tour dc with us

Classical Educational and Private Guided Tours

F rom USA to I taly & Beyond

WWW.VAFELTRE.COM   &  WWW.TOURDCWITHUS.COM

FAMILY COMPANY

Lorna holland, dante zambrano cassella, and arlea giovanna.

At our core, we stand apart from the crowd of big tour companies. To many, you may be just a statistic, but to us, you are akin to a cherished family member exploring our corner of the world. Our guiding principle is simple: "No Stress." We transform your tour into a delightful, interactive, and educational e xperience for both kids and groups alike. With us, it's not just a tour; it's an enjoyable journey. As Licensed Guides, we c urate your itinerary, drawing upon our wealth of experience to ensure your stay is truly one-of-a-kind. Choose us for a seamless, stress-free adventure that leaves you with lasting memories.

TOURDCWITHUS LLC is our Tour company that specializes in Educational and Private Tours in Washington, D.C., Philly, New York, Boston and more!

VAFELTRE TOURS   is where we specialize in Private Guided Tours to Italy, Slovenia, Germany, Croatia, Austria, France, and more.

We're not your average tour company; we're a family. Our small, close-knit team prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring your journey is exceptional. With 20+ years of experience and top-notch guides, we make dreams come true. Our tour consultant is also your guide, creating a stress-free, customized itinerary.

Your safety is paramount. We're in constant touch with industry experts and offer comprehensive travel insurance. Explore our reviews from teachers past and present. Join our family and turn your dreams into cherished memories.

"Lorna is exactly what you want in a tour guide. I expected her to be knowledgeable about the historical sites of Washington DC. Where she excelled is how easily she edited schedules on a dime if things such as inclement weather or unexpected closings occur. Great personality, kind...definitely felt like family by the end of the trip." Middle School Tour with 110 people over 4 days

"Lorna did an outstanding job showing our students and chaperones around the city. Lorna was a wealth of knowledge and kept our middle schoolers and adults alike entertained. I would highly recommend her to others looking for a great tour!" Middle School Washington DC Tour

Read more from our current and past teachers.

Lorna Holland.

Tour Director/Guide. English & Italian Language Guide Lorna has over 20 years experience in tourism in over 30 different countries. She specializes in family based , Student groups, Corporate & Diplomatic Tours. 

Cel: 571-239-3889

Dante Zambrano Cassella

Tour Director/Guide. English, Spanish, & Italian Language Guide Dante has over 20 years experience guiding tours in Europe, South America and USA. He loves showing our Nations Capital to people from all over the world.

Cel: 703-209-0669

Get to KNOW us!

The best way to know about our Tour Family is to visit our YouTube Channel. We have videos of our Travels, Past Tours, Unknown Locations, Travel Tips, and more! See some of our latest videos:

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12 best washington, d.c. tours (beyond the monuments).

The nation's capital has more to offer than free museums and tons of history.

The Best Washington, D.C. Tours

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With lots of free attractions and historic sites in a relatively compact area, Washington, D.C., is a tourist's delight. Even so, there's no better way to get to know the nation's capital than with an expert. U.S. News gathered expert recommendations and traveler opinions to create this list of the top tours in Washington. Whether your interests include architecture, history or food, the following tours let you get to know the city like a local.

D.C. By Foot – National Mall Tour

Price: $4 tour reservation fee Duration: 2 hours

D.C. By Foot's National Mall walking tour is a mile-long stroll that includes stories about famous landmarks like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Travelers praise the tour, saying it is chock-full of information and that the guides are engaging. D.C. By Foot is a pay-what-you-want tour: it's free, though it is assumed you will tip your licensed, freelance guides.

Tours depart Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Travelers should note reservations are required for this tour and there is a $4 reservation fee per person for tours. The company also conducts a slightly shorter Scavenger Hunt at the Mall tour geared toward kids and a bevy of other tours around the city.

Check availability on:

Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington D.C.

Price: Adults from $44; kids from $33 Duration: 1.5 hours

According to reviewers, this trolley tour provides an educational and relaxing outing, thanks to informative commentary from the friendly onboard guides. This hop-on, hop-off tour option allows travelers to explore Washington at their own pace and check out the monuments, museums and attractions that they are most interested in. Popular stops on the trolley route include the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the International Spy Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Portrait Gallery and more. In total, the trolley makes 15 stops.

Trollies run hourly from 9 a.m. to about 4 p.m. daily. Old Town Trolley Tours also offers specialized Arlington National Cemetery tours and a Monuments by Moonlight Tour, among others.

Check prices & availability on:

Unlimited Biking DC – Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $55 Duration: 3 hours

A great way to quickly cover a lot of ground is on the Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour from Unlimited Biking DC, which takes you on a guided tour to see the main monuments along the National Mall and the Tidal Basin. What's more, the entire tour takes place on sidewalks, paths and trails, so you never have to worry about navigating city streets. Plus, you can hop off to take photos and explore sites during the roughly 4-mile adventure. Visitors say the tour is perfect for families thanks to the engaging guides and manageable pace of the route.

E-bikes are available for an additional fee. The tour runs at 10 a.m. daily, with an additional 2:30 p.m. tour from April through October. If you can't get enough of the monuments, the company also offers a Monuments at Night Bike Tour as well as cherry blossoms tours, among other options.

Reza Venegas | Courtesy of Mangia D.C.

Mangia DC Food Tours – Georgetown Foodie Tour

Price: Adults from $79; kids from $69 Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Eating your way through Georgetown – one of D.C.'s wealthiest and most picturesque neighborhoods – with Mangia D.C Food Tours is a delightful way to get acquainted with the area. On the Georgetown Foodie Tour, you'll visit up to five restaurants for tasty samples, plus a cocktail or mocktail pairing. Your guide will give you an overview of the area's cultural and political ties, as well as point out historic landmarks. Foodies say the tour is both filling and educational.

Mangia D.C. limits tours to 14 people, which makes for an intimate group – another point of praise for reviewers. Tours run Friday through Sunday and start at 1 p.m. Looking for more local eats? Mangia also offers an Italian Food Tour in Washington's Dupont Circle neighborhood.

