Join us on select dates, March through October, for a truly American experience!
City Cruises' provides the only round-trip Mount Vernon cruises direct from Washington, DC - and includes admission to Mount Vernon with three hours to explore the estate and gardens.
- 3-hour round-trip cruise to the Mount Vernon estate
- 3-hour exploration and admission to Mount Vernon estate and gardens
- Narrated riverfront tour as you pass both historic and modern landmarks such as the Naval War College, Ronald Reagan National Airport, Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor, and Fort Washington
- Options available for breakfast, lunch, anytime snacks, and a full bar are onboard for purchase
Meeting point instructions
Departing Washington, DC to Mount Vernon: The vessel is accessible by wheelchair to Deck 2 of the ship. However, upon arrival at Mount Vernon, guests will disembark from Deck 1, which requires walking down a flight of stairs to exit the vessel.
Departing Mount Vernon to Washington, DC: Guests will board the vessel to Deck 1 of the ship from the Mount Vernon dock. In order to exit the vessel upon arrival at Pier 4 in Washington, DC, guests will be required to exit from Deck 2 of the vessel, which requires walking up a flight of stairs.
Included
Admission to Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. A guide will be provided on the way to Mount Vernon.
Important information
The Mount Vernon excursion experience is not fully wheelchair accessible and requires walking down a flight of stairs.
Please read the bag inspection policy and prohibited items before you visit historic Mt. Vernon.
Become an undercover detective for a night and infiltrate the Secret Society that controls every important person in the city: from mayor to judges, priests, business owners, doctors - everyone is in their pocket.
Pulling the strings, they've decided the fate of the city for centuries and now you get a chance to expose it. Your phone will be your only guide, and your detective instincts will help you piece together the conspiracy and dig out the truth. But remember, once you start digging - there's no way back.
This role-playing outdoor exploration game is a perfect mix of mystery thriller, scavenger hunt and role-playing detective investigation. The story is divided in 12 chapters and to unlock each chapter you will have to visit a real-world location (plazas, backstreets, monuments, local landmarks) and find a challenge, puzzle, riddle, or hidden code that you'll need to solve at each location to be able to progress.
Do you have what it takes, Detective?
Activity Highlights:
Become a detective and investigate the conspiracy
Explore 10 locations in your city and search for clues
Test your intelligence with tricky puzzles and fun quizes
Piece together the conspiracy as you go
Learn interesting facts about secret societies from around the world
All you need is a smartphone with an internet connection
No players limit, bring as many friends as you have
Play at your own pace or compete
Important Information:
Duration: ~90 minutes
Total Walking distance: ~1.5 miles
Equipment required: Smartphone with internet connection
No age requirements. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by adults
Ticket is valid for 1 device; each participant needs their own for full experience
Outdoor activity only; do not enter private buildings or premises
Become a detective for a day in this thrilling outdoor murder mystery game that turns your city into the ultimate crime scene.
Guided by the Questo app on your phone, you'll step into the role of a top detective investigating the shocking death of Bella, a famous travel blogger who met her fate during a ghost tour. Alongside theatrical characters like Percy Shadows, you'll gather evidence, interrogate suspects, and uncover secrets hidden in plain sight across different locations in your city. Every statue, graffiti, and landmark becomes a vital clue in your investigation. Work solo or in a team, follow the story as it unfolds, and test your wits against puzzles and riddles that bring the case to life. Investigate every corner for a clue and feel the adrenaline rush in your blood as you collect pieces of evidence and get closer to finding the murderer.
Can you solve Bella's case before the killer strikes again?
Activity Highlights:
Play the role of a detective and investigate the murder mystery case
Explore 12 iconic locations in your city and search for hidden clues
Test your intelligence with puzzles and secret messages
Collect enough evidence to identify the killer
All you need is a smartphone with an internet connection
No players limit, bring as many friends as you have
Play at your own pace or compete
Important Information:
Duration: 60-90 minutes
No age restriction. Children under 14 can join with adult supervision.
Available in English, French, German, and Spanish
Total walking distance: About 2 miles
One ticket is valid for 1 device. For the full experience, each player should purchase their own ticket
Outdoor activity only; do not enter private buildings or premises
Visit amazing places, including the real FBI's Headquarters, the Smithsonian Natural Museum, the HQ of the National Park Service, and more!
Step into the shoes of an FBI Special Agent in northwest Washington, D.C, the capital of America! And perhaps catch a bank robber or two along the way.
You'll need to solve a challenge for each place on your government-issued phone. Will you solve them all, agent?
As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our talented writers. Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt.
After your booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone.
Activity Highlights:
Play the role of a detective and investigate the murder mystery case
Explore 12 iconic locations in your city and search for hidden clues
Test your intelligence with puzzles and secret messages
Collect enough evidence to identify the killer
All you need is a smartphone with an internet connection
No players limit, bring as many friends as you have
Play at your own pace or compete
Important Information:
Duration: 60-90 minutes
No age restriction. Children under 14 can join with adult supervision.
