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
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.
Options
Standard Luxury Tour Bus
8:30 am Departure: Closed-top luxury bus with a designated driver and a tour guide
What‘s Included
Reserved Entry to the U.S. Capitol Building
English-Speaking Live Tour Guide (on and off the bus)
Boat Cruise on the Potomac River (Seasonal: April 1 to September 30)
Tickets to the National Archives Building
Standard Bus
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,539 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ok tour but not private as paid for.
Joanne R,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The tour guides are very knowledgeable. The tour I selected was a “private” tour which costs a bit more money. It was “private” for the first stop (The Capital) but then we met up with a much larger group (approx 40 people) - which then meant it was not private for the rest of the day. That was extremely disappointing.
DC Monuments and Capitol Tour
Alethea B,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was Sam. He was at the Neptune Fountain way before we were required to be there. He was well versed in all of the expectations and requirements of the different places we were going to (ex. capitol). He was friendly, answered questions, made our tour day delightful, as well as giving us other suggestions to do in DC if we had time. He also took time to take our pictures if we wanted them and would even help other people who were not on our tour locate elevators, answer a question, etc. We took this tour with our kids and both employees interacted well with our kids too. Sam even saw us walking around the day after we had our tour with him and he waved to us and said "I know you!" We also appreciated our driver (Mr. Carter/Parker). He made sure that we were safe and got to our different destinations. We took the "open top" vehicle/bus and greatly enjoyed it. I would definitely take this tour again and/or use this company again.
Not as advertised. VIP tour had 42 people instead of 12!
Geri G,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00I paid extra to book this tour that was only supposed to have 12 people. There were 42 people on the bus. They said they combined 3 tours into one. I was disappointed that we had to wait on 42 people instead of 12 as advertised! Sam did a good job but I would have gone with a different company if I had known there were going to combine groups.
Sam our tour guide was...
Rachel S,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sam our tour guide was super friendly and knowledgeable. Mr. Parker was a fantastic driver and got us around the city very smoothly. We were able to see the main monuments all in one day without having to navigate the city ourselves. Such a great experience!
Great comprehensive tour....
CHARLES D,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great comprehensive tour. Nick, our guide, was excellent. We covered all the monuments plus the Capitol.
A day in Washington DC.
S9894BTjuliew,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fabulous time! The fee was reasonable and the tour lasted all day. It was well worth it though. You got to see a ton of stuff. I recommend doing the VIP tour because you get to go in the state capitol and the national archives building. It wasn’t really crowded, but it did rain on and off all day. We had Joey and Jackie for our tour. Joey was an amazing and funny guide. Sue was very knowledgeable and made the day exciting.
Sam & Leah Grrrreeeeaat
467louh,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sam and Leah were great. So helpful and very informative. The weather was poor, but the experience was great. They even had water and poncho’s for us, fantastic team. Would thoroughly recommend this tour.
Great tour - taking in the top sites.
Susan H,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Extensive coverage of some of the most popular attractions. Great to get inside the Capitol building and the National archives. Sam and Leah were great and their knowledge and stories made the day.
What a Great Time!
markvS3180MW,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a wonderful experience! Our tour guide, Sam, was not only extremely knowledgeable, but also very friendly! His great attitude and sense of humor really turned the event into a memorable moment.
DC trip
Mark B,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Britany was friendly and very knowledgeable about all the sites we visited. Best way to see many sites in one day. Would recommend the tour to anyone seeing DC. We did the 8 hr tour with the boat ride. Had only 45 minutes for lunch after the boat ride so pre ordering at one of the local restaurants 15 minutes prior will allow you more time.
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Operated by USA Guided Tours