9
Exception tour of the archives
Annemarie Johnson provided us an exceptional tour of the national archives. Knowledgeable, approachable. I’m very thorough responding to our questions. A real pleasure.
National Archives + American History Museum Exclusive Guided Tour
+35 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 5h 30min
- Price from
- $225 / person
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 44 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Meeting point
- Meet your guide on the corner of 9th Street NW and Constitution Ave.
- Confirmation
- Instant
Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Washington DC
Description
This 5.5 hour exclusive guided combo tour welcomes guests to skip-the-line and experience the two “must see” museums in Washington DC. This is the best way to explore the experiment that is the United States of America! Start with our founding document and end with an exploration of what has happened since. Our guides provide stories, context, and anecdotes for the dynamic results. Highlights often include (but are not limited to): -The original Declaration of Independence -The Constitution -The Bill of Rights -1297 Magna Carta -Lincoln’s Top Hat -First Ladies exhibit -Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers -Star-Spangled Banner
Tour Options
Itinerary
This is the best way to skip-the-line and save time, to explore the experiment that is the United States of America! Start with the original handwritten “Charters of Freedom” housed in their spectacular Rotunda. Your guide will narrate the extraordinary circumstances that brought this nation into existence. No trip to the US Capital city is complete without a visit to the National Archives. Surround yourself with documents and paintings that offer both depth and nuance to the period that founded the United States of America. And at Babylon we take it a step farther. In the Rubenstein Gallery, go even deeper into the philosophical foundations by viewing a 1297 copy of the Magna Carta. Your guide will encourage you to explore the concept of citizenship, what it means and how the criteria for those included have evolved from a declaration which stated “all men are created equal”.
After a break to ponder the complexity of history (and grab a bite) your guide will lead you to the Smithsonian American History Museum. This museum is a caretaker for an incredible blend of scholarly history and pop culture whose memories create a unique bond among the people who experienced them. Your guide will introduce you to the most famous items in the collection, like the flag that flew over Ft McHenry inspiring the poem that was eventually adapted into the National Anthem. Featured too is the most visited exhibition in the history of the Smithsonian: the First Ladies exhibit. While you’re there, see why the most requested artifact is Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers — displayed not too far from the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore that fateful night to Ford’s Theatre. Your guide will provide stories and background to expand on the reason these items (out of hundreds of thousands in the collection) serve as living touchstones for the concept we call the United States of America.
Highlights
Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Guided Walking Tour & Museum Tour
Private Transportation Included Between Tour Locations If Necessary
Duration 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break)
Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
What's included
Included
Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Guided Walking Tour & Museum Tour
Private Transportation Included Between Tour Locations If Necessary
Duration 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break)
Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
Not included
Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
Traveller Ratings
5.0
44 reviews
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Notes: The National Archives & American History Museum and other attractions or museums in DC may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
National Archives + American History Museum Exclusive Guided Tour lasts about 5h 30min. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $225 per person for this Washington DC experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet your guide on the corner of 9th Street NW and Constitution Ave. . Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Reviews(44)
C
Enthusiasm makes history come alive!
Our guide, Brenda, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Her energy and enthusiasm made the museum come alive for us.
A
Meghan was Terrrific
Our Tour Guide, Meghan, was just fantastic! She was so informative and humorus. My wife and I really enjoyed ourselves on both parts of our tour. I particularly liked how professional she was! Meghan was full of additional information that was not shown by simply looking at the exhibit
F
The tour was great with Paul!!
Our tour guide, Paul, was fantastic! Made it all come to life!!!
D
Tour guide knew her...
Tour guide knew her mateti was sensitive to her customers asked questions of the group for clarification and needs etc. Made everyone feel comfortable.
P
Archive & American history tour
Guide was very knowledgeable & informative lots of inside information about the various exhibits.
M
Amazing Day with Annemarie
Annemarie did an amazing job with our family which included 4 kids aged 8-14. Even after 6 hrs and two museums, the kids were fully engaged with her great stories and background on everything they saw. I would highly recommend Babylon Tours and Annemarie.
Y
Perfect day tour to hit up some of the “must sees” and more!
Awesome tour! Great balance in showing the group some requested exhibits, as well, showing us hidden gems that would have never thought to look for!
A
Our tour guide,...
Our tour guide, Annemarie, was kind and detailed. We visited the two museums where I admired the history of the U.S.. I would recommend this to anyone visiting the National Archives Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
X
Great Day
Annmarie is a great guide! It was an informative and enjoyable day. Annemarie was friendly, engaging and she taught me a lot.
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