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Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens Tours and Cruises
Half Day and Full Day Tours and Cruises to George Washington's Historic Home

By Sheridan Alexander, About.com

Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George and Martha Washington, is a historic treasure and a must see Northern Virginia attraction with appeal for all ages. Several tours, including tours by motor coach and by boat, make traveling to and from Mount Vernon, as interesting and as much fun as exploring the estate, adding to the overall experience.

Tour schedules, departure and return times, departure points and all tour details are subject to change and should be confirmed with the tour operators before making your final plans.

Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Half-Day Trip from Washington, DC

The Mount Vernon Mansion - Photo Credit:  © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.The Mount Vernon Mansion - Photo Credit: © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Daily: Not available on New Years Day - January 1; Independence Day - July 4; Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day - December 25.
Departs: Union Station, Washington, D.C. at 8 a.m.

Enjoy views of Old Town Alexandria, the Pentagon, the Potomac River and more as you travel to and from your visit to historic Mount Vernon. Duration: Approximately 6 hours.

Mount Vernon and Washington, DC After Dark Combo

U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial - Photo Credit: © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial - Photo Credit: © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Seasonal: Mid June to Late October
Departs: Union Station, Washington, D.C. at 2 p.m.

This combination tour includes an afternoon visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, a short stop in Old Town Alexandria and an evening tour of several Washington, D.C. monuments and landmarks. Views along the way include charming Old Town Alexandria, the Pentagon, the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the U.S. Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) Memorial and many other popular sightseeing attractions. In addition, the tour makes stops at several memorials on the National Mall. Duration: Approximately 9 hours.

Spirit of Washington, DC - Mount Vernon Cruise and Tour

The Mighty Potomac River - Photo Credit:  © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.The Mighty Potomac River - Photo Credit: © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Seasonal: Scheduled Days vary from Mid March to Late October.
Departs: Pier 4 at 6th and Water Streets SW, Washington, D.C. Boarding begins at 8:15 a.m. and Cruise departs at 8:30 a.m.

This sightseeing adventure includes a 90-minute narrated Potomac River cruise from Washington, D.C. to historic Mount Vernon estate with wonderful views of area landmarks along the way. The tour arrives at Mount Vernon at approximately 10 a.m. and departs at 1:30 p.m., allowing about three hours to explore the famous Mansion and grounds. The return trip arrives at Pier 4 in Washington, D.C. at approximately 3 p.m. Duration: Approximately 6.5 hours.

Potomac Riverboat Company - George Washington's Mount Vernon by Water Cruise

Mt. Vernon View of the Potomac - Photo Credit: © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.Mt. Vernon View of the Potomac - Photo Credit: © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Seasonal: Schedules vary from early April to Early November.
Departs: Old Town Alexandria's City Marina behind the Torpedo Factory Arts Center at Cameron and Union Streets. Also departs from National Harbor and Gaylord National Hotel across the river from Alexandria.

Enjoy a narrated river tour aboard the Potomac Riverboat Company's Miss Christin and a self-guided land tour upon arrival at historic Mount Vernon. The cruise may be booked roundtrip or taken one-way. Approximate cruise time is 90 minutes from Alexandria, one-hour from National Harbor and 50 minutes from Gaylord National Hotel. This cruise arrives at Mount Vernon at about 12 p.m. (noon) and departs at 4 p.m. Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours depending on departure point.

Tourmobile - Mount Vernon Tour

View of Historic Alexandria - Photo Credit: © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.View of Historic Alexandria - Photo Credit: © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Seasonal: Mid June through Labor Day - Daily (No tour on July 4).
Departs: The Tourmobile Station at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia

Tourmobile is an interpretive shuttle tour service that is contracted by the National Park Service. In addition to sightseeing tours in Washington, DC, Tourmobile offers seasonal tours from Arlington National Cemetery to Mount Vernon via deluxe motor coaches. Duration: The tours, which travel through historic Old Town Alexandria on the way to Mount Vernon, last approximately 5 hours.

Gray Line Tours to Mount Vernon

Mt. Vernon Welcome Sign - Photo Credit: © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.Mt. Vernon Welcome Sign - Photo Credit: © 2008 George Alexander, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Seasonal and Year Round: Various Schedules
Departs: Gray Line Terminal at Union Station (bus level)

Gray Line offers a few different combination tours to Mount Vernon, including a year round Mount Vernon / Arlington Cemetery Tour, a six nights only Mount Vernon by Candlelight tour during the holiday season and other options. Departure times, rates and tour durations vary.
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