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Best of DC - With Visit to US Capitol Grounds & Access To National Archives

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Washington, United States
Best of DC - With Visit to US Capitol Grounds & Access To National Archives
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Best of DC - With Visit to US Capitol Grounds & Access To National Archives
Dramatic view of the Washington Monument and National Mall in Washington DC.
Looking across the Potomac River to the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC.
Tour guide Henry welcomes guests as they board the tour bus in Washington, DC.
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From $99.00

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon7 hours  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English

Overview

Beat the long entrance lines and experience some of the most popular attractions in Washington, DC like an insider on this full-day sightseeing tour. Enjoy priority entry into the United States, the home of Congress. Then visit the National Archives Building, where the original Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution are on display. In between, see the city’s most famous landmarks and monuments, like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and more.
  • Enjoy reserved, priority entrance to two of Washington DC's most sought-after attractions
  • See Washington DC’s major sites on a coach tour with guided walks for photo opportunities
  • Enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Potomac River (mid-March to mid-October)

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

VIP-style entry to outside US Capitol and National Archives makes this the ideal tour for politics and history buffs.
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From $99.00

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Luxury Tour Bus
Tickets to the National Archives Building
English-Speaking Live Tour Guide (on and off the bus)
Boat Cruise on the Potomac River (Seasonal: March 15 to October 15)
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
US Navy Memorial Plaza , 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
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US Navy Memorial Plaza

10:00 AM
This activity will end right where it started.
Meet the guide and the rest of the tour group at the US Navy Memorial Plaza to begin this full-day tour of the US, a National Archives tour and a best of DC tour rolled into one.

Enjoy reserved entry into the United States for a guided walking tour of this historic building, home to the Senate and the House of Representatives. Watch a film on the history of government in the US, then continue exploring the building to learn about the country’s legislature. Along the way, see the Crypt, the large circular area on the first floor that supports the Rotunda, as well as National Statuary Hall, a chamber devoted to sculptures of prominent Americans and more.

Then return to the shuttle to look around and through the nation’s capital. See the outside of the United States Capitol and the White House, with stops at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Along the way, hear the historic stories and facts that make the city of Washington, DC one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.

This tour also features a scenic, seasonal boat cruise along the Potomac River (mid-March to mid-October only).

A choice of lunch options (included) are available at L'Enfant Plaza.

At the end of the tour, gain priority entrance into the National Archives Building for an up-close look at the original Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. These historic documents are housed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. Also, enjoy access to the Public Vaults, a permanent exhibit gallery with fascinating original records, like Abraham Lincoln's telegrams to his generals, and much more.

The tour concludes at the US Navy Memorial Plaza.

Please note that the US Capitol Building is currently closed for indoor tours. Guests will be able to view the exterior building and grounds. However, entry is not included until further notice from the Architect of the Capitol and United States Capitol Visitor Center.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center
The tour starts and ends at the US Navy Memorial Plaza at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
U.S. Capitol
Though internal tours are still closed to the public, we get to see this glorious park and centerpiece of the capital city.
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Duration: 10 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Pass By:  
Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
This brand new memorial completed in 2020 is dedicated to massive legacy of President Eisenhower with a large wall depicting the cliffs of Normandy behind the simple memorial designed by iconic American designer Frank Gehry.
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Stop At:  
National World War I Memorial
The newest memorial in Washington, DC has been long in the making. A beautiful plaza and water feature outside the historic Willard Hotel & the Treasury Department.
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Duration: 14 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
White House
When arriving at the White House (outside only), you will see the Executive Residence of the President and his family, as well as the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. This stop also includes a walk through the Elipse, otherwise known as the South Lawn.
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Not Included
Stop At:  
National World War II Memorial
Guided tour of WWII Memorial.
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Guided tour of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial, which will transport you back in time to the years of 1933-1945.
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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Jefferson Memorial
Guided tour of Jefferson Memorial.
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Georgetown
Our seasonably offered boat cruise (March - October) departs from Georgetown Harbor after time for lunch. Please note: In the winter months, guests enjoy lunch and sightseeing by the Pentagon.
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Duration: 1 hour 
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Visit the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial – dedicated in 2011 – just across the Tidal Basin.
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Guided tour of Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Includes walking. This stop is conjoined with the one above.
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Korean War Veterans Memorial
A stunning memorial steps away from the Reflecting Pool depicts lifelike statues walking through moss along a wall carved with images in a design inspired by the Penisula itself.
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Duration: 10 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Lincoln Memorial
This stunning landmark celebrates its centennial this year.
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Duration: 10 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
The National Archives Museum
Delight in reserved entrance into the National Archives Building!
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Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Walking is involved to get an up-close look at the monuments; comfortable shoes are recommended.
  • Strollers may not be accommodated on tour
  • Security restrictions at the US Capitol Building and National Archives prevent any food or drinks being brought through security.
  • Please note: during peak season, security lines are long. As such, arriving ahead of time is highly encouraged
  • Tour Departure Times Are Subject to Change Due to Local Traffic Conditions
  • Please Arrive at the Meeting Point No Later Than 9:30 AM For Check-In
  • The United States Capitol Building is currently closed to the public. Guests will be able to view the exterior building and grounds. However, entry is not included until further notice from the Architect of the Capitol and United States Capitol Visitor Center.
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • No food allowed on buses (snacks are fine!)
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
  • OPERATED BY USA Guided Tours
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Best of DC - With Visit to US Capitol Grounds & Access To National Archives?
A:The policy on face masks and attendee health is:

