Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards
By Unscripted by Guided Tours DC
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About
Make the most of your trip to Arlington National Cemetery on this walking tour. A guide ensures you don’t get lost in the cemetery’s vast grounds, and points out tombstones that most miss when exploring on their own. On the tour, view the changing of the guard ceremony from the best vantage point and pass by Robert E. Lee’s home.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 120–150 minutes
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Walking tour includes Changing of the Guard
- Explore with a guide: The cemetery’s vast size makes it easy to get lost
- Small group size ensures a tailored experience
- Choose from morning or afternoon departure times to fit your schedule
- Visit important grave sites from politicians to war heroes, including John F. Kennedy
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- 2-2.5-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour in Washington DC
- View the ceremonial Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns
- Visit some of the cemetery's most important memorials, including the USS Maine Mast Memorial
- Visit the grave of John F. Kennedy, as well as Jackie Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Edward Kennedy
- See notable sites such as the graves of Civil War Soldiers
- Professional Guide
- Entry/Admission - Arlington National Cemetery
- Entry/Admission - Arlington National Cemetery
What's not included- Gratuities
- Transportation
- Entry to Arlington House
- Meet your guide outside the main gates of Arlington National Cemetery at the time chosen at checkout. A small group size ensures full attention from your guide. As you pass through green fields dotted with white tombstones, stop at the final resting places of former US presidents, including John F. Kennedy. The guide ensures you don’t get lost in the cemetery’s 624 acres, and points out tombstones you might miss if visiting on your own. Next, make your way to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tour is timed so that you are able to view the incredible precision of the hourly changing of the guard ceremony. Afterwards, pass by grave sites of Civil War soldiers and officers. The tour ends in the cemetery.
- Start:
- 1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211, USAMeet your guide just outside the visitor’s center on the cemetery side after you pass through security.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 41377P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a walking tour, there will be approximately 2 miles of walking and inclines and stairs.
- Tour runs rain or shine.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 41377P3
From
AU$96.61
per adult (price varies by group size)
Select date and travellers
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Itinerary
- 1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211, USAMeet your guide just outside the visitor’s center on the cemetery side after you pass through security.
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- johnwF4305AU0 contributionsNice guided tour of the Capital BuildingOur tour of the Capital building was very good. Our tour guide James gave us lots of information about the Capitol building and the Supreme Court, which we toured in the place of the Library of Congress, which was closed due to a special event. The tour ended about a half hour early and we did not get to actually go into the Supreme Court room, but only into the building, some of its spaces, and hallways. So I think the tour with the library of congress could have been better. But overall, still a very good tour.Written 6 January 2025
- Carla02070 contributionsGreat tour company willing to go above & beyond to make it happenExtra significant for us because it was Election Day 2024. Our tour was to include both the Capitol and the Library of Congress but due to a breach at security into the Capitol, we only were able to tour the Library of Congress which was super interesting and educational to say the least. Our tour guide was super knowledgeable and personable which made it even better. The tour company was great in helping to schedule alternative dates while we were still in DC to get in a tour of the Capitol, which we did the very next morning. The Capitol tour was fantastic! We definitely learned things we never knew, from both tours. I mean who goes to DC without touring these 2 historically significant establishments?!?!Written 6 January 2025
- matthew57040 contributionsWroth every penny!Absolutely loved it and worth every penny. Tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Answered any and all questions. You can tell they are passionate and enjoy doing tours. I highly recommend this tour for the small group and more intimate experience:Written 5 January 2025
- Jay3140 contributionsSmithsonian Highlights - absolutely fantastic!Booked the Smithsonian Highlights tour with Unscripted Tours and it was by far one of the best tours I’ve ever been on. Our guide, Shane, was absolutely fantastic—he didn’t just cover the museums (American History, Natural History, and Air & Space) but tied everything together to give us a deeper understanding of American culture and human history as a whole. Everything was expertly timed, including restroom breaks, and the hand warmers and water Shane gave us at the start were such a thoughtful touch, especially in the freezing weather. A perfectly organized tour that really captures the essence of the Smithsonian. Highly recommend!Written 4 January 2025
- Alfred - Buddy C0 contributionsUs capital and library of congressMy son wife and I all enjoyed this tour we were first timers and was so amazed at this information from tour guides. Top NotchWritten 1 January 2025
