Selected Washington Tours
Click on an example tour for further information.
Welcome to Washington
For first time visitors who want to customize your itinerary from a selection of major Presidential and War memorials, historic sites, and museums.
Major sites include
- Washington Monument
- Lincoln Memorial
- Jefferson Memorial
- FDR Memorial
War memorials include WW II, Korea, Vietnam, Arlington Cemetery and the Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima).
Other sites of interest include National Archives, Ford’s Theatre, US Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and Smithsonian Museums.
A drive by Embassy Row and Washington National Cathedral or a trip to Mount Vernon can be included.
All About Art
A Themed Artistic Tour
This tour focuses upon selected masterworks in many of the art galleries of Washington, DC.
The tour can be themed to viewing works of a particular school of art, selected painters and sculptors, or special exhibitions at a museum.
Visits can include the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Freer Gallery, Sackler Gallery, or home visits to Hillwood Museum, the Kreeger Museum, or Dumbarton Oaks
All Things Italian
Discover some of the many contributions of Italian culture to Washington, DC.
Learn the elements of Italian landscape design in the gardens of Meridian Hill Park while we pay tribute to Dante in the Poetry Corner.
Survey the influence of Italian architectural design (both ancient and contemporary) in selected embassies, residences, and public buildings throughout the city. Be amazed by the fascinating history behind many of the sculptures in DC that were gifts from the people of Italy. And take a highlights tour in the National Gallery of Art, viewing the works of Italian masters. A stop at Casa Italiana affords us the chance to encounter the seat of Italian culture and language in DC.
Finally, no Italian tour would be complete without an obligatory tasting of a delicious Italian treat!
Architectural Tours
DC is filled with a vast variety of architectural styles: Classic Federal and Georgian homes, Neo-classical government temples, Beaux Arts inspired show places, and Contemporary innovations.
We can customize the tour to suit your interests with stops arranged for inside visits to selected sights.
You will learn how to read a building—how the feet meet the street and how the roof kisses the sky. This tour can be incorporated into a neighborhood walking tour in Georgetown, Capitol Hill, U District, or Penn Quarter.
With transportation the architectural tour will include sights all about the city.
Cultural Connections
Highlights tours of major museums and special collections of the cultural institutions of Washington.
Visits can be arranged for special exhibitions at the National Gallery of Art, Hirshorn, Freer, Sackler, Corcoran, Folger Shakespeare Library, National Building Museum, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Textile Museum, and Hillwood.
In the Footsteps of the Presidents
The Hall of Presidents in the National Portrait Gallery has the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House.
Discover fascinating facts about the personal and political lives of the US presidents and their families as we tour through this collection. Here you will also learn about the art of portraiture as a projection of power and authority.
Military Veteran Reunions
Whether you require one full day of touring or a multi-day enriched experience to the war memorials, Arlington Cemetery, US Capitol, and other famous sights of the city, Kathleen will help you to plan your itinerary, make special arrangements, and guide your group in Washington.
Monuments by Moonlight
See the city aglow by night with a splendid tour driving by the Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Smithsonian museums, and the sights of Pennsylvania Ave.
Choose your stops at the White House, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, and U.S. Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima).
Reading the Rocks
Architectural Sculpture of the Federal Triangle
Learn the symbolic meaning behind those figures guarding the doorways and presiding within the pediments of our government buildings along Federal Triangle.
Every figure was carefully selected to speak to the mission and purpose of each federal institution, which includes the Dept of Commerce, former Dept of Labor (now EPA), Dept of Justice, National Archives, and Federal Trade Commission. Bring binoculars and wear comfortable shoes for this walking tour.
Smithsonian Museum Overview
Exploring the vast collection
Dr. Bashian is a Smithsonian study leader who will selectively guide you with thoughtful commentary through the highlights of a variety of Smithsonian museums of your choice.
This customized tour provides a broad overview of the vast collections of the Smithsonian museums with time to linger in placers of particular interest to you and your family members. Half day or full day options available for this tour.
The Serious Business of Shopping!
If you like high end designer shops or classic boutiques, Kathleen knows the stores and the staff.
Given advance notice, she can arrange for items of your choice and clothing in your size to be available at selected shops—be it Prada, Louis Vuitton, or Jimmie Choo. Why order online when you can have the touch and feel of your favorite designer choices right at your fingertips? Kathleen guarantees that this personalized shopping experience will be satisfying, efficient, and memorable.
Washington Beyond the Beaten Mall
These tours are customized for returning visitors who seek sites that are curious or uncommon.
Visit historic homes such as Tudor Place or the Dumbarton Oaks estate. Tour specialty museum visits such as the Textile Museum or the Phillips Collection. View statues of South American liberators along Virginia Avenue or the architectural sculpture of the Federal Triangle. Your special interests will be our guide.
Where the Diplomats Roam
Washington hosts nearly 200 international embassies, and her diplomatic community is vibrant and intriguing.
This tour takes you to embassy residences and chanceries, where the business of diplomacy officially occurs. With advance notice, we may arrange inside visits to embassy buildings and cultural centers, or the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the State Department.
Will on the Hill
For Shakespeare fans, this is the tour for you.
Visit the Folger Shakespeare Library and learn about the architecture of this Greco Deco building by Paul Cret. A lecture discussion, pre or post performance, will enhance your experience of a Shakespeare production.
Masonic Washington
This is a tour for curious Dan Brown readers who want to follow the path of The Lost Symbol to discover Masonic symbols which are hidden in plain view all about town.
A visit to the Scottish Rite Temple or the George Washington Masonic Memorial can be arranged with advance notice.
Convention Kick-off Session
An overview and orientation of current sights of the city. Great introduction for new visitors to Washington, DC.
Kathleen also creates unique tours to exacting specification. For further information use our contact form.