Capital Segway Tours

Price: From $70 Duration: 2 hours

Seeing all of Washington's landmarks on foot is an ambitious goal, but if you swap walking for riding a Segway, you can glide to most of them. Highlights on this tour include the White House, the National Archives, the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Every rider receives a radio headset, which makes it easy to hear the guide's descriptions. Reviewers say the guides are fantastic and the tours provide the perfect overview of the city, which in turn helps visitors decide where they want to spend more time. Many add that they appreciate the guides spending time to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe on the Segway before setting off.

Participants must be 16 or older and weigh at least 100 pounds to ride. Tours are not suitable for those who weigh over 250 pounds or women who are pregnant. Capital Segway Tours requires travelers to arrive 30 minutes prior to tour for orientation and training session. Tours run year-round and are offered several times a day, weather permitting.

Blue Fern Travel – Black Broadway — U Street Food Tour

Price: From $105 Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

This U Street tour run by Blue Fern Travel (formerly Carpe D.C. Food Tours) is purportedly the company's most popular, which makes sense because the U Street neighborhood is one of the liveliest in the city. During the tour, your guide will take you to several locally owned restaurants for hearty samples. As you make your way along U Street, you'll learn about the neighborhood's history, architecture and jazz heritage. Foodies find the history lessons surprising and informative; some love the information almost as much as the food.

Tours depart Thursday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. year-round; group size is typically around 12 people, according to the company. You can expect to walk about a mile on the tour visiting the different eateries. Tickets cost $105 per person. Blue Fern also offers food tours of Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria.

USA Guided Tours – African American History and Culture Tour

Price: Adults from $89; kids from $79 Duration: 3.5 hours

Travelers heap praise on the guides leading the African American History and Culture Tour, applauding their expertise and storytelling. During the bus ride across D.C., travelers will learn of African American history and perspectives of different D.C. monuments. Sites on the tour include Black Lives Matter Plaza, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the African American Civil War Memorial, among other significant locations. Trips conclude at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where you will have reserved access to the popular site. (Note: Some stops are guided around monuments, while others are quick pauses for photos.)

Tours run daily at 10 a.m. This tour is also available as a private excursion. USA Guided tours operates a variety of bus and walking tours.

Check prices & availability on: 

D.C. Design Tours – Dupont Circle & Embassy Row Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $20 Duration: 2 hours

D.C. Design Tours focuses on Washington's eclectic architecture and design. On the approximately 2-mile Dupont Circle & Embassy Row Tour, you'll explore the area while an experienced guide identifies and describes significant properties, such as The Cosmos Club, the Embassy of Indonesia (Walsh-McLean House) and the Woodrow Wilson House. You'll also hear a good deal of history and some juicy gossip about some of the nation's movers and shakers. Tour-takers rave about the hidden gems and stories the guides share.

Public tours run on Saturdays at 11 a.m. Design Tours also guides visitors through surrounding neighborhoods, such as Capitol Hill and Georgetown.

D.C. Metro Food Tours – Georgetown Food Tour

Price: From $80 Duration: 3.5 hours

During the Georgetown Food Tour, you'll visit up to five local spots in this upscale neighborhood. But you won't just be stopping in for a quick bite. Instead, tour-takers will sit down and be served a specialty of the house – an element foodies love about the tour. Dining highlights might include pie from a family-owned bakery, a Korean dish and Italian-American fare. In addition to tasty cuisine, guides will regale you with stories about local sites and landmarks as you walk between stops.

Tours operate Thursday through Sunday at 3 p.m. D.C. Metro Food Tours offers food tours of other neighborhoods, including Dupont Circle and Virginia's Old Town Alexandria.

City Brew Tours – The DC Signature Brew Tour

Price: From $89 Duration: 3.5 hours

With a motto of "You Drink, We Drive," D.C. Brew Tours sets the stage for a safe yet beer-filled day on its Original Brew Tour. During the outing, you'll be chauffeured around the city in a comfortable van, visit three breweries, get behind-the-scenes tours and enjoy up to 12 local craft beers. This tour also includes a beer-pairing lunch. Participants champion expert guides and excellent beers.

Get your beer fix during the tour, which runs multiple times from Wednesday through Sunday. D.C. Brew Tours limits its excursions to 14 people. The company also offers private tours.

Nonpartisan Pedicab – Smithsonian Museums and Pennsylvania Avenue

Price: $175 per hour Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Being chauffeured around town in a private pedicab with Nonpartisan Pedicab is a novel and comfortable way to see the sights in D.C. You can sit back and relax while an expert guide gives you a personalized tour and does the cycling for you. On the company's Smithsonian Museums and Pennsylvania Avenue tour, you'll follow the inaugural route from the Capitol to the White House, passing 24 landmarks along the way. Tour-takers say the guides are excellent and share plenty of fun facts and history during the trip.

Occasionally the company offers discounts and deals on the hourly rate (check its website for details). Nonpartisan Pedicab offers a variety of tours around the city, including a twilight tour of the monuments and an Embassy Row and Georgetown tour, among others.

City Cruises – Monuments and Sightseeing Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $23 Duration: 1 hour

After you've toured the monuments by foot, bike or bus, why not admire them from the water? City Cruises offers one-way and round-trip departures from Alexandria, Virginia and Georgetown. Along the way, you'll see the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Washington Monument, the Arlington Memorial Bridge and more, all while enjoying prerecorded commentary describing the monuments. Visitors appreciate the narration but note that engine noise sometimes drowns out the recording.

During the warm-weather months, the cruise departs daily. Throughout the rest of the year, cruises usually only operate on the weekends. One-way trips last 45 minutes each way. Round-trip journeys span just under two hours. The company offers several other sightseeing cruises, including one that drops off visitors at Mount Vernon.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Washington, D.C., Bus Tours
• Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
• Best Hotels in Washington, D.C.
• Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA
• The Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Tags: Tours , Washington, D.C. , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , Washington DC Vacations , Southeast Vacations , US Vacations

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Spotlight on Washington, D.C.

About this tour.

