National Archive And US Capitol Tour

• 3 Hours & 30 Minutes
• All year round

Uncover the fascinating history of the birth of the US on this tour of the National Archives and US Capitol. Tickets in DC can be difficult to get, so take the pressure off trying to secure time slots and instead get lost in the absorbing story tracing the foundations of the country. Skip the line at the National Archives and see some of the most important documents in existence alongside an expert guide able to bring the stories behind the documents, places and iconic buildings to life.

Take a deep dive into US history on this revealing tour of the National Archives and US Capitol. You’ll uncover secrets most visitors never learn, from presidential assassinations to the burning of the Capitol, and rare stories behind monuments you never would have guessed. Begin by meeting your guide on the steps to the National Archives where you’ll get an introduction to the day ahead and the riveting history waiting for you inside. Waste no time waiting with skip-the-line tickets to National Archives already secured. Accompanied by your expert guide, your first stop will be to see some of the most influential documents in the founding of the USA. As you step into the Rotunda the documents collectively known as the Charters of Freedom – the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights – will be laid out before you. Seeing these monumental charters in real life is inspiring in and of itself but learning about the murals above them will surprise even the most studious of guests. Next, it’s on to the Public Vaults, an interactive permanent exhibition that transports you beyond the Rotunda, allowing you to explore the foundational documents for yourself. Opened in 2004, The Public Vaults displays approximately 1,100 records—originals or facsimiles of documents, photographs, maps, drawings, and film or audio clips. It’s a fascinating way to discover the raw materials of American democracy for yourself. As your guide takes you further into the National Archives, you’ll discover surprises around every corner! Hear one of the only recordings of Theodore Roosevelts voice and see the most recent presidents as children, giving you an insight into the figures behind the prestigious office. Your guide will be on hand to fill in the gaps with fascinating anecdotes and history, giving color to these exhibits. One of your last stops in the National Archives will be the vaults where the Magna Carta is kept. The document is one of only four surviving originals of the 1297 Magna Carta. Learn the story of its origins, how it became an inspiration behind the American Revolution – and how it ended up in Washington DC. Before you exit, your guide will take you through some of the more recent amendments and acts that have shaped the course of the country as we now know it.

Once you’re ready to leave, you’ll wander through the Sculpture Garden in the National Gallery of Art as your guide points out some of the most interesting designs dotted along the picturesque walkway. On your way to the Capitol, you’ll also pass by the National Mall seeing iconic sights like the Smithsonian Castle, Hirshhorn Museum and the National Air and Space Museum. On your way to the US Capitol, stop to admire the beautiful Reflecting Pool and memorials outside. With tickets already secured in advance, there’s no need to focus on anything except the significance of the building before you. Tour the crypt at the US Capitol as well as the original House of Representatives and see the exact spot where Abraham Lincoln’s desk once stood for a comprehensive insight into this seminal building. When you leave the Capitol, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area on your own with a newfound appreciation for the historic landmarks surrounding you and how they have shaped the country as we now know it.

Contact us for the operating schedule and pricing.