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
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
Options
Standard Luxury Tour Bus
8:30 am Departure: Closed-top luxury bus with a designated driver and a tour guide
Reviews
2,527 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Washington DC 8 hour tour
Stacey S,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! Tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the details of the city, monuments, etc. bus was nice and clean. Bus driver was friendly.
Excellent Tour
Judy B,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a great tour and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and really friendly. Perfect small size tour.
Time Well Spent
Barbara B,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sam was our tour guide. Professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. He managed the time spent at each area very well. Lots of walking, several stairs, but easy to navigate for most.
Great time!
Z5253NVjonm,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time on your. Nick was fantastic. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a great personality. Only criticism is the bus was very dirty on the outside and had seats that were broken.
Toured around DC and saw the sights
andrewgO3529FL,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nick was great! Super knowledgeable and fun
Guide was 1/2 hr late,...
Debra W,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Guide was 1/2 hr late, and cut several points of interest short to make up lost time. Had to call to find out where the guide was as he didn't notify us of his lateness. He was good and knowledgeable, but didn't appreciate cutting time short as various stops to make up his tardiness.
Our tour guide Sam was the absolute best!!
Shannon S,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Sam was the best!! He was very knowledgeable, friendly, took very good care of us. The Potomac River boat ride was my favorite. We saw everything & kept on schedule adjusting site order to best avoid lines & traffic. I definitely recommend doing this as a first time visitor.
The tour was incredible....
Rajan K,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was incredible. Rob our tour guide was so knowledgeable of DC & its history. This tour was a long day but honestly was worth every penny & minute
Monuments and more
Traveler,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sam our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and very friendly. It was a very warm day and having plenty of water to drink was very helpful.
An inspiring tour of the DC area
Tom C,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nick’s knowledge of the DC area and US history is incredibly impressive, not to mention his ability to present it all with a great sense of humor in concert with our driver Cortez I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the smooth ride and partnership our driver Cortez had with Nick. They’re a great team.
From US$129.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by USA Guided Tours