Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier & Arlington Cemetery Tour

• 3 Hours
• All year round

Arlington National Cemetery is the resting place of some of the most distinguished and decorated people in the history of the United States. Every major war the US has fought in is represented in Arlington. There’s no better way to pay respect and learn the stories of the great women and men laid to rest here. But spanning nearly 260 hectares and with over 400,000 graves, Arlington is immense. Without mapping out a route beforehand, many visitors overlook some of the most interesting areas. Even with a route, without someone to explain what you’re seeing, it’s almost impossible to fully appreciate Arlington’s connection with the wider context of US history. That’s why on this tour, you’ll see the cemetery alongside a local expert who is able to fully explain the grave markers and places of interest. On this curated route, you’ll come away with a deep understanding of the larger story behind this hallowed ground.

Begin by meeting your expert guide at the Arlington Welcome Center, where you’ll get a short introduction about the cemetery and the people you’ll be paying respects to. Spend a few minutes taking in the incredible view of Washington DC, then, it’s on to hear the stories of the dedicated women in military service. There are a total of two presidential graves at Arlington. First, you’ll stop at the grave of President Taft, 27th President of the USA, the 10th chief justice and the only person who has ever held both offices. Next, you’ll come upon the grave of Robert Todd Lincoln. Here, within eyesight of JFK’s grave, you’ll discover the strange curse associated with his name due to his unfortunate connection with three presidential assassinations in the space of just 36 years.

Next, it’s time to stop into Arlington House where you’ll step through time to see a chapter of the country’s past. Take a tour of the house once occupied by General Robert E. Lee. Lee’s story is one characterized by inner conflict and turmoil. One of the most highly decorated soldiers in the US Army before the Civil War, Lincoln asked him to command the northern armies. But he defected to defend his home state of Virginia which seceded with the rest of the south. You’ll hear more about this turbulent chapter in history and see for yourself part of the reason for the conflict by visiting the slave quarters, segregated into North and South sections.

During your tour, you’ll take a curated route through the cemetery ensuring you see the most important areas commemorating US history and service. The Space Shuttle Challenger memorial, Columbia Memorial, Nurses memorial and many more are both a chance to pay respects and learn more about some of the most monumental moments in US history. One of the key stops is the Memorial amphitheater, a stunning visual space inside the cemetery grounds where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands, commemorating those soldiers whose remains have never been identified. The symbolic changing of the guard takes place every 30 minutes during summer and when you experience it, it will help you understand how this practice marks with significance to the way we remember those fallen in battle.

Contact us for the operating schedule and pricing.