Arlington Cemetery: Kennedy Memorials & Changing of Guard Walking
Description
A complete tour with a small group that allows time to visit the main sites to pay respects, take photos, and watch the full Changing of the Guard Ceremony. We don't just show you the sites on our walking tour; we tell you the stories. -Presidents Kennedy & Taft Memorials - the only two presidents buried here. -Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & Changing of the Guard - learn what it takes to be a sentinel & witness the tradition of guarding the tomb. -Arlington House - visit the Slave Quarters & Museum to learn why Robert E. Lee's house became a military cemetery. -Military Women's Memorial - learn how women have contributed to the American military. Hear the actions of Medal of Honor recipients and understand why family members can be buried here. Learn about military funerals and understand the symbolism on the headstones. At the end, we provide a free self-guided audio tour to the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial just outside the cemetery.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We don't just show you the sites; we tell you the stories. Come along on this family-friendly tour of one of this nation's most sacred grounds.
Pay respect to the Kennedy's: President John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy and their eldest brother, Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr.
Here the story of a real "Captain America," Medal of Honor Recipient Audie Murphy and discuss the nearby USS Maine, Space Shuttle Challenger, Space Shuttle Columbia and Iran Rescue Mission Memorials.
We will explain the history of the Changing of the Guards, what it takes to be a sentinel and make sure you get one of the best views of this time-honored tradition.
Honor those lost on the Space Shuttles Challenger, Columbia, and Iran Rescue Mission. "Remember the Maine," and learn where this rallying cry came from while looking at the original ship's mast.
Head to the top of the hill for a breathtaking view of Washington, DC. We will have time to visit the "Slave Houses" and the Museum briefly to understand how Robert E. Lee's home became Arlington National Cemetery
See the Air Force Memorial from a distance from the grounds of Arlington House and learn how Arlington Cemetery is expanding to surround this memorial.
We do not walk past Section 60 which often has families and loved ones visiting graves of those killed in action in recent years, but we talk about the enduring legacy of Arlington Cemetery today.
We provided a self guided audio tour and map for anyone who would like to take the additional 15 minute walk to visit Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial outside the cemetery. The guide will not join you for this stop. At Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial, you can either continue 10 minutes to Rosslyn Metro or walk back 15 minutes to Arlington Cemetery Visitor Center.
We end the tour outside the Military Women's Memorial and museum, where you can learn how women have contributed to the military might of America through the years.
The first President to be buried at Arlington Cemetery, President (and Supreme Court Chief Justice) Taft lies here with his wife, Nellie Taft. It is thanks to her efforts we have the famous Cherry Blossom trees.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a walking tour. There are stairs and a few hills.
- This tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Please contact for a private tour to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, canes or mobility issues.
Reviews(128)
Becca was a fantastic guide. She knew the answers to our all of our questions. She’s also got an upbeat personality!
It was a beautiful and humbling experience seeing the many many headstones of the men and women who fought and died for our freedom! God bless America! The jet flyovers were a bonus!!! Although our guide could have been better. That is why the 3 stars.
Unfortunately in my tour we didn't go to all the places listed on the itinerary, I would recommend not paying for this and only hitting the spots you're intereted in. Alot of the facts given seemed googable so you could also just google things as you approach certain areas. My tour guide didn't seem experienced enough and it made the tour feel pointless, he left a lot of questions unanswered or lack of recalling certain things. On a positive note this is great for foreign tourists who are just looking to learn a little of American history and if you like company these are great. It also helps to take pictures with your group.
Thank you for taking the time to share this feedback, and I'm glad the tour gave you a chance to connect and learn some American history. I do want to gently clarify a couple of points for future readers. Our itinerary was completed with one exception: a stop was inaccessible due to a funeral taking place nearby, which was outside our control. I also want to note that our guide is a 7-year Air Force veteran with deep personal knowledge of the cemetery's history. Partway through the tour, time was spent locating you after you didn't return to the group at the scheduled meeting time, which unfortunately meant missing some of the commentary in that section. I mention this only because it may explain some of the gaps you experienced. We take guide quality seriously, and I'd welcome the chance to talk through your experience directly. Please feel free to reach out to us as we sent you a message in response to your refund request. Thank you again for your feedback.
Excellent trip. In depth explanation. Such a peaceful place to visit. Such a great honor and respect for all those warriors who gave their lives for the country. And that was the day of "flower of remembrance" such a great privilege and honor to visit this place on that day. Our guide was awesome. Even though it was a few hours trip, the guide, Trevor became a very good friend. Very friendly yet very professional.
Thank you! We're so glad you had such a meaningful experience with Trevor. His knowledge and warm personality truly make the tour special. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again soon!
The Fontanelle Cemetery in Naples is a fascinating place rich in history, offering a unique experience to those who visit. Its mysterious and evocative atmosphere is enhanced by the chapels and visible bones, which tell stories of life and death. The attention to detail and the cultural significance of the site make it an unmissable landmark. The visit is enriched by the guides' preparation, who share anecdotes and local legends, making each stop fascinating. The unique architecture and the peace that permeates create a fascinating contrast with the lively life of Naples. This cemetery is not just a burial place, but a true open-air museum that offers a profound reflection on life, death, and Neapolitan tradition. Highly recommended Especially bring the children
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted you enjoyed the tour and found it both fascinating and meaningful. It's great to hear our guide helped bring the history and local stories to life. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again!
Despite the hills and stairs, the tour was worth it. The guide was very knowledgeable. Learned more on this tour than when I took the tram tour.
Thank you! We're so glad you found the tour worthwhile and informative. It's great to hear you learned even more than on the tram tour. We appreciate your feedback!
The tour was very interesting. Colin did a great job. He pointed out relevant items as we walked by and took us to the main tourist attractions as well. We had a great time and learned a lot about the cemetery and the civil war.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour with Colin. We appreciate your kind words and are happy you had a fun and informative experience learning about the cemetery and its history.
Kevin was guide and was fantastic. Took all of our questions in stride and if he didn’t know he would just let us know that. He found out they were laying a wreath and the Tomb of the Unknown Solider and he made sure we stayed.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour with Kevin. His knowledge, honesty, and attention to special moments like the wreath-laying ceremony truly make for a memorable experience!
We booked the 2.5 hour walking tour. It is not a difficult walk but you will want to make sure you are wearing good shoes for walking. This was the best tour we went on while in DC. Our tour guide, Trevor, was knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommended him as a tour guide. The tour was well organized and we were grateful for the opportunity to see the changing of the guard ceremony. We were given several opportunities throughout the tour to ask Trevor questions and developed a deeper understanding of the history and significance of Arlington Cemetery.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour with Trevor and found it both informative and memorable. We appreciate your recommendation and are thrilled you had the opportunity to experience the Changing of the Guard ceremony!
Definitely take the walking tour. Tyler our tour guide was very good and informative. You can see so much more than taking the tour bus
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the walking tour with Tyler. We appreciate your recommendation and are happy you found it informative and worthwhile!
