Arlington Cemetery Guided Afternoon Walking Tour

The Arlington Cemetery Guided Afternoon Walking Tour offers a chance to explore one of America’s most hallowed grounds. Led by knowledgeable guides, the 2-hour experience takes visitors through the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy. With convenient transportation and insightful commentary, this tour provides an immersive journey into the nation’s history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or seeking a meaningful way to pay respects, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This 2-hour guided tour provides an in-depth exploration of Arlington National Cemetery, including a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the grave of President John F. Kennedy.
• The tour is led by expert guides who offer informative commentary and historical context, making it ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and first-time visitors.
• Participants will be picked up from the Arlington Cemetery Metro Station and dropped off at the Lincoln Memorial, ensuring easy access to transportation.
• While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is stroller-friendly and suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels, as long as they wear comfortable walking shoes.
• The tour has received positive reviews, with travelers praising the knowledgeable and friendly guides, though some have provided feedback on improving the organization and communication at the meeting point.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Arlington Cemetery Guided Afternoon Walking Tour offers visitors a comprehensive 2-hour guided exploration of the hallowed grounds.

Highlights include witnessing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and visiting the grave of President John F. Kennedy.

An expert guide provides informative commentary and historical context, making it an ideal experience for families, history enthusiasts, and first-time visitors.

The tour covers the Arlington House, the former residence of General Robert E. Lee, and other significant sites, providing a moving and educational journey through this sacred national cemetery.

Inclusions and Logistics

The Arlington Cemetery Guided Afternoon Walking Tour includes visiting the iconic Arlington National Cemetery.

This 2-hour guided walking tour provides:

• Professional tour guide accompanying participants throughout the experience
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off service for added convenience
• Meeting point at the Arlington Cemetery Metro Station, arriving by 1:45 PM
• Tour ending at the Lincoln Memorial, allowing easy access to other transportation options

The tour offers an immersive experience, with the guide providing informative commentary and historical context to enhance the visitor’s understanding of this hallowed ground.

Accessibility and Recommendations

Though the Arlington Cemetery Guided Afternoon Walking Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible for those visiting with young children.

The tour welcomes service animals, and it’s located near public transportation.

However, it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential.

Guest Experiences and Feedback

With 29 reviews and an average rating of 4.2, guests have generally shared positive experiences on the Arlington Cemetery Guided Afternoon Walking Tour.

Travelers commend the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides, such as Tyrone and Sally, who provide informative commentary and historical context throughout the tour.

However, some reviews mention mixed experiences regarding the organization and communication around the meeting point.

Recommendations include:

• Allowing additional time at key sites
• Providing snack options during the tour
• Improving clarity on meeting location and transportation options

Booking Information and Policies

The Arlington Cemetery Guided Afternoon Walking Tour is priced from $55.00 per person.

Guests can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts. The maximum group size is 80 travelers. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and flexible payment options are available.

The tour covers key sites like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, the grave of John F. Kennedy, and the Arlington House. Participants should have a moderate fitness level and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers

One of the tour’s highlights is witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. This solemn ritual is performed by the U.S. Army’s 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard".

The ceremony involves:

• Precise, synchronized movements by the guards
• A detailed inspection of the soldier’s uniform and weapons
• The relief of the previous guard by a new one
• A moment of silence to honor the sacrifices of the fallen

Visitors are awestruck by the dedication and discipline displayed during this moving tribute to America’s unidentified service members.

Exploring the Grounds of Arlington National Cemetery

After witnessing the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony, visitors embark on an immersive exploration of the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.

The guided tour takes them through the rolling hills, past rows of perfectly aligned white headstones, and by the final resting places of countless American heroes.

Highlights include visiting the grave of President John F. Kennedy and the stately Arlington House, the former residence of General Robert E. Lee.

The knowledgeable guide provides historical context and insights, fostering a deeper understanding of the significance and reverence of this sacred national site.

Honoring the Legacies at Arlington House and Kennedy Grave

Visitors on the guided tour make their way to the historic Arlington House, the former home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

This majestic mansion offers a glimpse into America’s past, serving as a symbol of the nation’s divided history.

The tour then leads guests to the grave of President John F. Kennedy, marked by an eternal flame and surrounded by tranquil gardens.

Guests can pay their respects and reflect on the life and legacy of this iconic American leader.

The tour provides an opportunity to honor these significant historical figures and their impact on the nation.

• Arlington House, the former home of Robert E. Lee
• Grave of President John F. Kennedy with eternal flame
• Tranquil gardens surrounding Kennedy’s final resting place
• Chance to reflect on the legacies of these historical figures

Sum Up

The Arlington Cemetery Guided Afternoon Walking Tour offers a moving and educational experience for visitors. From witnessing the Changing of the Guard to paying respects at President Kennedy’s grave, the tour provides an immersive journey through the hallowed grounds of this national cemetery. With expert commentary and convenient logistics, the tour is a must-do for those seeking to honor America’s heroes and understand the significance of this iconic site.