Mt Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Day Trip from Washington DC
Washington D.C., United States of America
Learn about the life of George Washington, first president of the United States, on this guided tour of Mount Vernon, Washington’s home of more than 40 years. On your visit to this famous historical site, the guide takes you through the mansion, gardens, farms and other buildings that show what colonial life was like on the grand estate. The tour includes a guided bus trip through Old Town Alexandria to see several key historical attractions including places that George Washington visited in his day.
Travel approximately 30 minutes to Mount Vernon, the home and estate of George Washington, one of the founding fathers of the United States and the nation’s first president.
On the 500-plus acres of the estate, explore the three-story mansion, extensive gardens and many original sites including a working blacksmith shop and the Pioneer Farm, a demonstration farm with an innovative 16-sided treading barn designed by Washington for threshing grain.
The mansion has been restored to how it would have looked when Washington died in 1799. Some of the most notable items in the mansion include the key to the Bastille, presented to Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette, and a swivel chair Washington used during his presidency.
Also on the grounds are Washington’s tomb, where George Washington and his family members are buried, a reconstructed slave cabin and a memorial to the slaves who worked at Mount Vernon. Your knowledgeable guide takes you through these sites while sharing the history of George Washington's home on the Potomac River.
After seeing the highlights of Mount Vernon and having lunch (own expense) at the historical Inn Restaurant or the food court, your tour continues to Old Town Alexandria. While riding a comfortable bus, see George Washington’s old haunts including Gadsby's Tavern, Ramsay House and Lee-Fendall House. You also will see the town’s major attractions including Old Presbyterian Meeting House, Christ Church, Spite House, Robert E Lee's House and the Torpedo Factory.
When your fascinating day exploring Mount Vernon and seeing Old Town Alexandria ends, your guide returns you to the original departure location.
Perfect trip. Took this tour with my 10 year old granddaughter.
Review by: Icy Crystal S, June 2018
Would not recommend this trip. Was not worth the price.
Review by: Lauren, April 2018
Loved this tour! It was amazing to see the grounds Washington once passed through. I wish we would have left more time for the museum as we only had about 45 min or so before we had to leave. We easily could have spend two hours there. Great tour and I would highly recommend :
Review by: Daniel M, April 2018
Was a poor experience.. Mt Vernon and Old Town Alexandria were great but the drivers attitude made the whole experience negative.
Review by: Susan C, April 2018
I learned so much new information about George Washington and his family. I loved being able to explore his estate I will certainly go again.
Review by: Jennifer L, April 2018
This was a great tour. It was just long enough to see everything and not too long where your bored. Mt Vernon was really neat to see. Lots of sights and history. I really like stopping at the church where George Washington went and see how it hadn’t changed much from his time. Would recommend
Review by: kathytarrant1, April 2018
Mount Vernon was great. Getting there and back was just ok. Could have been much better.
Review by: drewshepherd88352, April 2018
The Mt. Vernon tour (conducted by Mt. Vernon employees) was fantastic! However, our driver/guide to and from Mt. Vernon was unprofessional. We were sent into an old bar, being given the impression it was part of the tour, while he used the bathroom. While he was gone the manager kicked out our group
Review by: Craig M, March 2018
Great tour. In Alexandria, the tour of Christ Church really brings the colonial days to life. The drive to Mt. Vernon is chalk full of history. At Mt. Vernon, you walk around on your own, getting the freedom to explore all of the plantation. This is a must do DC tour when you are there.
Review by: Joe P, March 2018
This road trip was educational and enjoyable._br/_ We were rushed somewhat in our stay at Mt. Vernon in that the driver was trying to stick to a 3 p.m. return to DC time schedule. But overall we are very happy with the Mt. Vernon and Alexandria road trip. _br/_ We highly recommend it to others seeking to see historic sites in the DC area.
Review by: scott n, March 2018
The experience of walking in our forefathers footsteps was awesome but the staff at Mount Vernon were less than friendly and we felt we were annoying them most of the time especially if we asked a question. We were shuttled through like cattle and we went in the off season! We also thought we were going on the tour with a group guide and not just getting dropped off.
Review by: calgal, March 2018
I love Mt. Vernon. It is a gorgeous setting. It is also a peek into the daily life of the well-off back in the day. Very informative. The grounds are beautiful to walk and take in. Our driver, Paul, took great care of us and made sure we didn't miss a thing. Very knowledgeable. Great experience.
Review by: LS, February 2018
Just a short drive from Washington, so you don't have to spend much of the tour on the bus. Mount Vernon is a very interesting site in a beautiful location. The guided visit to the mansion was great. You also get to visit the slave quarters and Washington's tomb on your own. The museum is also great. Would have liked some free time or photo stops in Alexandria, most of the time there is spent on a guided tour of the church.
