Washington: Potomac River Cruise & Guided Georgetown Walking Tour

Begin your tour by stepping aboard the ferry for a 45-minute cruise down the Potomac River. One of the first sights you’ll see is the granite statue commemorating the men who lost their lives when the RMS Titanic sank so that women and children could be saved on the limited lifeboats.

As your cruise by, your guide will point out the iconic and oft-filmed Lincoln Memorial and The Stairs to Nowhere that decorate the channel. Similar in style to the Greek Parthenon, the 36 columns on either side represent the 36 states at the time of Lincoln’s death.

Along the waterfront you’ll have a great view of Arlington National Cemetery. This hallowed ground encompasses 639 acres overlooking Potomac River. Built on confiscated grounds from General Lee during the US Civil War, it’s one of only two cemeteries run by the US Military.

Two months after his assassination, the nation’s National Cultural Center was designated as a living memorial to President JFK recognizing his commitment to advancing the performing arts. With over 17 acres of land, 10 performance spaces, and 400-plus rooms, you’ll hear all about this bustling place of creativity and innovation from your guide.

In the 1930s the land mass (formerly known as Mason’s Island) was transformed to honor President Theodore Roosevelt. What once consisted of neglected, and overgrown farmland is now a picturesque set of trails and woodland.

The Watergate Hotel is a building with a turbulent past. Built between 1963 and 1971, the complex was sold several times since the 80s. As you pass by, your guide will tell you all about the scandal that led to President Nixon’s resignation.

Following your 45-minute river cruise your guide will take you through Georgetown, the oldest neighborhood in DC and one of the most storied in the US. Hear about how the redevelopment of C&O Canal was overseen by George Washington himself, transforming it from an unsightly canal into a National Monument.

At this family-run bakery you’ll sample a delicious cupcake and discover for yourself why this spot is such a local favorite!

The Old Stone House is the oldest unchanged building in Washington DC. Hear the story behind this often-missed gem from your local guide.

This is the city’s first Catholic Church. Hear about how in the early days of service, parishioners had to rent out space on the pews – or were forced to bring their own seating! A plaque here commemorates JFK who attended his last service here before he was assassinated in 1963.

Next, you’ll stop by America’s oldest Catholic University. Georgetown University’s main campus spans over 102 acres including 58 buildings most of which feature Gothic and Georgian architecture. Hear how it has hosted multitudes of world leaders and become an important fixture of Georgetown.

Screenwriter and author of ‘The Exorcist’, William Peter Blatty attended Georgetown University which he subsequently described as the best years of his life. See the ‘Exorcist Steps’ featured in the 1973 film and hear more about the true story that served as Blatty’s inspiration.

A local institution, Martin’s Tavern is the place where JFK proposed to Jackie – and she said yes! Today, this is commemorated with a plaque designating their table the ‘proposal booth’. Locally owned for four generations, Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright once said that she considers Martin’s an extension of her own living room.