The Best of Washington DC: Private Full-Day Walking Tour

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Private Tour
  • 7 hr

Explore the best of Washington DC and discover its most popular highlights on a full-day tour including the National Mall, the monuments and memorials, and the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

Itinerary Details

Operated by: Travel Curious

As America’s cultural centre, Washington DC is more than just the home of the President. DC is a city rich in history and proud of its heritage and on this tour, you will discover the most popular highlights, including the National Mall and the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Stand in awe of the Washington Monument, once the tallest structure in the world, in 1884;
  • Visit the National Mall and delve into the history behind each monument; 
  • See the World War II Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial and the Korean War Memorial;
  • Stand by the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to see the Reflecting Pool;
  • See the iconic White House home to each of the Presidents of the United States;
  • Visit the immense world of the Smithsonian Museums, with a 2-hour guided tour of the National Museum of American History.
At 68 square miles, Washington DC has more than the political arena with which to seduce its many visitors, from the secrets of the FBI Building, and CIA Headquarters to over 70 museums devoted to almost every topic, including an International Spy Museum, American Indian art and African-American culture. 

On your full-day highlights tour, you will discover the heart and soul of America’s capital district, on a guided journey to its key attractions that do DC justice - politics and all.

As you discuss the city’s role in historical events, you will journey around DC’s most famous memorials, monuments and landmarks to read the Gettysburg Address inscription at the Lincoln Memorial and reflect on the impact of America’s Civil War. The beautiful Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial both evoke the sobriety of America’s involvement in overseas conflicts. 

At the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, it is impossible not to feel uplifted and inspired by the power of the words he penned for his famous "I Have a Dream" address. 

You’ll be able to see views of the White House before enjoying a respite for a lunch break. Please note your guide will happily recommend different lunch options for your price point, as lunch is not included in the tour.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided tour of the Smithsonian Museum of American History.


Tour duration
7 hours

Type of tour
Walking tour: no transportation is included

Tickets included
- English Speaking Guide
- Guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History (Free entry)

Other inclusions
- Gratuities optional
- Additional tickets are not included.
- Food and drink are not included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included

Suitable for
Culture Vulture, Family, Friends, History Buffs

Attractions along this route:

The White House
The White House is one of the most easily recognizable buildings on earth, yet shrouded in mystery and power.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History
A powerful and fascinating institution, this collection of more than 3 million artefacts captures American history and culture.

Capitol Building
Congress, The Senate, The House, Capitol Hill - all words associated with the multi-faceted national bicameral legislature. Translation please? It makes the country's rules.

Lincoln Memorial
Let yourself be dwarfed by the imposing Lincoln, whose full text of the famous lasting words, "four score and seven years ago" Gettysburg address are inscribed throughout the memorial.

Korean War Veterans Memorial
Referred to as The Unknown War and The Forgotten War, its memorial captures the harrowing tales of soldiers who fought to stave off tides of North Korean communism during the Cold War.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
This magnificent memorial covers four acres and includes a statue of King by sculptor Lei Yixin.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Covering two acres, the Vietnam War Memorial pays homage to those who lost their lives in one of America's most controversial wars.

Washington Monument
The symbol of the nation's capital dedicated to its namesake, the Washington Monument towers above the city.

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Long and large rectangular pool located on the National Mall, at the feet of the Lincoln Memorial.
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