Overall, the tour was very nice. Being driven to the monument sites and being able to spend time at the Lincoln Memorial, MLK’s monument, WWII memorial, and others was very convenient. The tour provided a number of interesting historical facts about the main monuments and other buildings and smaller monuments along the route. The time allotted to visit each monument was adequate, in my opinion. I definitely would take the tour again.
There were a few things that could be improved.
1. Temperature control: the bus didn’t have AC, or it wasn’t on. It was over 90 degrees with 79% humidity. The breeze was pleasant while the bus/trolley was moving. But as soon as we stopped, there was no escape from the heat.
2. Check-in: Unless I missed it or misunderstood, the check-in instructions tell guests to check in at the welcome center. Check-in actually takes place on the sidewalk in front of the gift shop. It would be nice if this was clarified or made more prominent. My family and I walked into the welcome center to check-in, and the person behind the counter directed us to the sidewalk. And then the check-in area isn’t staged or organized well. So people are just clustered around this little podium trying to be the next group on the next bus.
3. Drivers: although the route is the same, the experience may be different based on your driver. As I was walking up, I saw a bus leaving who’s driver was very animated and her guests were laughing. Our driver was knowledgeable, but wasn’t all that fun or funny.