Private Washington DC City Tour

4.9 (1,712 reviews) 4 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

1,712 reviews

4.9

Tour guide at Lincoln Memorial — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

One of Our Luxury Tour Vehicles, the Cadillac Escalade — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Make this spring unforgettable with a private Washington DC tour designed just for your family, perfectly timed for cherry blossom season. Explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems beneath soft pink petals, with every detail tailored to your pace, interests, and must-see moments. We’re happy to customize your tour to fit your needs, whether that means slowing down, adding stops, or building the day around your family. Ride in comfort in a Cadillac Escalade ESV or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, guided by a historian who brings D.C.’s stories to life. We plan routes to avoid crowds so your day flows smoothly. As a family-owned business, we believe the little things matter: booster seats, ice-cold A/C, buttery-soft seats, and complimentary water—just ask. Want to linger beneath the blossoms, spend extra time at the Lincoln Memorial, or adjust the itinerary? Just let us know. This isn’t just a tour—it’s your private springtime DC experience, wrapped in blossoms, comfort, and flexibility. Book now.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours City Tours Luxury Car Tours Excellent Quality Viator Experience Award 2023

At a glance

Duration: 4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–14
Guide: Portuguese, English, Italian, Turkish, Spanish
Operated by: Continental City Tours

What is included

Included

Included: Multiple Language Options (must request during checkout): English, Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese
Included: Complimentary Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off from select hotels (listed at checkout)
Included: Licensed Professional Tour Guide/Driver
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Glide through D.C. in refreshing, ice-cold air.
Included: 4-Hour Private City Tour of Washington DC
Included: Complimentary bottled water—just ask and it’s yours
Included: Transportation via Luxury Cadillac Escalade ESV's or large Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vans

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: On-board restrooms: Restroom on board

Itinerary

The White House

15 min Admission not included

At the beginning of your tour, you will begin at the President's Church also known as St. John's and walk alongside the Black Lives Matter Plaza that leads directly to the front of the White House. You will also be able to walk in front of the White House from Lafayette Square and visit the Andrew Jackson Memorial.
St. John's Episcopal Church

5 min

St. John's, Lafayette Square is a downtown DC Episcopal parish across from the White House on the corner of 16th and H Streets NW.
United States Department of the Treasury

Passing by

The Treasury Building is located at 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in Washington, D.C. was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1972.
Old Post Office Pavilion

Passing by

The Old Post Office, listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Old Post Office and Clock Tower, is located at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. in Washington, D.C. It is a contributing property to the Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site.
FBI Headquarters

Passing by

"The FBI's Mission is to Protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States"
The National Archives Museum

Passing by

Encounter the original founding documents of the United States in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, the permanent home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. These three documents, known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, are instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States.
National Gallery of Art

Passing by

The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.
U.S. Capitol

15 min

You will step down to take panoramic pictures of the National Mall, from the US Capitol, President James Garfield, General Ulysses S. Grand and Peace Memorial.
National Museum of the American Indian

Passing by

The National Museum of the American Indian is a museum in the United States devoted to the culture of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. It is part of the Smithsonian Institution group of museums and research centers.
National Air and Space Museum

Passing by

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum maintains the world's largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts
Smithsonian Institution

Passing by

The Smithsonian Institution Building, more commonly known as the Smithsonian Castle or simply The Castle, is a building on the National Mall housing the Smithsonian Institution's administrative offices and information center.
Washington Monument

Passing by

The Washington Monument in honor of our First President in the United States. Although this is a drive by as you will have the option to step down and walk around the World War II Memorial (Washington Monument and WW2 are across the street from each other) you can make the request to step down, we just ask that you send us a message and let your guide know at the beginning of the tour for us to accommodate) and you will be able to walk up to the Washington Monument.
Second Division Memorial

Passing by

The Second Division Memorial is dedicated to those members of the Second Infantry Division of the US army who have died while in service. Originally dedicated in 1936 by President Franklin Roosevelt, the memorial honored service in World War I. The flaming sword at the memorial's center represents the defense of Paris from German forces during that conflict. In 1962, two wings were added to the memorial to represent service in World War II and the Korean War.
National World War II Memorial

20 min Admission included

The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

20 min Admission included

Located in downtown Washington, DC, the memorial honors Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. A prominent leader in the modern civil rights movement, Dr. King was a tireless advocate for racial equality, working class, and the oppressed around the world. Your guide will take you directly to the closest entrance of the memorial where you will be able to experience the MLK Memorial.
Korean War Veterans Memorial

20 min Admission included

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is located near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It was dedicated on July 27, 1995.
Lincoln Memorial

25 min Admission included

In Honor to the 16th President , one of the most remembered presidents, as he has abolished slavery. Walk inside Lincoln's memorial and experience breathtaking views from the top.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial

25 min Admission included

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial pays tribute to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who fought in the Vietnam War.
Arlington National Cemetery

45 min

The Arlington National Cemetery is the country’s largest military cemetery, resting place to over 400,000 U.S. veterans and their families from Iraq, Afghanistan, World Wars I & II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, and the Civil War.

