Arlington Cemetery Guided Morning Walking Tour

The Arlington Cemetery Guided Morning Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the hallowed grounds of this revered national cemetery. Led by knowledgeable guides, the 2-hour tour takes visitors through significant sites like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, providing a deeply moving experience. With a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized experience, allowing participants to gain valuable insights into the sacrifices made for freedom. But what makes this tour truly special is the chance to appreciate the rich history and solemn beauty of Arlington Cemetery.

Good To Know

• The guided walking tour offers a 2-hour exploration of Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and JFK’s gravesite.
• The tour is led by local and professional guides, providing live commentary to a maximum of 40 travelers for a personalized experience.
• Visitors must have a photo ID and are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour involves moderate physical activity.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with back problems or serious medical conditions, and strollers and service animals are permitted.
• Reviewers praise the guides for their knowledge and ability to bring history to life, while some report issues with tour organization and guide performance.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Arlington Cemetery Guided Morning Walking Tour allows visitors to witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and see the eternal Flame at John F. Kennedy’s grave.

This 2-hour tour, led by local and professional guides, provides an in-depth exploration of the cemetery’s 150-year history and lesser-known stories.

With a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience and receives high praise, with a 106-review Badge of Excellence.

Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for this moderate-difficulty tour, which doesn’t accommodate wheelchairs or those with certain medical conditions.

Tour Details and Logistics

The tour departs from the Arlington Cemetery Metro Station at 09:30 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

The 2-hour guided walking tour includes live commentary from a local, professional guide. Guests will witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and see the eternal Flame at John F. Kennedy’s grave.

A valid photo ID is required for guests 16 and up. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Accessibility and Recommendations

Arlington Cemetery’s guided tour may not be accessible for all visitors. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are permitted. Service animals are allowed.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves two hours of guided walking.

Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. The tour’s accessibility and recommendations cater to a specific audience, so interested visitors should carefully consider their own needs and abilities before booking the experience.

Customer Experiences and Feedback

While reviews for the Arlington Cemetery guided tour range from excellent to poor experiences, many guests have praised the knowledgeable and engaging nature of the tour guides.

Positive feedback highlights the guides’ ability to bring the cemetery’s rich history to life through their informative and captivating presentations.

However, some guests have expressed disappointment with tour organization and guide performance, citing issues such as disorganization and a lack of engagement.

Despite these concerns, most visitors appreciate the opportunity to learn about the significant historical sites within the cemetery’s hallowed grounds.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts is the policy offered by the tour company.

However, some guests have reported issues with refund requests and communication with the tour provider.

The company has expressed apologies for negative experiences and encouraged guests to try different guides in the future if they were unsatisfied.

Significance of Arlington Cemetery

A hallowed ground, Arlington National Cemetery stands as a somber testament to the sacrifices made by American servicemembers throughout history.

Nestled across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital, this hallowed site serves as the final resting place for hundreds of thousands of heroes.

Visitors can:

• Pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the Changing of the Guard ceremony is a moving display of military precision and honor.
• Reflect at the eternal flame marking President John F. Kennedy’s grave.
• Learn about the cemetery’s 150-year history and the stories of those interred.
• Witness the discipline and reverence of the burial services.
• Gain a deeper appreciation for the cost of freedom.

Historical Figures Buried at Arlington

Arlington National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for numerous prominent historical figures. Among them are U.S. presidents, such as John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft.

The cemetery also holds the remains of military leaders, including General John "Black Jack" Pershing and Admiral Chester Nimitz.

Civil rights pioneers like Medgar Evers and Pierre Toussaint are buried there as well.

Plus, the graves of astronauts like John Glenn and Gus Grissom can be found within the cemetery’s hallowed grounds.

These individuals, and many others, represent the diversity of American history and the sacrifices made to preserve the nation’s ideals.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

One of the most revered and iconic sites within Arlington National Cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This hallowed memorial honors service members whose remains haven’t been identified.

Visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard, a ceremony conducted by highly trained soldiers. The Tomb is guarded 24/7, 365 days a year, in all weather conditions.

Guests can also view the eternal flame burning at the grave of President John F. Kennedy, located nearby. The tour provides a poignant opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served.

• Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony
• Learn about the history and significance of the Tomb
• See the eternal flame at JFK’s grave
• Reflect on the sacrifices of those who served
• Explore this iconic and revered site within Arlington

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are generally permitted to take photos during the tour, as long as they don’t interfere with the tour guide’s presentation or disrupt the solemn atmosphere. However, certain areas may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the guide beforehand.

Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Food and Drinks?

According to the tour details, there are no explicit restrictions mentioned on bringing food and drinks. However, guests are advised to bring comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for the 2-hour guided walking tour.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Exploring on Your Own?

The tour does not provide dedicated time for independent exploration. It’s a 2-hour guided walking tour focused on the highlights, with no additional time allotted for guests to explore the cemetery on their own.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour is a 2-hour guided walking experience, and there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the duration. The set timeline allows travelers to efficiently witness the key highlights of the cemetery during the allotted time.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Military Personnel or Seniors?

Yes, the tour company offers discounts for military personnel and seniors. Guests can inquire about these discounts when booking the tour to receive the applicable savings.

The Sum Up

The Arlington Cemetery Guided Morning Walking Tour offers a profound and personalized exploration of the hallowed grounds. Visitors can gain valuable insights into the sacrifices made for freedom while appreciating the cemetery’s rich history. With knowledgeable guides and significant sites, the 2-hour tour provides a profound experience for all who partake in this meaningful journey.