  • Face masks provided for travelers
See all safety measures taken by Best of DC - With Visit to US Capitol Grounds & Access To National Archives.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Best of DC - With Visit to US Capitol Grounds & Access To National Archives?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Best of DC - With Visit to US Capitol Grounds & Access To National Archives.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Best of DC - With Visit to US Capitol Grounds & Access To National Archives?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by Best of DC - With Visit to US Capitol Grounds & Access To National Archives.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "It is expensive it is eight hours but you get what you paid for." See review
  • "If you take this tour note the night tour of the memorials is not needed." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
1,355 Reviews
5 stars
983
4 stars
215
3 stars
63
2 stars
46
1 star
48

Reviews by Viator travelers

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 1,355 reviews
star-5
Worth every penny.
Shawn_H
, Jul 2022
The tour is worth every penny!!! Josh was a fantastic tour guide with a wealth of knowledge and humor! We had a great time. Bus is very comfortable and professional. No complaints!
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star-5
The operator was superb!!!
MBALU_M
, Jun 2022
The memorials and boats ride. The operator is extremely friendly, flexible, informative, experienced driver
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2022
Thanks for the kind words! We are a small black-owned business and love showing of our hometown to others. Give us a follow on Instagram and share your travels with us! @usaguidedtours
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star-4
I have no more to add
Braulio_M
, Jun 2022
It was good to Visit to those monuments not visited before. It goes a little too fast. I would have enjoyed more time at the VIETNAM memorial.
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star-5
Very warm and friendly...
Kevin_O
, Jun 2022
Very warm and friendly guide and driver. Only minor thing was limited bathroom time at stops. Other than that it was a great experience.
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star-5
It is worth the money & time!
Linda_T
, Jun 2022
Everything! Brittany & Tony were great! Loved the closeness we got to the White House. Good information on all of the places. FDR monument was amazing!!
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
busy day in DC
Kenneth_D
, Jun 2022
This is a busy tour, especially with the summer heat. Nice to see up front the new monuments, along with a needed boat ride to cool off on the Potomic river. Guide was enthusiastic about her job and answered my questions.
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star-5
Recommend
Greg_P
, Jun 2022
Nick was awesome . Tour was a nice pace and felt like we saw lots Open air van bus was clean and we enjoyed
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star-5
The Best Tour Ever!
Krysten_N
, Jun 2022
Our tour guide Nick was absolutely amazing!! He is not only well spoken, but his knowledge and love for his career is admirable! We need more people like him in this world! It was the best tour I have ever had!
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star-5
Great guide very...
Marc_H
, Jun 2022
Great guide very knowledgeable of all the sites. Was on time at all stops. Gave us time to use restrooms. And eat lunch
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star-5
The best tour in DC
Jeri_R
, Jun 2022
Josh our Guide and Tony our driver were the best on this tour. Josh really knows DC and we had a great time touring with him. The monuments and memorials and sites were all amazing. Would highly recommend this tour and Josh as a guide to anyone interested. Best part of our trip!!!
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star-5
Excellent tour!
Julie_K
, Jun 2022
Our family really enjoyed this tour of DC. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and engaging. We arrived early and the busses were on time. The water on the bus was much appreciated as the temperature was in the 90s. We were able to see so much during this tour and finished with the National Archives. We would definitely recommend this tour.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Thank you, Julie, for sharing your experience, we are very happy that you enjoyed the tour, we invite you to review our different tour offers, we have a modern fleet of buses, experienced drivers, and friendly tour guides that will make you feel very comfortable.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Christopher and Tony made...
Christine_D
, Jun 2022
Christopher and Tony made this trip amazing ! Christopher is extremely knowledgeable but puts an added humerus spin on the history stories to lighten and keep everyone listening!
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Thank you, Christine for sharing your experience, we are very happy that you enjoyed the tour, we invite you to review our different tour offers, we have a modern fleet of buses, experienced drivers, and friendly tour guides that will make you feel very comfortable.
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star-5
Getting to see the sites...
Shelia_J
, Jun 2022
