Georgetown Small-Group Historic Walking and Photo Tour, DC
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Stroll through historic Georgetown with Preserve Tours and learn about the preservation of the neighborhood while your guide snaps photos of you along the way. You'll find yourself immersed in a blend of Federal, Georgian, and Victorian architecture, where every step unveils efforts to safeguard the neighborhood's architectural and cultural heritage. The tour begins in the heart of Georgetown’s shopping district with stops at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Georgetown University, the Volta Bureau, and more.
Mel Serravalle worked a decade in an urban planning career before she founded Preserve Tours, curated walking and photo tours that would provide an opportunity to learn about historic neighborhoods and their role in the past and present. As a fourth generation Washingtonian herself, she strives to provide a quality educational experience with a local, fun feel. A portion of the proceeds of each tour goes to the Rosedale Conservancy, a community funded park in Upper Northwest DC.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Georgetown
Historic Georgetown, originally a port city separate from Washington, D.C., was founded in 1751 and incorporated as a city with an elected government in 1789. In terms of architecture, we'll see Gothic, federal style, Greek revival, and a lot of Victorian and Queen Anne Style as well as classic brick and frame row houses. We'll learn how these styles have been preserved and protected over the years while getting some great photos along the way.
St. John's Episcopal Church
Original plans for the church date back to the mid 1700s, but was completed in 1804. It was built by the architect of the capital, William Thorton. After years of growth followed by years of financial problems, St. John’s was closed in 1831, sold and rented as a studio to a German sculptor Ferdinand Pettrich. In 1838, a group of young ladies from the parish raised a sum of money to purchase the church building and return it to sacred use. It’s been a church ever since.
Options
Georgetown Small-Group Historic Walking Tour, Washington DC
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Local Guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unique and Personable Tour
audrey790,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mel gives such a great tour and is incredibly knowledgable. It was so cool to learn about the history of Georgetown and the neighborhood’s unique buildings, in a way that feels more personal than a typical tour. The photos she provides are such a nice touch. I’d recommend a tour with Mel to locals and tourists interested in DC history and preservation!
Great experience!
Ina S,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Melissa was outstanding! Very knowledgeable, friendly and very considerate! We asked a lot of questions and she answered them patently and with definite knowledge of the subject. We enjoyed our tour very much
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Operated by Preserve