Lonely Planet Experiences: American Politics & Debate on Capitol Hill
Washington, D.C., USA
From USD 40.00
Office phone number: +1 202 810 1700
Lonely Planet Experiences: American Politics & Debate on Capitol Hill
Washington, D.C., USA
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Stroll the streets of Washington, DC’s oldest residential neighborhood as we discover the birthplace of American politics. See the iconic U.S. Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, and Library of Congress. Engage is a lively discussion and debate about historic and current American politics, all lead by a local guide. After the walking tour, continue the conversation at a locally-owned café, bar, or restaurant on DC’s historic Barracks Row.
Experience the best travel stories for yourself. Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this city adventure hand-picked by the world's leading travel publisher. Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures bring stories to life in the best-loved cities around the globe.
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Highlights
- Learn about the U.S. government and its frequently controversial politicians and policies
- Engage in some friendly debate on American politics and issues
- Discover the origins of the nation’s capital
- Wander through the beautiful, historic Capitol Hill neighborhood and discover local shops and restaurants
- Discover a neighborhood hangout and see where locals spend their downtime
- Each Lonely Planet Experience comes with six-months free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App which includes over 8,000 destinations guides and unbeatable discounts to Lonely Planet Guidebooks
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Schedule details
- Duration: 2 hours
- Meeting point:
On the east side of Capitol building between the guard posts on the Capitol side of the intersection, where First St. NE, First St. SE, and East Capitol St. NE meet
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 3.00 PM
- Ending point:
Marine Barracks, 8th & I St. SE, Washington, DC
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide.
Exclusions: Food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Washington, DC is the center of American government and politics – and this tour will let you experience all the political action and participate in the debate! Our guides will act as educators and facilitators and give you all the information, history, and context you need to have a lively debate with your fellow guests and, who knows, we may solve some issues while we’re at it! Even if we don’t change any policies, we’ll still end the tour at a local neighborhood business and celebrate the bonds of friendship.
Your Washington, DC tour begins at the heart of the city, the U.S. Capitol Building. Here, you’ll discover the origins of the city, the inner workings of the American government, and some incredible stories about U.S. politics as you stand right in front of the building that started it all. Discuss the development of the city as you gaze upon the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress.
Next, we’ll wander up one of the most historic streets in the city while engaging in a lively political discussion and debate, all led by your guide. Opinions welcome, but keep it friendly!
During our journey we’ll pass and discuss some of the most historic places of Capitol Hill, including the Eastern Market, the Old Navy Hospital, and the Marine Core Barracks. Find out where all the movers and shakers meet outside the office, and uncover the changes the neighborhood and city have undergone. You’ll be fascinated by how you can see the origins of the city in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Finally, we’ll check out the oldest commercial district in the city, Barrack’s Row. There, your local guide will point out some of the best spots to eat, drink, and socialize in the city, before ending your Washington tour at one of our favorite cafes, bars, or restaurants on the Row.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide.
Exclusions: Food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Please dress comfortably and appropriate for the weather, as much of the tour takes place outside.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing any children under 6 years of age. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +1 202 810 1700
Email address: info@washingtondcurbanadventures.com
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