Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC
Traveler rating
3.6/5
Based on 186 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC worth booking?
Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC is a 1.5-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $85 per person. It scores 36 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.6/5 rating across 186 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 36 / 100
- Rating
- 3.6/5 (186)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $85 per person
Tea Around Town: A Luxurious Tea Experience in Washington, D.C. Hop aboard our charming pink bus for a unique blend of luxury, sightseeing, and fine tea. As you enjoy freshly baked scones, savory bites, and sweet treats, sip on three premium teas and take in breathtaking views of D.C.'s most iconic landmarks, including the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. Relax in our fully temperature-controlled bus while a live guide brings the city’s history to life with engaging commentary. This is the perfect way to explore D.C. in style while indulging in the elegance and relaxation of a high tea experience.
What you get
About this experience
Tea Around Town: A Luxurious Tea Experience in Washington, D.C. Hop aboard our charming pink bus for a unique blend of luxury, sightseeing, and fine tea. As you enjoy freshly baked scones, savory bites, and sweet treats, sip on three premium teas and take in breathtaking views of D.C.'s most iconic landmarks, including the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. Relax in our fully temperature-controlled bus while a live guide brings the city’s history to life with engaging commentary. This is the perfect way to explore D.C. in style while indulging in the elegance and relaxation of a high tea experience.
What's included
Included
- Live Commentary
- Temperature-controlled, stylish pink bus
- Indulge in a variety of delicious treats
- Taste up to three carefully selected teas during the ride
- TAT Tumbler: A stylish souvenir to remember your experience
Not included
- Tips for the guide and staff are not included.
What you'll see and do
Begin your adventure in the heart of Washington, D.C. at this convenient central location. Just steps away from major landmarks, your Tea Around Town experience starts here.
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This stunning memorial honors the 16 million people who served in the American armed forces during World War II. It’s a beautiful tribute with 56 granite pillars and a striking fountain at its center.
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The White House
A symbol of American leadership, the White House is the official residence and office of the U.S. President. Admire this iconic building from a distance as your guide shares fascinating facts.
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Decatur House
A National Historic Landmark, Decatur House was home to famous figures like Commodore Stephen Decatur and President Andrew Jackson. Explore its rich history and its important role in D.C.’s political landscape.
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial
This moving memorial honors the men and women who served in the Vietnam War. The black granite wall, etched with the names of over 58,000 fallen soldiers, offers a poignant reflection on the cost of war.
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Arlington Memorial Bridge & Avenue
Spanning the Potomac River, this grand bridge connects the Lincoln Memorial to Arlington National Cemetery. The bridge is a beautiful blend of history and architecture, offering a majestic view of the city.
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Lincoln Memorial
One of the most recognized landmarks in America, this iconic structure honors the 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln. Admire the large statue of Lincoln seated in contemplation and take in the spectacular view across the Reflecting Pool.
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Korean War Veterans Memorial
This memorial honors the men and women who served in the Korean War. It features 19 stainless steel statues representing soldiers in combat, along with a wall etched with images of those who fought.
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Pay tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this powerful memorial, where a statue of the civil rights leader emerges from a granite mountain, symbolizing his strength and resolve.
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Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
This four-acre memorial is dedicated to the 32nd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt. It spans several gardens and includes sculptures that reflect his time in office, including the Great Depression and World War II.
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Tidal Basin
Known for its iconic cherry blossoms in the spring, the Tidal Basin offers stunning views of D.C.'s monuments and memorials. The area surrounds the Jefferson Memorial, making it a scenic stop for history and nature lovers alike.
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George Mason Memorial
This lesser-known gem honors George Mason, a Founding Father and the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. The memorial features a bronze statue and inscriptions of his significant contributions to American history.
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Thomas Jefferson Memorial
A tribute to the third U.S. President, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial stands proudly near the Tidal Basin. With its classical architecture and sweeping views, it’s a stunning place to reflect on Jefferson's role in shaping the nation.
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United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
This poignant museum serves as a living memorial to the Holocaust. It provides a powerful educational experience, documenting the history and impact of the Holocaust while promoting human dignity and tolerance.
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Smithsonian Institution
Often referred to as "The Castle," this beautiful red sandstone building serves as the headquarters for the Smithsonian Institution. It’s the perfect starting point to explore the many museums and galleries that the Smithsonian complex offers.
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National Air and Space Museum
One of the most visited museums in the world, the National Air and Space Museum showcases the history of aviation and space exploration. Home to iconic artifacts like the Wright brothers’ plane and the Apollo 11 command module, it's a must-see for history and science enthusiasts.
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National Museum of the American Indian
Located in the stunning Beaux-Arts building, this museum highlights the rich history, cultures, and traditions of Native Americans. Through exhibits and interactive displays, learn about the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
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Capitol Hill
This iconic building is the seat of the U.S. Congress. With its recognizable dome and stunning architecture, the Capitol is the center of the nation’s legislative process and a symbol of American democracy.
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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Washington DC
Departure Point: 790 Pennsylvania Ave, between 9th St NW and 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. Schedule: Daily, with times available on the TopView app. Boarding Notice: Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. We depart promptly and cannot wait for late arrivals.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Departure Point: 790 Pennsylvania Ave, between 9th St NW and 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. Schedule: Daily, with times available on the TopView app. Boarding Notice: Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. We depart promptly and cannot wait for late arrivals.
