Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour
OVERVIEW
Explore George Washington’s Virginia on a private six-hour journey through historic Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon.
Rather than treating the two destinations as separate sightseeing stops, this tour connects them.
Old Town Alexandria was part of Washington’s everyday world — a busy Potomac port where he conducted business, worshipped, dined, met friends and associates, and participated in the civic life of the region.
At Mount Vernon, we encounter Washington in a very different setting: his home, estate, agricultural landscape, household, and remarkable position overlooking the Potomac River.
Along the way, we can explore Alexandria’s colonial streets, historic buildings, waterfront, churches, shops, and museums, together with the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.
Because this is a private tour, the itinerary can be adjusted according to your interests, mobility, site opening hours, and preferred pace.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Explore historic Old Town Alexandria
See Christ Church, where George Washington worshipped
Visit the George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Discover Alexandria’s historic waterfront and cobblestone streets
Learn about Alexandria as an eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Potomac port
Depending on opening hours, visit or see sites such as Gadsby’s Tavern, Carlyle House, and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Enjoy a private itinerary that can be adapted to your interests
THE JOURNEY
Washington cannot be fully understood only through the monuments of the nation’s capital.
This tour explores two places that belonged to his own world.
In Old Town Alexandria, we discover the thriving river port where Washington conducted business and maintained important personal and civic connections. Historic streets, houses, churches, taverns, warehouses, and the Potomac waterfront help reveal the commercial and social world of eighteenth-century Virginia.
Depending on the day and operating hours, we may explore places associated with Washington and colonial Alexandria including Christ Church, Gadsby’s Tavern, Carlyle House, and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.
We can also visit the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, whose hilltop location provides both an architectural landmark and another perspective on Washington’s legacy.
We then continue to Mount Vernon, Washington’s beloved estate overlooking the Potomac River.
At Mount Vernon, explore the mansion and grounds while considering the estate as both a home and a complex working landscape. We can discuss Washington’s family life, agriculture, architecture, experimentation, the enslaved people whose labor sustained the estate, and the ways in which the landscape itself was carefully shaped.
The day is deliberately paced, allowing time to ask questions, take photographs, and spend more time at the places that interest you most.
ITINERARY
OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA
Explore the historic center of Alexandria and its Potomac waterfront.
Possible sites and themes include:
Christ Church • Gadsby’s Tavern • Carlyle House • Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum • Historic King Street • Colonial and Federal architecture • Alexandria’s waterfront • Washington’s relationship with the city • Trade, transportation, and the Potomac
GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Visit one of Alexandria’s most recognizable landmarks and learn about George Washington’s connection with Freemasonry.
The memorial also offers an excellent geographical perspective on Alexandria and the surrounding region.
MOUNT VERNON
Continue to George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Explore the estate, mansion, grounds, gardens, outbuildings, and Potomac landscape while learning about Washington’s life, household, agricultural interests, and the enslaved community that lived and worked on the estate.
The exact sequence of the day may be adjusted according to timed-entry availability, traffic, weather, operating hours, and guest interests.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Private six-hour tour • Professional guide • Private SUV or van transportation • Admission to Mount Vernon • Admission to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial when included in the operating itinerary • Bottled water • Light snacks • Rain ponchos when needed
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Meals • Gratuities • Souvenirs and personal purchases • Optional admissions not specifically listed as included
MEALS
Lunch is not included.
Depending on timing, we can incorporate lunch or a break in Old Town Alexandria or at Mount Vernon.
Advance reservations at the Mount Vernon Inn or another restaurant may be arranged upon request.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
This is a private driving tour.
Some walking is necessary at Mount Vernon and in Old Town Alexandria, but the pace can be adjusted.
Historic properties have varying opening days and hours. Carlyle House, Gadsby’s Tavern, Christ Church, and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum may not all be open on every tour date.
The itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.
Please tell us in advance about mobility considerations or particular historical interests.
Vehicle size can be adjusted according to group size.
MEETING POINT
Alexandria, Virginia
Round-trip transportation from Alexandria is included.
Alternative pickup arrangements may be available by request.
DURATION
Approximately 6 hours
TOUR TYPE
Private driving tour
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy to moderate, depending on the amount of walking selected. Please note that while there are steep hills at Mount Vernon, the estate provides complimentary shuttle service from near the Mount Vernon home to the gravesite of Gen. and Mrs. Washington.
LANGUAGES
English French Arabic, when available
