WASHINGTON, D.C.
The best way to spend a day in D.C.
The 15 best private tours in Washington, with what each one covers, what it costs and how long to set aside. A shortlist for planning real days on and off the National Mall.
Washington DC at night: a 3-hour bus tour with 10+ lit monument photo stops, guided narration, and optional museum upgrades.
Most Popular“highly recommend James as our tour guy and CHRIS as our bus driver to anyone. They were very accommodating and thorough with the tour.”
Private 4-hour Washington DC tour with hotel pickup, luxury van rides, key memorials and Arlington, plus flexible stops for up to 5.
“As first timers in Washington D.C. we thoroughly enjoyed our tour! Cliff - our driver & guide - was an excellent host and knowledgeable historian with many a story to tell. It's not cheap but with freshly fallen snow in a winter storm, we would not have seen DC otherwise. Thank you, Cliff!”
Private 7:30pm DC night monuments tour with hotel pickup, photo stops at iconic memorials, flexible timing, and an expert guide for up to 10.
“Christopher did a wonderful job on our night time tour. He is a wealth of knowledge about DC history. We had a large group with kids. Christopher kept the kids entertained as well as the adults. I highly recommend!”
Private multilingual DC monument tour with hotel pickup, a comfortable SUV, and photo stops at Lincoln, Jefferson, Capitol, and more in 4 hours.
“I tried to post pictures but for whatever reason it’s not working. This was such a great experience. The vehicle is great, the huge amount of things you get to see in such a short amount of time by an experienced, highly knowledgeable chauffeur was incredible. My family and I would highly recommend this to…”
A semi-private National Archives skip-the-line tour in Washington DC. See the Constitution and other originals with small-group storytelling.
“Richard was an exceptional guide. We could not have had a more wonderful time at the National Archives. Highly recommended!”
Private DC monuments tour by limousine with hotel pickup, photo-friendly stops, and flexible timing to see the Mall and memorials without leg burnout.
“Great tour and driver, Gee. Easy hotel pickup, knowledgeable and personable driver who reviewed options with us and allowed us to personalize the experience. Comfortable vehicle, easy drop offs for visiting the monuments and never felt rushed.”
Private Washington DC tour with White House views, National Mall memorials, and Arlington changing of the guard, customized in a 4-hour loop.
“If we could give Frank 6 stars he would deserve every single one. Enthusiastic, engaging with the kids, never rushed, and great and getting us the best experience, our tour with Frank and Journal Tour and Travels was hands down the highlight of our last minute trip to DC. Thanks Frank! We learned a lot,…”
Semi-private Smithsonian Air & Space guided tour for up to 8 people, covering iconic aircraft and Apollo-era space artifacts in 2.5 hours.
“Our tour was extremely informative and provided deep insight into all things air and space. We highly recommend.”
Private DC moonlight monuments tour by van with hotel pickup, free stops at major memorials, and a relaxed evening pace.
“Bobby was a fantastic tour guide with an overview of history in an entertaining manner. Our family of 5 all had great views of the sites in the comfy van with great A/C. Seeing the town in the evening was cooler on a hot summer day, plus less crowded. The lights of the monuments made…”
A semi-private, up-to-8 Smithsonian American History tour in Washington DC, covering the anthem banner, Washington sword, Dorothy slippers, and more.
“Very informative, entertaining and enjoyable tour. Rebecca is an excellent guide that helps visitors to appreciate and understand the American history with tons of interesting stories and anecdotes. We recommend it anyone.”
Private custom guided Washington DC tour for up to 4, with Arlington, Capitol, National Cathedral, Mall monuments, Ford’s Theatre, Archives.
“Book this DC tour without hesitation! Alan gave our family an amazing and educational experience that we will treasure forever! From the moment we booked, Alan was planning and tailoring our tour based on our personal requests and needs. He called and even offered some input on our stay in colonial Williamsburg prior to the…”
Private DC highlights in a comfortable van with pickup and smart routing to see the White House, Lincoln, Jefferson, National Mall, and more.
“Our driver *Moulah was so nice and very accommodating!! He showed us all the sites we wanted to see and the vehicle was very comfortable”
Semi-private Arlington walk with a guide, JFK and Unknown Soldier highlights, possible Changing of the Guard, plus Lee House and shuttle memorials.
“Great tour. Donna was fantastic and knew her history and topic. We really enjoyed the tour, so much to see.”
Private 3-hour bike tour of Washington DC with hotel pickup, snacks, and a custom route through the White House, Capitol Hill, and memorials.
“Charlie was extremely knowledgeable and made the whole experience amazing! Highly recommend this company and tour.”
Private 4-hour Washington DC SUV tour for up to 6 with multilingual guides. See major monuments, plus Virginia stops. Day or night.
“Jorge kept my family with 2 college kids on their toes. He knew tons of details about US history and the city of DC. We probably learned more with this tour than we would have reading a tour book. The bonus was the private, air conditioned suv stocked with water on a hot 95 degree…”
Every corner of the capital, and every way to see it.
