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Arlington Cemetery & Changing of Guard Small Group Walking Tour
4.9
34 Ratings
Arlington
Discover Arlington Cemetery’s rich history, honor heroes, and witness the Changing of the Guard. Join us for an unforgettable journey through America’s past.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Arlington National Cemetery - We don’t just show you the sites; we tell you the stories. Come along on this family-friendly tour of one of this nation’s most sacred grounds.
- John F. Kennedy Grave Site - Pay respect to the Kennedy’s: President John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy and their eldest brother, Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr.
- Audie L. Murphy Grave Site - Here the story of a real “Captain America,” Medal of Honor Recipient Audie Murphy and discuss the nearby USS Maine, Space Shuttle Challenger, Space Shuttle Columbia and Iran Rescue Mission Memorials.
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - We will explain the history of the Changing of the Guards, what it takes to be a sentinel and make sure you get one of the best views of this time-honored tradition.
- Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial - Honor those lost on the Space Shuttles Challenger, Columbia, and Iran Rescue Mission. “Remember the Maine,” and learn where this rallying cry came from while looking at the original ship’s mast.
- Arlington House - The Robert E. Lee Memorial - Head to the top of the hill for a breathtaking view of Washington, DC. We will have time to visit the “Slave Houses” and the Museum briefly to understand how Robert E. Lee’s home became Arlington National Cemetery
- President William Howard Taft Monument - The first President to be buried at Arlington Cemetery, President (and Supreme Court Chief Justice) Taft lies here with his wife, Nellie Taft. It is thanks to her efforts we have the famous Cherry Blossom trees.
- Military Women’s Memorial - We end the tour outside the Military Women’s Memorial and museum, where you can learn how women have contributed to the military might of America through the years.
- U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial - We provided a self guided audio tour and map for anyone who would like to take the additional 15 minute walk to visit Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial outside the cemetery. The guide will not join you for this stop. At Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial, you can either continue 10 minutes to Rosslyn Metro or walk back 15 minutes to Arlington Cemetery Visitor Center.
What's Included
- Licensed, Professional Tour Guide
- Entrance into Arlington National Cemetery
- Self Guided Audio Tour of Iwo Jima USMC Memorial
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
A complete tour with a small group that allows time to visit the main sites at a leisurely pace, pay respects, take photos, and watch the full Changing of the Guard Ceremony. We don’t just show you the sites on our walking tour; we tell you the stories.
-Presidents Kennedy & Taft Memorials - the only two presidents buried here.
-Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & Changing of the Guard - learn what it takes to be a sentinel & witness the tradition of guarding the tomb.
-Arlington House - visit the Slave Quarters & Museum to learn why Robert E. Lee’s house became a military cemetery.
-Military Women’s Memorial - learn how women have contributed to the American military.
Hear the actions of Medal of Honor recipients and understand why family members can be buried here. Learn about military funerals and understand the symbolism on the headstones.
At the end, we provide a free self-guided audio tour to the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial just outside the cemetery.
- This is a walking tour.
Location
1 Memorial Ave
Memorial Avenue
The tour departs from outside the Arlington Cemetery Welcome Center after security. We are unaffiliated with any desk inside the Visitor Center, so please don't look for us there. Please look for your guide in orange by the benches as you exit the visitor center into the cemetery.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(34 Ratings)
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Diane_m
Aug 9, 2024
Awesome Tour & Tour Guide! - We enjoyed a great tour of Arlington Cemetery yesterday, and are so grateful for our AMAZING tour guide, Ingabord (sp?!). She was an absolute fount of knowledge about the history & people of Arlington Cemetery’s past. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was also a highlight, punctuated by all the information our tour guide shared with us about the requirements of being a tomb guard!
Review provided by Viator
Joey_j
Jul 30, 2024
Vacation/Anniversary - Jeff did a great job in showing us everything we needed to see. He was very friendly and since it was only me and my husband, it felt more personal.
Thank you for a great experience.
Review provided by Viator
Steve_v
Jul 29, 2024
Outstanding Tour - Our tour guide, Amanda, was outstanding. She provided great information and tidbits about the many historic and sacred sites in Arlington. We had a very memorable experience that our family will be able to share for a very long time.
Review provided by Viator
Quiuk
Jul 28, 2024
The best way to visit Arlington Cemetery - A fascinating tour, at a relaxed pace and with time to explore solo too. Brooke was knowledgeable, engaging and gave everyone plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The group was small, which made it easier to move about the cemetery (which is huge), and she was able to point out some of the more interesting and unusual memorials and stories we might not have seen otherwise. I’m so glad I booked this walking tour option instead of one of the larger tours or the tram. It felt like a private tour, despite being with other visitors.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bciuzio
Jul 21, 2024
Very Glad We Did this Tour - Visited the final resting places of people in history that we have read about. Informed of interesting stories that haven't been heard before. Hannah was knowledgeable in the history of the cemetery and the people interred there.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bill_t
Jul 13, 2024
WORTH EVERY PENNY - Having a guide is the only way to see Arlington National Cemetery The guide was knowledgeable and knew exactly what to show us. WORTH EVERY PENNY
Review provided by Viator
Daydream09759515365
Jun 26, 2024
Well-Organized Walking tour - The tour was very well organised allowing us to cover mostly all the places at the cemetry. Seeing the Changing of the Guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier was a highlight.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
296anayaa
Jun 21, 2024
Efficient and Enjoyable Tour - The tour was great and well paced. Our guide ensured that we saw all the major hightlights including President John F Keneddy's Grave and tomb without feeling rushed. Her clear and concise explanations made the complex history enjoyable. Highly Recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
32chayang
Jun 20, 2024
Passionate guide - Our guide Becca was both passionate & compassionate, creating a heartfelt and informative tour. She shared moving stories about the heroes buried at Arlington and explained the historical context with great emphaty. This made this visit fun touching and meaningful. Tour was a great and i highly recommed a tour with her
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laxmanlalg
Jun 18, 2024
Great for all ages - This tour was perfect for our family, including our children. The gracefulness of guide engaged our chilldren which was great that even our child enjoyed the history. Wesley made sure to highlight aspects that resonate with both adults and kids, ensuring everyone walked away with a better understanding. it was a memorable visit that is highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