Walk the path forged by leaders of the free world in America’s spirited capital city. View monuments that commemorate the heroes who have shaped America’s past, including the World War II Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. Wander Mt. Vernon’s beautiful plantation grounds and tour the beloved home of George Washington. Uncover Smithsonian treasures as you explore some of its world-renowned museum collections. The epic story of American democracy comes to life in Washington, D.C.

Your Tour Includes

• 1 Handpicked Accommodations
• 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• U.S. Capitol Building Tour
• World War II Memorial
• Washington National Cathedral
• Choice on Tour: International Spy Museum or Lincoln Assassination Tour

Your Tour at a Glance

5 Breakfasts

2 - Moderate

Travel Style

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Spend 5 memorable nights in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Tour the iconic and storied U.S. Capitol building.

Cultural Experiences:

Behold the impressive Washington National Cathedral.

Peek into the life of America’s first president at Mount Vernon.

Experience DC your way by visiting a Smithsonian Museum of your choice.

Culinary Inclusions:

Experience international cuisine in local restaurants throughout the city.

• Arlington National Cemetery
• Mount Vernon
• Old Town Alexandria
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• White House Visitor Center
• Smithsonian Institution

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

After your tour of the Washington National Cathedral, you will choose how you want to see more of D.C. this day. You might choose to join a walking tour retracing the plots and events leading to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. During this 1-mile walk, learn about the sites where these connected attacks against the government played out. Or, you could decide to visit the International Spy Museum, which sheds light on the secret world of espionage and intelligence. The museum’s exhibits and experiences take you undercover.

Hotel-Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle From $100 per night

Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle

Stay longer.

Post Night: Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle From $100 per night

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THE 10 BEST Washington DC Tours & Excursions

Washington dc tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

2. Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

3. Night Tour with Optional Air & Space or Washington Monument Entry

4. Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

5. Capitol Hill Walking Tour with US Capitol and Library of Congress

6. Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

7. Washington DC by Moonlight Electric Cart Tour

8. Best of DC Plus US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Entry

9. Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour

10. Hop-On Hop-Off 21 Stop Trolley Tour + Arlington Cemetery

11. Private Tour of Museum of African American History and Culture

12. Private Washington DC City Tour

13. Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions

14. Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour + Changing of the Guards

15. Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour

16. Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour

17. Private Night-Time Tour of Washington DC with a Chauffeur

18. Morning Monuments Tour with Optional Guided Entry into US Capitol

19. Private Night-Time Monuments Tour of DC with Hotel Pick-Up

20. Private African American History Tour with Museum Entry

21. DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Potomac River Cruise, Entry Tickets

22. Private Washington DC Grand Tour with Hotel Pick-Up

23. Ghosts of Georgetown Night-Time Walking Tour

24. Washington DC Night-Time City Tour

25. Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour

26. Washington DC Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

27. VIP Mount Vernon Day Trip & Potomac River Cruise

28. Big Bus DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

29. See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour

30. LED Lights Magic Night-Time Guided Tour with Photo Stops & Snack

What travelers are saying.

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• Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress
• Moonlit Bus Tour with Optional Washington Monument or Air & Space
• Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour
• Capitol Hill Walking Tour with US Capitol and Library of Congress
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• See DC Today
• Private Tours of Washington
• Perfect Private Tours and Transportation
• Trip Hacks DC
• Grand Atlas Tours
• Nonpartisan Pedicab
• DC Insider Tours
• Black Hawk Sedans
• Private DC Tours
• Walk of the Town
• City Segway Tours DC
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Washington DC & NYC Tours

Washington dc tours.

Join us today on our award-winning DC tours — recipients of the Travelers’ Choice Award!

New York City Tours

Explore NYC with one of the top 5 U.S. travel experiences — voted twice in the past 5 years!

Expertly Guided

Experience an enriching sightseeing journey led by our expert tour guides , who will accompany you at each stop!

Award-Winning

Our NYC and Washington DC bus tours have garnered numerous industry-recognized awards over the years!

Luxury Transport

Our bus tours are conducted with climate-controlled luxury tour buses that offer comfort and protection from weather elements!

Washington DC Best Sellers

DC at Dusk Bus Tour

Experience the enchantment of Washington DC at night: Award-winning tour with expert guides and luxury transport. Book your memorable evening journey today!

African American History and Culture Bus Tour

Explore pivotal civil rights sites: Join our insightful tour, including entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Don’t miss this historic journey!

Best of DC — VIP Bus Tour

Experience Washington DC like a VIP: Our ultimate day tour with exclusive access to the National Archives and the U.S. Capitol Buildings. Book now for a presidential journey!

New York Best Sellers

Discover NY Bus Tour

Discover NYC’s Best: Award-Winning Bus Tour With Expert Guides! Luxury Transportation, Choose Closed-Top or Glass-Top Buses. Book Your City Adventure Now!

Big Apple in Lights Bus Tour

Experience NYC’s Nighttime Magic: Join Our Comfortable, Fully-Guided Bus Tour For an Unforgettable Evening Exploring New York City’s Amazing Sites After Dark!

NYC Private SUV Tour

Private NYC SUV Tour: Explore With Your Group, Led by Our Expert Guides and Designated Drivers. Dive into the Heart of the City in Style!

In the Press

For an immersive exploration of New York City, hop on the Discover NY Bus Tour. At each stop, guides will exit the vehicle with the group for short walks and provide detailed information regarding sights. The informative and friendly guides routinely win praise from tour-goers!

There’s just so much to see; it’s nice to hand over the reins to someone else who has insider knowledge. Take Discover NY guided bus tour – the 3rd most booked sightseeing experience in the USA this spring on Tripadvisor!

Tour-takers tend to appreciate trips with USA Guided Tours for their knowledgeable guides and the frequent stops for photos at D.C.’s must-see sights!

Customer Reviews

Both tours with Joanna & Cesar were excellent! We saw more than we could have done any other way and more importantly understood more of what we were looking at!

We appreciated Nick’s humor, enthusiasm, and knowledge. He made the daytime and the night tours very enjoyable!

Ralph was fantastic! He interacted with everyone in a personal way and made the tour great!

My husband was skeptical at first since it was a bus tour and I was worried we wouldn’t get enough time at our stops, BUT it was great! I felt like there was a perfect amount of time to look and take pictures and even, when available, to stop at the gift shops. Our guide was informative and dependable. The complimentary water was great and we appreciated the access to free ponchos since it was a heavy sprinkle off an on during our tour. The bus was great, the perfect temperature and the seats are comfortable.

