Arlington Cemetery: History, Heroes & Changing of the Guard
ID: GYG608918-1020801
Category:
Country: United States
Duration:
02:30 hours
Description
Take a tour through American history to honor military and war heroes, witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and get a free audio tour to visit the Iwo Jima USMC Memorial.
This 2.5 hour walking tour includes stops at President John F. Kennedy's gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknowns, where you will witness the time-honored tradition of the Changing of the Guard, Arlington House, and much more, with an optional extended self-guided audio at Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial.
We don't just show you the sites; we tell you the stories. You'll hear the actions of Medal of Honor recipients and understand why family members can be buried here, too. Learn about military funerals and understand the symbolism on the headstones.
Pay respects to the only two presidents buried in Arlington Cemetery, John F. Kennedy and Willard H. Taft.
At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we'll learn about what it takes to be a sentinel and how the tomb is guarded 24/7 in any weather.
We'll experience Arlington House, visiting the "Slave Quarters" and Museum to learn why Robert E. Lee's house became a military cemetery.
Visit the Women in Military Service Memorial Museum to learn how women have contributed to the American military.
While we end the tour inside Arlington National Cemetery, we provide a free self guided audio tour for anyone who wants to complete the 15 minute walk to visit the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial just outside the cemetery with instructions on how to get back or how to continue to the nearest Metro.
Highlights
- Witness the Changing of the Guard Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Hear the tales of bravery and sacrifice of those buried and interred here.
- See the magnificent view of Washington, DC from Arlington House
- Pay respect to presidents, Supreme Court justices, astronauts & school teachers
- Take an optional self guided extension to see the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This tour has unavoidable stairs. We can only accommodate wheelchairs and non-folder strollers on private tours. There are some hills but we aim for a leisurely pace.
The tour departs from outside the Arlington Cemetery Welcome Center after security. We are unaffiliated with any desk inside the Welcome Center, so please don't look for us there. Please look for your guide in orange by the benches as you exit the visitor center into the cemetery.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
