← Back to United States Experiences
Washington DC · District of Columbia · United States
Secrets & Scandals: Washington DC Private Half-Day Walking Tour
Starting From
From $363.00 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Explore the political heart of Washington D.C with an expert private guide to regale you with the stories of corruption and scandal at the very heart of political power in the USA. From stories of presidential scandals to the Secret Service, your experienced guide will weave together intrigue, conspiracy theories, and everything you never knew about how decisions are made in America. Washington DC has a reputation as a wheeler-dealer city where billion-dollar contracts, cosy media deals, and political alliances are sealed in smokey bars, boardrooms, and dinners hosted by power brokers in swanky Georgetown townhouses. On this tour, your guide will spill all the details of the stories of the occupants of the White House - both those from the recent past, including Nixon, Kennedy, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Obama and Trump - and its nineteenth-century occupants. You will trawl the haunts associated with some of Washington’s greatest rumours, indiscretions and media storms, security details, news-hounds, senators, lawmakers, cable news stars and White House officials. Attractions along this route: - Presidential Conspiracies: From W.H. Harrison through JFK, every 20 years a president died in office. Reagan 'broke the curse' with an assassination attempt that almost killed him outside a DC Hilton. - Lafayette Square Park: Given its proximity to the White House, the square is notable for innumerable scandals, most famously for Confederate spy “Rebel Rose.” - The White House: The White House is one of the most easily recognizable buildings on earth, yet shrouded in mystery and power. - Decatur House: The second-largest mansion in the Square area after the White House was the home of Commodore Stephen Decatur, a hero of the early-1800s Barbary Pirate Wars. - J Edgar Hoover Building (FBI HQ): Named after former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, this building is now the Bureau's Headquarters.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Explore the political heart of Washington D.C with an expert private guide
- Trawl the haunts associated with Washington’s greatest rumors, indiscretions, and media storms
- Hear stories of presidential scandals to the Secret Service, from your experienced guide
Detailed Itinerary
The journey, in full
-See the famous buildings synonymous with American power and democracy the world over; -Learn about the 4 presidential assassinations from Abe Lincoln to JFK, and the many attempted assassinations – and how they were thwarted; -Enjoy stories of how during the Prohibition era, DC was likely, and hypocritically, the least dry place in the United States; -Get to know the main sites around the White House neighbourhood, where so many national & international scandals have started or taken place, including Old Ebbitt Grill and the Willard; -Hear tales of corruption, secrets and lies at the heart of political power in Lafayette Square, including of Kennedy's affair with suspected East German spy Inga Arvad and how his father involved the notorious FBI director, J Edgar Hoover, in ending the tryst; -Hear all the historic and very latest gossip about what really goes on behind those secure, closed doors protecting those in power, and the various drinking holes that litter the city; -Your tour ends at the White House, where you'll hear about the wild parties thrown, including Andrew Jackson's inauguration party in which he slipped out of the house through a back window to escape the rabble.
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Washington DC
Sightseeing at J. Edgar Hoover Building.
Continued
Washington DC
Sightseeing at Lafayette Square.
Continued
Washington DC
Sightseeing at White House.
Continued
Washington DC
Sightseeing at Decatur House.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Walking tour.
Not Included
Gratuities. Food and drink. Cost of transportation between sites, and hotel pickup/drop-off is not included. Entrance fees.
What to Bring
- Please note this is a walking tour. It is advised to bring comfortable walking shoes, and any medication you may require during the tour. - Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the tour start time. - In the event of sunny weather, it is advised to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. In winter, it is advised to dress in warm clothing.
Meeting & Pickup
Your guide will meet you at the entrance to the Ford's Theatre at 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States.
Languages Offered
[object Object]
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
Traveler Impressions
What travelers are saying
2021-10-28
5.00 / 5
Our guide Kevin, was fantastic! His presentation was thorough and thoughtful. we walked away feeling like we learned a great deal of history in a very fun way. We highly recommend this tour.
Featured Travel