Smithsonian Exclusive Tour: Iconic Museums Exploration
5.0
14 Ratings
Washington
Embark on an exclusive 5.5-hour guided tour of the Smithsonian's iconic museums in Washington DC. Discover famous artifacts like the Hope Diamond, Lincoln's Top Hat, and Dorothy's Ruby Slippers.
Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - The best way to see the most famous items in the Smithsonian Institution’s vast collection. Start your day with the largest Natural History collection in the world. Stones, bones, and bugs clamor for your attention at the Smithsonian Natural History museum as the largest taxidermied elephant in the world trumpets your welcome (his name is Henry!). But of course, these aren’t just any stones, bones, and bugs from someone’s backyard. From the (supposedly) cursed Hope Diamond to the recently renovated Fossil Hall with Mastodon, T-Rex, and Diplodocus looming over you, your inner child will remind you of how fascinating the natural world’s mysteries are.
What's Included
  • Exclusive Tour Guide
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • 5.5-Hour Tour Duration
  • Combo Museum Guided Tour
What's Not Included
  • Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
Additional Information

This uniquely crafted 5.5-hour guided tour offers guests an exclusive exploration of two of the Smithsonian’s most renowned museums in Washington DC. These two adjacent museums are home to the Smithsonian’s most celebrated artifacts. Be it the infamous diamonds, notable flags, or the distinctive Ruby Red Slippers, our well-informed guides know exactly where to locate the must-see items in the Smithsonian Institution.

Typical highlights often comprise (though not exclusively):



-Henry, the biggest taxidermy Elephant

-The Hope Diamond

-The Nation’s T-Rex (also called Wankel’s T-Rex)
-The Megalodon Jaw

-Exhibition of First Ladies
-The Star Spangled Banner
-The Greensboro Lunch Counter
-Lincoln’s Top Hat
-Dorothy’s illustrious Ruby Slippers

  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Notes: Natural History & American History Museum and other attractions or museums in DC may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with ‘Skip the Line’ or ‘No Wait’ access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Location
1010 Madison Dr NW
Madison Drive Northwest
Meet your guide on the large stairs at the Madison Drive NW entrance of the Museum of Natural History, facing the lawn of the National Mall.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Davidfordays
Sep 27, 2023
One of the best tourist we have ever had - We had already been excited to go on the tour of the national gallery, but we did not expect to have so much fun and such a knowledgeable guide. Donna was absolutely incredible, and so much fun to have leading us through the trip. Not only that, but she was also incredibly understanding as we had a bit of an emergency that led to us being a half hour late. Instead of leaving and canceling our tour which she would’ve been more than justified in doing, she waited for us and Toured through the museum all the way, until it was literally closing. Annabelle and I had an experience that we will never forget, and hopefully can do again. I I would recommend this tour to anyone, but if they were lucky enough to get Donna as their guide, I would say it is something that it is a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dawn_k
Aug 12, 2023
Can't beat the expertise! - In a town like DC, there is so much to see that it can be overwhelming. Tours like this one save the day! Donna was an awesome and knowledgable guide. She helped us hit the highlights of two major museums in a few short hours. My teenage daughter and I were very impressed with her extensive knowledge of history and art. It's a real treat to have a personal guide to learn in these great institutions. Do it!
Review provided by Viator
Michellehh2162dw
Jul 27, 2023
Review of Smithsonian Tour - Richard was our guide and he was excellent !!! He was very knowledgeable, shared many interesting stories, and was humorous as well. I would highly recommend this tour to family and friends!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donna_e
Jul 19, 2023
Our fun weekend trip - Our tour guide, Richard Robinson, was fabulous. He was so familiar with both the Art Museum & the Natural History Museum that the tours were informative, interesting & fun. Our tour consisted of ages 10-72 and he delighted all. I hope he is available if we are able to take additional trips to Washington.
Review provided by Viator
Ambassador321183
May 19, 2023
We had fun learning! - Donna was our tour guide and she was excellent and extremely knowledgeable. Donna shared things we would have not known. Being in a crowded place with so much to see is daunting. I would have been staring at a famous painting by a famous artist but not know the story behind the art. To be in a place and be present to experience and learn is wonderful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U3682gsbryanc
May 1, 2023
Excellent - A very pleasant tour. Process was easy and Babylon Tours was very responsive and made the booking process pleasant. Leigh was engaging, pleasant, and knowledgeable. Would recommend without hesitation. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Passenger15219854259
Apr 29, 2023
Our guide was excellent. She was very knowledgeable and took time for questions - Our guide was excellent. She was very knowledgeable and took time for questions. The task was so very difficult because there was so much to see and explain.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alex
Oct 28, 2022
Do the tour, it’s worth the money - Richard was amazing and so insightful! He made us laugh, he took us to the exhibits we most wanted to see and even took the extra time to show us things that weren’t even on our radar. Overall he was awesome, the tour was awesome and we’ll be back to DC to have him guide us again through the museums we didn’t book.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ojllana
Jul 10, 2022
Great for families with young ones - Leigh was FANTASTIC! So engaging that my 3 year old stayed occupied for 2 HOURS. She took us to all the things we wanted to see and easily breezed past what we weren’t as interest in. 10/10 recommend, even for toddlers!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shawn_j
Mar 27, 2022
Meghan Magic - Meghan was very thoughtful to offer a wheelchair for our special needs son and was simply the smartest tour guide ever. She made me very minute of the tour interesting with her fascinating stories and high energy, which kept even our 3 boys glued to her. So worth the money not to wander aimlessly for hours on our own.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
April 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today