Viator Rating : 5 (184 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.2/10 (Verified Excellent)
Washington DC
DC Private Tour: Changing of the Guard - Customize!
240
Overview
Experience a Nation’s Capital Badge Of Excellence on a Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony, tailored to individual needs! The tour offers the flexibility to select a preferred schedule and pickup location within the DC metro area. A licensed tour guide will escort guests on a private, historic, and cultural exploration of Washington.
What to expect includes strolling through Lafayette Square in front of the White House, witnessing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery, and viewing the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument from the Lincoln Memorial. Guests will also see the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Air Force Memorial overlooking the Pentagon, and the west side of the U.S. Capitol. This is where presidents take their oath. The tour also includes the World War II Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
This distinctive experience includes bottled water, onboard Wi-Fi, flexibility to customize the visit, hotel pickup and drop-off, an escorted tour guide (unless parking is unavailable), and mobile charging stations. Gratuities and entrance tickets to the White House and U.S. Capitol are not included. Guests can customize the tour to see key stops like the Smithsonian Museums, the Jefferson and FDR Memorials, and more. This private tour ensures a personal and memorable exploration of the nation's capital. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Crowd Density (8 - Empty / Light) : Very few people, free movement
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Highlights
Personalized DC Tour: See DC your way with a tour that changes to fit what you want to see.
Expert Tour Guide: Learn about the city's history from a guide who knows a lot.
Changing of the Guard: Watch the special Changing of the Guard at Arlington Cemetery.
Hotel Pickup Included: Start your tour easy with pickup and drop-off right at your hotel.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved having a private tour.
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They really enjoyed the tour guide's knowledge.
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Many said the tour was the best part of their trip.
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Visitors appreciated seeing many monuments and memorials.
Some visitors had trouble getting in touch with the tour guide.
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A few customers mentioned issues with the booking process.
The Journey
Customized Experience
Personalize your tour for a uniquely tailored experience! Your guide will adapt the itinerary to your interests, ensuring you make the most of your time and explore the landmarks that resonate with you. This flexibility allows for a deeper engagement with the history and culture of Washington, D.C., focusing on what truly captivates your curiosity.
Lafayette Square & The White House
Begin your exploration at Lafayette Square, directly across from the White House. Delve into the neighborhood's rich history with insights from your guide, highlighting Saint John’s Episcopal Church ('Presidents' Church') and the elegant West Jackson Place. Enjoy a stroll along Pennsylvania Avenue, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the Executive Mansion. Reflect on the significance of the West Wing, the international press area, and the Old Executive Office Building (Vice President's headquarters), vital centers of American power.
Pennsylvania Avenue Narrative Drive
Embark on a narrated drive along Pennsylvania Avenue, connecting the White House to the U.S. Capitol. Witness the architectural grandeur of City Hall, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel (formerly the Old Post Office Building), the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building, the Department of Justice, and the National Archives. Pass by the Navy Memorial Plaza, the National Gallery of Art, and the Embassy of Canada, each contributing to the Avenue's rich tapestry of history and culture.
U.S. Capitol Westside
Stand on the West side of the U.S. Capitol, where presidents take their oath of office. Feel the awe-inspiring sensation of this iconic location, offering panoramic views of the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Institution museums along the National Mall. Reflect on the principles of American democracy and the historical significance of this pivotal site.
Smithsonian Museums Institution
Enjoy a scenic drive through the heart of the Smithsonian Institution, home to an unparalleled collection of museums. While the drive offers glimpses of these cultural treasures, it serves as a prelude to the next significant stop: the World War II Memorial.
Washington Monument (Drive Through)
While the Washington Monument is visible from many points along the National Mall, the tour offers a drive-by perspective, allowing for quick photo opportunities. A closer view is readily accessible during the World War II Memorial stopover.
World War II Memorial
Reflect on the sacrifices of the 'Greatest Generation' at the World War II Memorial. This grand plaza, with its ring of columns representing U.S. states and territories, honors the unity and dedication of Americans who fought to restore freedom and end tyranny. Take time to appreciate the memorial's design and its powerful message of victory and remembrance.
Lincoln Memorial
Pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln at this neoclassical temple, dedicated on May 30th, 1922. Admire the iconic statue of Lincoln, crafted by Daniel Chester French, and reflect on his enduring legacy. The memorial offers not only a tribute to a pivotal figure in American history but also stunning views across the Reflecting Pool towards the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Honor the service members who served in the Vietnam War (1955-1975) at this poignant memorial. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with its stark black granite wall inscribed with the names of the fallen, serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. The wall's design and setting encourage reflection and remembrance.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Experience the somber realism of the Korean War Veterans Memorial, located just south of the Reflecting Pool. The memorial features 19 stainless steel soldiers marching towards an unseen enemy, representing the sacrifices made during the Korean War. The evocative scene captures the harsh conditions and the unwavering commitment of those who served.
Jefferson Memorial & FDR Memorial
Capture the perfect photo of the Jefferson Memorial across the Tidal Basin, then stroll to the expansive FDR Memorial. Here, explore a series of outdoor 'rooms' depicting the four terms of Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency, each with sculptures, waterfalls, and inscriptions that reflect his leadership and the challenges faced by the nation during his time.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., at the memorial dedicated to his life and work. Completed in 2011, this memorial honors King's non-violent philosophy and his pursuit of freedom, justice, and equality. As the first African American individual honored on the National Mall, King's memorial provides a space for contemplation and appreciation of his enduring impact on the civil rights movement, especially beautiful during the Cherry Blossom season.
Arlington National Cemetery & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Cross the Potomac River via Memorial Bridge and enter Arlington National Cemetery, the nation's most revered military burial ground. Witness the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a deeply moving experience that honors the sacrifices of unidentified service members. Spend time reflecting on the courage and dedication of those who have served the United States.
United States Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial)
For those who prefer not to walk to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a visit to the United States Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) provides a powerful alternative. This iconic bronze sculpture depicts the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima, symbolizing the bravery and sacrifice of Marines throughout history. The memorial commemorates all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States since 1775.
Air Force Memorial & The Pentagon
Pay homage to the Air Force service members at the Air Force Memorial, with its striking stainless steel spires reaching towards the sky. The memorial provides a poignant view of the Pentagon's western façade, a site of remembrance for the September 11, 2001 attacks. The memorial stands as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women of the U.S. Air Force.
Know Before You Go
This private tour includes bottled water, Wi-Fi, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a licensed tour guide. Guests can customize the tour to their interests. Gratuities and entrance tickets to the White House and U.S. Capitol are not included. Pickup is available from any location within the DC metro area.
Hot Tip
Some helpful tips, based on real reviews from Viator is, make sure to wear comfortable shoes because there's a lot of walking, and plan for extra time in case of traffic. Be prepared for all types of weather.
Review Summary
People usually say the Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard receives outstanding ratings of 4.9/5 from 177 reviews, praising knowledgeable and engaging guides, the moving Changing of the Guard ceremony, and the comprehensive coverage of DC landmarks. A few noted minor logistical issues, but nearly all reviews are 5-star with no significant negatives reported.[2]
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
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