Abraham Lincoln Life, Legacy and Assassination Tour
Description
Follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln on this tour through Washington, DC, exploring the assassination of America's 16th President. Beginning near the National Archives, learn about Lincoln's presidency, the Civil War, and the dramatic events of April 14, 1865. Visit key locations connected to Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth, including the Willard Hotel, National Theatre, National Hotel, Chinatown, and the Lincoln Memorial. Near Wok and Roll, the site of the former Surratt Boarding House, discover where Booth and his co-conspirators planned the assassination plot. The tour concludes in the Ford's Theatre district with exterior visits to Ford's Theatre and Petersen House, where Lincoln was taken after the shooting and died the following morning. The tour does not enter either site, but guests may explore the area after the tour. Between May 28 and August 31, Ford's Theatre's interior is closed for repairs. During this time, the tour will visit the exterior of the theatre only.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Step back into one of the most dramatic nights in American history on this 2-hour walking tour following the final day of President Abraham Lincoln. Beginning at the former National Hotel at 6th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, guests learn about John Wilkes Booth’s movements on April 14, 1865, while standing outside the very hotel where he stayed in Room 253 and met with co-conspirators. From there, the tour follows Booth’s path along Pennsylvania Avenue toward 10th Street, retracing the route he took just hours before the assassination.
The experience continues with a stop at Ford's Theatre, where President Lincoln was shot while attending a play that evening.
The tour concludes across the street at Petersen House, the boarding house where Lincoln was carried after the shooting and where he died early the next morning on April 15, 1865. A visit of about 20–30 minutes offers a moving look at the room where the president spent his final hours, bringing a powerful close to this unforgettable journey through history.
Visit to the Lincoln Memorial, created to honor the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and symbolizes his leadership in preserving the Union.
Pass by the FBI Headquarters building
Pass by the National Archives
Arlington House overlooks Arlington National Cemetery and represents the Civil War era that defined Lincoln’s presidency and transformed the nation.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- There will be standing and walking during this tour. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather as much of the tour is outdoors. Umbrellas and layers are recommended.
- Animal policy: animals are not permitted on tours.
Reviews(16)
Our tour was rescheduled due to road closures for the 4th activities, so we went at 8 am instead of 10. That wasn’t an issue but I was disappointed that Ford’s Theater was closed for maintenance. Our guide Sally, was very informative, and gave us detailed backstory on not only Lincoln, but other landmarks we passed or stopped at. She was lively and entertaining, and very accommodating! My 35 yr old daughter and 14 yr old granddaughter said they learned a lot from her!
Tour is in a small group, comfortable van with plenty of opportunities for pics and bathroom stops. Our tour guide, Dewayne, very knowledgeable.
We’re so happy to hear you had a great time! Your feedback truly means a lot to us. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable experience! Malaak.
Excellent service. Extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this Tour to anyone visiting DC.
Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to know that your experience met your expectations. We hope to see you again soon for another great adventure in DC! Malaak.
The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and very kind. He was patient with us and I appreciated that. Thanks Dwane!
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re truly delighted that you had such an enjoyable experience with us. It would be an absolute pleasure to welcome you back again in the near future. Malaak.
Dwayne is phenomenal! He has a wealth of knowledge and is a fantastic storyteller. Although we couldn't get near the white house due to road closures and Fords theater is undergoing renovations, Dewayne more than made up for it. Definitely recommend this tour!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your tour experience with us. It also helps other future guests see what we are all about! It is always our goal to give people a tour to remember and we are so happy you thought it was! We love hearing that our guests loved their tour experience. It really makes our day! We strive to make our tours fun and memorable for everyone every time. Hopefully we will see you back with us soon! Malaak.
I was misled by Viator as to the meeting place in repeated emails and discovered the correct meeting place accidentally when I clicked on a message for contacting the company. Most importantly I have learned that Ford’s Theater had been closed to tours more than 10 days before my scheduled tour and was never so advised despite repeated emails from Viator confirming the tour. This was a blatant deception by this company since the Ford’s Theater visit was the highlight of the tour. I will not use Viator again. I will say that the local guide we used for the remaining part of the tour, Dwayne, was excellent and did a commendable job in trying to make up for the disappointment of not having a complete tour.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We appreciate your comments regarding Dewayne and are pleased to hear that you found him knowledgeable, professional, and committed to providing an enjoyable experience. Our tour information, meeting instructions, and booking communications are distributed through the booking platform, and we work closely with our partners to ensure guests receive the most current information available. As with many historic attractions, access to sites such as Ford’s Theatre may occasionally be affected by operational decisions, maintenance requirements, or circumstances beyond a tour operator’s control. While we understand your disappointment regarding the availability of Ford’s Theatre, our team remained committed to delivering an informative and engaging experience highlighting the significant locations connected to this important chapter of American history. Thank you again for your feedback and for joining us.
It was a very informative excursion. Duane was extremely knowledgeable and a great host. We had a wonderful time.
Thank you for choosing us and for sharing your feedback! We're thrilled you enjoyed your visit. We hope your next trip to DC includes another tour with us! Malaak.
Our driver, Dewayne, was very friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He was great. The downside is Signature Tours description left much to be desired. First, the meeting point listed is NOT the meeting point. I really don’t know how anybody writing about this tour could get it so wrong. Plus, they were difficult to respond to questions and concerns. Also, they don’t send a text about closures. Ford Theater, the highlight, was closed for maintenance. Advice to potential customers is to talk to the operator prior to booking so you can make an informed decision.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with Dewayne and found him friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Our meeting instructions are provided through the booking platform and pre-tour communications, and we continually work to ensure this information is as clear as possible for all guests. We also strive to keep travelers informed of any updates that may affect scheduled attractions. As with many historic and government-affiliated sites, temporary closures, maintenance work, and access restrictions can occasionally occur without advance notice and are outside of a tour operator’s control. When this happens, our team works to provide the best possible experience while adapting to those circumstances.
They canceled without informing me. A man called about an hour before the start of the tour and asked me if I could reschedule to tomorrow. I said no and he hung up. I had to call to find out it was. I had already arrived at the start location.
We did call you and we tolled you booked in the last minute please contact your agent we offer you to come the next day because you booked in the last minute. This is a very popular tour . Please book in advance next time
False advertisement. Supposed to go in buildings and then the guy on phone said we only stop don’t go in. Also called to tell them running 3 minutes late and he hung up on me. Don’t waste your time. Rude people.
Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. Our tour descriptions are intended to accurately reflect the itinerary and access available at each location. Certain sites may have visitor restrictions, operational changes, or viewing procedures that are outside of a tour operator’s control. We also regret that you felt dissatisfied with your communication experience. Our team strives to assist all guests as efficiently as possible, especially when tours are in progress and schedules are time-sensitive. We appreciate your comments and will continue working to provide clear information and a positive experience for our guests.
