Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Washington DC, United States

Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Outty Ranking 71 4.9 · 198 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $500
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Outty Ranking

71/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 198 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony worth booking?

Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony is a 4-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $500 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 198 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
71 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (198)
Duration
4 hours
From
$500 per person

DC is the Best Place to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary...! A Nation’s Capital Experience, tailored to your needs.! Select a schedule and desire pickup location inside the DC metro area and experience a private Washington historic cultural tour. Escorted by a licensed tour guide. Stroll Lafayette Square in front of the White House. Walk to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and experience the Changing of the Guard in Arlington Cemetery. View the reflecting pool and GW Obelisk from Lincoln Monument. Grasp the Mount Suribachi moment at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Look up at the Air Force commemorative spires overlooking the “Pentagon”. Step down on westside Capitol façade, where elected presidents vow allegiance to the constitution every four years. WWII. MLK. VTM. and much more! Remarkable city details will be revealed by your host tour guide, while driving through main avenues and streets of the nation’s capital. A distinctive experience like no other before.!

What you get

    About this experience

    DC is the Best Place to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary...! A Nation’s Capital Experience, tailored to your needs.! Select a schedule and desire pickup location inside the DC metro area and experience a private Washington historic cultural tour. Escorted by a licensed tour guide. Stroll Lafayette Square in front of the White House. Walk to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and experience the Changing of the Guard in Arlington Cemetery. View the reflecting pool and GW Obelisk from Lincoln Monument. Grasp the Mount Suribachi moment at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Look up at the Air Force commemorative spires overlooking the “Pentagon”. Step down on westside Capitol façade, where elected presidents vow allegiance to the constitution every four years. WWII. MLK. VTM. and much more! Remarkable city details will be revealed by your host tour guide, while driving through main avenues and streets of the nation’s capital. A distinctive experience like no other before.!

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • On-board WiFi
    • Flexibility to customize the visit to your requests.
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
    • Escorted DC Licensed Tour Guide to sites, unless parking is not available.
    • Mobile charging stations.

    Not included

    • Gratuities.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Washington DC

      This is a customized experience. Let your tour guide know what appeals most to you from the itinerary. They will design a visit that will suit your request perfectly in between the time frame of the service.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. The White House

      Your Experience begins at Lafayette Square, across from the White House. Your personal tour guide will provide statistics’ and reveal historical facts of the neighborhood, pointing out Saint John’s Episcopal, “Presidents Church,” West Jackson place Street. Time out will be given for you to stroll along 1,600 Pennsylvania Avenue; and perceive the daily atmosphere surrounding the Executive Mansion, as well as sense the importance of the West-wing command center, international press cubicles, and Old Executive building (Vice-Presidency headquarters.) (20 mins.) *Note: White House interior is not open to the public

      20 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. From the White House towards the U.S Capitol, a narrative drive through Pennsylvania Avenue will be taken. Passing by City Hall, Waldorf Astoria Hotel. "Old Post Office Building", J. E. Hoover FBI Building, Department of Justice, The Archives, Navy Memorial Plaza, National Galleries' of Art, Embassy of Canada.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. U.S. Capitol

      At the intersection of First, St. and Maryland Ave. NW. (James Garfield circle) You will step down and walk up the Westside of the Capitol façade. Here is where elected presidents vow constitutional allegiance every four years. The grandeur sensation of standing on this terrace is enigmatic; as well impressive is the scenic view of G. Washington Obelisk in the distance, and the national mall with the Smithsonian Museums Institution surrounding it. (15 min.)

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Smithsonian Institution

      Narrative drive through the Smithsonian Museums Institution, towards WWII Memorial.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Washington Monument

      NOTE: Although G.W. Monument is a (Drive Through) since it can be seen from all the surroundings of the mall, you can always snap a close-up picture of it on your WWII Memorial stopover.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. National World War II Memorial

      Dedicated in 2004. The large stone plaza designed by architect Friedrich St. Florian, forms a ring of columns representing the U.S. States and territories joined together by a bronze cord symbolizing their united effort, as well honoring those who fell. Recognizing in victory, their strength to restore freedom and end tyranny around the globe. (15 min.)

      15 minutes here

    8. Lincoln Memorial

      Dedicated on May 30th, 1922; This neoclassical temple designed by American Beaux-Arts Architect (Henry Bacon) and interior statue designer (Daniel Chester French/ Piccirilli Bro. carvers) pays tribute to the 16th president of the United States. Abraham Lincoln.

      15 minutes here

    9. Vietnam Veterans Memorial

      Honor all service members of the U.S. armed forces who served from 1955 through 1975 in Laos, Cambodia, and Saigon.

