Arlington Cemetery Walk With Tomb Unknown Soldier & JFK Gravesite

The Arlington Cemetery Walk offers visitors a chance to explore the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. During this guided tour, guests will witness the solemn Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and pay their respects at the eternal flame marking President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite. With a wealth of historical significance packed into a 2-hour experience, this tour provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and legacies that shaped America’s past.

Key Points

• The tour provides a 2-hour guided walk through Arlington National Cemetery, including visits to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy.
• Travelers will witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a hallmark of the tour.
• The tour also explores historic landmarks like Arlington House and the residences of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
• The tour departs from the Arlington National Cemetery Metro Station and has a maximum group size of 40 travelers.
• While the tour is generally well-received, with a 91% traveler recommendation, there have been some concerns about guide punctuality, communication, and not visiting all advertised sites.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The guided 2-hour walk through Arlington National Cemetery allows visitors to witness the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and explore the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy with its eternal flame.

Travelers will also view the historic Arlington House and the residences of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

With 91% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence from Washington DC, this tour provides an educational and immersive experience for up to 40 guests.

The tour departs from the Arlington National Cemetery Metro Station and is priced from $55.00 per person.

Tour Details and Logistics

Departing from the Arlington National Cemetery Metro Station, the tour meets at the Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22209.

The tour allows a maximum of 40 travelers per group. Restrooms are available on board, but food and beverages aren’t included, allowing visitors to enjoy lunch on their own.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, and a moderate physical fitness level is required, as the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Tour Experience and Expectations

Visitors receive confirmation at booking for this guided Arlington National Cemetery walk.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. While infants must sit on laps, a moderate fitness level is required, as the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.

The 2-hour experience departs from the Arlington National Cemetery Metro Station and explores key sites like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and JFK’s gravesite.

With a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour provides an educational historical context, though pacing and guide attitudes may vary.

Tour Guide Feedback and Reviews

Though the Arlington Cemetery Walk boasts a 4.6 rating based on 33 reviews, the feedback on tour guides is somewhat mixed.

Many travelers commented positively on the guides’ informative and engaging presentations, providing valuable historical context. However, some guests complained about specific guides’ attitudes and pacing issues.

A few noted that the guides didn’t visit all the advertised sites, such as Arlington House and the Washington Monument.

The tour operator has addressed these concerns, encouraging guests to provide feedback for improvement and assuring satisfaction with the overall tour experience.

Customer Concerns and Responses

What concerns have guests reported regarding the Arlington Cemetery Walk tour, and how has the host responded? Guests have cited issues with tour guide punctuality and poor communication, as well as complaints about not visiting all advertised sites like Arlington House and the Washington Monument.

The host has addressed these concerns, promising to improve tour structure and guide performance. Travelers are encouraged to provide feedback for enhancing satisfaction.

Some key concerns noted include:

1. Late arrival of tour guides
2. Lack of clear communication from guides
3. Failure to see all advertised landmarks
4. Inconsistent quality of guide engagement and pacing

Preparing for the Tour

Those embarking on the Arlington Cemetery Walk tour will want to make some key preparations to ensure a smooth and enriching experience.

Essentials	Suggestions	Tips
Comfortable walking shoes	Bring water and snacks	Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early
Weather-appropriate clothing	Carry a portable charger	Review the tour itinerary beforehand
Camera or smartphone	Pack a small backpack or bag	Familiarize yourself with the metro/transportation

With these simple preparations, visitors can focus on fully seeing the history and solemnity of Arlington National Cemetery during the guided tour.

Exploring Arlington National Cemetery

As visitors embark on the Arlington Cemetery Walk, they’ll be immersed in the solemn majesty of Arlington National Cemetery.

The tour highlights include:

1. Witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a humbling experience.
2. Exploring the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, marked by the eternal flame.
3. Viewing the historic Arlington House, the former home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
4. Appreciating the scope and scale of this hallowed ground, where over 400,000 service members and their families are laid to rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, food and beverages are not included and must be purchased separately. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the tour, as long as they don’t interfere with the experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Arlington National Cemetery Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Respectful attire is encouraged, as the cemetery is a solemn and historic site.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video recording are generally permitted during the tour, though visitors should avoid being disruptive or obstructing the view of others. Some areas, like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, may have restrictions on photography.

How Long Does It Take to Walk the Entire Arlington National Cemetery?

The full tour of Arlington National Cemetery can take 2-3 hours to complete, as it covers over 600 acres of hallowed ground. The walking distance varies, but visitors should expect a moderate level of physical activity during the guided experience.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Rates for Military, Students, or Seniors?

The tour operator offers discounted rates for military personnel, students, and seniors. These special rates are typically 10-15% off the regular adult ticket price, but customers should check the specific offers when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The Arlington Cemetery Walk offers an educational and reflective experience, highlighting significant historical sites like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and President Kennedy’s gravesite. With a 91% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this guided tour provides visitors with a poignant and meaningful exploration of Arlington National Cemetery’s rich history and solemn memorials.