Review by: umfundisi, January 2018
Brilliant visit, with an engaging and helpful driver.
Review by: Susan N, December 2017
It was nice to not have to drive from Arlington to Mount Vernon, but that was pretty much what the tour was. The driver was very polite and knowledgeable and he drove us through Old Alexandria and pointed out several historical structures but then straight to Mount Vernon. Tickets to Mount Vernon were purchased for 19.00 for seniors and we were left for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours to see Mount Vernon. We did not feel we had enough time to see the estate and the museum thoroughly. In hindsight, our party of 4 could have gotten an Uber and paid our on entrance fee and come out better less than half. Less money spent with more flexible time allowed. But, the guide/ driver on the bus was very nice and an excellent driver.
Review by: Nicholas P, December 2017
This tour was amazing!
Review by: adlakarabeemhapi, December 2017
Well worth going. Mt Vernon is beautiful and functioning as a period far, lovely to see, loved the day.
Review by: Ray R, November 2017
The trip was amazing. Our driver was very helpful and very knowledgeable. We learned alot and had a wonderful afternoon.
Review by: Susan L, October 2017
Wonderful. So worth doing this tour...
Review by: Jeffrey C, October 2017
I was expecting the driver to give historical information during the drive and was very disappointed he didn't. The first part of the trip to Old Alexandria was ok and he gave some information. However, the ride to Mt Vernon and ride back was silent. I have been on many tours and this was by far one of the worst. Based on prior reviews, I suggested this tour to four other couples and am embarrassed they spent the money and were so disappointed.
Review by: Jack M, October 2017
Excellent tour well worth the price.
Review by: Catherine L M, October 2017
Paul, our driver, was exceptional and kept us informed about historical details during the drive. _br/_ Mt. Vernon is a beautiful estate, and I truly enjoyed the visit and tour._br/_ I recommend that Viator inform passengers that they have to wait in a long line to tour inside GW's home. Tour information implied that we had a pre-ticketed small group tour of the estate. With only 3 hours at the estate, I would have liked to spend more time enjoying all the sights, not waiting in line. Otherwise, a very satisfying -- but rushed -- experience.
Review by: astry w, October 2017
I am enjoying this trip so much. Our guide came on time and he was very informative and fun. The only thing that I wasn't expected is that I thought that we will be strolling around Alexandria, not only passing by. Mount Vernon is very beautiful and I enjoy the museum so much.
Review by: Kay D, October 2017
Too short a time period if you intend to eat lunch and see the mansion and grounds! Our tour guide knew a lot but his accent was a bit difficult plus I was in the back seat and it was hard to hear. If I had it to do again I would have eaten before the trip so as to leave full time for exploring. We had several hotels to pick up from and that ate up our time as well! Way too much walking for some seniors and disabled. The lady's organization that runs the site should get a couple of trams!
Review by: Alan H, October 2017
Mount Veron was superb. Brilliantly thought out displays and knowledgeable experts on hand to explain every aspect of Washingtons life.
Review by: Saggy10, October 2017
Great trip, great guide. Very worthwhile, Mt. Vernon and Old Alexandria were both a very good take.
Review by: Paul S, October 2017
Tour started at 11:00 AM and lasted until 4:00 PM. There was no time allocated for lunch! Several people complained about this. Otherwise, the tour was great!
Review by: Eileen G, October 2017
Lovely place to visit and interesting to see the house and tomb of the Washingtons
Review by: Bill w, September 2017
Joe picked us up, on time. Only 4 on our trip and perfect weather. Mount Vernon is well worth visiting. The history, beautiful gardens and setting on the Potomac perfect. However, we specifically chose this trip so that we could take in the sights of old Alexandria. Unexplained, we simply drove through the Main Street with minimal references and no stops. We felt cheated! This was not the trip we signed up for as described in the promotional material.
Review by: Lynda K, September 2017
This trip drives you through Old Town Alexandria and does not stop. I expected to have some time there off the bus. The admission to Mt. Vernon is 19 and this trip costs 79, making the bus ride 60 which seems quite high. The bus is small and cozy. The visibility is good but not easy to get in and out. The steps were slippery so extra caution was needed. Our driver did give us good historical information on the ride to Mt. Vernon.
Review by: Ellen N G, September 2017
Enjoyed everything we saw. Wish we had a little more time and possibly the opportunity to get an overview with a guide. In Alexandria, it would be good to have more time to see and walk in the City.
