Arlington National Cemetery Private Tour Changing of the Guard

5.0 (one review) 3 hours Free cancellation

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Arlington National Cemetery Private Tour Changing of the Guard — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Arlington National Cemetery Private Tour Changing of the Guard, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience one of the most powerful and meaningful sites in the United States on a private Arlington National Cemetery tour designed for depth, clarity, and a calm, well-paced visit.

Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 400,000 service members and their families. On this guided tour, you’ll explore the landscape with context and care—moving beyond the surface to understand the history, symbolism, and traditions that shape this national shrine.

Highlights may include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where you can witness the precision of the Changing of the Guard, as well as the John F. Kennedy gravesite, marked by the Eternal Flame. Along the way, we discuss the cemetery’s Civil War origins and its connection to Robert E. Lee’s former estate.

As a customized tour, the pace is tailored to your interests, with time to reflect and engage with the setting in a meaningful way.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Historical Tours Walking Tours Nature Walks Small Group Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: DC Baltimore Tours

Ages: Infants (0–0 years) · Children (1–10 years) · Youth (11–17 years) · Adults (18–54 years) · Seniors (55–110 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Guided tour of the cemetery by an expert guide

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial

20 min

From the grounds of Arlington House, take in one of the most striking views across the Potomac toward Washington, D.C., while discussing the site’s deeper historical context and transformation over time.
President John F. Kennedy Gravesite

15 min

Visit the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, marked by the Eternal Flame. This stop offers an opportunity to reflect on the intersection of personal legacy and national history.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

25 min

Observe the precision and ceremony of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. When timing allows, we view the Changing of the Guard, one of the most solemn and carefully choreographed traditions in the U.S. military.
Arlington National Cemetery

2 hours Admission included

Walk with your guide along the historic Custis Walk. You will see some of the oldest graves in the entire cemetery. You will walk throughout much of the cemetery - which covers 630 acres or 300 hectares. Along the way you will learn the history of the divisions, the 5 star military officials buried in the cemetery, the Supreme Court Justices buried at Arlington and learn the history of the Custis/Lee family and the cemetery. We recommend that you eat before your visit as there is no cafe. You may bring water or a water bottle into the cemetery; no other drinks and no food. You will clear security upon entering the cemetery.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide near the restroom building.

End point

Your guide will bring you out of the visitor center building and you can take the metro back to your hotel or you can easily call an Uber or Lyft from that spot.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
There will be significant hills to climb within the cemetery's grounds.
Food and drink are not allowed within the cemetery with the exception of bottled water.