      15 minutes here

    10. Korean War Veterans Memorial

      Just south of the reflecting Pool on the National Mall. A 1950 War scene is depicted. 19 Stainless still soldiers walking down the 38th parallel north, border between North and South Korea.

      15 minutes here

    11. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

      Conveniently located at 1964 Independence Ave SW. At this stop, you will picture perfect the Jefferson Monument across the Tidal Basin, and walk to the sprawling FDR memorial next by. Completed on August 22, 2011, the memorial honors Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy: a non-violent philosophy striving for freedom, justice, and equality. This prominent leader in the modern civil rights movement, has become the first African American individual on the National Mall. No doubt that his space is a place to contemplate his legacy, also enjoy the Cherry Blossom trees flourish during Spring.! (15 min)

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    12. Crossing the Potomac River through Memorial Bridge you will enter the most important military burial ground of the nation. After a 25-minute walk through the grounds you will experience the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visit inside Arlington National Cemetery 1hr. 30 mins.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    13. Marine Corps War Memorial

      Those who prefer not to walk up The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier can opt to visit the United States Marine Corps War Memorial. You will still see the shrines in Arlington while driving through; and will step off at the famous bronze sculpture that depicts six marines lifting the flagpole on top of Mount Suribachi In the battle of Iwo Jima 2/19/1945. While the scene depicts one of the most famous clashes of World War II, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States since 1775. (15 min.)

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    14. Air Force Memorial

      Airforce Memorial & Pentagon. In between the Navy annex, and the US. Department of Defense headquarters, three striking polished stainless-steel spires reach out to the heavens, a homage to all Airforce service members. The memorial looks at the Pentagon western façade, struck during the 911/2001 (15 min.)

      15 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Journal Tour & Travels, LLC

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • No wheelchairs, neither proficient handling available. Vehicles are Panoramic Mini-bus, not equipped with handicap hydraulic accessibility. However, a transport chair can be accommodated.
    • Not Allowed: Smoking, Eating, Drinking or Bringing Foods inside vehicles. Thank you!

    Photos

    Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony, photo 2Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard CeremonyPrivate Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony, photo 4Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony, photo 5Thomas Jefferson M., Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard CeremonyPrivate Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 198 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    198 verified traveler reviews for Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    189
    4 star
    8
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    David_V · September 2026

    Great trip

    From the time Louie picked us up till he dropped us off he was excellent , Very informative, no rushing , easy pace . Very accommodating and pleasant. Made our experience very enjoyable. Thank you

    via Viator

    Kathleen_O · August 2026

    Awesome experience! Guide...

    Awesome experience! Guide was very professional and accommodated us on what we wanted to see. Guide was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed the interesting facts he shared with us on what we were seeing.

    via Viator

    sabrina_k · July 2026

    Make sure you hydrate!...

    Make sure you hydrate! Louis was great! Very good driver, and knowledgeable. We enjoyed the ride!!!!

    via Viator

    maryee2026 · May 2026

    Private DC tour

    Wonderfully Informative, knowledgeable & historical experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    B7029LYjasmine · April 2026

    Great Experience!!!

    Frank was a great tour guide. Very friendly & knowledgeable!! We were picked up & dropped off at our hotel, very convenient. It helped to avoid having to use Google Maps & trying to get around on our own.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    69
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Journal Tour & Travels, LLC, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.8.

    See everything Journal Tour & Travels, LLC runs

    Why this scores 71

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)67
    Booking momentum (14% weight)62
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)85
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.

    How much does Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony cost?

    +

    Prices start at $500 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Washington DC usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony take?

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    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Washington DC is not rushed.

    Is Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 198 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Washington DC, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony?

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    Around 69 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Washington DC can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Washington DC and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Washington DC within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

    +

    Washington is the rare city where the headline attractions cost nothing and the scarce resource is access. Timed entry to the Smithsonian museums, Capitol and White House tours, and the night monument runs by bike or bus are what fill up. Our ranking rewards operators who secure the passes themselves rather than telling you to sort it out at the door. On Outty we rank every Washington DC experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards, Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Washington DC?

    +

    Late March to April for cherry blossom, or September to November for cool museum weather. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Washington DC?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony?

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    Included: Bottled water; On-board WiFi; Flexibility to customize the visit to your requests; Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Escorted DC Licensed Tour Guide to sites, unless parking is not available. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 131 listed pickup locations in and around Washington DC. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and No wheelchairs, neither proficient handling available. Vehicles are Panoramic Mini-bus, no. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Washington DC. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony?

    +

    Across 198 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony.

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