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Full-Day Washington DC Highlights Tour

Explore the city's historical sites and memorials within a day's reach
From US$650 privately
Book a Tour
Tour Details
Duration
6 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Jefferson Memorial
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • World War II Memorial
  • Washington Monument
Photos & Highlights
  • Join an engaging, local expert at the top of their field as you explore Washington DC's top sites
  • Unique, personal tours for the intentional traveler. Choose from private tours for just you and your party, or join a small group tour with other travelers.
Tour Description
Dive deep into America's history and culture on this 6-hour expert-led tour of the Tidal Basin and National Mall. Your tour begins at the Jefferson Memorial as you learn about Thomas Jefferson’s legacy, the area offers stunning views of the Tidal Basin and the Potomac River. Walking around the Tidal Basin is a truly emotive experience with so many historic monuments, if you come in season you may catch the cherry blossoms. Your expert guide will paint anecdotal narratives to capture the essence of the FDR Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial - you'll learn beyond what you read in history books.

No tour of Washington, D.C. is complete without a visit to the Lincoln Memorial, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. As you stand before the towering statue of President Abraham Lincoln, you'll reflect on his legacy and the timeless words of his Gettysburg Address. You will pause for lunch and along with your guide, you will venture towards the National Mall. 

The National Mall is a place where history truly comes alive. As you walk among the monuments and memorials, you will stroll past other top landmarks like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument. It's a place where you can feel the power of history, the beauty of nature, and the resilience of the American spirit.
Experts
Mary Jo Mary Jo
Historian
Stephen Stephen
Local Guide
Ellen Ellen
Local Guide
Donald Donald
Local Guide
Kate Kate
Local Guide
David David
Historian
  • It's your first time in Washington, D.C. and you’re seeking to discover the nation’s capital
  • You have limited time and want to see the city highlights while learning from an expert
  • You like to walk and are not afraid to cover a lot of ground and knowledge
  • Jefferson Memorial – white marble structure dedicated to the third president of the United States
  • Lincoln Memorial – the towering statue honoring President Abraham Lincoln
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial – a moving tribute to the Americans who served in the Vietnam War
  • World War II Memorial – memorial dedicated to the Americans who served and sacrificed in the second World War
  • Washington Monument – the tallest obelisk in the world dedicated to the nation’s first president

General Information

  • There will be breaks in the tour to use bathroom facilities and rest along the way if needed, as well as a stop for lunch. Please communicate any mobility needs or concerns with our team at the time of booking. 

Wheelchair accessibility
  • All memorials and monuments along the Tidal Basin and National Mall are wheelchair accessible.

Service Dogs
  • Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need. 

  • For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.

Is this tour suitable for clients with mobility issues? 
This tour is accessible for clients with mobility issues; it is a very walking-intensive tour, but covers almost-entirely flat terrain. All memorials visited are wheelchair accessible. Visitors with difficulty walking might need to have a revised itinerary.

Does this tour include the museums of the National Mall?
No, this tour doesn’t include the museums, however, you may be interested in our art history focused National Gallery of Art Tour: A Guided Crash Course.

Is there a chance to buy gluten-free food during the tour?
It is hard to accommodate gluten-free dietary requests since the availability is very low. Please plan before the tour by bringing gluten-free food on your own.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
(3.67) 3 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Tour guide has vast and through knowkage of history and very articulate.
All the major monuments in one day! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and kept our interest. A wonderful person!
Stephen was fantastic! So knowledgeable, personable, and kind.