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

4.6
2,544 reviews
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82

Absolutely great tour because of the guide!!

Sam was an absolutely amazing tour guide!!! He 100% made the trip. He shared so many facts and answered everyone’s questions. I only recall one he didn’t know so he looked it up and shared with the group at our next chat. He was attentive to the needs of everyone, set clear expectations, and shared ways to stay cool during a record heat wave. He’s clearly a huge asset to the company!!! Highly recommend but hopefully you too get a fantastic guide like my family. Big thanks to Sam!!!

Amy_CJul 3, 2026VIATOR

Sam was a great travel...

Sam was a great travel guide! It’s a LOT of walking, so you’ll want to wear comfy shoes. It’s a good overview of the city sites. The visits to most places are brief, but provide a good taste of everything we wanted to see. I would’ve liked to stay a little longer at a few places, but overall a good experience.

kelly_mJul 3, 2026VIATOR

Our driver and guide were...

Our driver and guide were magnificent, calm, and concerned about our health in the heat. However, the vehicle we were in at little to no air-conditioning and in 109° weather that doesn’t opt for good customer service. We quit the early cause we could no longer stand the heat.

RICHARD_BJul 3, 2026VIATOR

Great Guided Tour

USA Guided Tours was great. Nick did an awesome job of narrating and sharing information. Information for meeting place from Viator was poor.

359dennyhJun 29, 2026TRIPADVISOR

It was a great time, host...

It was a great time, host where very informative and good people. They didn't waste time keep track of everyone which is very difficult with all the people around. Thank you to all

Troy_FJun 27, 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