Did it on my first day in DC and gave me ideas on what to revisit or what other venues to go to. The guide Christopher was very knowledgeable and came over excellently.

We had a wonderful tour with Joey! She was knowledgeable, engaged, funny, friendly and a terrific host. We highly recommend this tour. Our only regret is that we didn’t have another day to spend in DC sightseeing!

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See The Best First

You’ve arrived! Now, get the insider’s view of the city aboard Old Town Trolley! Our DC Tours show you the best spots first, giving you the most comprehensive sightseeing experience of The Nation’s Capital.

Less stopping, more sightseeing

We may not be as old as the monuments, but as DC’s oldest tour company we know this city better than anyone else. We also know that the quality of your tour doesn’t depend on the mere number of tour stops, so we’ve carefully crafted our tour route, selecting the right amount of stops at all the right places with minimal interruptions.

Every seat is the best seat with our state-of-the-art stadium trolleys.

Monuments by Moonlight Tour

Rated as one of the Top 20 Best Kept Secrets in Washington DC by FOX News. Experience The Nation’s Capital in a different light with our DC Night Tour .

We Speak Your Language

Visiting with friends and family that don’t speak English? Our new exclusive foreign language app is here to help! Now you can enjoy live narration in 7 different languages. Sit back, relax, and enjoy all the sights and sounds via a fully-narrated tour through our nation’s capital.

Our Environmental Commitment

With our use of clean burning propane, we’ve been committed to preserving and protecting the environment since we began delighting guests across the United States with our wonderful brand of Transportainment ® .

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Old Town Trolley Tours Washington DC 4.2

Choose Your Adventure

Whether you’re just breezing through or enjoying an extended stay, we’ve got several options to choose from to help you maximize your time in DC and still see the best first! Buy Your Tickets Online and Save!

“Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment ® , a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.”

1-Day Old Town Trolley Tour

• Hop On & Off at 15 Old Town Trolley Stops
• Fully Narrated Tour of Washington DC
• Our trolleys are all weather - rain or shine
• BEST VIEW! Tallest vehicles allowed by law with stadium seating
• Over 100 points of interest

Old Town Trolley Tour & Arlington National Cemetery Tour

• 50%* Discount on Arlington Tour Included In 1-Day Package
• Includes separate ticket to Arlington National Cemetery Tour*
• Trolley Tour and Arlington Cemetery Tour do not have to be taken on the same day

Monuments by Moonlight

• See the city’s most popular monuments in a different light
• Stops at FDR, Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials
• Hear historical tales and anecdotes

Arlington National Cemetery Tours

• Learn about cemetery's history and heroes from knowledgeable guides
• Be transported to notable graves and memorials
• Tours depart every 30 minutes
• Relax on our comfortable tour vehicles

Why use Old Town Trolley Tours in Washington DC

• Riding around the Beltway for over 30 years as DC’s longest-running city tour!
• All our DC tours are 100% live in real time - No pre-recorded narration
• The finest, most highly-trained and knowledgeable guides
• Unlimited hop-on & hop-off as often as you like all day long
• Proudly owned and operated in the United States
• The only tour authorized to enter the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery*
• Exclusive foreign language tour app offered in 7 languages

Sun, Rain or Snow...

We’re dc’s best all-weather touring experience.

• Best view! State-of-the-art stadium trolleys
• Every seat is the best seat!
• All-weather trolleys - rain or shine! Our vehicles get the job done
• Onboard monitors display historical imagery
• Comfortable padded seats for a pleasant tour

Your Vacation… All Mapped Out For You!

• Trolley Routes & Stops
• Helpful information
• Points of Interest
• Shopping & Entertainment
• Restaurants & Bars
• And much more!

OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS

Old Town Trolley Tours

March 1 – January 1: Daily. January 2 – February 28: Thursdays – Sundays only. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

Hours: 9am – 4pm.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For more information go to Old Town Trolley Schedule  information.

Schedules for our Washington DC tours are subject to change. Please call for the most current information: (202) 832-9800

Arlington National Cemetery is open 363 days a year.

Operating Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm.

Special Operating hours: Memorial Day – Tours will begin at 2:00pm. Veterans Day – Tours will begin at 2:00pm.

Closed on Wreaths Across America: Wreaths In Day (December 2024 date coming soon) and Wreaths Out Day (January 2025 date coming soon).

GENERAL INFORMATION: (866) 754-9014 GROUP TOURS: (202) 832-2008

Daily. 7:15pm – 8:00pm.

Closures: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. July 4: Closed. Closed for Army Ten Miler.

For more information, go to Monuments by Moonlight Schedule .

Reservations are required. Call for availability prior to making your e-ticket purchase:

(202) 832-9800

What are the most popular stops on the DC tour route? + -

We take great pride in providing an itinerary that showcases all the great aspects of each city during our tours. The most popular stops on our DC tour include the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and the Lincoln Memorial.

How long is the DC tour route from start to finish? + -

In total, the day tour route is approximately one hour and 45 minutes long.

Do I have to start at stop #1? + -

You may start your Old Town Trolley Tour at any of our convenient stops. Click on Map and Stops to see a list of our stops with information about the attractions and points of interest at each stop.

What neighborhoods does the tour visit? + -

The Old Town Trolley Tour offers a comprehensive experience of the following neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.:

Downtown D.C.: Explore the heart of the nation’s capital, where iconic landmarks such as the White House, National Mall, and Washington Monument are located.

Capitol Hill: Discover the historic neighborhood surrounding the U.S. Capitol, known for its charming row houses, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress.

Lincoln Memorial: Visit this iconic memorial while enjoying scenic views of the Reflecting Pool and the National World War II Memorial.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial: Pay tribute to the civil rights leader in West Potomac Park.

Smithsonian Museums: Explore the area around the National Mall, home to numerous Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum.

Tidal Basin: Enjoy the beauty of the Tidal Basin, known for its cherry blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial.

FDR Memorial: Delve into the history of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s era at this memorial, located near the Tidal Basin.