Options you can book
Petite Admission
Savory/Sweets/Scones: Delight in our petite selection of bite-sized treats, crafted for a refined taste. Tea: Up to 3 Types of Tea
Luxe Admission
Savory/Sweets/Scones: Indulge in our luxe selection of bite-sized, artisanal treats, crafted for refined taste. Drinks: Up to 3 Types of Tea Refresh Rose (non-alcoholic rose beverage).
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tea Around Town
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Experience Duration: Approx. 90 minutes (75 minutes touring, 15 minutes for boarding/disembarking).
- Departure Point: 790 Pennsylvania Ave. Between 9th Street NW and 7th Street NW.
- Boarding Notice: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The tour departs promptly, and we cannot accommodate late arrivals.
- Accessibility: Contact us in advance for any specific accessibility needs.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 186 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
186 verified traveler reviews for Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
RUN DON'T WALK, AVOID WASTING YOUR MONEY!!!!
Let's start with, there is no business at the location of the pick. You pull up and get out your ride and stand there like you are waiting for a ride (LITERALLY A BUS STOP). Where is the place of business?? Where is the location of the DC Tea Around Town? I went with a group of eleven (11) special friends, and we all paid $109.00 plus taxes and fees per person. There were some other groups there, but we were not properly greeted. I walked up to the bus upon arrival and the bus driver (who looked like he had a very long day) waved me to the middle of the bus where the doors opened and I was greeted by a young lady who seemed to be in her early/mid 20's. She had lite blue hair that was down to her butt, her clothes were dirty and her sneakers were filthy. The first thing out her mouth was "I first need to let you know that the bathroom is out of order, because they did not clean it nor did they change out the bags". She advised us that we could use it at our own risk. SOOOOO, let me get this straight. You are going to take us on a 1.5-hour tour around DC, give us lord knows how much tea to drink and there is no CLEAN bathroom for us to use. Make It Make Sense!!!! We are not even on the bus yet and I am already irritated. Upon climbing the very narrow and steep stairs to the top of the bus I notice that the food is already on the table and NOT COVERED!!! The food looked that it had been prepared and days prior, it definitely was NOT FRESH. I did not like the food that I tasted against my better judgement, but for $109.00 I had to give it a try. We all have different taste buds so I will not elaborate on the taste, some people might like cardboard. Moving on .... We are all seated and the tour starts. Joseph, who was our tour guide was AWEEESOME!! He sang us through the streets of Downtown DC and pointed out some of the most popular sightings. GREAT job Joseph!!!!! Now it's TEATIME. Our Tea Specialist (who is also the young lady with the blue hair) starts to serve us tea. Mind you there are NO teacups, spoons or forks on the tables. She is serving us HOT tea in a plastic 14oz tumbler keepsake cup. She brought us sweetener for the tea, but nothing to stir it in the tea with except for her long blue hair that was sliding across the tops of our cups every time she turned around. Not to mention we did not get a full teacup of tea. She actually poured us sips (maybe a 4oz pour). NOW, I will say the sips of tea were actually very good, not $109 dollars but good. The Tour is over and we are standing on the outside of the bus trying to take a group picture with the bus as a backdrop and zoom ... the bus pulls off!! The bus driver and the tea specialist was so rude and unprofessional. I do not and will not suggest this tour for anyone.
via Tripadvisor
? No idea
That it’s not for people w disabilities.. the stairs .. I didn’t know my 91 year old would have to climb stairs..and bathroom needs to work ..
via Viator
Unusual fun experience!
It was an unusual fun experience ! The tour lasted ~ 90 minutes. Our tour guide provided sightseeing information, entertainment and served us four different teas to try. Everybody is sitting on the upper deck, which is beautifully decorated! The food was as advertised and enough for us two, selected the Luxe ticket. I had seen the Tea Around Town bus in New York City but never gotten around to it. Going to Washington D/C for a few days was the perfect opportunity. Some ladies dressed up for the occasion but casual was ok.
via Tripadvisor
Here's the Tea
As others have already shared, the bus is beautiful but the experience, a tad underwhelming especially for the cost. The location was a bit tricky to find as there is no signage. Having clearly recognized greeters to help oriented you would have been nice. The food was dry, sparse, and not very tasty. Work on a more hearty food presentation would help elevate and match the cost of the experience. The host was entertaining with a lovely singing voice however the tour was a little shorter than advertised. Go just to say you did it...it's a cute bus and offers a great backdrop for memorable photos. However do with humbled expectations
via Tripadvisor
Not worth it.
You drive by each monument and get a 3 second view, if you're lucky. The food is bad. The tea is ok but you get about 1/4 of a cup of each one. The best part was the tour guide , who was charismatic and sang jazz songs throughout the tour. Definitely not worth the money, sadly.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $85 to $145
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 65
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tea Around Town, who run 5 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 38.6.
See everything Tea Around Town runsWhy this scores 36
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.
How much does Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC cost?
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Prices start at $85 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 Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 36 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.6/5 across 186 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Washington DC, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC?
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Around 65 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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC 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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC?
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Included: Live Commentary; Temperature-controlled, stylish pink bus; Indulge in a variety of delicious treats; Taste up to three carefully selected teas during the ride; and TAT Tumbler: A stylish souvenir to remember your experience. Not included: Tips for the guide and staff are not included. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC?
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Departure Point: 790 Pennsylvania Ave, between 9th St NW and 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. Schedule: Daily, with times available on the TopView app. Boarding Notice: Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC?
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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 Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Accessibility: Contact us in advance for any specific accessibility needs. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Washington DC. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC?
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Across 186 reviews averaging 3.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Tea Around Town: High Tea Experience and Tour of Washington DC?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Petite Admission, Luxe Admission. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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