – both those from the recent past, including Nixon, Kennedy, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Obama and Trump – and its nineteenth-century occupants. You will trawl the haunts associated with some of Washington’s greatest rumours, indiscretions and media storms, security details, news hounds, senators, lawmakers, cable news stars and White House officials.

Contact us for the operating schedule and pricing.

Private Walking Tour of Historic Georgetown

Leisurely soak up Georgetown’s unique atmosphere, browsing leafy squares and peering into alleyways and side streets to unearth some of its lesser-known gems. On your Historic Georgetown tour, you will:

• Discover a host of famous names and faces that have resided in the neighbourhood – including John F and Jackie Kennedy, inventor Alexander Graham Bell, Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor, and chef Julia Child.
• Marvel at the pre-Revolutionary buildings and admire architecture that dates from after 1800 that is preserved by the National Park Service.
• Learn about the neighbourhood’s post-Civil War flourishing African American community, its early 20th-century slump, and its ascent to the it-place of DC in the 1950s.
• Learn about young JFK and see the tavern booth where he proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier.
• Stroll the historic Georgetown campus, and learn about the relationship between the school and the rest of the city.
• Pop into one of the locally-owned cafes for a bite-on-the-go (not included in price), as you stroll the cobblestone pavements and canals.

Described as a “dirty little hole” by Abigail Adams, the former First Lady of the United States, Georgetown had humble beginnings: as a working port, on the banks of the slurry-filed Potomac River. Named after King George II, and founded in 1751, Georgetown served as a depot for the collection and shipment of military supplies during the Revolution. A textile factory, paper mill, grain stores, and more flour mills were added and when the capital was established to the east, Georgetown’s character became more distinct. Georgetown became renowned as a fashionable quarter of the capital, drawing visitors from all over the world and becoming part of Washington City in 1871.

After the Civil War, large numbers of freed slaves migrated to Georgetown and a thriving African American community flourished, establishing businesses and neighbourhoods. However, by the 1890s, the area had undergone a drastic decline and in the aftermath of World War I, it was considered one of Washington’s worst slums. However, within a generation, the trend had all but completely reversed. When a young Senator John F. Kennedy resided in the neighbourhood in the 1950s, Georgetown was the place to be and be seen.

Home to world-class shopping, rich history, five-star restaurants, and one of the world’s best universities – in fact, the university for anyone looking to enter a career in Washington – Georgetown is a neighbourhood that simply cannot be missed.

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The Best of DC Private Evening Tour

When the sun sets, the monuments and memorials of Washington DC are illuminated. Experience the stunning architecture of DC as you uncover its rich political history. On your private tour of the Capital’s monuments at night, you will:

• Be accompanied by a private tour guide throughout your tour.
• See the best of the monuments, when the people have largely left, and each monument is lit up to best display itself.
• See the iconic Washington Monument looming over the city.
• Experience the moving monuments of the Korean Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and World War II Memorial.
• Stand in awe of the immensity of The Lincoln Memorial, and stand on its steps, gazing out over the city.

Washington DC is ideal to explore after sunset when crowds disperse and buildings light up. On this tour, you will explore the most important national memorials of America’s capital, as you understand their place in the country’s history.

Not only will you uncover the monuments dedicated to historical figures such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, but you will also have the chance to commemorate Vietnam and Korean veterans, as well as those lost during World War II. Throughout your walking tour, your guide will tell you stories about the circumstances around how the National Mall was built over the centuries – from Dolly Madison and Eliza Hamilton’s efforts to build the Washington Monument to then 21-year-old Maya Lin’s design of the Vietnam Memorial.

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Private Half Day Walking Tour of DC’s National Mall

Are you a first-timer in DC but not quite ready to commit to a full day touring the nation’s Capital or are you short on time but still want to see the best of what the city has to offer? Either way, don’t sweat it—the half-day highlights tour was designed with you in mind. On your private tour, you will:

• Hear about the fascinating politics and presidents of the past, as you see two of the city’s most famous buildings.
• Visit the evocative Korean War Veterans Memorial and learn about The Forgotten War and the Vietnam War Memorial where you can honour the men and women who fought in the war.
• Climb the iconic stairs to the Lincoln Memorial, and read the immortal words spoken at Gettysburg.
• Hear the story of Dr. King’s I Have a Dream Speech at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, and learn about the numerous marches that have taken place in the capital and the changes inspired by these movements.
• Your tour ends here, where we recommend you continue on to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and Jefferson Memorial at your own leisure.
  Your tour will begin with views of two of the most famous buildings in the country – Capitol Hill and the White House. While learning about the history of each, you’ll have the chance to learn more about the fascinating politics of the most powerful country in the world.

