Washington DC VIP Tour with Reserved Access
From$129
8 hours
Washington DC, USA
About this activity
Experience Washington DC's iconic landmarks with priority access to the U.S. Capitol and National Archives, plus a scenic boat cruise along the Potomac River.
Highlights
- Priority access to U.S. Capitol Building
- Guided tour of National Archives
- Scenic boat cruise along Potomac River
- Visit to Lincoln Memorial
- Explore Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Full description
Discover the rich history and iconic landmarks of Washington DC on this exclusive VIP tour. Skip the lines with priority access to the U.S. Capitol Building and the National Archives, where you'll see the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Potomac River, offering stunning views of the city's monuments. Visit the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and learn about their significance from your knowledgeable guide. This comprehensive tour ensures you experience the best of DC in comfort and style.
Included / Excluded
- Priority entry to the U.S. Capitol Building
- Guided tour of the National Archives
- Boat cruise along the Potomac River
- Lunch at waterfront restaurants
Itinerary
1
Reserved entry to the U.S. Capitol Building - the centerpiece of the capital city!
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
2
When arriving at the White House (outside only), you will see the Executive Residence of the President and his family, as well as the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. This stop also includes a walk through the Elipse, otherwise known as the South Lawn.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NO
3
Guided tour of WWII Memorial.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Pass by: This brand new memorial completed in 2020 is dedicated to massive legacy of President Eisenhower with a large wall depicting the cliffs of Normandy behind the simple memorial designed by iconic American designer Frank Gehry.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Guided tour of Jefferson Memorial.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Visit the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial – dedicated in 2011 – just across the Tidal Basin.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
SEASONAL (Apr 1 - Sep 30); in the warmer month, guests enjoy a boat cruise on the Potomac River and can purchase lunch and explore Georgetown.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
8
SEASONAL (Oct 1 - Mar 31); The Pentagon City; lunch break & free time
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
Enjoy the iconic memorial up close!
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
Guided tour of Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Includes walking. This stop is conjoined with the one above.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
Guided tour of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial, which will transport you back in time to the years of 1933-1945.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12
Delight in reserved entrance into the National Archives Building!
Duration: 45 minAdmission: YES
13
A stunning memorial steps away from the Reflecting Pool depicts lifelike statues walking through moss along a wall carved with images in a design inspired by the Penisula itself.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Strollers may not be accommodated on the tour.
- Food and drinks are not allowed through security at the U.S. Capitol and National Archives.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking to get an up-close look at the monuments.
- Bring a valid ID for entry into government buildings.
- Arrive at the meeting point no later than 8:15 AM for check-in.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Walking is involved to get an up-close look at the monuments (comfortable shoes are recommended)
- Strollers may not be accommodated on tour
- Security restrictions at the US Capitol and National Archives Buildings prevent any food or drinks being brought through security
- During peak season, security lines are long, and as such, arriving ahead of time is highly encouraged
- Tour Departure Times Are Subject to Change Due to Local Traffic Conditions
- Please Arrive at the Meeting Point No Later Than 8:15 AM For Check-In
- No food allowed on buses (snacks are fine!)
- The tour price includes a boat cruise, and tourists will have the opportunity to purchase lunch at one of several waterfront restaurants in the summer
- Convertible buses switch from open-tops to glass-tops between October and March due to colder temperatures
Traveler reviews
4.62,529 reviews
5
1,939
4
315
3
115
2
79
1
81
2026 DC trip
Best VIP tour stands true to their title. Our guide Britney and driver Stephanie were and awesome team. We got stuck in traffic in our uber and Brittney called me and waited we so appreciated it ad it was a VIP tour of the capitol. Timing and coordination was effortlessly perfect and Both of them kept us all 20 people together
Nalini_NMay 17, 2026VIATOR
Personal Touch
It was a long tour but Evan, our guide, kept it fun. We learned a lot about all the monuments and enjoyed it.
Mark_NMay 13, 2026VIATOR
Best DC tour ever!
This the best tour we've ever taken, covered so much of DC. Sam was an excellent guide! He was just a fountain of knowledge and so friendly. We enjoyed this for very much.
JENNY_RMay 8, 2026VIATOR
Washington DC 8 hour tour
Great experience! Tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the details of the city, monuments, etc. bus was nice and clean. Bus driver was friendly.
Stacey_SMay 4, 2026VIATOR
Excellent Tour
This is a great tour and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and really friendly. Perfect small size tour.
Judy_BMay 3, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
Walking is involved to get an up-close look at the monuments (comfortable shoes are recommended)
Strollers may not be accommodated on tour
Security restrictions at the US Capitol and National Archives Buildings prevent any food or drinks being brought through security
During peak season, security lines are long, and as such, arriving ahead of time is highly encouraged
Tour Departure Times Are Subject to Change Due to Local Traffic Conditions
Please Arrive at the Meeting Point No Later Than 8:15 AM For Check-In
No food allowed on buses (snacks are fine!)
The tour price includes a boat cruise, and tourists will have the opportunity to purchase lunch at one of several waterfront restaurants in the summer
Convertible buses switch from open-tops to glass-tops between Oct 15 - Mar 15 due to colder temperatures