Arlington National Cemetery: Guided Walking Tour

Visiting Arlington National Cemetery is a solemn and meaningful experience. The guided walking tour offers visitors an opportunity to gain deeper insights into the lives of the over 400,000 veterans interred here. Led by knowledgeable guides, the two-hour tour allows participants to pay their respects at President Kennedy’s gravesite and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While the tour provides a respectful atmosphere, it also raises thought-provoking questions about the sacrifices made by those who have served their country. Exploring the stories behind these hallowed grounds can leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this journey.

Key Points

• A guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery lasting approximately 2 hours, led by experienced tour guides.
• Visits to significant sites like the JFK gravesite and the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Moderate physical activity required, with comfortable walking shoes advised for extensive exploration of the cemetery grounds.
• Tour not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the extensive walking involved.
• Cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The activity on offer is a guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery, which lasts approximately 2 hours.

The tour is priced from $1,690 per person and is conducted in English. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they don’t need to pay upfront to reserve their spot.

The experienced tour guide leads the exploration, which includes visiting the gravesite of John F. Kennedy and witnessing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Participants will also explore Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial, and learn about the over 400,000 veterans interred at the cemetery from various conflicts.

Tour Highlights

Experienced tour guides lead the exploration of Arlington National Cemetery, offering visitors an in-depth look at the hallowed grounds.

The tour highlights include a visit to the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, where guests can pay their respects. Participants will also witness the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a powerful display of military tradition.

Plus, the tour explores Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial, and provides insights into the over 400,000 veterans interred at the cemetery from various conflicts, including the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Cold War, and the Civil War.

Meeting Point and Arrival

The tour meets outside the Arlington Cemetery metro station in Arlington, Virginia. Participants should arrive 15 minutes before the tour begins to ensure a prompt start.

The tour guide will be waiting at the designated meeting point, easily identifiable by their tour company attire and signage. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves extensive exploration of the cemetery grounds.

Regardless of weather conditions, the tour operates rain or shine, so participants should dress appropriately for the day’s forecast.

The tour begins with an overview of the cemetery’s history and significance before embarking on the guided walking exploration.

Participant Considerations

This tour may not suit individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the cemetery grounds involve extensive walking over uneven terrain. Visitors should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity and be able to stand for extended periods. To ensure everyone’s comfort and respect for the solemn nature of the site, the tour operator requests that participants adhere to the following guidelines:

Behavior	Encouraged	Discouraged
Noise Level	Quiet Contemplation	Loud Conversations
Photography	Permitted	Disruptive Flash Photography
Attire	Respectful, Conservative	Inappropriate or Casual

The tour operator prioritizes participant privacy and encourages all guests to embrace the reflective atmosphere of this hallowed ground.

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Customer Ratings and Feedback

Based on the 42 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

Customers praised the knowledgeable and engaging guide, who earned a perfect 5/5 rating. The value for money was also highly rated at 4.2/5.

Reviewers highlighted the guide’s deep expertise on the cemetery’s history and were impressed by the tour’s highlights, such as the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Some suggestions for improvement included more responsiveness to participant questions and additional photo opportunities during the tour.

Pricing and Booking Information

The Arlington National Cemetery tour is priced at $1,690 per person.

This guided walking tour lasts 2 hours and is conducted in English. Guests can reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

There’s also a free cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour meets outside the Arlington Cemetery metro station, and participants should arrive 15 minutes early.

While the tour operates rain or shine, it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable guide, though some suggest more responsiveness to questions and photo opportunities.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Guests can cancel their Arlington National Cemetery tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This policy provides flexibility, allowing travelers to adjust their plans without financial penalty. The tour operator understands that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and they aim to accommodate guests’ needs.

Cancellation Policy	Refund
24+ hours before tour	100% refund
Less than 24 hours	No refund

Guests are encouraged to review the cancellation policy carefully when making their reservation. By understanding the terms, they can plan their visit with confidence and ease.

Additional Tour Information

While the tour focuses on the historical and solemn aspects of Arlington National Cemetery, it also offers opportunities for participants to capture memorable photographs.

The meeting point is conveniently located outside the Arlington Cemetery metro station, and guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking through the expansive grounds.

On top of that, the tour operates rain or shine, so participants should be prepared for various weather conditions.

• Explore the iconic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
• Visit the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, a poignant stop on the tour.
• Tour the historic Arlington House, the former home of Robert E. Lee.
• Learn about the over 400,000 veterans interred at the cemetery, each with their own stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?

The tour guidelines typically don’t allow participants to bring snacks or drinks, as the walking tour is focused on the historical exploration and respecting the solemn nature of the cemetery. Visitors should plan accordingly and stay hydrated before and after the tour.

Are Photography and Video Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video are generally allowed during the tour, though participants should be respectful of privacy and avoid disruptive behavior. Check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions or considerations regarding photography and videography.

Is the Tour Accessible for Individuals With Hearing Impairments?

While the tour offers an experienced guide, it may not be fully accessible for individuals with hearing impairments. Participants should inquire about any accommodations or alternative tour options when booking.

How Often Do the Changing of the Guard Ceremonies Occur?

The Changing of the Guard ceremonies occur continuously throughout the day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They’re performed every half-hour during the day and every hour at night, 365 days a year.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for the tour is not explicitly mentioned, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is suggested as the tour takes place outdoors and requires some walking.

Recap

The Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour offers visitors a profound and reverent experience. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour explores the lives of over 400,000 veterans interred at the cemetery. Highlights include paying respects at President Kennedy’s gravesite and witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Priced at $1,690 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it an accessible and flexible option for those seeking to honor America’s fallen heroes.

You can check if your dates are available here: