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Old Town Alexandria in a Day with Round Trip Ferry Cruise

20 Reviews 4.60 out of 5 stars Based on 20 reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 90% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Washington DC, USA

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On average, this is booked 118 (101) days in advance.

5 hours (approx.)
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Overview

Escape busy Washington, D.C. for an afternoon and enjoy a historic journey to Alexandria’s Old Town. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour makes it easy to experience one of America’s best-preserved colonial towns. After a scenic boat trip down the Potomac to Old Town Alexandria, you'll disembark to begin your journey through hundreds of years of American history. Step inside the storied Gadsby’s Tavern, where Washington and Jefferson once dined; explore the elegant Carlyle House, a social center in colonial times; pause for a snack at a local bakery; continue your journey in Washington's footsteps at his parish, Christ Church Alexandria, where Washington himself prayed—and so much more. You'll even glide down King Street on a vintage trolley and enjoy free time to explore this quaint town’s art galleries, shops, and cafes before you hop back on the boat for a relaxing return cruise to D.C.

What's Included

  • Cupcake from local bakery
  • Tickets to Gadsby's Tavern
  • Round-trip ferry transport
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Wharf Street Southwest
Washington, DC 20024, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Potomac River

Begin your Alexandria day trip with a scenic boat cruise down the Potomac River, leaving Washington, D.C. behind as you sail toward Alexandria’s storied Old Town.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Carlyle House

Step into the Carlyle House, a stunning Georgian mansion built in 1753 that became a social epicenter in the colonial era. Nearby, you'll also visit Wise’s Tavern, a favorite of George Washington, and imagine the conversations that shaped a new nation within its walls.
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35 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lavender Moon Cupcakery

Treat yourself to a locally made cupcake from this beloved small business. Your cupcake is included with the ticket.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

King St-Old Town

Take a quick, charming ride on the vintage King Street Trolley through Old Town Alexandria.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Alexandria's Christ Church

Visit the historic church where George Washington worshiped, steeped in American history.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hollensbury Spite House

Snap photos of the famously narrow Spite House and learn about quirky colonial architecture. Then walk by the home of George Washington and dive deeper into his life in Alexandria.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Gadsby's Tavern Museum

Step back in time at Gadsby’s Tavern, where Washington, Jefferson, and Lafayette dined and socialized. This preserved 18th-century tavern offers a rare look at how America’s Founding Fathers spent their leisure time.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

Visit this 18th-century pharmacy, which Martha Washington frequented for remedies.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Captain's Row

Stroll along this picturesque street, lined with historic colonial homes.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

Wrap up your journey with free time to explore King Street, where you can wander through charming galleries, shop for souvenirs, or relax at one of the cozy cafes or restaurants near the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Potomac River

End your day with a relaxing return cruise to Washington, D.C. and take in scenic river views.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • There is free time towards the end of the tour for food, so we encourage guests to bring snacks and water.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: Will I get seasick on Old Town Alexandria in a Day with Round Trip Ferry Cruise?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-7167P87

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.60
20 reviews

Average 4.60 out of 5 stars based on 20 traveler reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
14
4 stars
4
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 118 (101) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Cupcake from local bakery
  • Tickets to Gadsby's Tavern
  • Round-trip ferry transport
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour is in English.
  • Guests should feel comfortable walking at a moderate pace on sometimes uneven terrain.
  • There is free time towards the end of the tour for food, so we encourage guests to bring snacks and water.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
  • Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • 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 (EST).

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Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

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Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

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  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
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  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.