Private Washington DC tour: 10 major monuments in one afternoon

The driver knows the city well enough that you don't have to plan which monument comes next.

A private Washington DC tour covers ten major landmarks: the White House, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and five war memorials: in a single afternoon with a knowledgeable driver, private transportation, and bottled water included. You choose the vehicle size at checkout: options range from 3 to 13 passengers. The tour does not include a certified guide, but the driver is familiar with each stop and can answer questions along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. The White House15m
2. U.S. Capitol15m
3. Thomas Jefferson Memorial15m
4. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial15m
5. Lincoln Memorial15m
6. National World War II Memorial15m
7. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial10m
8. Korean War Veterans Memorial10m
9. Vietnam Veterans Memorial15m
10. Supreme Court of the United States10m

Washington DC private tour highlights

• Visit the White House exterior
• See the U.S. Capitol building
• Explore the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
• Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
• See the Lincoln Memorial
• Visit the National World War II Memorial
• Explore the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
• See the Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• See the Supreme Court of the United States

The experience

The route strings together the monuments that define the National Mall and the surrounding federal core: the White House exterior, the Capitol building that has housed Congress since 1800, the Lincoln Memorial on the western end of the Mall, and the memorials to Martin Luther King Jr., Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and the veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The driver handles the navigation and the stops, so the afternoon holds together without anyone building it.

You ride in a private air-conditioned vehicle (the size depends on which option you select) with bottled water provided throughout. The driver is knowledgeable about each location and can point out details as you approach, though this is not a guided tour with a certified guide leading a narrative. The pace is yours: you spend as long as you want at each stop, and the driver waits while you walk the memorials or stand outside the White House.

The whole route takes three to four hours. Infant seats and car seats are available on request if you're traveling with small children. Public transportation options are nearby if you want to break up the day or explore on foot between stops.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• a knowledgeable driver who navigates the route and answers questions.
• infant seats and car seats available on request.

Options for this experience

4 options

3 PassengersUp to 3 per booking · Guide in English · 38 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 23:30Sedan, with pickup included

7 PassengersUp to 7 per booking · Guide in English · 40 departure times: the first at 00:00, the last at 23:30SUV, pickup is included

Limousine for 8 to 10 passengersUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English · 42 departure times: the first at 00:00, the last at 23:30Duration: 4 hours. Washington DC: US capital, White House, World War II, Thomas Jefferson, FDR, MLK, Lincoln, Vietnam Wall, Korean War and more. Stretch limousine, includes pickup

13 PassengersUp to 13 per booking · Guide in English · 40 departure times: the first at 00:00, the last at 23:30Ford Transit, pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Smart Tours and limousine service

Is this one for you?Book this if you're visiting with a group and want a dedicated vehicle and driver for the day. You'll move between federal monuments on your own schedule rather than following a set itinerary.

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Top questions

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.

Can I see inside the White House on this tour?

The White House interior is not open to the public, so the tour includes the exterior only. You'll see the official residence and workplace of the president from the outside.

How many stops does the tour include?

The tour visits ten major landmarks: the White House, U.S. Capitol, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, National World War II Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Is there a guide who explains the history at each stop?

The tour does not include a certified tour guide. The driver is knowledgeable and will take you to all the major points and answer questions, but this is a driver-led tour rather than a guided one with prepared commentary.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and the driver's knowledge of the route are included. Gratuities are not included.

How do I choose which vehicle size to book?

You select the vehicle at checkout: 3 passengers, 7 passengers, 8 to 10 passengers in a limousine, or 13 passengers. Pick the size that matches your group.

Is this tour suitable if I have mobility concerns?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, as the day involves walking between stops and standing at outdoor memorials.