Best of DC • VIP Tour + U.S. Capitol & National Archives Entry
8.5 Hours • All Ages • Boat Cruise + Inside Tour of National Archives & US Capitol Buildings!
Overview
Activity details
Get the presidential treatment with our most comprehensive Washington DC day tour! The tour includes reserved access to the National Archives Building and the U.S. Capitol Building!
Your VIP experience begins at Neptune Fountain in front of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.
Check out every memorial of the National Mall with this eight-hour voyage around the city. One of the best Washington DC sightseeing tours money can buy, this excursion begins with an in-depth look at some of the city’s most poignant sights and sounds, from the White House to the National Monuments and Memorials. Reserved entry into the U.S. Capitol Building is included!
During this tour, you will have the opportunity to explore significant landmarks alongside a knowledgeable guide who will share the stories behind each site. Seasonal variations in the itinerary offer unique experiences. In the summer months, relax with a complimentary boat cruise along the beautiful Potomac River and Georgetown Waterfront after lunch, with the option to purchase a meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants. In contrast, the winter season features a stop at the iconic Kennedy Center.
A fascinating look at the interior of the National Archives makes for a sensational finale.
What's included
- Washington DC sightseeing bus tour
- Reserved access to the National Archives Building and the U.S. Capitol Building
- Climate-controlled luxury buses
- Expert tour guides and live narration
- Bottled water on buses
- Guided walks
- Seasonal boat cruise (Apr 1 – Oct 15)
What's not included
– Lunch (available, and payable separately)
– Gratuities
– Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
- Neptune Fountain at the Library of Congress (Start)
- White House (outside only)
- The U.S. Capitol Building Entry
- World War II National Memorial
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- Boat Cruise (Apr 1 to Oct 15)
- The Kennedy Center (Oct 16 - Mar 31)
- Lincoln Memorial
- Korean War Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- FDR Memorial
- The National Archives Building Entry (End)
Additional information
Check-in details
Please arrive 15 - 20 minutes before your departure time for a timely check in process.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes and clothes
Restrictions
While there will be some walking involved in the tour, your comfort is one of our top priorities. If you prefer, you are able to remain on the bus while sightseeing, as we do not require all guests to get off at every stop.
Disclaimers
– Security restrictions at the US Capitol Building and the National Archives Building prevent any food or drinks being brought through security
– US Capitol visitor policies are designed to keep visitors and staff safe and secure and to preserve the collections, facilities, and historic building and grounds for generations to come.
– Before entering the Capitol Visitor Center, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer and all items that are permitted inside the building are screened by an x-ray device.
– Please check the full list of items are strictly prohibited in the Capitol, including the Capitol Visitor Center - visitthecapitol.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/prohibited-items)
Wheelchair & baby strollers accommodation:
We strive to make our tours accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Our small-capacity tour buses can accommodate foldable wheelchairs and foldable baby strollers. However, if you or a member of your party uses a full-size wheelchair that requires a ramp, we kindly ask you to contact us directly. We're more than happy to make arrangements to accommodate your mobility needs.
Operational Dates: 7 days a week, rain or shine
Blackout Days:
Jan 1 New Year’s Day – All Tours Closed
Jan 20 March for Life – Day Tours Closed
Mar 18 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon – Day Tours Closed
Apr 2 Cherry Blossom Ten Miler – Day Tours Closed
Apr 15 National Cherry Blossom Parade® – Day Tours Closed
May 7 National Women’s Half Marathon – Day Tours Closed
May 28 AMVETS’ “Rolling to Remember” – Day Tours Closed
May 29 Memorial Day – All Tours Closed
July 4 Independence Day – All Tours Closed
Aug 28 The Commitment March – Day Tours Closed
Oct 8 Army Ten Miler – Day Tours Closed
Oct 29 Marine Corps Marathon – Day Tours Closed
Oct 31 Halloween – Night Tours Closed
Nov 23 Thanksgiving Day – All Tours Closed
Dec 24 Christmas Eve – Night Tours Closed
Dec 25 Christmas Day – All Tours Closed
Dec 31 New Year’s Eve – All Tours Closed
Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are not provided
Cancellations
• Free Cancellation up to 24 Hours in Advance > if you cancel your booking 24 hours in advance of your tour departure time - a full refund will be issued
• Free Cancellation up to 1 Hour in Advance with Tour Booking Insurance > if you purchase Tour Booking Insurance at $5.99 per booking, booking cancellations may be made up to 1 hour in advance of your tour departure time for a full refund minus the value of the insurance.
• Please note that all our DC private tours carry a 7-day cancellation policy, and tour booking insurance is not available for private tours. Please note that insurance is non-refundable.