Review by: Juanita E, September 2017
Our tour guide, Bobby, was very entertaining. We enjoyed Mt Vernon and seeing Old Town Alexandria. Bobby kept us entertained during the trip from D.C. To Mt. Vernon. He made sure we knew exactly what to do and see while at Mt Vernon
Review by: Paul B, September 2017
Disappointed it was such a short trip. There's so much to see at Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria but we arrived at 11.30 and left at 14.30 and had to have lunch during that time too!! Arriving at 10.00 and leaving at 16.00 would make it a better experience. That said, what we did see was fascinating, the guided tour of the house was well done, the outbuildings and gardens were marvellous. We couldn't hear our driver's commentary - a microphone is a necessity I think. Also, the van's suspension wasn't up to the bumpy roads and we were bounced around a fair bit on some stretches. The visit to Christ Church was an unexpected treat.
Review by: Joyce K, August 2017
Great trip! My family totally enjoyed it. The tour guide, Joe, was great. I highly recommend Viator, they do a great job!
Review by: Rocio S, August 2017
This tour is mainly a transportation means to Mount Vernon. We only stopped once and briefly before heading to Mt Vernon at Gadby's Tavern. We did not go inside, the tour guide briefly described the place and then we were on our way to Mt Vernon. In Mt Vernon, you are on your own. The tour guide dropped us off and the picked us up at a designated time. That's it. I am giving it 4 stars because the tour guide was really nice and also because it was worth seeing Mt Vernon as it was one of Washington DC trip highlights.
Review by: MelNoel1976, August 2017
Wonderful! The driver/tour guide was upbeat and knowledgeable, making the trip lots of fun on the way to and from Mount Vernon. We were able to stop and take pictures in Alexandria, which was nice. Once we got to Mount Vernon, we were then given time to go off on our own, which worked out well since there is SO much you can do there. By the way, Mount Vernon is absolutely beautiful, and well worth the visit!
Review by: CURTIS D, August 2017
Didn't get to see much of Old Town Alexandria. Only one five minute stop. Tour guide was excellent however.
Review by: jean r, August 2017
First of all, the vehicle was lux, clean, and very comfortable. There was a slight delay in arrival, but we were kept informed by phone so it wasn't a problem. Our driver, Joe, was polite, well informed, and presented information with a good dose of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed the trips to Mt Vernon and Alexandria, Va. Before taking the tour at Mt V, we were given good tips on how to best enjoy the estate. All in all, a good experience,
Review by: Erik R, August 2017
Mt Vernon was lovely. Had plenty of time to explore . Loved stopping in Alexandria before to see Christ Church. It felt a little rushed . Wished we could have stayed and explored a little more. Don't really need to take the tour. We just didn't have a car. Basically it was just like hirering a drive
Review by: susanjxu, July 2017
Great tour
Review by: Alonso F, July 2017
Thank you.
Review by: Araceli H, July 2017
It was snowing in March! By this time it stopped snowing and the frigid cold air turned the snow into ice. Ive never had to bundle up that much. The van picked us up promplty. It was a total of seven people and it was very private. The driver showed us Washington's church and bar/restaurant were imporrtant historical figures used mingle. Then we went to Mt. Vernon. Beautiful sight!!! We decided to walk around farm to the slave quarters where few tourists went because it was too cold. I couldn't feel my body but it was worth having sights all to ourselves.
Review by: Peter C, April 2017
Driver was excellent overall, especially in describing history of Old Town Alexandria which we passed through on the way to Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon Tour was good, just not enough time to walk through the rest of the estate after the scheduled tour of the mansion itself at 1 PM, which takes a good 30-45 min with the lines and taking even 15 min for lunch departure time to return to DC was 3 PM in the van.
Review by: John S, March 2017
Great trip
Review by: judith m, February 2017
it was a good tour but you have to go to a location to meet your guide. he was on his cellphone on the first of the trip.
Review by: piyy, January 2017
Fantastic! Must not miss! Beautiful location! Pick up and drop off is very convenient as Mt. Vernon is about 45 minutes from D.C. city center probably longer if there's a lot of traffic
Review by: Deanne S, December 2016
This tour was terrible. We got picked up for the tour in little old vans. The driver, who was also apparently the tour guide, rattled off a few facts, as he sped through Alexandria. He never spoke the rest of the trip. Mount Vernon was a good site to see, but we should have taken Uber.
Review by: barry w, December 2016
Loved this tour very interesting easy to get to meeting place and guide was very informative and fun loved the fact we were dropped back to our hotel after a great day.
Review by: steve, November 2016
My family and I had a wonderful time!
Review by: Barbara C, November 2016
I really enjoyed my tour. Joe was extremely helpful. I wish the church had been open to tour that morning but it gave us more time to explore Mt Vernon
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