Arlington National Cemetery: Cross the Potomac River to visit this renowned cemetery, where you can witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

These neighborhoods offer a diverse range of attractions and historical significance, making the Old Town Trolley DC Tour an ideal way to explore the nation’s capital.

Does the tour run on holidays and holiday weekends? + -

Go to the Old Town Trolley Schedule for more information.

How often do tours run throughout the day? + -

Old Town Trolley Tours of DC operates the city’s largest fleet of sightseeing vehicles, and this allows us to pick up and drop off more frequently than any other trolley company. The frequency of the trolleys depends on the time of the year, as well as traffic and weather conditions.

Which DC tours give me access to Arlington National Cemetery? + -

1. Old Town Trolley Ticket – Every Old Town Trolley day tour ticket offers a shuttle from the Lincoln Memorial stop to Arlington National Cemetery. Visitors can enter and walk Arlington at their leisure.

2. Old Town Trolley + Arlington Cemetery Tour Package – This package includes guided-tour access to Arlington and 10 unique stops at the most notable landmarks, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the John F. Kennedy gravesite, and Arlington House. A loop gives visitors the chance to hop on and off at a variety of key points of interest.

3. Monuments by Moonlight + Arlington Cemetery Tour Package – This package includes a nighttime tour of DC’s monuments, which offers a unique perspective of the monuments, and a separate ticket for Arlington National Cemetery tours for use at another time. With the Monuments by Moonlight Tour, you can cover many of these sites in one night, and the package allows you to visit Arlington National Cemetery during the day. Take advantage of the package and enjoy a special discounted rate. Transportation to Arlington is not included in the Monuments by Moonlight package.

What is the National Mall, how large is it, and does Old Town Trolley cover it all? + -

Our DC tours cover a majority of the National Mall, with stops at several Smithsonian museums and National Monuments and Memorials, such as the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the FDR Memorial.

In what order should I see the monuments in DC? + -

It’s important to realize that there is no “best” order to see the monuments in DC. It’s really up to you and what you want to see first. However, if you’re looking for a logical and efficient route, an Old Town Trolley Tour is a fantastic way to see all of the best monuments in Washington. By following the tour, you will be able to see all of the important monuments in a logical order. Start with the National Mall, home to some of the most iconic monuments in DC, such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Continue your monument tour with a visit to the World War II Memorial. This memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served in World War II and the more than 400,000 who gave their lives. It’s a beautiful and moving tribute that will leave you feeling very patriotic.

You can finish up with a stop at Arlington National Cemetery, where many of our nation’s heroes are buried, such as John F. Kennedy and the unknown soldiers from various wars.

How long does it take to visit the National Mall? + -

The National Mall is home to several monuments, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, among others.

We suggest deciding which monuments and memorials you want to visit and planning your itinerary accordingly. However, with over 2 miles of history to explore, it can be a daunting task to see everything efficiently. Old Town Trolley Tours has a special package that includes unlimited hop-on, hop-off access to their trolley system for one day. That means visitors can take their time exploring the National Mall at their own pace. The trolleys cover most of the area’s main attractions, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian museums. In total, the trolley route is approximately one hour and 45 minutes long, meaning visitors can take advantage of the unlimited access to create their own itinerary through the National Mall.

Can you tour the National Mall at night? + -

Many monuments on the National Mall are open 24/7, which makes it possible to experience them at any time of the day or night. However, visiting them during the night provides a unique opportunity to see them at rest. The memorials and landmarks are lit up, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the dark sky. The National Mall at night is peaceful and calming and sets an entirely different mood than during the daytime. There are fewer crowds, which makes the experience more intimate and allows you to take your time to appreciate the structures’ details and beauty.

The Monuments by Moonlight Tour will take you on a journey through history and showcase the stunning beauty of the monuments when they are illuminated. Embark on an exciting journey through DC’s historic neighborhoods. Once you reach the National Mall, you will experience the incredible beauty of the monuments at night. You’ll tour famous landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and, as you explore them in the evening, you will get fascinating insights into their history and significance. The monuments and memorials are beautifully illuminated at night, giving them an almost ethereal look, which adds to the experience.

How long does it take to visit Washington? + -

You can experience the best of the city in two days, especially if your group chooses Old Town Trolley for your transportation needs. You’ll be able to see the most popular sites without getting lost or spending too much time figuring out the city layout by yourself. The trolley stops at various landmarks across the city, including the U.S. Capitol and the Smithsonian museums. That way, you get more out of your time and an immersive experience!

What are the most famous attractions in Washington, D.C.? + -

There are a few Washington landmarks that definitely cannot be missed:

1. The National Mall is the first attraction that comes to mind while visiting Washington. It is essentially a walkable park that connects the White House to the Lincoln Memorial. The park is adorned with some of the most impressive monuments and memorials, including the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument, which serves as the centerpiece of the park.

2. The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and was built in 1800. Visitors can take guided tours of the White House but must secure their bookings months in advance. The White House gardens are open to visitors every day of the year.

3. The 19 Smithsonian museums have something for everybody, from space exhibitions at the Air and Space Museum to the hidden stories of African-American history in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

4. The United States Capitol Building is the home of the U.S. Congress. Visitors can take guided tours of the Capitol that include visits to the House and Senate galleries and an overview of the U.S. Congress’ history and workings. A new addition is the Capitol Visitor Center, which offers interactive displays that showcase the Capitol’s history.

5. Arlington National Cemetery is America’s most famous military cemetery. It was founded during the American Civil War, and several thousand service members and their families have been laid to rest here over the years. The cemetery features exquisite headstones of service members and families, notably the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by the soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment.

Can you see everything in Washington, D.C. in one day? + -

With so many landmarks, museums, and monuments, it can be overwhelming to see everything D.C. has to offer in just one day. But, don’t worry — we have a solution! Start your day early with a hop-on, hop-off tour of the city. With Old Town Trolley, you’ll have access to the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and more. Take advantage of this opportunity to immerse yourself in U.S. history, admire iconic buildings, and learn about the city’s vibrant political culture.

