Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Visit two of the famed Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC's National Mall, the fascinating National Museum of American History, and the Museum of Natural History, one of the greatest collections in the world in three hours on this private and informative walking tour. 

On your private tour, you will: 

• Begin with a private tour of the National Museum of American History, where your guide will give you an overview of American history, before exploring the exhibitions in more depth;
• See several artefacts underpinning the American political and cultural landscape;
• Explore exhibitions that focus on America’s triumphs, tragedies, wars, and protests; 
• Learn about American women's history, African American history, Latin American history, and any area you have particular interests in;
• Enjoy a short break before heading to your next destination, the Museum of Natural History, one of the world’s largest collections of the natural world;
• Explore the museum’s highlights, including the Hope Diamond donated by Harry Winston, a T-Rex fossil, and a short film depicting the history of mammals over 200 million years;
• Immerse yourself in Earth’s many ecosystems, including the Sant Ocean Hall, where you can see some of the smallest and largest animals in the oceans. 

You will begin your private tour at the National Museum of American History, where myriad American treasures are on display.

From a flag flying during the Battle of Baltimore to photographs taken of Titanic survivors aboard the Carpathia, iconic America is yours to grab hold of - or at least see for yourself. Interested in a richer, more nuanced story of the country? Your guide will be able to take you through the museum focusing on segregation, immunisation and medical advancement, or breakthroughs made by women in math, science, photography, and textiles. 

Next, your guide will take you to the National Museum of Natural History, which opened in 1910 and is home to one of the largest global teams studying the natural and cultural history of our beautiful planet. Along with its world-class research facilities, the museum houses a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits, which explore the history of the natural world – from dinosaurs and mammals to volcanic rock, meteors, and rare gemstones. 

Your guide will take you through the museum’s must-see spots, but be sure to let them know if any of the exhibits are of particular interest, as they’ll be happy to tailor the tour to suit your curiosity.

Your tour ends inside the Museum of Natural History, where you will be able to continue exploring at your leisure. 

As America’s cultural centre, Washington DC is more than just the home of the President. DC is a city rich in history and proud of its heritage and on this tour, you will discover the most popular highlights, including the National Mall and the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

On your private tour, you will:

• Stand in awe of the Washington Monument, once the tallest structure in the world, in 1884;
• Visit the National Mall and delve into the history behind each monument; 
• See the World War II Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial and the Korean War Memorial;
• Stand by the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to see the Reflecting Pool;
• See the iconic White House home to each of the Presidents of the United States;
• Visit the immense world of the Smithsonian Museums, with a 2-hour guided tour of the National Museum of American History.

At 68 square miles, Washington DC has more than the political arena to seduce its many visitors, from the secrets of the FBI Building, and CIA Headquarters to over 70 museums devoted to almost every topic, including an International Spy Museum, American Indian art and African-American culture. 

On your full-day highlights tour, you will discover the heart and soul of America’s capital district, on a guided journey to its key attractions that do DC justice - politics and all.

s you discuss the city’s role in historical events, you will journey around DC’s most famous memorials, monuments and landmarks to read the Gettysburg Address inscription at the Lincoln Memorial and reflect on the impact of America’s Civil War. The beautiful Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial both evoke the sobriety of America’s involvement in overseas conflicts. 

At the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, it is impossible not to feel uplifted and inspired by the power of the words he penned for his famous "I Have a Dream" address. 

You’ll be able to see views of the White House before enjoying a respite for a lunch break. Please note your guide will happily recommend different lunch options for your price point, as lunch is not included in the tour.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided tour of the Smithsonian Museum of American History.