Recent Searches
Clear
Close

We’re committed to helping you feel confident as you get back out there. Check out our flexible cancellation policies and learn what steps operators are taking to keep you safe. As conditions evolve, check local regulations for the latest information.

Read More

Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings

star-4.5
|
Washington, United States
(41)
Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings
See More (41)
41

From $125.00

Lowest Price Guarantee

Select Date and Travelers

Number of travelers
0 Infants1 Infant2 Infants3 Infants4 Infants5 Infants6 Infants7 Infants8 Infants9 Infants0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults
Check Availability
Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
Loading available options...
icon8 hours  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 3 more
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Read Less
Read More
Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
More questions?
(888) 651-9785

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 Capitol, 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)
  • Lunch of your choice at L'Enfant Plaza included

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

VIP-style entry to the Capitol and National Archives makes this the ideal tour for politics and history buffs.
Add to Cart
Meet the guide and the rest of the tour group at the US Capitol Visitor Center to begin this Viator VIP tour — a full-day tour of the US Capitol, a National Archives tour and a best of DC tour rolled into one.

Enjoy reserved entry into the United States Capitol 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 National Archives Building.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Library of Congress
Your VIP experience begins at the Neptune Fountain, outside the Library of Congress, where you'll meet your tour guide. You will be escorted across the street, to begin your reserved entry into the U.S. Capitol Building for a 45-minute tour of one of the most symbolically important and architecturally impressive buildings in the nation.
... MoreLess
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
White House
On your way to the next stop (the White House), you will pass the Newseum, the Canadian Embassy, and the National Gallery of Art. 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 past Lafayette Park, honoring the Marquis de Lafayette, leader of French revolutionary forces.
... MoreLess
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
National World War II Memorial
Guided tour of WWII Memorial.
... MoreLess
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
U.S. Capitol
On your guided walking tour of the Capitol, you will see the Crypt, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall, and also spend time at the U.S. Capitol's Visitor Center.
... MoreLess
Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
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.
... MoreLess
Duration: 15 minutes
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.
... MoreLess
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Jefferson Memorial
Guided tour of Jefferson Memorial.
... MoreLess
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Guided tour of Korean War Memorial.
... MoreLess
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Lincoln Memorial
Guided tour of Lincoln Memorial.
... MoreLess
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Guided tour of Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
... MoreLess
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Potomac River
For a unique experience, this tour offers a leisurely cruise on the Potomac River (Seasonal: March 15 to October 15) with your guide, who will answer any questions you might have.
... MoreLess
Duration: 1 hour 
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
L'Enfant Plaza
Guests have their choice of lunch options (cost included in the tour price) at the newly renovated L'Enfant Plaza in Washington, DC!
... MoreLess
Duration: 1 hour 
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
The National Archives Museum
On your guided walking tour of the Capitol, you will see the Crypt, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall, and also spend time at the U.S. Capitol's Visitor Center.
... MoreLess
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
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 Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings?
A:
The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
See all safety measures taken by Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings?
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 Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings?
A:
The policies on social distancing are:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings?
A:
The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings.
Q:
What is the maximum group size during Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings?
A:
This activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers.

See all safety measures taken by Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol & National Archives Buildings.

Traveler Photos

See More (41)

Traveler Tips

  • "Take wet weather gear if needed as a lot of time is outdoors." See review
  • "Bring an umbrella if you need to it also rained in the midst of Summer but only for short time." See review
  • "Wear your walking shoes and bring an energy bar because you get your money worth!"

