Overview
Go beyond the monuments and discover the hidden layers of Washington, D.C. on this private journey through history, culture, and architecture. Travel through historic neighborhoods to the breathtaking Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, North America’s largest Roman Catholic church, renowned for its Romanesque-Byzantine design and 70+ cultural chapels.
Continue through vibrant districts to the majestic Washington National Cathedral, an inspiring example of English Gothic architecture. Cruise along Embassy Row, home to international embassies and the Vice President’s residence, and conclude in Georgetown, where historic charm meets world-class dining.
This is more than a tour, it’s Washington, D.C. revealed.
What's Included
- Bottled water Water is available in a cooler at the back, please just ask if you would like one.
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
A professional Continental City Tours guide will pick you up at the scheduled time from your hotel, restaurant, or museum within downtown Washington, D.C., the National Mall area, or Arlington, VA. If your pickup location does not appear in the online system or is flagged as outside the service radius, simply message or text us the address and we will gladly confirm it or suggest the nearest convenient pickup point.The pickup radius is designed to maximize your 3-hour Contrast Tour, allowing more time to focus on the city’s diverse neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and architectural highlights rather than travel time.Your guide is also your driver, providing engaging narration as you travel through Washington, D.C. You’ll enjoy informative drive-by views of key areas such as Embassy Row, the Naval Observatory, Adams Morgan, and other notable corridors, with stories that bring the city’s contrasts to life. The tour also includes dedicated stops to explore the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington National Cathedral, Georgetown, the “Exorcist” Steps, and Georgetown University, blending scenic drives with walkable experiences.If you are arriving with your own vehicle, contact us in advance and we will provide free parking recommendations—either within D.C. on weekends or near the Pentagon on weekdays. Your guide can pick you up from the parking location and return you there at the end of the tour.We look forward to welcoming you and sharing a unique perspective of Washington, D.C.
What To Expect
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Naval Observatory (pass by)
Embassy Row (pass by)
Washington National Cathedral
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Adams Morgan (pass by)
Georgetown
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
"The Exorcist" Steps
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Georgetown University
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Contrasts of D.C. – A Private Walking Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-7283P9
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
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- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
- Bottled water. Water is available in a cooler at the back, please just ask if you would like one.
- Private transportation.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Gratuities.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Contrasts of D.C. - A Private Walking Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Contrasts of D.C. – A Private Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Bottled waterWater is available in a cooler at the back, please just ask if you would like one.
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Operated by a business