Before you hop off the trolley at each stop, make sure to listen to the onboard narration. This will provide you with a wealth of historical and cultural information about the landmark or museum you are visiting. You can always hop back on the next trolley when you’re ready to move on to the next destination.

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Signature Tours of DC

Signature Tours, your guide to DC

DC Morning Monuments Sightseeing Bus & Walking Tour with Guide and 10+ Stops

Tour details

Washington D.C. is a showcase of some of the most majestic monuments and memorials in the country. With so much to see and so little time, we got the right tour for you. Our Signature Must-See DC tour is tailored to offer you an historic journey through our rich heritage in a quick and efficient way. We repackaged our best selling tour in a compact formula that shows you the essential monuments, museums, memorials and the attractions that you cannot afford to miss. When you take our Signature DC Must See Washington DC Monument tour you get a rare chance to relive history!

Tour Ticket Upgrades Tour ticket upgrades are reserved according to availability. If you purchase an upgrade, please ask your tour guide or driver for your upgrade when being checked in. Washington Monument Tickets are typically reserved for 3:30pm however time slots provided may vary. Museums are open 10am-4:30pm. Customer must honor time reserved on their ticket. Any questions please call before reserving.

What you get on this tour

• 3 hour bus tour of Washington DC with walk around Tour Guide, visiting all of the top sights!
• 10:00am to 1:00pm

Adult: $59  Child: $49

Child is 12 & under Children under 2 free

Air & Space Museum Package

Adult: $84  child: $74.

Includes Air & Space Museum ticket. Ticket is reserved for day of bus tour or optionally following day. Please ask your guide or driver for your upgraded ticket when being checked in. Ticket Upgrades are non-refundable and self-guided. All purchases of packages are final. Tickets are not refundable or transferable. Cannot be exchanged for another ticket. Only refundable in the event the site is closed. Child is 12 & under Children under 2 free

African American Museum Package

Includes African American museum ticket. Ticket is reserved for day of bus tour or optionally following day. Please ask your guide or driver for your upgraded ticket when being checked in. Ticket Upgrades are non-refundable and self-guided. All purchases of packages are final. Tickets are not refundable or transferable. Cannot be exchanged for another ticket. Only refundable in the event the site is closed. Child is 12 & under Children under 2 free

Washington Monument Package

Includes Washington Monument ticket Ticket is reserved for day of bus tour or optionally following day. Please ask your guide or driver for your upgraded ticket when being checked in. Ticket Upgrades are non-refundable and self-guided. Your ticket to the Washington Monument is only valid for the stated time on your ticket All purchases of packages are final. Tickets are not refundable or transferable. Cannot be exchanged for another ticket. Only refundable in the event the site is closed. Child is 12 & under Children under 2 free

Meets at the National Archives 800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington DC on the corner of 9th St & Pennsylvania Ave. at 9:30 AM. Please be there 30 min before tour starts (10:00 AM) Metro Stop: Archives Metro Station – Green & Yellow lines

Starts at 10:00 AM

• National Archives*
• The U.S. Capitol*
• Dwight Eisenhower Memorial
• White House*
• WWII Memorial
• FDR Memorial
• MLK Memorial
• Korean Memorial
• Vietnam Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial

Ends at 1:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial

*Exterior photo stop only

Ideal for busy people and families, this 3-hour guided morning tour offers the essential DC memorials and attractions that you can’t afford to miss! Great for people with limited time.

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DC Guided Tours

Your passport to adventures in DC

DC Combo: City Bus Tour, Seasonal Cruise, US Capitol Grounds & Capitol Hill

Tour highlights.

• 6-hour tour of the US Capitol and top Washington DC top monuments
• Friendly expert guide with live narration both on and off the bus 
• ride in climate-controlled touring bus, for an entertaining self discovery trip 
• photo ops at stops to snap memories that will last a lifetime 
• discover the history, culture, architecture and landmarks of the nation’s capital
• A seasonal boat ride on the Potomac River (March 26 to October 16)

Adult: $69 Child: $59

Child is 12 & under Children under 2 free

Tour Ticket Upgrades Tour ticket upgrades are reserved according to availability. Ticket Upgrades are non refundable and self guided. Washington Monument Tickets are reserved for the day after your night tour. Museums are open 10am-4:30pm. Customer must honor the time reserved on their ticket. Night Tour tickets are reserved for the following day. Any questions please call before reserving.

Upgrades are refundable in the event the site is closed

Washington Monument Package Adult: $94 Child: $ 84

Includes Washington Monument ticket Ticket is reserved for day after bus tour (with exceptions) Child is 12 & under Children under 2 free

African American History Museum Package Adult: $ 94 Child: $84

Includes African American History Museum ticket Ticket is reserved for day after bus tour (with exceptions) Child is 12 & under Children under 2 free

Air & Space Museum Package Adult: $ 94 Child: $84

Includes Air & Space museum ticket Ticket is reserved for day after bus tour (with exceptions) Child is 12 & under Children under 2 free

need to know

Meets at the National Archives 800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington DC on the corner of 9th St & Pennsylvania Ave. at 10:00 AM. Please be there 15 min before tour starts (9:45 am)Metro Stop: Archives Metro Station – Green & Yellow lineMetro Stop: Capitol South Metro Station – Blue, Orange & Silver line

*Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour start

How Do I Tour the U.S. Capitol and See Congress in Session?

Learn all you need to know about visiting and touring america’s center of democracy..

UPDATE: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All tours are free and are led by professional tour guides and do not include the Senate and House Galleries. The tour route is subject to change. Note that advance reservations are required for a tour. Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol’s prohibited items list before your visit.

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and the center of American democracy. The world-famous domed building is home to the United States House of Representatives and Senate; where America’s congressmen and congresswomen conduct business, debate laws and pass bills on behalf of the American people. The U.S. Capitol and U.S. Capitol Visitor Center  is also one of DC’s most popular monuments and museums and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Tour groups in United States Capitol Building Rotunda - Attractions and landmarks in Washington, DC

How do I arrange a tour of the United States Capitol Building?

Plan your visit in advance! A public tour of the U.S. Capitol is free and open to anyone who makes an advanced reservation, although there are some same-day tickets available by standing in line at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center (note that lines will be long during spring and summer).  We recommend reserving a  reserving a tour date and time .

