Washington DC: Private City Tour with Custom Stops & Pickup

Summary

Private guided tour in Washington DC with custom stops and insider stories

You’ll get to shape your own day in Washington DC—choose between iconic spots like Arlington Cemetery or Mount Vernon, see history up close at Ford’s Theatre or the National Archives Museum, and travel comfortably with hotel pickup and a local guide who knows every story behind each monument. Expect moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if the Lincoln Memorial really feels as big as it looks in photos? I did, until we walked up those steps ourselves—my nephew tried to count them but lost track halfway, distracted by a squirrel darting past. Our guide, Marcus, just grinned and started telling us about the “easter eggs” hidden in plain sight at the memorial (I won’t spoil it). The whole morning had this easy pace—no rush, just us deciding where to linger. I didn’t expect the Vietnam Memorial to be so quiet; it’s almost like people lower their voices out of respect without even thinking about it.

The best part about this private guided city tour of Washington DC was how much we could shape it. We picked three places: the National Archives Museum (those faded signatures on the Declaration of Independence are smaller than you’d think), Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard, and Ford’s Theatre. At Ford’s, our guide paused in front of Lincoln’s box and let us sit for a minute—just silence, heavy but kind of necessary. He told us about John Wilkes Booth’s escape route, which I’d never even thought about before. My mom kept asking questions about every artifact in the basement; Marcus answered all of them without missing a beat.

I still think about that moment at Arlington when we watched the guards switch—so precise you could hear shoes clicking on stone over everything else. There was a breeze carrying cut grass and something sweet from nearby trees (cherry blossoms maybe?), and for a second my little cousin stopped fidgeting. I don’t know if he’ll remember it years from now, but I will. Oh—and pickup was right at our hotel lobby, which meant no scrambling for taxis or figuring out Metro maps with kids in tow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Arlington and Capitol highlights

• Visit Kennedy Family Gravesite
• Watch Changing of the Guard
• See Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Watch short movie at U.S. Capitol
• Visit the Crypt and Great Rotunda
• Explore Statuary Hall

Top questions

How long does the private city tour of Washington DC last?

You can choose a half-day (about 4 hours) or full-day (about 6 hours) tour.

What attractions can I visit during this Washington DC private tour?

You can pick from places like Arlington National Cemetery, U.S. Capitol, Mount Vernon, Ford's Theatre, National Archives Museum, and more.

Is hotel pickup included in this Washington DC city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Are children welcome on this private guided city tour?

Yes! The tour is family-friendly and guides keep kids engaged throughout.

Is this Washington DC private tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can I customize which locations we visit?

Absolutely—you can discuss your preferred stops with your guide before or during your visit.

Does the tour include entry fees to attractions?

The description doesn’t mention entry fees specifically; check with Concierge Tours when booking for details.

What languages are available for this city tour?

The main language is English; contact Concierge Tours directly if you need another language.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup and drop-off wherever you choose in Washington DC. A knowledgeable local guide leads you through each site at your pace—whether you're counting steps at monuments or pausing for stories at Ford's Theatre—and all venues are accessible for strollers or wheelchairs so everyone can join in easily.