Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard – Semi-private Tour

Arlington National Cemetery is a hallowed ground that pays tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in service of the United States. This semi-private walking tour offers a personalized exploration of the cemetery’s most significant sites, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the memorials to the space shuttles Columbia and Challenger. As visitors witness the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of the profound significance of this iconic ritual. But the tour’s highlights extend beyond the cemetery’s boundaries, leading participants to uncover the history and legacy of one of America’s most revered figures.

Key Points

• The tour provides a semi-private walking experience through Arlington National Cemetery, with limited group sizes for a more personal exploration.
• Visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a powerful ritual honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
• The tour includes visits to key graves and memorials, such as those of President John F. Kennedy, General William Sheridan, boxer Joe Louis, and decorated soldier Audie Murphy.
• Participants can also view memorials dedicated to the space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, as well as the mast of the U.S.S. Maine.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, and participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

Tour Overview

The tour provides a semi-private walking experience through Arlington National Cemetery, allowing groups of up to 8 people to explore key graves and memorials.

These include the graves of President John F. Kennedy, General William Sheridan, boxer Joe Louis, and decorated soldier Audie Murphy.

Visitors will also see memorials to the space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, as well as the mast of the U.S.S. Maine.

If possible, the tour will include witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Plus, guests will visit the Arlington home of Robert E. Lee, providing a comprehensive look at the history and significance of this hallowed ground.

What’s Included

A semi-private walking tour, led by a professional guide, is included in this offering, lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Tours run rain or shine, providing visitors a comprehensive experience regardless of weather conditions.

The tour includes the following:

• Visit to the key graves and memorials, such as those of President John F. Kennedy, General William Sheridan, boxer Joe Louis, and decorated soldier Audie Murphy.
• Viewing of memorials dedicated to the space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, as well as the mast of the U.S.S. Maine.
• Opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, if possible.
• A visit to the Arlington home of Robert E. Lee.

Meeting Information

Participants meet at the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center, located at 1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211, USA, gathering near the gates close to the welcome center. This convenient location provides easy access to the starting point of the semi-private walking tour.

Meeting Location	Address
Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center	1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211, USA
Meeting Point	Near the gates, close to the welcome center
Arrival Time	Please meet by the designated time
Transportation	The site is accessible by public transportation

Attendees are advised to arrive at the meeting point on time to ensure a seamless start to the tour.

Tour Logistics

Tour confirmations are received at the time of booking.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Public transportation is available near the site, and participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

A minimum of 3 guests is required for the tour to run, and children must be accompanied by an adult, with a maximum of 8 travelers per tour.

The tour logistics include:

1. Confirmation received at time of booking.
2. Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible.
3. Near public transportation.
4. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but if canceled less than 24 hours before, there’s no refund.

Changes less than 24 hours before aren’t accepted, and the tour may be canceled due to poor weather, in which case a different date or full refund will be offered.

The cancellation policy provides flexibility for travelers, allowing them to receive a full refund if they need to cancel with adequate notice. However, last-minute cancellations aren’t permitted, as they can disrupt tour logistics.

The weather policy ensures that travelers aren’t penalized if the tour needs to be canceled for safety reasons, offering alternative options in such cases.

These terms aim to balance the needs of both the tour provider and the participants.

Highlights of the Tour

What can visitors expect to see on this semi-private walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery?

The tour takes them to key graves and memorials, including those of President John F. Kennedy, General William Sheridan, boxer Joe Louis, and decorated soldier Audie Murphy. They’ll also visit memorials to the space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, as well as the mast of the U.S.S. Maine.

The tour offers a chance to:

1. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, if possible.
2. Visit the Arlington home of Robert E. Lee.
3. Explore the cemetery’s rich history and significance.
4. Gain a more personal experience with a small group size of up to 8 people.

Significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

One of the highlights of the tour for many visitors is the opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a deeply solemn and revered ritual that honors the sacrifices of those whose identities are unknown.

The Tomb, which contains the remains of unknown American service members from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Changing of the Guard is a meticulously choreographed event, with the relieving soldier meticulously inspecting the weapon and ensuring the sentinel’s movements are executed with the utmost precision.

This ritual serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to their country.

Visiting the Lee Home

The tour also includes a visit to the Arlington home of Confederate general Robert E. Lee, a residence that played a pivotal role in the history of the United States. This iconic home provides a unique glimpse into the life of a complex historical figure and the era he lived in.

Visitors can:

• Explore the beautifully preserved interior, which offers a window into the lifestyles of the 19th-century elite.
• Learn about the home’s transformation from a private residence to a national cemetery following the Civil War.

Visitors can also:

• Reflect on the home’s significance as a symbol of the nation’s divisions and the ongoing legacy of the Civil War.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the complicated and often contentious history associated with the Lee family and their estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, guests are generally permitted to take photographs during the tour. However, they should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines set by the tour guides or site staff to respect the solemnity of the location.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Modest attire is recommended out of respect for the solemn environment. Shorts and tank tops are generally acceptable.

Are Food and Drinks Provided During the Tour?

No, food and drinks are not provided during the tour. Participants are responsible for bringing their own refreshments. The tour focuses on the historical sites and memorials within Arlington National Cemetery without providing any meal or beverage service.

What Happens if the Tour Is Delayed or Canceled?

If the tour is delayed or canceled, guests will be offered a full refund or the chance to reschedule for another date. The tour provider will notify travelers as soon as possible about any changes to the scheduled tour.

Can I Extend the Length of the Tour?

Generally, tour lengths cannot be extended once the tour has begun. Extending the tour would require additional fees and coordination with the tour company. Customers should inquire about tour extension options at the time of booking if they need a longer tour.

Recap

The Arlington National Cemetery tour provides a profound and reverent experience, allowing visitors to honor the sacrifices of American service members.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a poignant highlight, while tours of key gravesites and memorials offer a deeper understanding of the cemetery’s significance.

This personalized exploration leaves a lasting impression on all who witness the solemn traditions and memorials that embody the spirit of American patriotism.