Washington DC Monuments Tour & Arlington Guard Ceremony

Walk among DC’s monuments and witness the Arlington ceremony up close

You’ll ride in comfort past Washington DC’s monuments with a local guide who shares personal stories along the way. Feel the hush at Arlington Cemetery during the Changing of the Guard ceremony, touch history at memorials like Lincoln and Vietnam Veterans, and enjoy plenty of photo stops without feeling rushed. This tour leaves you with more than just pictures. It lingers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. The White House15m
2. The Smithsonianpass by
3. FBI Headquarterspass by
4. Old Post Office Pavilionpass by
5. National Gallery of Artpass by
6. National Archives Museumpass by
7. U.S. Capitol15m
8. National Museum of the American Indianpass by
9. National World War II Memorial20m · entry included
10. Washington Monumentpass by
11. Thomas Jefferson Memorialpass by
12. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial15m
13. Lincoln Memorial25m · entry included
14. Arlington National Cemetery50m
15. Korean War Veterans Memorial15m
16. Vietnam Veterans Memorial15m
17. The Pentagonpass by
18. U.S. Air Force Memorialpass by

Washington DC landmarks and memorials

• Visit The White House
• Pass by The Smithsonian
• Pass by FBI Headquarters
• Pass by Old Post Office Pavilion
• Pass by National Gallery of Art
• Pass by National Archives Museum
• Take pictures at U.S. Capitol
• Pass by National Museum of the American Indian
• Visit National World War II Memorial
• Pass by Washington Monument
• Pass by Thomas Jefferson Memorial
• Visit Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
• Visit Lincoln Memorial
• Visit Arlington National Cemetery
• Visit Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• See Iwo Jima Statue
• Pass by The Pentagon
• Pass by U.S. Air Force Memorial

The experience

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet walking through Arlington National Cemetery. Our guide (Carlos, who switched between Spanish and English so easily) paused before the Changing of the Guard started. The only sound was shoes on gravel and this soft wind in the trees. Even my cousin, who usually cracks jokes, just stood there watching those soldiers move with such precision. I caught myself holding my breath for a second. It’s not something you can really prepare for, you know?

Earlier that morning we’d squeezed into the Mercedes van (which honestly felt fancier than I’m used to) and set off from downtown DC. Carlos pointed out the Pentagon as we passed. He told us a story about his uncle working there during the Cold War. We made stops at all these places I’d seen in movies: Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr., Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I remember touching the cool stone of the wall, running my fingers over names I didn’t know but suddenly felt connected to. There was this older couple from Porto in our group. They asked Carlos about every statue, and he answered patiently in Portuguese each time.

I think my favorite moment was at the National Gallery of Art gardens: kids running around, someone playing saxophone near a bench, that smell of grass after rain. It made all those big marble buildings feel less intimidating somehow. We had bottled water (needed it, DC gets muggy), and whenever someone wanted a photo stop at the Washington Monument or White House, Carlos just pulled over without making it weird or rushed.

By afternoon I was tired but didn’t want it to end yet. Seeing all those memorials (the Korean War statues almost looked alive in that gray light). It left me thinking about how many stories are packed into this city. If you’re looking for a day trip around Washington DC with real moments (and not just quick selfies), this one stuck with me longer than I thought it would.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle (Mercedes Sprinter or Cadillac SUV), bottled water throughout, and guidance from a professional local expert fluent in Spanish, Italian or Portuguese: all while exploring DC’s most iconic sites and witnessing Arlington’s Changing of the Guard before returning downtown together.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Continental City Tours

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is pickup included for this Washington DC monuments tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

Can I attend the Changing of the Guard at Arlington on this tour?

Yes, you’ll have time to watch the full ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Are luxury vehicles used on this small group tour?

Yes, transportation is by Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van or Cadillac Escalade SUV.

How long do we spend at each stop?

You’ll have enough time for photos and exploring. About an hour at Arlington if attending the ceremony.

Is bottled water provided during the day trip?

Bottled water is included for all guests throughout the tour.

Does this include entry fees to museums?

No entry fees are required for outdoor memorials. Museum visits depend on timing and interest.