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
1,050 Reviews
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Reviews by Viator travelers
star-5
Great!
James_G
, Jul 2020
Nick was our guide. He did an excellent job and the tour was great! We were well pleased with the experience! Thanks so much! James and Cindy
... MoreLess
star-5
Nick was fabulous
Melissa_B
, Mar 2020
Nick was awesome, we had my 10 yr old grandson who wouldn’t leave his side. Even though some of the places where closed he still made it knowledgeable and fun. Nick even got us to the museums before they closed them down due to the coronavirus. Kept us informed of all closures that we might see on future date.
... MoreLess
star-5
Good tour, great guides!
Agata_D
, Feb 2020
Very nice and comprehensive tour - the guide Nick was great, passionate about DC's history and funny - we also lucked out with a great trainee guide (Chris?) - highly recommended!
... MoreLess
star-5
Amazing experience
Zarah_M
, Feb 2020
We had an amazing time. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and did not rush us. My teenagers did not get bored and enjoyed themselves.
... MoreLess
star-1
Tour cancelled
mharari18
, Feb 2020
The tour was cancelled due lack of quorum. Just got a call from the tour company a night before, the didn't offer any other alternative to visit D.C. or apologies. Leaving no time to book with other company. They promise to refund to Cr.Card, 3 days after have not got refund yet.
... MoreLess
star-5
Edgar was the best tour guide in DC!
katrina5amaya
, Feb 2020
Beyond amazing the tour delivered as promised and our tour guide Tiffany and Edgar were social and knowledgeable! We couldn’t of asked for a better first day in DC! Thank you guys! We didn’t get to leave Edgar a tip because we didn’t have cash on us and it’s killing us we are going to contact Viator to figure out how to go about that!
... MoreLess
star-4
Nice, but expensive and not fully honest
Marie-Christine P
, Dec 2019
The tour is great and Christopher, our guide, was very knowledgeable and funny. But $135 per person for a guided tour, which in practice finished at 1am is too expensive. All museum entrances are free in Washington and it is not the $10 lunch voucher which justifies it. We knew that the cruise would not occur due to the season, but we took the precaution to phone and ask if there was an alternative activity. And the answer has been yes. Eventually, there wasn’t any.... that’s not correct.
... MoreLess
star-1
Beware
stargaznpat
, Dec 2019
Our experience was horrible. We were told to be in front of the Neptune statue across from the Capital Building at 8:00 a.m. and tour would start at 8:30 sharp. So we stood there in the freezing cold. Others were told 8:15, others at 8:30. We did not get on our bus until after the Capital tour, which was a great tour. At first, tour was good. We were given a voucher for lunch, let out at a food court, told we had about 30 minutes to locate our choice of where we wanted to eat, order, eat and be back on the bus. No food or drink allowed back on bus. At first our guide was good, he went with us and told us interesting things. We were an older group, that was not taken into account. We were rushed through everything. Lots of steps to everything and we were not told there was an elevator at every attraction. Towards the end of the tour, guide stayed on bus and we were told to be back on bus at a certain time. We had to walk to attractions, use restroom if we needed to, be back to bus. We were dropped off at Archives, told that was the end of tour, it was one and one half hour early. Our 8 hour tour was cut short, no explanation as to why. We were told by policeman that it was l long way back to where we started the tour. We did not know how to use bus system or Metro system. Where to change buses, how to get back to Orange Line. All the guide told us was the Green/Blue line was behind us. Then he left us, tired and lost in Washington.
... MoreLess
star-5
very nice tour of DC
Martin S
, Dec 2019
taking the Best of DC Tour was well worth the money, me and my sons were able to visit 6 or 7 areas of interest without worrying about finding parking, walking long distances, etc. the tour guide Christopher and Driver "Sunshine" were Excellent! the Capital Building was amazing. all the memorials are something everyone should experience. it is truly a great tour.
... MoreLess
star-4
Amazing things in DC
jonasdastn
, Dec 2019
I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks a zillion. Christopher, the guide was fantastic. On top of that, he was very polite. He knows his stuff too. He deserves a big bonus.
... MoreLess

Questions?

Viator Help Center
Product code: 6349VIPDC

Explore Similar Things to Do

Bus ToursCity ToursAudio GuidesHistorical ToursSelf-guided Tours & RentalsFull-day ToursCultural & Theme ToursLuxury & Special OccasionsTours & SightseeingViator VIP & Exclusive ToursTransfers & Ground TransportWashington DCBus Tours - BaltimoreCity Tours - BaltimoreAudio Guides - BaltimoreHistorical Tours - BaltimoreSelf-guided Tours & Rentals - BaltimoreFull-day Tours - BaltimoreBus Tours - RichmondCity Tours - RichmondAudio Guides - RichmondHistorical Tours - RichmondSelf-guided Tours & Rentals - RichmondFull-day Tours - RichmondBus Tours - WilliamsburgCity Tours - WilliamsburgAudio Guides - WilliamsburgHistorical Tours - WilliamsburgSelf-guided Tours & Rentals - WilliamsburgFull-day Tours - WilliamsburgCategory

Attractions in Washington DC

National Museum of Natural HistoryHard Rock Café Washington DCTidal Basin Church of the EpiphanyNewseumPetersen House Eastern MarketNational Children's MuseumFranciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in AmericaIslamic Mosque of Washington DCMonticelloAlbert Einstein MemorialBureau of Engraving and PrintingNational Archives MuseumUnion StationPenn QuarterOld Stone House Rock Creek ParkThe SmithsonianAdams Morgan