Steven W.United States
great tour, great guide. my two daughters really enjoyed the experience
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Private tour in Washington DC Ellen M
Full Day Custom Private Tour of Washington DC
5.0
(31) reviews
-
6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Ellen M.
4.9
Guide rating
185
Reviews
Tours delivered
6 hrs
Avg. response time
Let me show you around my city! As a Certified Master Guide, I'm not only experienced guiding adults, families and students, but also a 40 year resident of Washington. My husband grew up in the city as did my children. I love living in DC and sharing my love of it with others. My goal is always to share the importance of the memorial/sight as well stories about its history, its role in the DC and other interesting anecdotes. I also emphasize the history of the Federal City (how through compromise Washington, DC got to be where and what it is). I love guiding through the popular memorials as well as the more unusual ones. My interests also include the Washington DC Theater scene and our sport teams. While I have specific tours listed, my real specialty is developing tailored tours to meet the specific needs/interests of my clients. There are so many possible places to see and experience in DC. I will plan and execute a day that you will find truly memorable. I am also active in fostering the professionalization of tour guiding and the education and development of tour guides in order to ensure guests receive the value they deserve. Accordingly, I am a past president and board member of the National Association of Tourist Guide Associations-USA (NFTGA) and a former board member of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington DC. I was proud to receive the 2024 Jill Blackman Leadership Award honoring those whose work best exemplifies the spirit of the Guild; who has made an original and significant contribution to the operations of the Guild; and who has advanced the guiding profession in some significant way. Licensed District of Columbia Tour Guide Certified Master Guild Guide Former Board Member, The Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, DC Past President and Board Member, National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Certified National Cathedral Guide Capitol Visitors Center Volunteer US Capitol Historical Society Volunteer I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle, arrange for a separate car and driver (at additional cost) or we can use DC's great Metro system combined with reasonable taxi cabs/Uber/Lyft when needed.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ellen M.
A personal tour designed to meet your interests
Overview of your Washington Dc tour
So you're coming to visit Washington, DC. You are in for a real treat! Not only is it a beautiful and historic city but it is also a fun place to visit. As a long time resident and experienced and licensed guide, I want your trip to be a memorable as possible. We can visit the most famous memorials and sights or venture to some of the other interesting parts of the City. What are your interests. . history? politics? art? music? sports? We have them all! Optional lunch or dinner can be arranged at one of the iconic and/or Michelin-rated DC restaurants. (Not included in the price or time of the tour) Let us work together to plan a private tour that both informs and excites you. By the end of the tour you will love my city as much as I do! Accepting only fully vaccinated travellers.
Recent Reviews
Cheng L.Australia
Ellen was fantastic. I requested a tour covering the White House, Capitol buildings, Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. We did a leisurely stroll during which Ellen gave a lot of entertaining historic information which made the buildings feel much more real than they would be if I had visited them myself. Her experience also helped avoid confusing/time consuming bureaucracy of accessing some areas. I would recommend Ellen completely to anyone who wants a local guide who really knows the city!
Elisabetta D.Switzerland
We organized the Washington D.C. city tour for our group of 50 people. Ellen was fun and professional and provided all the historical and cultural information about the city. The group was very happy. We commend Ellen both for her knowledge of the city but also for her friendliness during the tours. Elisabetta from Alliance Digital Security Switzerland
Ralph D.United States
Great tour of the monuments followed by a very nice lunch. She was easy to talk to, offered many insider tips and very interesting pieces of information that you would never have uncovered on your own. I would highly recommend and would tour with her again.
Barbara Rae H.United States
Ellen is kind, attentive and extremely knowledgeable. She was delightful company for the day and I leaned so much!!! Thank you.
Lani G.United States
Wow, what a tour. Ellen is just so pleasant and knowledgeable. She accommodated our request to split the tour in two half days so as not to wear ourselves out. Ellen pointed out so many detailed things that we would have never seen or noticed. The tours were very interesting and at times quite entertaining. She understood our pace on tour and never overwhelmed us with constant bombardment of information. We looked forward to spending our second day with her. Pick this tour, you will love it...
Your Washington Dc tour itinerary
We will select the itinerary based on your interests. Possibles are: White House Capitol Library of Congress Supreme Court Fords Theater Union Station Smithsonian Institution Museums Kennedy Center National Cathedral Embassy Row Willard Hotel Old Post Office United States Holocaust Museum Monuments: Lincoln, Korean Veterans, Vietnam Veterans, FDR, Martin Luther King, Jefferson, Japanese-American Friendship, Einstein
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
We will walk, use public transportation. Car service is available upon request at an extra cost. Please contact me for a quote.
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Transportation, refreshments, entry fees (very few), miscellaneous souvenirs.
If you wish to extend the duration of the tour, please contact me for a customized link.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Washington, Washington, United States
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Architecture
Tour reference number
375675
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Washington best suited for?
This private tour in Washington is perfect for travellers interested in history, politics, art, music, and sports. It's also kid-friendly, making it a great option for families. With Ellen M. as your guide, you'll gain deeper insights into the city.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Washington be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?
What languages is this tour offered in?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.