All tours begin and end at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Inauguration Day).  Tours typically take about 90 minutes and are  fully accessible for people with disabilities.

What will I see on a Capitol tour?

Guided tours begin with a 13-minute intro film, followed stops in the Capitol Rotunda, where guides point out the center point of the District of Columbia, as well as demonstrate the unique acoustical effect where a speaker several yards away can be heard more clearly than a speaker close to the listener. The Capitol Dome is encircled by murals, and the fresco on the eye of the ceiling is called The Apotheosis of Washington showing President Washington rising to the heavens in glory with Liberty and Victory/Fame beside him. Below, on the walls of the Rotunda, are large paintings depicting significant events in American history: The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Baptism of Pocohontas, The Embarkation of the Pilgrims, The Landing of Columbus and General George Washington Resigning His Commission. Other stops on the 45-minute walking tour include the Crypt, National Statuary Hall and connecting corridors of the U.S. Capitol, where you’ll see statues representing every state.

Can I see Congress in session?

The guided tour doesn't include the Senate and House galleries. However, visitors can obtain free passes through their congressmen to view both chambers when Congress is in session. International visitors can ask about gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. When Congress is not in session, the galleries are open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. However, viewing hours are subject to change and are not always the same for the House and Senate galleries. You can check the schedules with your Congressional office when requesting gallery passes. Read more information about  watching Congress in session  and viewing the House and Senate galleries.

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What’s in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

You’ll find a cafeteria and gift shop in the Capitol Visitor Center. The gift shop carries merchandise inspired by the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for continental breakfast and lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you haven’t printed your tour reservation, bring along the number you were assigned. There are free listening devices in multiple languages for international visitors.

How do I get to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

Because there is very little parking, it is best to travel via the  Metro or the DC Circulator. There are three Metro stops within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol: Union Station (Red Line), Capitol South and Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver and Blue lines). The Capitol Visitor Center, which serves as the main public entrance, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First and East Capitol streets.

Looking for more in the neighborhood? Take advantage of  our guide to Capitol Hill .

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Book a Tour

Reservations are recommended .

The Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tours begin every 10 minutes until 3:20 p.m. All tours are led by our professional tour guides and visit the  Crypt , the  Rotunda  and  National Statuary Hall . The tour does not include the  Senate and House Galleries . The tour route is subject to change.

Reservations are recommended, but not required. Visit the  schedule a tour  page to select a day/time for a reservation. Same day passes may be available. Visitors without reservations are encouraged to arrive at the Capitol Visitor Center as early in the day as possible, but no later than 2:30 p.m., to obtain passes.

All tours, programs and activities are free of charge.

Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol’s  prohibited items list  before your visit.

You can begin your Capitol experience at the Visitor Center by visiting Exhibition Hall , perusing our Gift Shops or getting a bite to eat at the Capitol Cafe.

For information on tours offered in Mandarin and Spanish, please view the Foreign Language Tours page.

How Do I Cancel My Reservation?

You can cancel your reservation through your account in the Capitol Visitor Center’s online reservation system.

• Go to  https://tours.visitthecapitol.gov  (A new page will open.)
• Beneath the blue banner reading “Reserve a Tour of the Capitol,” click on the link to log in. (A sign in/signup dialog box will open.)
• In the sign in section, log in with your email address and password.
• Search for reservations by clicking “More” in the “My Reservations” tab.
• Once you have located your reservation, click the link to “Cancel.”

Well-Versed, Experienced Tour Guides... Working to Make Your Visit Memorable

DC with Daniel is a boutique guide service dedicated to providing clients with an in-depth, fun, and memorable experience in Washington, D.C. and important sites in nearby venues in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

Conducting educational city tours for over 20 years.

DC with Daniel  works with individuals, hotel concierges, domestic and foreign governments, trade associations, educational institutions, tour operators, and others.

20+ Years as a tour guide , with a passion for the stories that make your tour an experience !

Founder Daniel Minchew , a licensed local tour guide for 20+ years, has visitors from all 50 states state and 40+ foreign countries. Although most tours are facilitated by Daniel, DC with Daniel occasionally uses other guides from a small group of independent contractors who are among the most experienced and sought-after local guides.

Providing Clients the Best Tour Experience Possible

If you want a customized and targeted tour of places you want to see in Washington, DC, and the surrounding areas, DC with Daniel will work to exceed your every expectation. If you want a customized and targeted tour of places in Washington, D.C., or the surrounding areas, we want to be your guide of choice.

All  DC  with  Daniel  tours are tailored to the specific wishes of our clients. The most in-demand tours our clients enjoy are often customized versions of the  Highlights Tour . 

Our daily goal is to merit the continued support of all who have taken our city tours. We believe that we continually achieve this through the number of referrals we get from satisfied visitors.

What Our Customers Are Saying

"I did my research before choosing. Daniel was selected because he was able to offer experiences that no other DC guide could."

"I would encourage anyone wanting a one-on-one guided tour of DC to select Daniel. He is passionate about history and will provide access that no other guide can offer."

"We have been discussing how well Daniel tell stories and all the history he knows - and have decided he should write a book."

Tour in Style and Comfort

All  DC with Daniel tours are conducted in a late-model sport utility vehicle. Our cars have a seating capacity of up to seven people in addition to the driver/guide.

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• Type of Tour: 4-hour 6-hour 8-hour customized in DC – Gettysburg, Monticello, Williamsburg, Annapolis Day Tours?
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Book Your Visit Today

Get in touch with us if you are interested in taking advantage of our city tours. We look forward to serving you.

Shakira's 2024 tour coming to DC: See when and where

By nbc new york staff • published april 18, 2024 • updated on april 18, 2024 at 10:53 am.

Grammy-winning Colombian superstar Shakira is bringing her world tour through Washington, D.C. later this year.

Shakira announced Tuesday the 12 U.S. cities and two Canadian cities being visited on the first leg of her world tour, which begins in North America on Nov. 2 in California and ends Dec. 15 in Detroit.

The tour will make just one stop in the city, on Nov. 25 when she comes to Capital One Arena. Here's a full list of stops on the tour.

