Custom Tours of DC

Private Custom Tours in Washington, DC

Custom Tours of DC arranges private tours and custom itineraries for individuals and groups exploring Washington, DC. The site says it serves couples, families, business travelers, students, corporate groups, wedding parties and large family reunions. Its tours are built around Washington, DC, with Mount Vernon, Arlington Cemetery and Georgetown named on the site, and the company describes itself as "A Private Tour Agency" based at 1030 15th Street N.W., #212, Washington, DC 20005.

The site emphasizes customization and luxury transportation. Its pitch is "Whether traveling in a luxury vehicle like a limo, sedan, or SUV, let us take you places large buses cannot go." Under the heading "Go as Our VIP" it says "Don't be a small part of a large group," and every tour on the menu is sold as a private tour rather than a scheduled public departure.

The company has been in operation for "over 20 years," according to the site. The site says it aims to serve "those who appreciate the highest quality of service that is only possible with a customized guided tour."

Tour Types and Themes

Custom Tours of DC offers several tour categories listed on its site: Day and Night Tours, including the Welcome to Washington Tour, Welcome to Washington "Full Out" tour, and DC at Night; the Mount Vernon Tour and Mount Vernon and Arlington Cemetery Tour; Walking Tours; Multi-Day Tours; Specialty and Theme Tours including African-American Heritage Tour, Battlefields, Hidden Gems, and Remembering: Armed Services Tour; Special Occasions; Customize Your Own Tour; Corporate Outings; and Student Groups.

The site describes its scope broadly: "Whether you want to explore the history of Georgetown, visit Mount Vernon, or take a night tour of the monuments, your private tour is geared around you."

The company can also arrange services beyond the tour itself. The site says it also provides "services to arrange almost everything you'll need for your day tour, including transportation, tickets to attractions, and dining reservations." Families and individuals get a separate pitch: "Private walking tours for families and individuals offering personalized and engaging ways to explore the city's rich history at your own pace with a dedicated tour guide."

Tour Length and Customization

The site states tour itineraries "can be as short as a 2 or 3-hour day trip, or can take place over the course of several days." It encourages visitors to "be creative" in planning: "we will help you put together the perfect plan!"

All tours are "crafted to meet the specific needs of each client," according to the site. It describes customers as those visiting "for business (conference or training) or a personal trip (birthday, anniversary, a weekend getaway)." The site says guides "can make adjustments while the tour is in progress saving you time and headaches."

The site mentions specialized tour types: African-American Heritage Tour, Battlefields tours, Hidden Gems, and Armed Services Tour. The site also serves student groups, offering "an educational and interactive experience, bringing American history and government to life through guided visits to the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the Lincoln Memorial." Corporate outings are available for "team building, client entertainment, or corporate outings while exploring DC highlights and cultural landmarks."

Guides and Languages

All guides are licensed in DC and members of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, DC, according to the site. The site says guides "specialize in private Washington, DC tours that cater to people seeking an experience of the city that goes above and beyond. They inspire learning while bringing all the history of our nation's capital to life."

The site adds: "our guides will entertain with stories and anecdotes, all the while providing accurate information about each site, and our drivers will make sure you arrive at your destinations easily and efficiently."

Testimonials on the homepage name guides Debbie, Rebecca, Monte and Buck, drivers Mr. Chen and Ivan, and Adam as the person who handled the planning. The site does not state which languages guides speak or whether tours in languages other than English are available.

Booking and How It Works

The site describes its booking process as "easy": first visitors contact the company via email, phone or online booking system. The contact information given is info@customtoursofdc.com and (202) 600-2488. The site then states the company sends a draft itinerary and quote. "During the planning process, we will maintain communication with you to ensure your guided tour meets every need, from the National Mall to the city's hidden gems."

Once the visitor decides to book and deposits are received, "we will send a detailed itinerary, book your luxury vehicles, tickets and make your restaurant reservations. Now, all you have to do is relax, pack your bags and catch your ride to DC."

The site says the company provides "pickup services from the airport, train station, and your hotel, making it easy for your small group to get around." During the tour, "we maintain the ability to make minor changes and adjustments to the itinerary as needed."

The company address is 1030 15th Street N.W., #212, Washington, DC 20005.

Local Knowledge and Guest Reviews

The site emphasizes guides as local experts: "We are a local company and are experts in our own backyard! We stay current with the many events that take place in Washington, DC and are ready to craft a customized itinerary that incorporates the area's many seasonal events and activities."

On the hiring of guides, the site states: "Why risk taking a trolley or big bus tour with a guide who started last week? We hire only expert guides who are licensed in DC and are members of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, DC."

Testimonials on the site describe guide knowledge. One visitor says of guide Monte: "He truly knew his stuff and was quick to answer any questions that came up." Another about guide Rebecca: "She knew everything. We asked many questions and she was able to answer to the last detail. It is clear that she loves history and loves what she does." A guest says of guide Debbie: "her warm and friendly personality made us feel like we'd known her for years" and adds that she "was vibrant about each place we encountered." Another guest describes "the three hour night tour on Friday 9/6/19," led by Buck, and says the group could "walk up and see many of the monuments and buildings up close." The homepage links out to reviews on Yelp, Tripadvisor and Google.

What the Site Does Not State

The site does not publish prices, a price range or how quotes are calculated, and it mentions a deposit without saying how much it is. It does not state cancellation or refund terms, how far ahead to book, the size limits of the vehicles, or anything about accessibility for visitors with mobility needs. Start times are set per booking: the booking form asks for "dates, times, number of participants and your tour interests," and the company picks guests up from the airport, train station or hotel. The homepage does not describe full itineraries for named tours like the African-American Heritage Tour or Battlefields; those sit on their own pages, and a FAQs page and a Transportation page are linked from the menu.

Custom Tours of DC suits visitors wanting completely customized private tours in luxury vehicles in Washington, DC, with licensed local guides and flexibility to change itineraries mid-tour. It is not built for travelers who want to join a scheduled public departure on a fixed date, or who want to see a price before they make contact.