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Offered languages
- English
Before it was the cosmopolitan heart of DC, Dupont Circle was a wasteland transformed by "Boss" Shepherd’s corrupt politics and the staggering wealth of the "Nouveau Riche." Join us for a walking journey through the Gilded Age, where we strip back the marble facades of DC’s most iconic mansions to reveal the scandals within.
From the "smart set" of Embassy Row to the tragic curse of the Hope Diamond, you’ll learn how the city’s elite reinvented themselves—and sometimes lost everything—in the quest for social dominance.
Highlights
The Beer Baron’s Castle: Visit the Heurich House, the city’s first fireproof home, built by the man who survived "Death" and Prohibition.
The Hope Diamond Curse: Stand before the Walsh-McLean House and hear the tragic tale of Evelyn McLean’s "cursed" fortune.
Diplomatic Intrigues: Explore the Larz Anderson House, a 50-room palace designed for the most exclusive 12 weeks of the year.
Secret Doors & Scandals: Pass by the O Street Mansion’s 100+ secret doors
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Your guide will meet you at the 1921 Biergarten at the Heurich House just south of Dupont Circle Address is 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington DC 20036 Feel free to arrive early and relax with a drink prior to the tour Tour time is departure time. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check in.
Itinerary
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1
Visit a beer garden at the former mansion of a historic brewer.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
See some of the fun and interesting statues and memorabilia at the Mansion on O Street and learn how to visit this quirky house with over 100 secret passages.
Admission ticket free -
2
A Gilded Age mansion which houses the Society of the Cincinnati, a fraternal order that pre-dates the Constitution
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3
Hear stories of noted socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean, known for her elaborate parties and immense wealth, and how her former home became an embassy.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
(Pass by)
Explore the circle park that lends its name to the surrounding neighborhood and learn the history of the neighborhood, from early establishment to today.
Admission ticket free -
4
Hear tragic tales about the Wadsworth family that this house was constructed for.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
(Pass by)
Discover a mansion that was designed by an earlyAfrican-American architect.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that this is an exterior tour and we do not enter the mansions described
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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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