Washington DC · US CAPITOL & LIBRARY OF CONGRESS TOURS
Free Capitol passes are taken months ahead, which is why paid small groups still have space. The 15 below hold reserved entry, and they differ on whether the Library of Congress and its reading room gallery are included.
Ride through Washington DC in an open-air, seven-passenger electric cart with a local guide. Stop for photos at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, MLK Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, while passing the White House, Capitol Hill, and Smithsonian museums.
“Great way to see the most important Washington, DC, monuments with entertaining history and commentary.”
Spend a full day seeing Washington DC with reserved Capitol and National Archives entry, a live English-speaking guide, coach transport, and a seasonal Potomac cruise or Pentagon stop. Guides such as Nick, Evan, and Brittany are praised for clear stories and humor, but expect a long day with steady walking.
“Brittany was awesome. She had so much knowledge. Her brain must be huge to have stored that much information to share. She was passionate in telling us about the monuments. She was lighthearted, funny and a delight to spend time with. I would definitely go on another DC tour with her. Also, our bus driver, Kiefer was pleasant and polite.”
Explore Capitol Hill with a guide such as James, Meg, Dash, or Skye, then enter the US Capitol and choose the Library of Congress or Supreme Court. Expect 2 to 3 hours, a maximum of 15 people, timed security, and plenty of walking.
“The tour guide took us around the Supreme Court and The Capital. She was friendly and very knowledgeable.”
Walk Capitol Hill with a local English-speaking guide, then enter the Library of Congress and US Capitol. See Jefferson’s library, the Treasures exhibit, the Crypt, Rotunda, and Old House. Guides such as Ingeborg, Brooke, Trevor, and Katherine are known for clear history and calm handling of schedule changes.
“Our tour guide Kathleen(?) was knowledgeable, caring (e.g., cautioned us about nearby graphic protesters), and efficient with our time. Combining the Capitol Hill and Library tour with timed tickets to a federal tour guide of the Capitol was great. We enjoyed the history, beauty, snd significance of many points throughout the two tours and the tour overall.”
Start near the National Archives for a morning bus tour of Washington DC’s major sights. Guides such as Tyrone, James, Sally, and Vernon add history and humor, while optional upgrades cover the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, Air and Space Museum, and African American History Museum.
“My husband and I took the Stewart with our adult daughter. Kris was such a helpful chauffeur, and Sally the perfect commentator. She provided the perfect context for each stop, and we had time to explore the monumentson our own. I found it particularly moving to visit the Roosevelt, MLK, and Jefferson memorials. Their words really resonate in these times..”
Spend about two hours walking Capitol Hill with a live guide, then enter the U.S. Capitol and Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress. Guides such as Rochelle, Tyrone, Dwayne, and Amanda are praised for lively storytelling. Mondays and 8 a.m. departures use the Capitol Museum instead of the Library.
“Tyrone our guide was outstanding! He connected with my 11 year old son right away and kept him engaged the entire time. His knowledge and stories definitely made the experience a more memorable one. I would highly recommend him to anyone booking a tour. 5 stars!”
Join a live guide such as Dwayne or Rochelle for a two-hour Capitol Hill walk, the U.S. Capitol interior, and the Library of Congress Jefferson Building. You’ll see the Rotunda, Crypt, Statuary Hall, Gutenberg Bible, and Great Hall, with a Capitol Museum substitute on Mondays.
“What should’ve been a fabulous first turned into a not so much! I booked and some how the date got changed from tomorrow to today. Not sure if you’ve had this happen to you but whatever it was an accident. I contacted them right away as the tour was only an hour and a half after my erroneous booking. They don’t even bother to respond to meet request to change days be care full when you book heaven forbid you should make a mistake all Wanted was to do The tour the next day!”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Neptune Fountain for a three-hour Capitol Hill walk. You’ll visit the Library of Congress and US Capitol with reserved entry, see the Supreme Court, and hear lively stories from guides such as James, Laurel, Meg, and Kirsten.
“The tour was wonderful. The guide was knowledgeable, charismatic, and had a great personality. Well worth the money. I definitely recommend this tour and will use them in the future. My adult daughter, her boyfriend and my husband all enjoyed the experience.”
Spend about two hours exploring Capitol Hill, the U.S. Capitol, and the Library of Congress. Guides such as Dwayne, Tyrone, and Rochelle add lively historical context, manage security and timing, and point out details you could easily miss. The Library visit is self-guided after the Capitol tour.
“Can’t say enough about Tyrone. He was upbeat, knowledgeable and good at keeping the group together. Best of all we arrived just as tour was starting due to an Uber driver with navigational problems and were dropped at wrong spot. Before I could call your office Tyrone called my cell, located us and tour started as scheduled. Great experience.”
Walk Capitol Hill with a guide such as Brenda, Donna, or Amanda, visiting the Supreme Court exterior, Jefferson Building, and Capitol Visitor Center. See the Gutenberg Bible, learn how Congress works, and receive passes for the House or Senate galleries. The group never exceeds 12 people.
“We had a very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide, Amanda. She gave us heaps of information and we thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Walk Capitol Hill from 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. with a theatrical guide such as Davy Crockett, Mary Surratt, or Anna Seurat. Expect spooky stories, presidential lore, views of the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Senate, plus plenty of history. The tone is family-friendly rather than frightening.
“Funny, engaging, full of great history. Wish it started a little earlier because after a full day of walking/sightseeing, we were beat by 9:30.”
Spend three hours walking Capitol Hill with a licensed guide such as Becca, Eli, Ingeborg, or Trevor. See the Supreme Court from outside, enter the Library of Congress, then join a docent-led Capitol tour. Expect strong history, photo stops, security checks, and plenty of walking.
“First of all, our guide Ingeborg did a very good job. She was very knowledgeable, approachable and good to talk to. However, due to the government shutdown the tour was just outside in front of the three buildings that we really would have liked to see from the inside. Even though we had known about the shutdown, we still were very disappointed. Maybe the company should have canceled the tour.”
Spend 2.5 hours with a private English-speaking guide at the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and Capitol Hill. See the Jefferson Building’s grand interiors, learn how Congress works, and receive passes for House or Senate galleries after the guided portion.
“The tour was very interesting. Our guide Annemarie was nice, professional, patient and provided a lot of information. We had a great time”
Start at the National Archives with a small English-speaking group and head straight to the Charters of Freedom. Walk through the Sculpture Garden and National Mall, then enter the US Capitol for its crypt and historic chambers. Guides may include Jim, Joe, Mike, Amanda, or Alex.
“I liked the tour with Jim. Jim is a easy going person and was well informed about the history of Washington and give some good advices about cultural events and museums in Washington.”
Meet your English-speaking guide near the Supreme Court or Botanic Garden for a two-hour Capitol Hill walk. Visit the US Capitol and Library of Congress, see Jefferson’s original library, and hear the stories behind the Rotunda, Crypt, and old House chambers. Guide Dwayne has earned special praise.
“I was not able to tour the Library of Congress as it was on a MOnday and the Library is closed on Mondays. The company should give a full refund for failure to provide notice that the Library of Congress is closed on Mondays and yet take a reservation for Mondays.”
Pick a memorial, a collection or a boat.