Getting to see the sites with my grandson, who had never been to DC. Great tour guide...very knowledgeable.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Dear customer, thank you for sharing your experience, we are very happy that you enjoyed the tour, we invite you to review our different tour offers, we have a modern fleet of buses, experienced drivers, and friendly tour guides that will make you feel very comfortable.
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star-5
Best of DC
Joyce_R
, Jun 2022
Brittany was great. She made the trip fun.she is so knowable. Wished we could have gotten closer to white house.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Thank you, Joyce, for sharing your experience, we are very happy that you enjoyed the tour, we invite you to review our different tour offers, we have a modern fleet of buses, experienced drivers, and friendly tour guides that will make you feel very comfortable.
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star-5
Amazing. Book with deon!
Shannon_T
, Jun 2022
Deon was a great tour guide! Very informative and quick to get us around crowds. The only downside was if you got to the back of the line, it was hard to hear him but that would’ve been anyone. They should wear mics!
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Thank you for your comments, we are very happy that you enjoyed the tour, we invite you to review our different tour offers, we have a modern fleet of buses, experienced drivers, and friendly tour guides that will make you feel very comfortable.
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star-5
Awesomeness
David_L
, Jun 2022
Awesome best tour guide deionized, definitely recommend this tour to anyone coming to Washington DC.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Thank you, David, for sharing your experience, we are very happy that you enjoyed the tour, we invite you to review our different tour offers, we have a modern fleet of buses, experienced drivers, and friendly tour guides that will make you feel very comfortable.
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star-5
Best of DC in one day.
Dana_B
, Jun 2022
Our guide was funny. 13 is his favorite number. You’ll find out why on that tour. He is so knowledgeable and even though he has to run through information fast he will take questions after. I wouldn’t of been able to do all of that in my own.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Thank you, Dana, for sharing your experience, we are very happy that you enjoyed the tour, we invite you to review our different tour offers, we have a modern fleet of buses, experienced drivers, and friendly tour guides that will make you feel very comfortable.
... MoreLess
star-4
Busy and impressive tour.
Michael_D
, Jun 2022
Very interesting tour which shows people the main details of a lot of sights from the White House to the Lincoln memorial and even includes a lovely 40 minute cruise up the river. Its a busy tour and ideal if you wanted to bookmark a particular spot to go back and explore later on. Only downside was the woman doing the tour was a bit rude telling people to put their masks on. Maybe say it to the person individually instead of announcing it in front if the whole bus.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Dear Michael, thank you for sharing your experience, we are very happy that you enjoyed the tour, we invite you to review our different tour offers, we have a modern fleet of buses, experienced drivers, and friendly tour guides that will make you feel very comfortable.
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star-4
A good quick sampling of DC
Christin_G
, Jun 2022
Our guide was very knowledgeable. The tour is very good with the exception of two items. The first being the open air bus. It is nice for viewing however when parked in the hot sun, the black leather seats get extremely hot and burn your legs. The bus should be parked in the shade or somehow a cover provided for the seats. The second is the boat ride out of Georgetown. The ride itself was lackluster. The boat is overcrowded and dirty.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Dear customer, we regret that your experience has not been entirely good, we invite you to review our different tour offers, we have a modern fleet of buses, experienced drivers, and expert and friendly guides that will make you feel very comfortable. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience
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star-5
BEST DC TOUR / HISTORICAL PLACES
IRWIN_E
, Jun 2022
My husband and I been in DC in some places,but this guided tour with interpreter was much more better. My son and I have seen more historical places, we were able to enjoy ,take pictures of the monuments, see the statues of the past presidents, soldiers who fought for war ,to know about thier bravery , and much more. We enjoy also cruising around DC, meet new friends from the bus. No problem in parking. This " guided tour " was really an excellent tour, my son and i really enjoyed it a lot 🤩😊😉🤩
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Dear Irwin, thank you for sharing your experience, we are very happy that you enjoyed the tour, we invite you to review our different tour offers, we have a modern fleet of buses, experienced drivers, and friendly tour guides that will make you feel very comfortable.
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