Washington DC Night-Time City Tour with Visit to Mount Vernon

Explore Washington DC and Mount Vernon for $158

This full-day tour offers a comprehensive look at Mount Vernon and the U.S. capital by night, starting at 2:00 pm with an 8-hour itinerary. Priced at $158 per person, it’s designed for those eager to see America’s historic landmarks and George Washington’s estate in one seamless experience. The tour is particularly popular, often booked 38 days in advance, and suits travelers with moderate physical fitness due to the walking involved.

The trip features a guided tour of Mount Vernon, a drive through Old Town Alexandria, and a nighttime city tour that captures Washington DC’s illuminated monuments. While it doesn’t include lunch or hotel transfers, it offers a well-rounded look at the city’s history and sights, making it ideal for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors.

Key Points

• Full-day experience combining Mount Vernon and Washington DC at night
• Includes guided tour of George Washington’s mansion
• Visits major landmarks like the White House and Capitol Building
• Passes by historic sites in Old Town Alexandria
• Price: $158, with most bookings made around 38 days in advance
• No lunch included, but a food court is available at Mount Vernon

The Tour Starts at the Heart of DC

The tour departs from 400 New Jersey Ave NW in Washington DC at 2:00 pm. It begins with a drive through the city, passing by notable landmarks such as the White House and U.S. Capitol. The group size is limited to 25 travelers, ensuring a personal experience with a licensed guide.

The meeting point is conveniently close to public transportation, making it easy to access for most visitors. After gathering, the tour sets out on a journey through history and contemporary DC, combining scenic drives and informative commentary.

Visiting the Boyhood Home of Robert E. Lee and the Lee-Fendall House

The first stops offer a glimpse into Virginia’s historic figures. The Boyhood Home of Robert E. Lee is passed by, with a free admission. This stop provides context for Lee’s early years without requiring an entrance fee.

Next, the drive takes visitors by the Lee-Fendall House located in Old Alexandria. Again, no admission fee applies, but the exterior view highlights the area’s colonial charm. These stops are brief, serving as visual introductions to the area’s rich Civil War history.

Guided Tour of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mansion

The highlight of the day is the guided tour of George Washington’s estate, which lasts approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, a short introduction video sets the scene for Washington’s home. The guided walkthrough of the mansion reveals the living spaces of the first American president.

After the guided portion, visitors enjoy free time to explore the estate at their own pace. The estate includes a food court and a gift shop, offering options for snacks, souvenirs, and rest before heading back to DC. This part of the tour is rated highly for its comprehensive view of colonial life and Washington’s personal space.

Exploring Old Town Alexandria and Historic Landmarks

On the way back to Washington DC, the tour passes by Alexandria’s Christ Church, a historic site associated with George Washington and Robert E. Lee. The Old Town Waterfront also features prominently, with a scenic view of the Potomac River and lively streets.

Additional stops include 523 Queen St, known as the smallest townhouse in Old Town, and a drive along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, which offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline. These exterior views provide a cultural and architectural context for the historic city.

Nighttime Drive Through Washington DC Monuments

Returning to the city in the evening, the tour offers a guided drive past many of Washington’s iconic landmarks illuminated at night. These include the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial are also featured, with stops for photo opportunities.

The White House is a highlight, with about 15 minutes allocated for photos and viewing. The U.S. Capitol receives a brief 10-minute stop for pictures, giving travelers a chance to capture the city’s most famous government buildings.

Evening Tour of Washington’s Memorials

The night tour showcases Washington’s memorials lit up against the evening sky. The Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial are especially striking after dark. The tour emphasizes the city’s history and symbolism, with the guide providing commentary on the significance of each site.

While this part of the experience receives mixed reviews, it remains a popular way to see the monuments when they’re most dramatic. The tour ends back at the original meeting point in downtown Washington DC.

Practicalities and What’s Included

This tour includes an introductory video at Mount Vernon, a guided mansion tour, and a drive through Old Town Alexandria. The licensed guide ensures a knowledgeable narration throughout. It also covers a half-day trip to Mount Vernon, with free time to explore the estate, and concludes with a nighttime city tour.

What’s not included are lunch (though a food court is available at Mount Vernon), and hotel pick-up or drop-off. Travelers should plan to arrive at the meeting point on time and have moderate physical fitness, as there’s some walking involved.

Valuable Insights from Reviews

This tour receives an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. It is praised for the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views of DC’s landmarks at night. The Mount Vernon visit is consistently highlighted as a well-organized and interesting experience, with some reviews mentioning the museum and family tombs as additional highlights.

However, the night tour has received mixed feedback, with some criticizing the driver’s incorrect or misleading information. Despite this, the overall experience remains highly regarded for the value and variety of sights covered.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour appeals most to history buffs, first-time visitors, and those interested in the personal history of George Washington. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy guided experiences and monument photography at night. The 8-hour length suits those comfortable with a full schedule, though it may not be ideal for travelers with limited mobility.

The combination of historic estate visits and city sightseeing makes this tour a practical way to see the highlights of Washington DC and Mount Vernon in one day.

Final Thoughts on the Washington DC Night-Time City Tour

This $158 tour offers a comprehensive look at both George Washington’s estate and the famous monuments of Washington DC. Its guided mansion tour and scenic drives make it a strong choice for those wanting an immersive historical experience combined with illuminated city views.

While the nighttime city drive might have some inconsistencies in commentary, the overall itinerary delivers good value, especially considering the free time at Mount Vernon and the chance to see many iconic landmarks. It is best suited for visitors who appreciate a structured day with a mix of history, architecture, and scenic nighttime views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided during this tour?
Transportation is provided for the entire trip, including the drive through Old Town Alexandria and the city sightseeing.

Does the tour include hotel pickup or drop-off?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Travelers need to meet at the designated starting point.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 2:00 pm and ending back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?
The price includes the guided tour of George Washington’s mansion, drive through Old Town Alexandria, introductory video, and nighttime city tour.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but a food court is available at Mount Vernon.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, so it suits travelers with average mobility. It is not specifically designed for young children.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

What landmarks can I expect to see at night?
You can expect to see the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the White House.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 25 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What are the main strengths of this tour?
The guided mansion tour, historic landmarks, and scenic nighttime views are highlights, along with the value for money and well-organized itinerary.

Are there any notable negatives?
Some reviews mention that the night tour commentary can be inaccurate, so travelers should keep that in mind when planning their visit.

This detailed review captures everything you need to know about the Washington DC Night-Time City Tour with Visit to Mount Vernon, helping you decide if it’s the right experience for your trip.