In the Footsteps of George Washington: Day Cruise to Mount Vernon

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Overview
Important Info

Travel to George Washington's popular plantation home in Virginia and one of the nation’s most beloved historic sites for this private, guided, 6.5-hour cruise and tour. Travel along the Potomac River to Mount Vernon, a National Historic Landmark. Learn about Washington’s life as a founding father and first president of the United States. Explore his home of more than 40 years, including the 21-room mansion, the Colonial-era buildings, the beautiful gardens, a working distillery and gristmill and the museum and education center.

Highlights

6.5-hour Mount Vernon tour from Washington, DC
Learn about the Potomac River and its notable landmarks during a leisurely river cruise
Explore President George Washington's former home and gardens
Enjoy three hours of free time to tour the 45-acre estate

Why Our Insiders Chose This Tour

You've seen DC's main city landmarks — now enjoy an intimate slice of history by touring the first US president's home with the added bonus of cruising down the Potomac.

Recent Photos of This Tour

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In the Footsteps of George Washington: Day Cruise to Mount Vernon

Wife and kids on the lawn at ...

Wife and kids on the lawn at Mr. Vernon

Photo by: Jeff E
08 2013
George Washington shared ...

The actor was very informative and engaging.

Photo by: Cindy Yee A
07 2014
a beautful day

the sun was shineing

Photo by: scruff
10 2013
Magnolia trees!

I did appreciate how well kept the buildings and the grounds were. The magnolia trees were gorgeous.

Photo by: Laura Waters
08 2013
DSCF6956

A view from the boat to see the house at Mount Vernon, I don't have a great camera, so in real life the view was ...

Photo by: lovelyjubblydublin
Ireland, 10 2012
DSCF6957

This is the boat we came on to Mount Vernon, we had just landed here and then we got the little bus up to the house.

Photo by: lovelyjubblydublin
Ireland, 10 2012

What You Can Expect

In the Footsteps of George Washington: Day Cruise to Mount Vernon

Cruise from DC to Mount Vernon.

Beginning at Pier 4 in Washington, DC, climb aboard the Spirit of Mount Vernon and travel along the historic Potomac River, taking in the view of some of the nation’s greatest landmarks while listening to historical facts and figures from the onboard guide.

Upon arrival at Mount Vernon, explore the grounds and Washington’s 21-room mansion.

Learn about the 18th-century, English-style garden, where Washington the landscaper reshaped walks, roads and lawns, cut vistas through the forest and planted hundreds of native trees and shrubs. Visit the 4-acre Pioneer Farm on the banks of the Potomac near the wharf. This is where Washington tested and implemented his progressive farming practices. Also, learn about the lives of some 100 field slaves who put his ideas into practice here.

Visit the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center for a self-guided tour. This building features 23 galleries and theaters where visitors learn about Washington through interactive displays, an action adventure movie, short films produced by the History Channel and more.

Food is available on site (own expense). Enjoy classic American favorites in a Colonial-inspired setting at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant or grab a quick meal or snack at the Mount Vernon Food Court.

The tour ends with a return cruise to Washington, DC.