From there, your tour continues on to more of DC’s iconic sites, from where you’ll hear not only the stories of the nation and its capital but also the work that goes into designing and erecting each unique monument and memorial. On your private tour, your guide will take you to several of the city’s most famous monuments, from the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial to the Washington Monument.

Contact us for the operating schedule and pricing.

Two Smithsonian Museums of American & Natural History: A Private Tour

Visit two of the famed Smithsonian Museums on the National Mall in Washington DC, the fascinating National Museum of American History, and the Museum of Natural History, one of the greatest collections in the world. On your private tour, you will:

• Enjoy the personal attention of your private guide.
• Begin with a private tour of the National Museum of American History, where your guide will start with an overview of American history, before exploring the exhibitions in more depth.
• See several artefacts underpinning the American political and cultural landscape.
• Explore exhibitions that focus on America’s triumphs, tragedies, wars, and protests.
• Learn about American women’s history, African American history, Latino American history, and any area you have particular interests in.
• Enjoy a snack and restroom break before heading to your next destination, the Museum of Natural History, one of the world’s largest collections from the natural world.
• Explore the museum’s highlights, including the Hope Diamond donated by Harry Winston, a T-Rex fossil, and a short film depicting the history of mammals over 200 million years.
• Immerse yourself in earth’s many ecosystems, including the Sant Ocean Hall, where you can see some of the smallest and largest animals in the oceans.

Explore two of America’s most iconic Smithsonian museums in three hours. You will begin your private tour at the National Museum of American History, where myriad American treasures are displayed. From a flag flying during the Battle of Baltimore to photographs taken of Titanic survivors aboard the Carpathia, iconic America is yours to grab hold of – or at least see for yourself. Are you interested in a richer, more nuanced story of the country? Your guide will be able to take you through the museum focusing on segregation, immunisation, medical advancement, or breakthroughs made by women in math, science, photography, and textiles.

Next, your guide will take you to the National Museum of Natural History, which opened in 1910 and is home to one of the largest global teams studying the natural and cultural history of our beautiful planet. Along with its world-class research facilities, the museum houses a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits, which explore the history of the natural world – from dinosaurs and mammals to volcanic rock, meteors, and rare gemstones. Your guide will take you through the museum’s must-see spots, but be sure to let them know if any exhibits are of particular interest, as they’ll be happy to tailor the tour to suit your curiosity.

Contact us for the operating schedule and pricing.

DC Guided Bus Tours

DC at Dusk Tour

See the beautiful DC memorials all lit up after dark on this bus tour. This after-dark experience covers all the major attractions including visits to Martin Luther King’s memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Attractions like these offer such a different experience with the beautifully planned lighting illuminating the sculpture work. The Dusk tours offer a great introduction to Washington and can be complemented by various day tours the following day!

Duration: 3 hours

African American History Tour

Washington, D.C. has been a centre of African-American history and culture since the creation of this “Federal District”. Visit the sites rooted in the nation’s history thanks to the contributions of freed and enslaved African-Americans. Find out how they shaped the city and country. Stand exactly where Civil Rights heroes and icons stood and changed the history of this great Nation! This tour ventures away from the National Mall to Capitol Hill & vibrant Black communities & the U St Corridor. After the tour, you’llll conclude at the Smithsonian dedicated to this important history with tickets included so you can explore for the rest of the day!

Duration: 3.5 hours

Best of DC – VIP Tour

The most in-depth tour of Washington DC is a fantastic full-day experience with lunch, a stop at every memorial on the National Mall, and a visit to the National Archives. This guided experience is a great way to see it all. The VIP experience covers everything that the other tours offer and more. In addition to the lunch activities and the Tidal Basin, more time is spent at the aforementioned stops than the alternatives, and finally, an interior tour of great institutions like Archives and Capitol (US Capitol is currently closed) offers a unique tour experience that no other bus tour in Washington does.

Duration: 7 hours

Cherry Blossoms Galore Tour (March & April only) 

Over 100 years ago, the Empire of Japan and the United States of America exchanged treasures and gifts with one another. To this day, the iconic “cherry” blossom trees are thriving in the Mid-Atlantic region, much farther than where the initial 100 trees were planted. Over the years, the nations have divided and grown closer. Though many see these trees as mainly a picture moment, there is so much more. Did you know suffragettes saved the trees during WWII? Were you aware there was a month-long festival dedicated to them? The trees are a symbol of unity and this tour showcases them wonderfully with a glass-roof convertible vehicle to show travelers the beauty of DC in the springtime.

Duration: 4 hours

Contact us for the operating schedule and pricing. For something a little more personal, ask about the private tour options!