Available in English, French, German, and Spanish
Total walking distance: About 2 miles
One ticket is valid for 1 device. For the full experience, each player should purchase their own ticket
Outdoor activity only; do not enter private buildings or premises
* 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.
* See one of the most famous houses in the world, The White House - the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States;
* Pass by the Washington Memorial, and walk along the famed National Mall;
* Visit the Vietnam War Memorials to honour the men and women who fought in the war;
* Climb the iconic stairs to the Lincoln Memorial, and read the immortal words spoken at Gettysburg;
* Enjoy the spectacular views over the reflecting pool and the Capitol;
* Visit the evocative Korean War Veterans Memorial and learn about The Forgotten War Memorial housing the Wall of Remembrance;
* Hear the story of Dr King's I Have a Dream Speech at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, learn about the numerous marches that have taken place in the capital and the changes inspired by these movements;
Your tour will begin with views of two of the most famous buildings in the country - the U.S. Capitol and the White House. While learning about the history of each, you'll have the chance to learn more about the fascinating politics of the most powerful country in the world.
From there, your tour continues to more of Washington DC's iconic sites, where you'll learn all about the stories of the nation and its capital and each unique monument and memorial along the National Mall. On your private tour, your guide will take you to several of the city's most famous monuments, from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial.
Your tour ends at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorialwhere you are free to continue exploring at your own pace. We recommend you continue to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and Jefferson Memorial at your leisure.
* 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 this 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. 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.
* Enjoy a tram ride uphill (tickets included) and a walking tour (downhill) of Arlington cemetery grounds
* Learn about General Robert E. Lee's home and its history during and after the Civil War
* Discover the tombs of iconic American figures, including President John F. Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy, General George Marshall, Chief Justice William Rehnquist, and General Philip Sheridan
* Visit the memorials dedicated to the victims of the space shuttles Columbia and Challenger
* See the unmissable Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
A sobering reminder of the realities of war, but a stunningly beautiful tribute, the Arlington National Cemeteryis the final resting place of nearly half a million service members and their families. Your tour begins at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, where you will learn about the astounding efforts of women in service of the military and how servicewomen came to have a dedicated space in Arlington.
Next, you will hear the stories of General Marshall, Chief Justice Rehnquist and Army General Bradley, while visiting their final resting places. From there, you will learn about General Robert E. Lee, the previous owner of these grounds who inhabited Arlington House. You will also explore lesser-known graves, including famed boxer Joe Lewis and the astronauts of the space shuttles Columbia and Challenger.
Following this, your guide will take you to the highlight of the tour for many--The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where you will be able to see a Changing of the Guard ceremony and hear the harrowing efforts undertaken to uncover the identities of the nation's fallen soldiers whose bodies have never been identified.
Highlights
-Stroll the cobblestone pavements and admire the historic C&O Canal;
-Walk along tree-lined streets past some of the city's most famous homes;
-Discover a host of iconic names that have resided in the neighbourhood - including John F and Jackie Kennedy, inventor Alexander Graham Bell, Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor, and chef Julia Child;
-Marvel at the pre-Revolutionary buildings and admire architecture that dates from after 1800 that is preserved by the National Park Service;
-Learn about the neighbourhood's post-Civil War flourishing African American community, its early 20th-century slump and its ascent to the it-place of DC in the 1950s;
-Learn about young JFK and see the tavern booth where he proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier;
-Stroll the historic Georgetown campus, and learn about the relationship between the school and the rest of the city.
Described as a "dirty little hole" by Abigail Adams, the former First Lady of the United States, Georgetown had humble beginnings: as a working port, on the banks of the slurry-filed Potomac River. Named after King George II, and founded in 1751, Georgetown served as a depot for the collection and shipment of military supplies during the Revolution.
A textile factory, paper mill, grain stores and more flour mills were added and when the capital was established to the east, Georgetown's character became more distinct. Georgetown became renowned as a fashionable quarter of the capital, drawing visitors from all over the world and becoming part of Washington City in 1871.
After the Civil War, large numbers of freed slaves migrated to Georgetown and a thriving African American community flourished, establishing businesses and neighbourhoods. However, by the 1890s, the area had undergone a drastic decline and in the aftermath of World War I, it was considered one of Washington's worst slums.
However, within a generation, the trend had all but completely reversed. When a young Senator John F. Kennedy resided in the neighbourhood in the 1950s, Georgetown was the place to be and be seen.
Home to world-class shopping, rich history, five-star restaurants and one of the world's best universities - in fact, the university for anyone looking to enter a career in Washington - Georgetown is a neighbourhood that simply cannot be missed.
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