Private Self-Guided Tour of Northern Virginia

If you’re looking for a way to see Arlington, Virginia, and the neighboring sights of Washington, D.C., without the rush of a group tour, this private self-guided experience could be just what you need. Offered by DC NY Tours, this tour promises a personalized exploration in a comfortable private vehicle, giving you the freedom to choose your stops and pace. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a tailored experience over a cookie-cutter group itinerary but still want the convenience of expert guidance and local insights.

What we really like about this tour is the private setting—it’s all about your group, and you can focus on the sites that matter most to you. Plus, the inclusion of an app with detailed descriptions and the ability to hop on and off as you please adds to the sense of adventure. That said, it’s worth noting that since this is a self-guided experience, it relies on your own curiosity and interest in the landmarks rather than guided storytelling at each stop. This works best for independent travelers or groups seeking flexibility.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, families, or small groups who enjoy customizing their sightseeing without the pressure of scheduled tours. It’s especially attractive for those wanting to explore at their own pace, with the comfort of a private vehicle. Budget-wise, at $500 for up to 13 people, the overall cost can be quite economical, especially if traveling with a group, as it offers a good mix of comfort, privacy, and flexibility.

Key Points

• Flexibility: You control your schedule, choosing what to see and for how long.
• Comfort: Travel in a private Mercedes Benz van with a professional chauffeur.
• Informative: An app provides audio descriptions of landmarks, enriching your visit.
• Convenience: Bottled waters and snacks are included, making the trip more comfortable.
• Iconic Sights: Close proximity to Arlington Cemetery, Pentagon Memorial, and Iwo Jima.
• Group Size: Up to 13 people, making it ideal for families or small groups.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover Arlington and D.C. on Your Terms

This private self-guided tour offers a practical way to explore Arlington, Virginia, and its surroundings on your own terms. Unlike traditional guided tours, this experience emphasizes personalization. You get to decide where to stop, how long to linger, and which sites interest you most—all while traveling in a sleek, comfortable van with a chauffeur who handles the driving and logistics.

The inclusion of a specialized app ensures you’re never left in the dark about the significance of what you’re seeing. You’ll listen to insightful descriptions about landmarks such as the White House, Capitol Building, Arlington Cemetery, and the Pentagon Memorial. These sites are packed with history, and having context enhances your experience, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

The private vehicle makes a big difference—there’s no fighting for space on crowded buses or dealing with the timing constraints of larger tour groups. Plus, you’ll appreciate the added touches like bottled water and snacks, keeping you refreshed during long stretches of sightseeing. All this service comes at a price of $500, which, considering it covers the entire vehicle and driver for up to 13 people, represents decent value, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family.

The flexibility of duration—between 4 and 8 hours—means you can tailor your day to fit your interests and energy levels. Whether you want a quick overview or a leisurely exploration, the itinerary can adapt. And since the tour is private, there’s no need to worry about noisy groups or rigid schedules; it’s your experience.

A Breakdown of the Itinerary and Highlights

While the tour is self-guided, the provider suggests some key attractions that you might want to include based on your interests. Here’s what you could encounter:

Arlington Cemetery

A must-see for history lovers, Arlington Cemetery is the resting place of many notable figures and a symbol of American sacrifice. Its vast grounds include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy. We loved the way this site offers a profound sense of history and respect, and being able to spend as much or as little time here is a real perk.

Pentagon Memorial

This somber site commemorates the victims of September 11, 2001. It’s a quiet, reflective spot that viewers often find moving. The fact that it’s included in your flexible itinerary means you can pay tribute at your own pace.

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Air Force Memorial & Iwo Jima/Memorial

These impressive monuments memorialize military service and sacrifice. The Air Force Memorial’s sweeping arcs are visually striking, and the Iwo Jima statue is iconic. We appreciated how these sites are accessible in the comfort of your private van, with ample time to absorb their significance.

Nearby Washington, D.C.

The White House, Capitol Building, and National Mall are all within reach. Remember, since this is a self-guided tour, you’re free to hop off the van at landmarks that catch your eye, spend as long as you like, and move on when you’re ready.

What Travelers Are Saying

Multiple reviews highlight the comfort and flexibility of this experience. One reviewer mentions: “We loved the way we could customize our stops and go at our own pace”—a sentiment that captures the core appeal. The privacy and ease of private transport are often noted as significant advantages, especially compared to larger group tours.

However, some travelers might find that the lack of guided narration at each stop requires a bit more research or prior knowledge. If you’re keen on having a guide narrate stories or historical details, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re comfortable with self-guided exploration, the app’s descriptions and your own curiosity can be enough to create an engaging day.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The tour is priced at $500 for the entire vehicle, accommodating up to 13 travelers. This makes it a cost-effective option for groups, especially families or small parties. The duration ranges from 4 to 8 hours, giving you plenty of flexibility to plan your day.

The vehicle is a black Mercedes Benz Sprinter van, offering a blend of style and comfort. The driver speaks English and is there to handle the driving, giving you more time to focus on sightseeing. Pickup is optional, generally close to popular landmarks like the National Mall, White House, or Capitol, making it convenient to start your adventure.

Booking is flexible — you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. This means you can plan ahead without the worry of losing your money if your plans change.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers who prefer a personalized experience with the freedom to explore at their own pace, this private tour offers excellent value. The comfort of private transport, combined with the flexibility to choose your attractions, makes for a relaxed and tailored day. It’s especially good for those who enjoy independent travel but want the convenience of a chauffeur and curated insights via the app.

If you’re traveling with a group, the per-person cost becomes quite reasonable, and it’s a smart way to see key sights without the hassle of coordinating multiple guides or crowded buses. It’s also perfect for families or groups who want to avoid rigid tour schedules and enjoy a more intimate experience.

However, if you prefer guided narration at every stop, or if you’re traveling solo and value a more structured tour, this might not be the ideal choice. It’s best suited for confident, independent travelers who enjoy taking control of their sightseeing.

The Sum Up

This private self-guided tour of Arlington and Washington, D.C., balances luxury, flexibility, and value in a way that appeals to many travelers. It allows you to see some of the most iconic sites with the comfort of private transportation and the freedom to customize your day. The inclusion of an app with site descriptions enriches the experience, making it more educational than a simple sightseeing drive.

It’s most appropriate for groups looking for a relaxed, personalized day without the constraints of typical guided tours. If you appreciate autonomy, comfort, and the ability to craft your own sightseeing story, this experience offers a practical and enjoyable way to explore the nation’s capital and its nearby treasures.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
You get a private 13-passenger Mercedes Benz Sprinter van, a professional chauffeur, and complimentary bottled waters and snacks. The tour is customizable to your interests.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration can range from 4 to 8 hours, depending on your preferences and the sites you choose to visit.

Are there any additional costs?
Gratuities for the chauffeur are not included and are optional. You might also want to budget for entrance fees if you decide to visit paid sites, although this isn’t specified in the package.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change unexpectedly.

What is the group size?
Up to 13 people, making it suitable for families, friends, or small groups looking for a private experience.

Is pickup included?
Pickup is optional and generally near landmarks like the National Mall, White House, or Capitol. The provider recommends these locations for convenient start points.

Is the driver available for questions?
The driver speaks English; however, since this is a self-guided experience, most of your learning will come from the app and your own curiosity, rather than live narration.

What should I bring?
Bring along your curiosity, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a camera. Bottled water and snacks are included, so you’ll stay refreshed throughout the day.

This private self-guided tour offers a unique blend of independence and comfort, making it an attractive option for those wanting to explore Arlington and D.C. with a touch of luxury and a lot of flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here: