Arlington National Cemetery: Private Half-Day Walking Tour
What your day looks like
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the capital's most famous places and the final resting place for over 400,000 service members who gave their life for the nation's freedom, and it's best seen with a private guide with intimate knowledge of the stories of those buried here. During this inspirational three-hour tour, you will learn the stories of the military heroes, states-people and presidents who have been buried in the cemetery in its over 150-year history. A sobering reminder of the realities of war, but a stunningly beautiful tribute, the Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of nearly half a million service members and their families. Your tour begins at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, where you will learn about the astounding efforts of women in service of the military and how servicewomen came to have a dedicated space in Arlington. Your tour then continues with the stories of General Marshall, Chief Justice Rehnquist and Army General Bradley, while visiting their final resting places. From there, you will learn about General Robert E. Lee, the previous owner of these grounds who inhabited Arlington House. You will also explore lesser-known graves, including famed boxer Joe Lewis and the astronauts of the space shuttles Columbia and Challenger. Following this, your guide will take you to the highlight of the tour for many—The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where you will be able to see a Changing of the Guard ceremony and hear the harrowing efforts undertaken to uncover the identities of the nation’s fallen soldiers whose bodies have never been identified.
The experience, in brief
- Enjoy a tram ride uphill and a walking tour downhill of Arlington cemetery grounds
- Learn about General Robert E. Lee's home and its history during and after the Civil War
- Tombs of American figures, including President John F. Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy and more
- Visit the memorials dedicated to the victims of the space shuttles Columbia and Challenger
- See the unmissable Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The journey, in full
Attractions along this route: Arlington National Cemetery: The country’s largest military cemetery, serving as a final resting place for 400,000+. Arlington House: The nation's memorial to Robert E. Lee, an American and Confederate soldier. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A monument dedicated to U.S. service members who have died without their remains being identified. President John F. Kennedy Gravestone: John F. Kennedy's Eternal Flame can be found at Arlington National Cemetery. Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial: Memorial dedicated to the Space Shuttle Columbia STS-107 crew. Audie L. Murphy's Gravestone: One of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II, who received every combat medal bestowed by the US Army.
Your day, step by step
Washington DC
Sightseeing at Arlington National Cemetery.
What to know before booking
Included
Walking tour. Tram ride tickets inside Arlington Cemetery.
Not Included
Gratuities. Food and drink (not allowed in the Arlington Cemetery). Cost of transportation to/from destination, and hotel pickup/drop-off, is not included.
What to Bring
- Please wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat in the summer months. - Arlington Cemetery requirements: All US guests must provide a State or Government Issued picture ID. Visitors 16 and 17 may present a valid school ID. All foreign guests must present a PASSPORT. Foreign ID Cards will not be accepted.
Meeting & Pickup
Your guide will meet you in front of the main entrance to Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center, 1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
What travelers are saying
Absolutely 10 stars. Our guide I believe his name is John..was Absolutely incredible. His knowledge and history to share was so incredible. And at one point was able to share a bit of history with him. He was enthusiastic and respectful and we feel so lucky to have had him as our guide. I highly recommend him.
This was an amazing experience. I had been to Arlington many years ago, but this guided tour provided so much more information and history than I had ever experienced on prior trips. My family and I truly feel that we walked away from this experince with an amazing amount of knoweldge. John contacted me the day before our trip to be sure we knew where to meet. He was prompt (early) friendly and extremely knowledgable about Arlington and its rich history. A memorble experince for us and well worth the cost!