VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry
Overview
Available languages
8 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Get the presidential treatment with the most comprehensive Washington DC day tour! The tour includes reserved access to the National Archives Building and the U.S. Capitol Building! For smaller groups, fresh air & uninterrupted views, upgrade to our convertible tour bus!
Your tour includes guided stops at the White House (outside only), the National World War II and I Memorials, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
After lunch, summer brings the opportunity for a boat ride through Georgetown and the DC Waterfront. The tour price includes a complimentary boat ride, and you will have the opportunity to purchase lunch at one of several waterfront restaurants. In winter, we get to explore the Kennedy Center for lunch where we can see exhibits and galleries, stunning views from the terrace and shop in the gift shops [show your ticket for a discount]!
Additional Info
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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Boat Cruise on the Potomac River (Seasonal: April 1 to October 15)
Upgrade to Glass-Top/Open-Top Convertible Bus Available
Reserved Entry to the U.S. Capitol Building
Tickets to the National Archives Building
English-Speaking Live Tour Guide (on and off the bus)
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
What To Expect
U.S. Capitol
Reserved entry to the U.S. Capitol Building - the centerpiece of the capital city!
White House
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.
Options
Standard Luxury Tour Bus
8:30 am Departure: Closed-top luxury bus with a designated driver and a tour guide
Upgrade: Panoramic Glass Top
Glass-Top Convertible Bus: 8:30 am Departure. Small Group Tour. Up to 14 Passengers. Glass-Top or Open-Top Convertible Sprinter Led by a Driver/Guide.
Reviews
2,380 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Informative
Norma L,
Jun 18, 2025
- Viator
4.00Read was a fantastic, knowledgeable tour guide. He was attentive and informative about the DC monuments and statues. I was disappointed in that we chose this tour because it stated that it included the FDR Memorial; however, due to the Army's Parade a few days prior, we were unable to access that area. I could have done without the boat ride on the Potomac and would have like to stop at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Also, I was disappointed in how short the timing was at some of the stops. We could only stay long enough to view the monument/Memorial but not read the informative plaques that would enhance the visit. Overall, I did enjoy the experience as it saved us a lot of time and aggravation of dealing with the roadblocks and fencing around the Capitol.
Fantastic Tour
Ralph H,
Jun 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great overview of the mall and capitol building. All guides were impressive with their knowledge and were friendly. This is a great introduction to DC
Super informative and interesting, GREAT tour guide!
PattiGeorge G,
Jun 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00It's a long day so be prepared with comfortable walking shoes. The tour starts at the Capitol building and you cannot take any food or water, but once you're done with that part of the tour, the bus does provide you with all the water you need, which we appreciated. We took the VIP tour in an "topless" van. It was great because it was a small group and we could see everything without windows getting in the way. If it's a sunny day, you might want to wear a hat as it can get warm and there are a few seats that are in the shade if you need it. Nick was THE BEST guide! He has a great personality and sprinkles all the information about the places we were visiting with silly jokes that were actually very funny! We were amazed at how many facts and little details that you might never know that he keeps in his head. The week we were there was a difficult time for tours because it was sandwiched between Pride weekend with a big parade and the preperation for the Army parade the next weekend, so there were MANY streets that were blocked off and some of the monuments and memorials were hard to get to but Nick and his driver Lea did a great job of scouting out the best routes so we didn't miss anything. The boat trip on the Patomac was really nice. One suggestion, if it's sunny, try to get a seat in the area with shade because, again, it gets very hot otherwise. We stopped for a nice lunch about half way through in Georgetown with multiple restaurants to choose from and plenty of time to eat (not paid by the tour company). We really felt that spending the extra money on this tour was well worth it. Can't say enough about how great Nick was. He kept us on track and really made the whole day fun and informative.
Perfect family tour of DC filling up with all the needed History inputs.
Elok K,
Jun 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00Well planned and very knowledgeable Guide . We loved hearing him . We appreciated his kindness. The Driver was right there on the spot . Tour bus was great , with supply of water .
Perfect, if you want to see all of the things at once
Brian H,
Jun 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00We have been coming to DC for years and haven't seen half of the monuments in this town. So this tour was perfect as it hits all of the major monuments we should have seen years ago. It's a lot of walking, my Samsung Health clocked 6 miles, BUT you are all the things. If that is something that appeals to you and you are looking for this kind of tour, do not hesitate and book it now. Not only does it hit all of the monuments, you get to see the capital, and take a relaxing boat tour midday. The tour guides are wonderful and the open top bus was a worthwhile addition.
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Operated by USA Guided Tours