A visit to Kennedy’s Grave is included, and we’re happy to accommodate a stop at the Changing of the Guard with proper planning. Please note: Arlington closes daily at 5 PM. For that reason, this stop is only available on tours with morning or afternoon start times. Tours starting at or after 5 PM are still available and just as engaging—but will run 3 hours instead of 4, as Arlington will be closed. Let us know your preference—we’re happy to help tailor the experience for you!
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

40 min Admission included

Going to Kennedy's Grave is included in this tour for Arlington Cemetery, however, if you would like to see the Changing of the Guard we would be more than happy to accommodate your request. Please contact us directly and we can work on a plan to manage time effectively during the day in order to allow time needed at Arlington Cemetery- visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Marine Corps War Memorial

10 min Admission included

The United States Marine Corps War Memorial represents this nation's gratitude to Marines and those who have fought beside them. While the statue depicts one of the most famous incidents of World War II, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States since 1775.
Air Force Memorial

Passing by

The United States Air Force Memorial honors the service of the personnel of the United States Air Force and its heritage organizations.
The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

Passing by

You will have the chance to see the site where the third air plane crashed back in September 2001. The Pentagon (The Department of Defense) is the largest low rise office building in the world!)
Jefferson Memorial

Passing by

Situated on the Tidal Basin among the Japanese flowering cherry trees, the Jefferson Memorial is the perfect place to experience peak bloom.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

The Baron Hotel
Hotel Lombardy
The Quincy, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center
Hyatt House Washington DC / Downtown / Convention Center
Embassy Suites By Hilton Washington DC Georgetown
The Henley Park Hotel
ARC Hotel, Washington DC, Series by Marriott
Grand Hyatt Washington
Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle
Kimpton Banneker Hotel by IHG

and 161 more pickup points

A professional Tour Guide from Continental City Tours will come pick your family up at the time your tour reservation at a hotel/restaurant/museum within the Washington D.C. National Mall/Downtown or the Arlington VA area. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about your pick up location and we are happy to verify on our end as sometimes the online system does not have all hotels listed or says it is outside the radius when it isn't- please just message/text us directly the address and we can confirm or recommend the nearest point.

The reason for the pick up radius is to maximize your 4 hour tour time to dedicate to the tour itinerary/memorials and history.

Your guide is the driver- he/she will remain in the vehicle and explain the history, significance, and more during your tour as you drive by many important buildings such as the National Archives, FBI Headquarters, Air and Space Museum and so much more! Your family will be able to step down and walk on the external grounds of the White House, the U.S. Capitol Building, explore and walk throughout the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial and so much more! We are more than happy to make changes/modifications to Memorials/Monuments during your tour.

If you are driving or have a car, please send us a message so we can provide you an address to park your car for free either within D.C. (weekends) or near The Pentagon (weekdays), your guide would be able pick you up and take you back to your car at the end of the tour. Thank-you.

We appreciate your support!

Using your ticket

DAY OF TRAVEL

Your Tour Guide will text you ~30-60min prior to your scheduled tour time to provide their name, and a description of the vehicle they will arrive in for your tour. Guides will use the phone number provided at checkout to contact you on the day of travel. Travelers should plan to be ready to meet their guides at least 5 minutes prior to scheduled tour time.

PICK-UP LOCATION

Tour operator is able to pick up travelers from any location within a defined area in Washington DC (National Mall/Downtown area) or Arlington, VA. Please provide your hotel or other preferred pick-up location during checkout. NOTE: If your preferred location falls outside of this radius we may not be able to accommodate you. If you have any question on if your location falls within this radius please contact us immediately to confirm.

ACCESSIBILITY

There is space within the vehicles to store a liftable wheelchair or scooter, however vehicles are not equipped with a ramp or lift.

OTHER INFORMATION

Tour operator will re-review all scheduled bookings ~24 hours in advanced of travel date and reach out if they require any additional information or have questions.

Admission tickets to any attraction in Washington DC are not included in this tour and travelers would need to coordinate separately if they would like to visit any attraction that requires an entry ticket.

Families may bring their own car seat or booster seat to use within the vehicles. We have 1 of each available for use, however they will need to be requested in advance and will incur an additional $35 fee for use.

*Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

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.

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There is enough space for collapsable wheelchair that can be lifted. No ramps/lifts in any vehicle.
Your Tour Guide will text you ~30-60min prior to your scheduled tour time to provide their name, and a description of the vehicle they will arrive in for your tour. Guides will use the phone number provided at checkout to contact you on the day of travel. Travelers should plan to be ready to meet their guides at least 5 minutes prior to scheduled tour time.
Tour operator is able to pick up travelers from any location within a defined area in Washington DC (National Mall/Downtown area) or Arlington, VA. Please provide your hotel or other preferred pick-up location during checkout. NOTE: If your preferred location falls outside of this radius we may not be able to accommodate you. If you have any question on if your location falls within this radius please contact us immediately to confirm.
Travelers of all ages are welcome, please include all children in passenger count at checkout so we can assign a vehicle.

Options

Custom Private Sprinter Tour

Large Mercedes Benz Sprinter : The Mercedes Benz Sprinter accommodates up to 14 people, has additional roof hight/clearance for tall families and space.

Children/Infants: Travelers of all ages are welcome, please include all children in passenger count at checkout so we can assign a vehicle.

Private Tour: All our Private Tour's can be customized to modify stops/time at the memorials and what is best for your family.

Duration: 4 hours

Bottled Water Available : Bottled Water available at the back, please kindly just ask your driver!

Black Mercedes Benz Sprinter : Spacious Mercedes Benz Sprinter 14 passenger seat van. Plenty of cargo space at the back for a liftable wheelchair/stroller.

Phone Number: Tour Guides will contact you on the day of travel using the phone number provided at checkout. Cell phone number recommended.

Pickup included
Custom Private Cadillac Tour

Children/Infants: Travelers of all ages are welcome, please include all children in passenger count at checkout so we can assign a vehicle.

Duration: 4 hours

Bottled Spring Water Available

Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV: Comfortable Luxury Cadillac Escalade ESV's available for Private City Tours up to 5 people.

Phone Number: Tour Guides will contact you on the day of travel using the phone number provided at checkout. Cell phone number recommended.

Pickup included