Diane W.United States
Our guide Carolyn was amazing. So knowledgeable, and interesting!
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Private tour in Washington DC Carolyn M
Washington DC in a Day Private Walking Tour
5.0
(5) reviews
-
7 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 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
-
7 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 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
Carolyn M.
5.0
Guide rating
41
Reviews
Tours delivered
9 hrs
Avg. response time
Thank you for considering me as your guide in Washington, DC! I’m a former architect and lifelong admirer of all things brick and mortar. In 2015, I left the drafting desk to start DC Design Tours, trading blueprints for storytelling so I could share my passion for buildings instead of just drawing them. A graduate of the University of Maryland’s Architecture Program, I’ve called D.C. home since 2006 (though I originally hail from the “exotic” suburbs of New Jersey). When I’m not guiding, you might find me counting the 152 columns at the National Building Museum or exploring Rock Creek Park in search of Civil War remnants. Over the years, I’ve guided families, students, professionals, military groups, and international travelers, and I consider it an honor to serve as an ambassador of the District. My tours dive into the stories behind the architecture, urban planning, and design that have shaped our nation’s capital. From iconic landmarks to tucked-away gems, we’ll uncover conflicts, controversies, and the fascinating personalities who left their mark on Washington. I’m a full-time licensed Washington, D.C. tour guide and member of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides. I also serve as a certified guide at the Washington National Cathedral and the National Building Museum, and volunteer with the National Park Service. • Licensed Washington, D.C. Tour Guide • Member, Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, D.C. • Certified Washington National Cathedral Guide Please note: I am not a driver, but I’m happy to accompany you on public transit or a taxi.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Carolyn M.
See it all with your personal guide- Capitol Hill, the National Mall, the White House, and more!
Overview of your Washington Dc tour
Visit the iconic landmarks, famous buildings, towering memorials, and a few hidden gems on this eight hour tour of our Nation's Capital. We'll spend the day together exploring Washington DC and visiting all of the classic sights! On our full day in the city, we'll start on Capitol Hill, including the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and United States Capitol Building. We'll stroll down the National Mall, peek inside some of our famous museums, get a perfect view of the country's most famous home, and visit iconic monuments and memorials. This tour is fully customizable, so please get in touch if you have any specific attractions you'd like to visit, and I would be happy to build custom a tour for you.
Recent Reviews
Steve G.United Kingdom
My guide was extremely knowledgable about the history & architecture of the Washington DC area. We covered Union Station, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Capitol Building, Pennsylvania Avenue, Old Post Office Tower, White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial & many other buildings & locations as we passed by. There was also time to see inside the Library of Congress & tour the Capitol Building, with things timed to perfection. Tired feet, but lots of great memories & photos to take back home.
Paul D.United Kingdom
An l absolutely awesome day. It was a great reminder of the value of an inspirational guide. It is easy to look but not see without a guide to lead.
Jason M.United States
Carolyn was one of the best guides we've had. We tend to do 1 day of guided touring wherever we travel (London, NY, SF, Paris). She is amazing in her knowledge of the history, but she really stands out for her insight on the architecture and art. My eyes and my children's eyes were open to new ideas and ways people express themselves through design and sculpture and paintings. Highly, highly recommend. In fact, going forward, we will try to always get a guide with an architectural bent. TY, Carolyn!
Your Washington Dc tour itinerary
This tour is fully customizable, but to make the most of our day, I would recommend the following itinerary: Starting on Capitol Hill, we'll visit the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and Capitol Visitors Center. We can take an optional 1 hour tour of the inside of the U. S. Capitol, then grab lunch before heading to the National Mall. We'll walk along the Mall past our 19 Smithsonian Museums. We can decide which to peek inside- the Air and Space Museum, Museum of Natural History, Museum of American History, National Gallery of Art, it's up to you! After exploring our museums, we can take a small detour to get a bird's eye view of the city from 300ft up at the Old Post Tower. Then we'll stroll down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House! As dusk sets in, we'll make our way back to the National Mall to take in breathtaking monuments and memorials at twilight, including the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Wall, Korean War Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial.
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
This tour can be done entirely on foot, but we may employ a taxi or public transit based on energy levels throughout the day.
What's included
Private Guide
Tickets: Library of Congress
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
50 Massachusetts Avenue Northeast, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002, United States
,ByGuide: Union Station 50 Massachusetts Ave NE Washington, DC 20002
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Tour reference number
593878
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Light
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
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 those who want to explore the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of the city with a personal guide. It's ideal for families, as it's kid-friendly, and also suitable for travellers with mobility needs. If you're interested in history, architecture, or simply want to see the classic sights of the Nation's Capital, this tour is a great choice.
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
-
7 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 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
-
7 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 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.