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Skip the Line National Archives and US Capitol Tour
4.7
34 Ratings
Washington
Immerse yourself in the history of the US on a guided tour of the National Archives and US Capitol. Explore iconic buildings and view important documents with a knowledgeable guide.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- The National Archives Museum - Begin your tour by stepping into the past at the National Archives. With pre-reserved tickets for the first entrance of the day, your expert guide will lead you straight in to see some of the most influential documents in history. At the Rotunda, lay your eyes on the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights as you hear about their legacy and influence. You’ll also see one of the original copies of the 1297 Magna Carta and discover its influential legacy, including how it came to be stored in Washington D.C.
- National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden - Description: A scenic stroll through the Sculpture Garden awaits next. You’ll see some stunning pieces including Marc Chagall’s ‘Orphée’ a gorgeous mosaic inspired by Greek mythology and Hector Guimard’s ‘Entrance to the Paris Métropolitain’, a feature which can still be seen at 86 station entrances in Paris today. Alongside these beautiful sculptures, you’ll pass through the center of the garden, used as a gorgeous fountain in the summer and an ice-skating rink in the winter.
- National Mall - Next is a walk along the most-visited national park in the United States, the National Mall. Filled with landmarks comemmorating the nation’s founders and veterans, you’ll uncover the fascinating history of the birth of the US as you trace the founding fathers’ steps to the US Capitol. On your way, you’ll take in iconic sights like the Smithsonian Castle, Hirshhorn Museum and the National Air and Space Museum. Stop to admire the beautiful Reflecting Pool and Grant Memorial on your way to this historic building.
- U.S. Capitol - An historic monument, a working office building, and one of the most iconic symbols of democracy worldwide, you’ll discover all of these sides to the US Capitol on your visit. See the original House of Representatives, tour the crypt, and hear some fascinating insights you won’t hear elsewhere. You’ll come away with a greater understanding of the continued significance of this building and its place in history.
What's Included
- Local English-speaking guide
- National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
- Pre-reserved National Archives entry ticket
- Pre-reserved US Capitol entry ticket
What's Not Included
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Experience the intriguing history of America’s foundation on this tour of two significant landmarks in Washington, the National Archives and the US Capitol. Don’t fret over ticket availability or scheduling issues; we’ve already booked your entry to both sights. Enjoy the company of a knowledgeable guide who can breathe life into the prominent documents, places, and architectural masterpieces you’ll come across.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour.
- This is a walking tour with large hills. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- On rare occasions we may not be able to get Capitol Visitor Center tickets. Instead we will visit the Library of Congress or the Supreme Court.
- For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
Location
701 Constitution Ave. NW
Constitution Avenue Northwest
We will meet outside the Front Steps of the National Archives. Your Guide will be holding a "Meet Here" sign.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(34 Ratings)
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Steve_b
Jul 25, 2024
An experience of history coming alive! - So refreshing to see the honoring of our democracy and our nation’s leaders long forgotten and now faithfully serving!
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_j
Jul 14, 2024
Great Tour - We had a great time on this tour. Skipping the line has it's privileges especially at the National Archives. We had good time to be up close with the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The US Capitol tour was amazing! I would recommend this as good start or close of your trip in D.C. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and fun.
Review provided by Viator
Hugo_g
Jul 14, 2024
Great tour for the value! - We had a great tour guide, as she was extremely knowledgable, educated on the sites we visited and very helpful.
Review provided by Viator
Grace_g
Jul 12, 2024
Must do! - We almost missed the opportunity to see the national archive and capitol tour! Grateful for this tour, would rebook!
Review provided by Viator
Hallie_h
Jul 9, 2024
1st Trip to DC! - Trip was great and the tour guide Ryan H was very knowledgeable. We enjoyed swe8ng the county's history
Review provided by Viator
Mike_k
Jul 7, 2024
Great Tour - Tyson and Zach were very knowledgeable about the history of DC and the National Archives. Im very glad I booked this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Yiru_t
Jul 6, 2024
Made to the congress - We signed up for the tour because we were too late for capital hill registration. We were able to visit congress through last minute booking on this. Our guide is nice and informative, overall, a good experience.
Review provided by Viator
Wendi_m
Jul 7, 2024
Great Tour - Allegra did a great job of guiding and informing. Very friendly and knowledgeable.
The only part of the tour that didn’t work for us was the time limit given for looking through museum piece at The Archives, restroom and gift shop- all supposed to be done within 20 min. There is no way. If you really want to look- even quickly- that’s not enough time.
Otherwise- very good tour.
Review provided by Viator
Barbara_w
Jul 7, 2024
Walking Tour of DC - This tour went to the National Archives, the Capitol Building and a few sites in between. It is a walking tour so you can see many things close up.
The guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of information.
I would recommend this tour in the spring or fall. It was 95 degrees and uncomfortable to be out in the sun for that long.
Review provided by Viator
Roberta_j
Jul 2, 2024
Archive Hike - The tour was amazing. We were blessed with awesome weather. I would not recommend this tour if it’s hot however the guides were great and made sure we stayed hydrated. I would also suggest when planning this tour to check in at the front of the National Archives. My family went to the back door because we were not sure. Best part was being able to see the archives with just our tour prior to the public. That was amazing.
Review provided by Viator
