Motorcade Spotting

One of my favorite things to do in Washington is trying to guess who’s in a passing motorcade. The president’s motorcade is easy to spot: Two identical limousines flying the US and presidential flags with a large number of support vehicles. Unfortunately, the president (at least the current one) doesn’t leave the White House often so it’s a rare sight. You’ll have better luck spotting the vice president (the veep’s limo is smaller as it’s the president’s hand-me-down) since he or she travels from the Naval Observatory residence to the White House daily. The vice president also travels to Capitol Hill weekly for the caucus luncheon of his or her party. These two are the only ones that don’t have to stop for traffic lights.

Black Chevy Suburbans are the vehicles of choice for cabinet members, visiting heads of state or government, and the First Lady. Cabinet secretaries have two to five cars depending on their security risk. The First Lady’s motorcade is bigger if she is traveling to an event announced ahead of time. If it’s an unannounced trip she could be next to you at a red light in a silver Suburban.

You can tell the country of a foreign dignitary by the flag flying on the right fender. Again, the size of the motorcade is based on the security risk. The prime minister of the UK’s will be larger than that of Belize.

Above you see the king and queen of the Netherlands leaving Arlington National Cemetery after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier. She did give us the “queen wave” as she went past.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Arlington National Cemetery: Secrets and Stories

Every working day more than twenty Americans who sacrificed for their country are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  On this tour we learn the secrets of Arlington's past and present and the fascinating stories of those buried here. And while Arlington's dead rest in peace, we'll see that they are still always working.  

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Hidden on Capitol Hill

Few people think beyond the Capitol when they think of the Hill. This tour takes you to the heart of a neighborhood with a fascinating history that still speaks to us today. Learn about these famous locations from a former Capitol Hill resident.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Embassy Row: Divinity & Diplomats

Most Embassy Row tours don’t venture far beyond Dupont Circle. But ours does. We see it all from top to bottom. This stretch of Massachusetts Avenue used to be called Millionaires Row where Gilded Age robber-barons built grand mansions. Today those mansions house most of Washington’s embassies, along with private clubs and statues of world heroes such as Mandela, Gandhi, and Churchill – and we will be right in the heart of it.

Duration
8 hours
Group Size
1 to 6

Customized Private Tours

There are no limits here! This tour is whatever you want it to be. See the part of Washington, DC you’ve always wanted to with an expert guide who has been in the city for more than thirty years. Our Washington Private Tours are perfect for those looking to learn more about DC in a fun and safe manner. See what you like for however long you like, accompanied by an expert guide!