ALEXANDRIA CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Day Between Presidents: Private Mount Vernon to Arlington for Up to 10 Guests
A six‑hour private tour linking George Washington’s Mount Vernon with Arlington National Cemetery — ideal for small groups seeking a focused, guided history of America’s early leaders.
A Day Between Presidents: Private Mount Vernon to Arlington for Up to 10 Guests.
Adventure brief
A Day Between Presidents: Private Mount Vernon to Arlington for Up to 10 Guests
This exclusive private tour pairs Mount Vernon — George Washington’s mansion, gardens, tomb, and the Slave Memorial and Burial Grounds — with the solemn grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, where visitors witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visit the John F. Kennedy gravesite and eternal flame.
Located just outside Washington, D.C., Mt. Vernon and Arlington Cemetery offer a deep dive into American history, combined with dynamic outdoor touring experiences. This private tour provides an intimate look at George Washington’s historic estate alongside a poignant visit to Arlington National Cemetery. Perfect for small groups, this adventure combines scenic drives, curated commentary, and flexible scheduling, making it a standout option for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The tour begins as your party is transported from a convenient central location, passing rolling green fields and iconic monuments en route to Mt. Vernon. Here, you'll walk the well-preserved grounds of Washington’s former estate, with views over the Potomac River. The estate’s architecture, lush gardens, and preserved artifacts bring the founding father’s life into vivid detail—an outdoor museum infused with stories of revolution, leadership, and southern grandeur. Next, your journey continues into Arlington National Cemetery, where the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier highlights the solemn respect for the fallen. The landscape of rolling hills, mature trees, and national memorials creates an outdoor setting with immense historical weight. This private tour is an exceptional way to experience two major landmarks in a single, personalized adventure, guided by knowledgeable locals who bring history to life in an approachable way. It is ideal for visitors seeking a meaningful outdoor activity that combines cultural significance with the opportunity to enjoy D.C.'s scenic surroundings. Unique for its combination of private, guided exploration and flexibility, this tour offers a memorable way to understand America’s history in an engaging, outdoor environment. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a special way to see D.C., this experience stands out as a must-do outdoor activity near the nation’s capital.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic & Key Stops
A concise sequence of guided stops and the primary sights you’ll see during the six‑hour private tour.
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
Begin at the estate to tour the grounds, gardens, and exterior spaces of the plantation; admission is included.
George Washington’s Mansion (timed entry)
Enter the Mansion on a timed schedule with your guide to see the rooms and period interpretation.
Tomb of George & Martha Washington and Slave Memorial
Visit Washington’s tomb along with the Slave Memorial and Burial Grounds that contextualize the estate’s full history.
Arlington National Cemetery (tram access)
Transfer to Arlington to tour by tram and visit prominent memorials; includes the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the John F. Kennedy gravesite and eternal flame.
The tour accommodates private groups of up to 10 guests (priced per group) and runs on a timed schedule; vehicles are sized to group numbers (Luxury SUV for 1–4, Sprinter Van for 5–10), and admission and tram tickets are provided.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mount Vernon: Mansion, Gardens, and Memory
Visit George Washington’s Mansion and the surrounding estate to see the house itself, the gardens, the Tomb of George and Martha Washington, and the Slave Memorial and Burial Grounds, all accessed with included admission and timed entry.
Arlington: Ceremony and Iconic Gravesites
Experience Arlington National Cemetery with included tram access, observe the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and pay respects at the John F. Kennedy gravesite and eternal flame.
Private Vehicle, Guide, and Group Comfort
The tour is delivered as a private experience for your group, with hotel pick‑up and drop‑off, a licensed tour professional, admission and tram tickets, and complimentary bottled water included.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
Over the course of a six‑hour private outing (9:00 AM–3:00 PM), your licensed guide escorts your group through Mount Vernon’s timed‑entry mansion and estate before transferring to Arlington National Cemetery; the itinerary includes estate highlights, the Washington tomb and slave memorial, tram access at Arlington, and ceremonial observances such as the Changing of the Guard.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private, six‑hour history circuit is best suited for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The private tour runs six hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; hotel pick‑up and drop‑off are included.
Per‑group pricing includes a private vehicle and licensed guide, admission tickets for Mount Vernon, tram tickets for Arlington, and complimentary bottled water.
Vehicle allocation is by group size: Luxury SUV for 1–4 guests and Mercedes Sprinter Van for 5–10 guests; the tour is priced per group rather than per person.
Hotel pick‑up/drop‑off is provided to minimize transfers and improve accessibility; specific mobility accommodations should be discussed with the operator in advance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The private tour is six hours long and runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
How many people can join the private tour?
The tour is offered per group for up to 10 guests.
What is included in the price?
Pricing per group includes hotel pick‑up and drop‑off, a private vehicle and licensed tour professional, admission tickets for Mount Vernon, tram tickets for Arlington, and complimentary bottled water.
How is pricing structured?
Pricing is per group: $625 for 1–2 guests; $750 for 3–4; $850 for 5–7; and $1,050 for 8–10 guests.
Will I see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes — the itinerary includes witnessing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, schedule permitting.
Are admission and tram tickets provided?
Yes — admission to Mount Vernon and tram tickets for Arlington are included in the tour.
What vehicle will we travel in?
Vehicles are assigned by group size: a Luxury SUV for 1–4 guests and a Mercedes Sprinter Van for 5–10 guests.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-11-04T16:26:26.539Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.