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-   -   DC - Which night tour of the monuments? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/dc-which-night-tour-of-the-monuments-296554/)

speckles Feb 2nd, 2008 01:03 AM

DC - Which night tour of the monuments?
 
I'll be in Washington in August for 4.5 days. I've read many recommendations for taking night tours of the monuments. I'm considering doing this to free up time during the day for other things.

Are any tour companies preferred over others for this tour? ie does one company see more than another? Is the trolley tour recommended for taking photos (no windows in the way)? I would prefer a company which actually stops at the monuments and not simply drives by.

tovarich Feb 2nd, 2008 04:39 AM

In 2006 we took both the daytime and the Monuments by night tour of Old Town Trolley tours.You can get your tickets cheaper on line.Paul

denice7 Feb 2nd, 2008 04:43 AM

i think there is a seqway tour too of the monuments. Not sure if it is at night though.

jewelhawg Feb 2nd, 2008 06:32 AM

I've taken the Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour twice and it's the best. It's a 2.5 hour tour and stops at various monuments. I enjoyed this more that just seeing the monuments during the day. There's something special about seeing them lit up at night. While touring at night, we saw regular bus tours and we commented how we were glad we were on the trolley.

The trolley windows open and close easily. You are able to take pictures while in the trolley, too.

You can get more information at www.historictours.com/washington


GoTravel Feb 2nd, 2008 11:09 AM

Maybe this is stupid but I've just walked to them at night.

The Lincoln Memorial at night is particularly moving to me.

The Vietnam Memorial by day is the most moving period.

speckles Feb 3rd, 2008 03:43 AM

Thanks all for the suggestions.

Gotravel - no I won't be walking around any city at night on my own.

jewelhawg Feb 3rd, 2008 04:51 AM

Speckles~ Also, the variety of monuments they take you to are too spread apart for you to walk. If my memory is correct, three of the monuments/memorials are at one stop: Vietnam, Korean and Lincoln. This was the only stop where I felt a little rushed. I recommend only doing the Korean and Lincoln at this stop. Then visit the Vietnam Memorial during the day. The Korean is more spectacular at night while the Vietnam is much more moving during the day.

My other favorite memorial to visit on the night trolley tour is the FDR Memorial.

Oh...I don't believe the new WWII Memorial is on the night trolley tour. You'll want to fit that one into your daytime, too.

You are in for a great experience. Enjoy D.C.!


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