Embassy Row & Dupont Circle: Gilded Age History Small-Group Tour
Overview
Before it was the cosmopolitan heart of DC, Dupont Circle was a wasteland transformed by "Boss" Shepherd’s corrupt politics and the staggering wealth of the "Nouveau Riche." Join us for a walking journey through the Gilded Age, where we strip back the marble facades of DC’s most iconic mansions to reveal the scandals within.
From the "smart set" of Embassy Row to the tragic curse of the Hope Diamond, you’ll learn how the city’s elite reinvented themselves—and sometimes lost everything—in the quest for social dominance.
Highlights
The Beer Baron’s Castle: Visit the Heurich House, the city’s first fireproof home, built by the man who survived "Death" and Prohibition.
The Hope Diamond Curse: Stand before the Walsh-McLean House and hear the tragic tale of Evelyn McLean’s "cursed" fortune.
Diplomatic Intrigues: Explore the Larz Anderson House, a 50-room palace designed for the most exclusive 12 weeks of the year.
Secret Doors & Scandals: Pass by the O Street Mansion’s 100+ secret doors
What's Included
- Expert Guide
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
1307 New Hampshire Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20036, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
1525 20th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20036, USA
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Heurich House Museum
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
O Museum in The Mansion (pass by)
Anderson House
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Embassy of Indonesia
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Dupont Circle (pass by)
Sulgrave Club
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Embassy of Argentina (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that this is an exterior tour and we do not enter the mansions described
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Embassy Row & Dupont Circle: Gilded Age History Small-Group Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-41377P26
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Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Washington DC customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
- Expert Guide.
- Gratuities.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 13..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Embassy Row & Dupont Circle: Gilded Age History Small-Group Tour is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Embassy Row & Dupont Circle: Gilded Age History Small-Group Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Washington DC. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Expert Guide
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that this is an exterior tour and we do not enter the mansions described
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
