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Offered languages
- English
- English
This elf-guided walking tour explores how Washington's federal buildings reflect ideas about democracy, governance, and power. Tracing a route around Capitol Hill to Union Station, the 90-minute tour highlights the architecture, history, and key figures behind these institutions.
Key Highlights:
*US Capitol & Supreme Court:** Discover the Capitol's evolving design and how judicial review was claimed in 1803.
*Library of Congress:** Compare its three distinct buildings, including the Adams Building's radical bronze doors.
*Senate Buildings:** See the historic Russell Caucus Room and learn how Everett Dirksen broke the 1964 Civil Rights Act filibuster.
*Judiciary & Monuments:** Visit the Belmont-Paul Monument and the Thurgood Marshall Building with its indoor bamboo forest.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The tour begins at the Capitol Visitor Center entrance on the east front of the U.S. Capitol. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
The tour ends at Washington Union Station - Main Entrance, 40 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002.
Itinerary
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United States Capitol (Pass by)
Pass by the seat of Congress to learn about its centuries of construction, architectural evolution, and the distinct operating philosophies of the House and Senate. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
Supreme Court of the United States (Pass by)
Walk past the nation's highest judicial body to learn about its establishment of judicial review, classical architecture, and how justices are appointed. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Stroll past the Thomas Jefferson Building to explore magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture and discover millions of historic items, manuscripts, and rare recordings. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by this world-renowned institution to admire its Art Deco facade and learn about its vast collection of rare early modern literature and First Folios. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Walk along one of D.C.'s oldest houses to learn about the historic fight for women's suffrage, Alice Paul, and the National Woman's Party. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Stroll past this modern Senate building to observe its contemporary design, internal atrium sculpture, and learn about Senator Philip Hart's legacy. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by this mid-century Senate building to learn about the historical site's past and Everett Dirksen's crucial role in passing the Civil Rights Act. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Walk along the oldest Senate office building to discover its classical Beaux-Arts architecture, historic hearing rooms, and complex legislative legacy. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Stroll past this granite federal building to learn about judicial administration and civil rights icon Thurgood Marshall's groundbreaking legal strategy. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by this grand Beaux-Arts transit hub to admire its soaring gold-leaf ceilings, rich rail history, and historical presidential suite. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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