- irinal2980 contributionsGreat tour of US Capitol and the Library of CongressIt was an excellent tour, also great communication to help us find the location, we went to see the Capitol and The Library of Congress. Our guide was knowledgeable and with a good sense of humour. I asked few questions and she answered all of them in detail. Highly recommend it.Written 29 December 2024
- Ariel Enrique G0 contributionsAwesome!Excellent and knowledgeable staff and guides. Organized and professional. I woukd definitely recommend this tour to my friends.Written 28 December 2024
- CAROL LYNN D0 contributionsExcellentReally appreciated the personalized service and the attentiveness of the guide, Kiersten. She really knows her stuff and kept us all together and organized, which is not easy to do.Written 28 December 2024
- M5188MUchris0 contributionsGreat afternoon following the Lincoln storyWe had a lovely time on this very informative and fun tour. It included a casual walking pace and indoor and outdoor portions. I loved the story telling style of these historical facts. The level of detail was incredible throughout the time together. The guide was very experienced, spoke loud and clear with fun and engaging animation that added to the experience. There was ample time and opportunity to ask questions. We highly recommend this specific tour company.Written 28 December 2024
- halovacationrentals0 contributionsLincoln walking tourThis tour was great! Jim was very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable on so many details of this period. Highly recommended.Written 27 December 2024
- 544sss0 contributionsUS Capitol & Library of Congress tourVery informative and well organized tour of National Capitol. Greate tour guide. I would recommend this tour to family and friends.Written 26 December 2024
- igm280 contributionsThe tour was very informative (especially for first time visitors).This was our first time visiting DC. Our tour guide James was very knowledgeable regarding DC history and institutions.Written 22 December 2024
- 279thinhn0 contributionsGood experience!!Great experience w the tour guide! Highly recommended if you want a comprehensive tour of the capitol. Will definitely consider going with them again if i ever visit dc in the futureWritten 21 December 2024
- Rhonda M0 contributionsExcellent tour. Excellent guide!This was an excellent tour! Our guide was knowledgeable, entertaining and amusing. Even though I know he’s done this a million times he made it feel fresh and fun! We learned so much. This tour was all I hoped it would be.Written 18 December 2024
- Andy and Ginger K0 contributionsGreat intro to Capital!James was a great tour guide and kept things interesting the entire time! I especially appreciated the messages and info leading up as first timers! Group was sized well for a single guide. The price seemed good to us for the value of the experience and would suggest to anyone looking to let someone else show them around.Written 15 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
877 reviews
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837
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Steve K
Redmond, WA1 contribution
The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and considerate of his audience and the venue. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wanted extremely detailed and informative historical insight. He controlled and led the 2 hour walking tour very well especially in light of the very hot temperature. He helped us post to the best spot for viewing the highly precise and respectful changing of the guard ceremony.
Written 9 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sabrina
Frisco, TX2 contributions
July 2024 • Family
We had a wonderful time in spite of the extreme heat on our Private tour. Pam was a wealth of local and historical information about Arlington, Virginia and DC. She had great stories and shared them as any storyteller would with passion and enthusiasm. Pam was flexible and willing to match our energy during the entire tour which gave us time to explore and walk at our own pace, especially in the heat. Pam was also a great communicator and made to sure we knew where and what to look for at the beginning of our tour. I would recommend Unscripted tours to anyone who asks to see Arlington or any of the other monuments in DC. We had a private tour which was absolutely worth the extra cost and allow of my kids who always have oodles of questions loved.
Written 7 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRC24
Springville, UT581 contributions
Aug 2021
I cannot begin to tell you how much we enjoyed this tour. Liam has a vast knowledge of the cemetery and knows a lot of the staff that guards the Tomb of the Unknown. I fond myself wanting to hear everything he had to say about the different hero’s that lay in rest in Arlington. I only wish I could remember everything he said. His countless stories of these individuals made me want to go re-visit some history books and learn even more. This is a walking tour and Liam does his best to take the tour through the easiest path and stops where there is shade to rest a bit, but be prepared to do some walking with a few hills. I would love to take this tour again just to retain more information. You may even want to record some of his discussions.
Written 29 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan S
Edmond, OK17 contributions
June 2023 • Family
We (grandparents and 13 yr. old grandson) had a walking tour with Jim yesterday. Our group was 13 people total as opposed to the huge groups we saw at the cemetery. Jim was full of great information and antidotes about the cemetery itself and those buried there. His delivery is easy to hear as he has a strong voice and can walk backwards. I don’t believe we would have gotten as much out of the cemetery visit had we been on our own or in a large group. We were asked to arrive 20 minutes before the start time. There is a reason. The security cue was long as we were going through with many school groups and just getting to the cemetery is not as easy at it looks on a map. I would highly recommend this small group tour.
