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Activity Washington DC, USA

Private Smithsonian Guided Tour with Private Transportation

4.6 (10 reviews) 4 hours Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Private Smithsonian Guided Tour with Private Transportation

About this activity

Welcome to an exciting private walking guided experience through Washington, DC’s most iconic Smithsonian museums! You’ll choose 2–3 museums from our top selections and enjoy a fun, engaging, fully guided visit where your expert guide brings each space to life with stories, hidden gems, and details most visitors completely miss.

Pick from the National Museum of American History, Natural History, National Archives, Air and Space, or the National Museum of the American Indian, and spend about 70–75 minutes in each museum for a perfectly paced highlights experience.

With easy hotel pickup in a premium vehicle and flexible drop-off anywhere within the service area, everything is smooth, simple, and taken care of; so you can just show up and enjoy the very best of DC’s museums in just 4 unforgettable hours!

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At a glance

Duration
4 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–15
Guide
English, Italian, Spanish
Operated by
Continental City Tours

What is included

Included

  • Included: Chilled bottled water is provided throughout your experience to keep you refreshed and comfortable during your walking tour, especially on warm days or longer museum visits.
  • Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Included: Professional Tour Guide

Not included

  • Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. National Museum of American History

    Passing by

    Explore the highlights and hidden treasures of the National Museum of American History on a guided walking tour designed to show you what most visitors miss when exploring on their own. With your private guide leading the way, you'll uncover standout artifacts like the original Star-Spangled Banner, presidential memorabilia, First Ladies' gowns, and powerful exhibits that reveal the stories behind America's greatest moments. Along the way, your guide will point out lesser-known details, hidden gems, and meaningful connections that bring the museum to life. This experience is all about making sure you see the best of the museum without the stress of navigating it alone, so you can relax knowing we've got your back every step of the way.

  2. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

    Passing by

    Explore the highlights and hidden wonders of the National Museum of Natural History on a guided walking tour designed to help you experience the museum's most fascinating exhibits without feeling overwhelmed. With your private guide leading the way, you'll discover world-famous treasures such as the Hope Diamond, towering dinosaur fossils, ancient human origins exhibits, and remarkable collections showcasing Earth's wildlife, oceans, minerals, and cultures. Along the way, your guide will share captivating stories, point out hidden details that many visitors overlook, and help you make meaningful connections between the exhibits. This experience is designed to ensure you see the museum's must-see attractions while uncovering lesser-known gems, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey while we take care of navigating one of Washington, DC's most visited museums.

  3. The National Archives Museum

    Passing by

    Experience the National Archives Museum on a guided walking tour that brings America's founding story to life. With your private guide leading the way, you'll explore the museum's most significant treasures, including the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights—collectively known as the Charters of Freedom. Beyond these iconic documents, you'll discover fascinating exhibits, historic records, and lesser-known stories that reveal how the nation was shaped and governed through the centuries. Your guide will provide historical context, explain the significance of key artifacts, and highlight details that many visitors overlook when exploring on their own. This experience is designed to help you gain a deeper appreciation of America's history while ensuring you make the most of your time at one of Washington, DC's most important and inspiring museums.

  4. National Air and Space Museum

    Passing by

    Explore the National Air and Space Museum on a guided walking tour designed to showcase the most important highlights of aviation and space exploration. With your private guide leading the way, you'll see iconic aircraft and spacecraft that changed history, including early flight innovations, historic military jets, and NASA artifacts from the Moon landing and beyond. Discover the story of the Wright brothers, aviation breakthroughs, and the evolution of space travel through engaging, easy-to-follow storytelling. Your guide will highlight key exhibits, point out hidden details most visitors miss, and connect the displays to the broader history of flight and innovation. This experience is designed to help you enjoy the museum efficiently and meaningfully without the stress of navigating it alone, while still seeing its most essential treasures.

  5. National Museum of the American Indian

    Passing by

    Explore the National Museum of the American Indian on a guided walking tour that highlights the rich cultures, histories, and living traditions of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. With your private guide leading the way, you’ll experience powerful exhibits featuring traditional clothing, artwork, tools, and ceremonial objects that reflect hundreds of heritage and resilience. Learn the stories behind the collections, from ancient civilizations to contemporary Native voices, while discovering how Indigenous communities continue to shape culture today. Your guide will point out meaningful details, lesser-known artifacts, and symbolic designs that many visitors overlook when exploring on their own. This experience is designed to be engaging, respectful, and insightful, giving you a deeper understanding of Native history and identity while helping you navigate the museum’s most important highlights with ease and clarity.

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

Prior to your tour, your guide will stay in communication with you to confirm the pickup time and location, as well as provide clear instructions on where to meet and how to easily spot them when it is time. At the conclusion of your tour, enjoy drop-off at your hotel, a restaurant, another museum, a shopping area, or another convenient location within the service radius.

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

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Service animals allowed

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

    Professional Tour Guide: Our guides are friendly, engaging, and great with all ages, making the tour fun and easy for everyone.

    Duration: 4 hours: In the 4-hour tour, guests spend about 75–80 minutes per museum depending on whether they choose 2 or 3 museums.

    Chilled Bottled Water: Chilled bottled water is provided throughout the 4-hour tour to keep guests refreshed and comfortable.

    Customizable Museum Selection: Choose 2–3 museums from 5 top options for a fully customizable guided experience.

    Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for up to 14 guests, offering spacious, comfortable, and premium group travel.

    Pickup included

  • Cadillac Escalade ESV

    Professional Tour Guide: Our guides are friendly, engaging, and great with all ages, making the tour fun and easy for everyone.

    Duration: 4 hours: In the 4-hour tour, guests spend about 75–80 minutes per museum depending on whether they choose 2 or 3 museums.

    Chilled Bottled Water: Chilled bottled water is provided throughout the 4-hour tour to keep guests refreshed and comfortable.

    Customizable Museum Selection: Choose 2–3 museums from 5 top options for a fully customizable guided experience.

    Cadillac Escalade ESV: Luxury Cadillac Escalade ESV for up to 5 guests, offering a smooth, premium, and comfortable ride.

    Pickup included

Traveller ratings

4.6 out of 5 · 10 reviews
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Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Private Smithsonian Guided Tour with Private Transportation

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