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Old Town Alexandria in a Day with Round Trip Ferry Cruise

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Washington DC, USA

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This is usually booked 101 days in advance.

5 hours (Approx.)
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Overview

Escape busy Washington, D.C. for an afternoon and enjoy a historic journey to Alexandria’s Old Town. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour makes it easy to experience one of America’s best-preserved colonial towns. After a scenic boat trip down the Potomac to Old Town Alexandria, you'll disembark to begin your journey through hundreds of years of American history. Step inside the storied Gadsby’s Tavern, where Washington and Jefferson once dined; explore the elegant Carlyle House, a social center in colonial times; pause for a snack at a local bakery; continue your journey in Washington's footsteps at his parish, Christ Church Alexandria, where Washington himself prayed—and so much more. You'll even glide down King Street on a vintage trolley and enjoy free time to explore this quaint town’s art galleries, shops, and cafes before you hop back on the boat for a relaxing return cruise to D.C.

What's Included

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Cupcake from local bakery
  • Tickets to Gadsby's Tavern
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

950 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA

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Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at 950 Wharf St. SW Washington DC 20024 (it is on the other side of the street of The Anthem Theater, please meet your guide near the boat dock).

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Start Time • 11:30 AM

What To Expect

Potomac River

Begin your Alexandria day trip with a scenic boat cruise down the Potomac River, leaving Washington, D.C. behind as you sail toward Alexandria’s storied Old Town.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Carlyle House

Step into the Carlyle House, a stunning Georgian mansion built in 1753 that became a social epicenter in the colonial era. Nearby, you'll also visit Wise’s Tavern, a favorite of George Washington, and imagine the conversations that shaped a new nation within its walls.
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35 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lavender Moon Cupcakery

Treat yourself to a locally made cupcake from this beloved small business. Your cupcake is included with the ticket.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Old Town Free Trolley Stand, King Street

Take a quick, charming ride on the vintage King Street Trolley through Old Town Alexandria.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Alexandria's Christ Church

Visit the historic church where George Washington worshiped, steeped in American history.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hollensbury Spite House

Snap photos of the famously narrow Spite House and learn about quirky colonial architecture. Then walk by the home of George Washington and dive deeper into his life in Alexandria.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Gadsby's Tavern Museum

Step back in time at Gadsby’s Tavern, where Washington, Jefferson, and Lafayette dined and socialized. This preserved 18th-century tavern offers a rare look at how America’s Founding Fathers spent their leisure time.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

Visit this 18th-century pharmacy, which Martha Washington frequented for remedies.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Captain's Row

Stroll along this picturesque street, lined with historic colonial homes.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Old Town Waterfront

Wrap up your journey with free time to explore King Street, where you can wander through charming galleries, shop for souvenirs, or relax at one of the cozy cafes or restaurants near the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Potomac River

End your day with a relaxing return cruise to Washington, D.C. and take in scenic river views.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • There is free time towards the end of the tour for food, so we encourage guests to bring snacks and water.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-7167P87

Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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3 stars
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2 stars
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1 star
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Don't miss out!
This is usually booked 101 days in advance.

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Cancellation Policy

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Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour’s local time.

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