Contrasts of D.C. - A Private Walking Tour

3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Contrasts of D.C. - A Private Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Go beyond the monuments and discover the hidden layers of Washington, D.C. on this private journey through history, culture, and architecture. Travel through historic neighborhoods to the breathtaking Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, North America’s largest Roman Catholic church, renowned for its Romanesque-Byzantine design and 70+ cultural chapels.

Continue through vibrant districts to the majestic Washington National Cathedral, an inspiring example of English Gothic architecture. Cruise along Embassy Row, home to international embassies and the Vice President’s residence, and conclude in Georgetown, where historic charm meets world-class dining.

This is more than a tour, it’s Washington, D.C. revealed.

Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Luxury Car Tours Zombie

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: Portuguese, Italian, Spanish
Operated by: Continental City Tours

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Bottled water: Water is available in a cooler at the back, please just ask if you would like one.

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

one hour Admission included

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a large minor Catholic basilica and national shrine in the United States in Washington, D.C., you will enjoy a walking guided tour throughout the Shrine, view the Trinity Dome Mosaic, the recently completed crown jewel of the Shrine and much more!
Naval Observatory

Passing by

The Vice President's residence. The United States Naval Observatory is a scientific and military facility that produces geopositioning, navigation and timekeeping data for the United States Navy and the United States Department of Defense.
Embassy Row

Passing by

Embassy Row is the informal name for a section of Northwest Washington, D.C., with a high concentration of embassies, diplomatic missions, and diplomatic residences.
Washington National Cathedral

45 min Admission included

The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington is commonly known as Washington National Cathedral or National Cathedral.
Adams Morgan

Passing by

Adams Morgan is a multicultural neighborhood centered on the happening nightlife scene around 18th Street. The stretch buzzes with eclectic bars, music venues and international restaurants from Vietnamese to Ethiopian, plus late-night pizza and falafel spots.
Georgetown

30 min

Georgetown is a charming area with Federal-style architecture, cobblestone streets and fashion and design shops. The dining scene is defined by upmarket restaurants and waterfront seafood spots, while nightlife spans boisterous college bars, traditional taverns and intimate live music lounges.
"The Exorcist" Steps

20 min Admission included

The Exorcist steps are concrete stairs, continuing 36th Street,[1] descending from the corner of Prospect St and 36th St NW, down to a small parking lot, set back from the intersection of M Street NW, Canal Rd NW, and Whitehurst Freeway NW in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., famous for being featured in the 1973 film The Exorcist.
Stop 8

25 min Admission included

Georgetown University is a private Jesuit research university in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., United States.

Meeting point and pickup

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

Pickup points

The Baron Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
The Westin Crystal City Reagan National Airport
The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
Embassy Suites By Hilton Washington DC Georgetown
ARC Hotel, Washington DC, Series by Marriott
Hampton Inn & Suites Arlington Crystal City Dca
Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
State Plaza Hotel
The Westin Georgetown, Washington D.C.
Eurostars St Gregory

and 29 more pickup points

A professional Continental City Tours guide will pick you up at the scheduled time from your hotel, restaurant, or museum within downtown Washington, D.C., the National Mall area, or Arlington, VA. If your pickup location does not appear in the online system or is flagged as outside the service radius, simply message or text us the address and we will gladly confirm it or suggest the nearest convenient pickup point.

The pickup radius is designed to maximize your 3-hour Contrast Tour, allowing more time to focus on the city’s diverse neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and architectural highlights rather than travel time.

Your guide is also your driver, providing engaging narration as you travel through Washington, D.C. You’ll enjoy informative drive-by views of key areas such as Embassy Row, the Naval Observatory, Adams Morgan, and other notable corridors, with stories that bring the city’s contrasts to life. The tour also includes dedicated stops to explore the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington National Cathedral, Georgetown, the “Exorcist” Steps, and Georgetown University, blending scenic drives with walkable experiences.

If you are arriving with your own vehicle, contact us in advance and we will provide free parking recommendations—either within D.C. on weekends or near the Pentagon on weekdays. Your guide can pick you up from the parking location and return you there at the end of the tour.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing a unique perspective of Washington, D.C.