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 visit the Pentagon City.
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
Convertible buses switch from open-tops to glass-tops between October and March due to colder temperatures
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
U.S. Capitol
Reserved entry to the U.S. Capitol Building - the centerpiece of the capital city!
The 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.
What‘s Included
Reserved Entry to the U.S. Capitol Building
Tickets to the National Archives Building
English-Speaking Live Tour Guide (on and off the bus)
Boat Cruise on the Potomac River (Seasonal: April 1 to September 30)
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
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: Upgrade in a stunning vehicle with an arched glass panel retractable roof. Open during the summer for fresh air! Fits 15
Reviews
2,489 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beauty
niconesquick,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Impressive and beautiful building. Emblematic place of eeuu. Ideal photos, on the side you can see the famous obelisk and Lincoln memorial in the background. Very clean everything
Excellent day with minimum walking
JULIE H,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Nick was full of information from the moment we met to begin our day at the Capitol. The group arrived early so we were first in the queue for the security checks. Good planning. We had torrential rain all day but most of us braved the onslaught in our ponchos at the planned stops. An excellent day for us, helped by Nick and the lovely driver. We saw a lot of key sights without having to walk for miles.
Great DC Tour
Safari25678325045,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour. Very knowledgable guide Nick and fantastic driver Lea. We saw all the major Washington DC sights. Tomaz and Tina
Nick was awesome!!
Happiness630653,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did our tour with Nick and Leah, and they were great! Nick was very knowledgeable of all the history and was a great tour guide!!
Great day in DC
O2187KAstephanieb,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time and learned so much from Nick! John got us around safely! Nick was funny and was incredibly knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour.
DC tour
Joseph P,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Thorough tour of Washington DC. Guide was amazing. He gave us time to do bonus stop. Wx was awful but experience was great.
Highly recommend
Z736EHrachell,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome tour! We didn't get to go into the Capitol and National Archives due to the government shutdown, but they still made the most of it! Nick was incredibly entertaining and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend! I plan on doing it again sometime once the shutdown ends to get the full experience :)
Thank you Calvin and Brittany for a great tour experience
Meander55887851436,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Calvin and Brittany were excellent! They really helped make the tour the best experience possible. When we were unable to keep up, Calvin let us hang back with him.
Cancelled and then...
TITUS K,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Cancelled and then informed going ahead Arrived at pick up spot and there was no tour bus in sight Checked app again and was told your was CANCELLED snd I should get a refund; still waiting for refund Very traumatic experience for myself and wife
All sound a great way to...
Brett A,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00All sound a great way to see Washington DC in one day with great commentary and history from our tour guide Dion!
From US$129.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by USA Guided Tours