By Isabel Prontes
Washington, D.C., is the the capital city of the
United States and one of the most popular tourist destinations. Whether you want to visit historical museums or notable American landmarks (from the Department of the Interior Museum or the Lincoln Memorial), there is no shortage of things to do and see while in Washington, D.C. A good way to get a thorough understanding of the city is by taking a guided day tour, of which there are many.
Washington DC Guided Day Tour
The Washington DC Guided Day Tour lasts six hours and is often referred to as the most detailed day tour of the capital. If you are interested in learning about American history and seeing each and every important Washington monument and memorial, this is the ideal tour for your needs. It's also a great guided day tour for learning about Washington, D.C., trivia. Some of the monuments and memorials the guided day tour will stop by are the Jefferson Memorial, the U.S. Capitol Building and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Free drinks are included on the tour. (www.washingtondc.com)
Washington, D.C., Sightseeing
The Washington DC Sightseeing day tour features a knowledgable guide by the name of Anthony Pitch (who has appeared on CSPAN television). If you want to hear stories about when Lincoln was shot, or learn about the White House's British invasion, this is a fascinating and interesting guided day tour to partake in. The tours generally last approximately two hours. This is a walking tour. The "Burning of Washington 1814" is one of the most well-known of the tours. (info@dcsightseeing.com - Tel: 301-294-9514)
City Running Tours
City Running Tours is unusual because it is a guided day tour of Washington, DC., that involves a lot of athleticism in the form of running. The guides help keep the pace comfortable as you tour the capital--you will jog past international embassies and legendary American monuments. The running tour goes through a lot of the city's most historic areas, and at one point, you will even jog through the zoo. (info@cityrunningtours.com - Tel: 877-415-0058
Old Town Trolley Tour
The Old Town Trolley Tour is a great guided day tour that helps gives tourists a diverse view of Washington, D.C. The tour goes along the three trolley lines (green, orange and red) where visitors can hop on and off easily between important points of interest. The tour makes stops at many of the city's most famous sites, such as Georgetown, the Arlington National Cemetery, the Capitol and the White House. The tour is narrated by a guide and lasts approximately two hours. (Tel: 800-868-7482 )
Spies of Washington Tour
Washington, D.C., has always had a mysterious aura of espionage surrounding it. This tour is guided by Carol Bessette (a former Air Force intelligence officer), who is an expert in Washington regarding that topic. One of the most exciting Spies of Washington Tours is the "North by Northwest" tour that takes place around the Russian Embassy. There are other tours such as the Capitol Hill and Georgetown spy tours. (email@spiesofwashingtontour.com - Tel: 703-569-1875)
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