Shakira 2024 tour dates

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• Nov. 2 - Palm Desert, California -- Acrisure Arena
• Nov. 7 - Phoenix, Arizona -- Footprint Center
• Nov. 9 - Los Angeles, California -- KIA Forum
• Nov. 16 - San Antonio, Texas -- Frost Bank Center
• Nov. 17 - Dallas, Texas -- American Airlines Center
• Nov. 20 - Miami, Florida -- Kaseya Center
• Nov. 23 - Charlotte, North Carolina -- Spectrum Center
• Nov. 25 - Washington, D.C. -- Capital One Arena
• Nov. 30 - Toronto, Ontario -- Scotiabank Arena
• Dec. 5 - Brooklyn, NY, Barclays Center
• Dec. 8 - Boston, Massachusetts -- TD Garden
• Dec. 10 - Montreal, Quebec -- Bell Centre
• Dec. 14 - Chicago, Illinois -- United Center
• Dec. 15 - Detroit, Michigan -- Little Caesars Arena

The tour is built around the March 22 release of Shakira's 12th album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women No Longer Cry). The 17-track album is the singer-songwriter's first studio album in seven years.

International tour dates are expected to be announced soon.

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Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on April 22 . Shakira's Wolfpack members who join before Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. can access a pre-sale beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 19.

On April 12, Shakira performed at the  Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival  in California  with DJ Bizarrap .

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

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Rock trailblazer Heart reunites for a world tour and a new song

FILE - Nancy Wilson, left, and Ann Wilson, right, of the band Heart perform as Heart is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Nokia Theatre on Thursday, April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles. Heart — the pioneering band that melds Nancy Wilson’s shredding guitar with her sister Ann’s powerhouse vocals — is hitting the road this spring for a world tour that Nancy Wilson describes as “the full-on rocker size.” (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - Nancy Wilson, left, and Ann Wilson of Heart perform on opening night of the Heartbreaker Tour at the Cruzan Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, Fla., June 17, 2013. Heart — the pioneering band that melds Nancy Wilson’s shredding guitar with her sister Ann’s powerhouse vocals — is hitting the road this spring for a world tour that Nancy Wilson describes as “the full-on rocker size.” (Photo by Jeff Daly/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - Nancy and Ann Wilson of the classic rock band Heart perform in concert at the American Music Theater on Monday, March 24, 2014, in Lancaster, Pa. Heart — the pioneering band that melds Nancy Wilson’s shredding guitar with her sister Ann’s powerhouse vocals — is hitting the road this spring for a world tour that Nancy Wilson describes as “the full-on rocker size.” (Photo by Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — Heart — the pioneering band that melds Nancy Wilson’s shredding guitar with her sister Ann’s powerhouse vocals — is hitting the road this spring and fall for a world tour that Nancy Wilson describes as “the full-on rocker size.”

“I’ve been strengthening. I’ve got my trainer,” she says. “You go one day at a time and you strengthen one workout session at a time. It’s a lot of work, but it’s the only job I know how to do.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers who gave us classic tracks like “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You” and “Alone” will be playing all the hits, some tracks from of their solo albums — like Ann Wilson’s “Miss One and Only” and Nancy Wilson’s “Love Mistake” — and a new song called “Roll the Dice.”

Nancy Wilson, left, and Ann Wilson perform on opening night of the Heartbreaker Tour in West Palm Beach, Fla., June 17, 2013. (Photo by Jeff Daly/Invision/AP, File)

“I like to say we have really good problems because the problem we have is to choose between a bunch of different, really cool songs that people love already,” says Nancy Wilson.

Like “Barracuda,” a sonic burst which first appeared on the band’s second album, “Little Queen” and is one of the band’s most memorable songs.

“You can’t mess with ‘Barracuda.’ It’s just the way it is. It is great. You get on the horse and you ride. It’s a galloping steed of a ride to go on. And for everybody, including the band.”

The tour kicks off Saturday at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, and will hit cities including Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Detroit, as well as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. International dates include stops in London, Oslo, Berlin, Stockholm, Montreal and Glasgow.

The band’s Royal Flush Tour will have Cheap Trick as the opening act for many stops, but Def Leppard and Journey will join for three stadium dates in Cleveland, Toronto and Boston this summer.

Ann and Nancy Wilson will be filled out by Ryan Wariner (lead and rhythm guitar), Ryan Waters (guitars), Paul Moak (guitars, keyboards and backing vocals), Tony Lucido (bass and backing vocals) and Sean T. Lane (drums).

The tour is the first in several years for Heart, which was rocked by a body blow in 2016 when Ann Wilson’s husband was arrested for assaulting Nancy’s 16-year-old twin sons. Nancy Wilson says that’s all in the past.

“We can take any kind of turbulence, me and Ann, and we’ve always been OK together,” she says. “We’re still steering the ship and happy to do it together. So we’re tight.”

The new tour will take them to Canada, which was warm to the band when they were starting out as what Nancy Wilson calls “a couple of chicks from Seattle.” She recalls Vancouver embracing Heart, and touring in one van across Canada in the dead of winter on two lane highways.

The Wilsons at the American Music Theater on Monday, March 24, 2014, in Lancaster, Pa. (Photo by Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP, File)

The Wilson sisters broke rock’s glass ceiling in the ‘70s and Nancy Wilson says they only had male influences to look to, like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Moody Blues.

Now she says she looks out and loves seeing generations of female rockers. “You have boygenius and you have Billie Eilish and you have Olivia Rodrigo and so many amazing women — Maggie Rogers and Sheryl Crow, who calls us her big influence. And then Billie Eilish might have Sheryl Crow as her influence. So it’s a really nice legacy to pass along. I like to say we’re the OG — the original gangsters — of women and rock.”

Heart has made it into the Rock Hall, won Grammys, sold millions of albums and rocked hundreds of thousands of fans but Nancy Wilson has one place she’d still like to shine.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of their debut album, “Dreamboat Annie,” which was the same year that “Saturday Night Live” started. “So we’re actually kind of putting it out there — Heart never played on ‘Saturday Night Live.’ But what about the 50th birthday party with Heart?”

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits