Best Tours in Washington DC

Franciscan Monastery, a century-old monastery is one of Washington DC's hidden delights. The garden, set on a hillside and reached by winding paths, is full of big trees and places to sit quietly among the flowers and small outdoor shrines. The public is allowed to view the upper church's full-scale replicas of Holy Land shrines. In the lower church, visitors will find a replica of the Roman catacombs, which can only be seen on scheduled tours. Guided tours last about 45 minutes.

From beneath the 90-foot (30-meter) portico, lies an expanse of sloping lawn along the Potomac River as it flows past Mount Vernon. This 17th-century plantation house was once home to the first President of the United States, George Washington. The property was originally owned by Washington's father, Augustine, and George replaced a smaller, more modest home with Mount Vernon when he came into the property, beginning in 1758. Today, costumed guides narrate the history of the elegant mansion and of the surrounding buildings, which have been preserved to reflect the days when the first president resided here. The state also features tours around the 500-acre (200-hectare) estate, including its surrounding buildings, and historic exhibits that recreate farming techniques and colonial games. Awash in elegant semblances of Palladian architecture, Mount Vernon is a treasured centerpiece of history and culture.

The paper currency for the US gets printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. A fascinating and informative spot offering a great experience, kids and adults alike will love visiting this “money factory.” Also, the bureau runs 24 hours a day and prints $450 million daily. The guided tour lasts around 40 minutes and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer evening tours require tickets handed out at the Visitor Center. Thus, visitors can see a display with a million one-dollar bills and view dollars at every stage in the production.

The monumental cornerstone of the United States presidency, the White House, is the formal abode and headquarters of the President of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, this gleaming neoclassical structure was originally referred to as the Presidential Mansion before Theodore Roosevelt lovingly bestowed upon it the moniker of 'White House'—a name that would go on to signify not only the physical structure but the entire collective unit that comprised the President and his advisers. While John Adams was the first incumbent of this official home, several leaders that followed added their own elements to its interiors, the most noteworthy being the comprehensive redecoration carried out by former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of erstwhile President John F. Kennedy. Today, the central building of the White House comprises the Executive Residence, while the rest of this colossal structure consists of a total of 132 rooms, a tennis court, a putting green, 35 bathrooms, a cinema, and a bowling alley named after Harry S. Truman.

The award-winning Old Town Trolley Tours covers more major capital sites than any other. The attractions include the National Mall, Georgetown, the National Cathedral, and Arlington National Cemetery. The trolleys travel in a continuous loop. Riders can join the tour at any of 19 stops. Stay aboard the entire two hours and listen to an informative narrative, or hop off for a closer look at an attraction. Trolleys roll by every 30 minutes, so you can simply re-board and continue the tour.

Odyssey Cruises is a well-established name in providing luxurious and elegant cruise experiences to discerning customers. Their beautiful boat is a true delight with its elegant decor. Unique glass walls and ceilings provide an amazing, unobstructed view of the sights. Dine on the river in their classy dining room, and relax as you feast on the innovative and delicious fare while watching city's most beautiful monuments flicker away before you. A wonderful choice for a romantic evening out on the water, you can dance to soothing Jazz played by the live band as you watch the sunset over the Potomac. The restaurant has a lovely selection of wines and cocktails to accompany their refined menu, making for a pleasant experience.