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie P
3 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Liam was amazing! So knowledgeable and energetic. His walking pace was perfect so we weren’t too fatigued after traversing the hilly landscape. He gave incredible insight into what we were seeing. I had been to Arlington Cemetery before but the tour made it feel like a completely new experience. I would absolutely recommend to anyone touring the cemetery whether it’s your first or fiftieth time! Thank you Liam!
Written 6 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for joining me on tour! I am glad you found the pace was comfortable. The amount that we cover can feel daunting and exhausting otherwise.
Written 17 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christy V
Whitby, Canada1 contribution
Aug 2022
We felt the tour was fantastic and highly recommend it. The tour took just over 2 hours which was good. Our guide was fantastic and a machine for an older gentleman. He lugged a backpack with frozen waters for everyone through the whole time and it was around 100 degrees F. Hats off to him. He was very engaging, lots of interesting information and made sure everyone was being looked after. I would recommend to everyone as the cemetery is a must see. It is alot of walking up and down hill and steps so be prepared to walk. If you go in August like we did be prepared for temperatures to be very high.
Written 12 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JulyHeat2021
3 contributions
July 2021 • Family
Arlington Cemetery is so huge without direction you can easily spend 3-4 hrs walking around aimlessly (I did my first time around). If you purchase the tram it will only take you to two stops (so you will be walking around anyway :)). For these reasons and many more I highly recommend this tour with Liam. He is wealth of knowledge and answers any questions you might have. He guides you in the blazing summer heat (with many breaks and a slow walk for some of the inclines) and takes you to everything you want to see. We had one person who wanted to see their grandparents tombstone and without hesitation Liam found it. Book this now and you will not regret it. Tons of information. The changing of the guard was also great. I can’t recommend this tour enough. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Out of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars!
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NYCNomad
New York City, NY63 contributions
Feb 2023
Our family (my husband, I and our 8yr old son) loved the tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Our guide Jim has a personal connection and a wealth of knowledge. He shares the stories in an engaging, interesting and detailed way tying in the historical context. The nearly two hours went by quickly and we got to see all the most important sections and historically significant figures who are laid to rest here. Our son loves history, particularly WWII and thoroughly enjoyed Jim's storytelling.
Jim answered all of our questions, both related to history and customs/traditions related to Arlington National Cemetery.
Highly recommend Jim and the tour operator (GTDC) and would not hesitate to use them in the future.
Jim answered all of our questions, both related to history and customs/traditions related to Arlington National Cemetery.
Highly recommend Jim and the tour operator (GTDC) and would not hesitate to use them in the future.
Written 25 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin D
East Sussex, UK23 contributions
June 2022
The tour was excellent , the guide Paul was very easy to listen to and made it interesting would recommend. One tip, don’t walk to Arlington from the surrounding area it was so hot and when you arrive you have another two mile walk.
The tour guide Paul was so god he even had water for those who needed it . A definite asset to the company.
The tour guide Paul was so god he even had water for those who needed it . A definite asset to the company.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ericmonty304
Tacoma, United States3 contributions
July 2023 • Solo
Great morning walking tour with Allen! I recently moved to the area waited 17 years since commissioning to see the Changing of the Guard and Arlington National Cemetery - going through GTDC did not disappoint. Allen started on time, was very, very knowledgeable, scored the group with an ideal spot for the Changing of the Guard, and covered all the highlights within the two hour block. Thanks, GTDC!
Written 9 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there parking available in the near vicinity of the pickup point ( main gate) ?
Written 1 June 2019
There is plenty of parking within the Cemetery. Kiosks to pay at parking structure itself or in visitors center.
Written 3 November 2019
Do taxis go to Arlington Nat'l Cemetery and is the Metro difficult to navigate? A tour guide we talked to said they would bring us to the cemetery but the tour ends in the cemetery and we will have to find our way back to the Churchill Hotel in DC.
Written 23 January 2019
I took an Uber from my hotel (downtown) to The cemetery. They drop you off right at the main gates. I also took an Uber back to my hotel from the cemetery. The Uber picked me up pretty much just outside the main gates. I did see the entrance to the Metro very close to the main gates as well so I’m sure that’s easy to navigate.
Written 23 January 2019
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