Private Tour

Veteran-Led Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Vigilance Tours is unlike other tours

With 25 years of working knowledge of Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, Congress, and DC – Eric Hommel (Lt Col, USAF (retired)) is the only Cemetery guide who goes beyond the facts and figures and discusses the stories behind the facts and figures

The tour is interactive – by getting to know you, Eric strives to make the tour meaningful while maintaining the reverence of Arlington National Cemetery

In order to get to know each other, we limit the size of the tour group to a max of 12 visitors

No subject is totally off limits – Eric is happy to discuss most topics (history, politics, military decisions, treatment of veterans, etc.) defining those interred at Arlington National Cemetery

We will not rush you; the tour is scheduled for at least 3 hours, if you have less than 3 hours to visit the Cemetery we recommend shorter tours with other companies

Eric is the author of: THE LOSING GAME: HOW TO LOSE A WAR AND FAIL VETERANS (Amazon)

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

3 hour walking tour covering 3 miles

Small group tour not to exceed 12 guests

Not recommended for visitors unable to walk 3 miles in 3 hours

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Military Women's Memorial

The leading memorial and education center honoring the commitment, contributions and experiences of Servicewoman.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

John F. Kennedy Grave Site

The gravesite of the 35th President of the United States

25 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

All Fees and Taxes

Options

Veteran Discount

Veteran: Please bring a form of veteran identification to the tour.

Arlington National Cemetery Tours

Reviews

5.00

64 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Fantastic experience
VANESSA C,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE. This tour was one of the very best we have experienced. Eric is a brilliant and engaging historical story teller. We learnt so much not only about the Arlington National Cemetery and military snippets but also about the connections, relationships and stories of many significant individuals. Eric's military background provided a wealth of information and experiences which he shared to give a truly authentic tour.
The best tour in DC!! You...
Jillene W,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The best tour in DC!! You cannot miss an opportunity to see Arlington with Eric - you will never forget it. He gives you an unprecedented look at the history and stories associated with Arlington. Absolutely wonderful experience!
Top Notch Tour
Jeffrey S,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We got way more than we ever expected from our time spent with Eric at Arlington. He imparted so much information that we would never have discovered on our own. Eric has an unparalleled background giving him a profound ability to share stories and facts about many aspects of the cemetery and the people laid to rest there. His engaging personality and desire to please us as to what we were wanting to experience from the tour made this a highlight of our time spent out East. We can't recommend this tour highly enough. If there was a 10 star rating, it would be a 10.
Veteran led tour of Arlington Cemetery
Tom L,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Exceptional, 5 stars. Eric was a wealth of knowledge, friendly and patient. This was not a timed tour. He gave us far more time that we expected... and it was well worth. Do not visit Arlington Cemetery without Eric. You won't be disappointed.
Informational, Emotional
Kim S,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was so informative! I’m no a history buff, I learned so much about people that died for my freedom. Emotional. Everyone should go! Our 3 1/2 hour tour was 5 hours! Perfect. He loves his job. Sharing with passion. Worth every penny, so glad we didn’t go on our own.
Exceptional & Excellent
nora o,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Eric is the best tour guide ever! So knowledgeable about Arlington Cemetery and the history behind it! Highly recommend!!!
The absolute best...
Crissy B,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The absolute best experience!!! Eric was amazing, so knowledgeable, patient and kind. It was our favorite tour while in DC and would highly recommend it. Thank you Eric for your service to our Country and sharing your knowledge and experience with us!
Eric is the ultimate Arlington tour guide
cel3,Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Eric Hommel, the tour guide, is amazing. He has a wealth of information and experience from his time in the military and in D.C. I highly recommend reading his book, "The Losing Game", prior to the tour. If you read it, you will really appreciate him and what he's been through.
Veteran Led Tour
Linda L,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had the privilege of touring Arlington National Cemetery with Eric Hommel, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, and it was absolutely outstanding. I arranged this private tour for my husband, who is a history enthusiast, and it exceeded every expectation. Eric is incredibly knowledgeable and an exceptional storyteller—he weaves history, personal experience, and fascinating facts together in a way that brings the cemetery to life. Throughout the tour, we found ourselves laughing, learning, and even tearing up at times. His passion and respect for the history and the heroes resting there was deeply moving and contagious. The small group setting made it feel intimate and personal, giving us the chance to ask questions and soak in every detail. We left not only more informed but also profoundly touched. We are so grateful for this unforgettable experience. If you have the opportunity to take a tour with Eric, do not hesitate you will walk away with your heart full and your mind inspired.
Highly recommended - the best tour of Arlington National Cemetery - Veteran-led
johnwE1434CD,Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This tour of Arlington National Cemetery was perfect, and Eric was a superb guide, who made the experience very educational and due to his vast experience (military veteran serving overseas and Stateside, prior vast experience at Arlington Cemetery, and his great teaching and interpersonal skills), and impressive knowledge, my family and I really enjoyed the wonderful tour and learned so much. This has got to be one of the best tours in the world, so sign up and go, you will be amazed how thorough and informative and friendly the guide Eric is.