We met our guide (Liam) at the Neptune Fountain in front of the Library of Congress directly behind the Capitol Building. There were less than 10 people in our group which was great. After brief introductions and history surrounding the area we walked towards the Capitol building to begin our tour. It was inevitable the questions would be asked about events of the 6th January 2021 and it was fascinating to get a perspective of the building having watched events unfold on the day on UK TV.
You have to proceed through security and while you could take in an empty water bottle / flask, no liquids were allowed. You could buy water in the building and use th water fountains inside too.
After an initial tour and discussion from Liam in and around the Visitor Centre you are passed to the Capitol Building tour guides for a short film and internal guide behind the scenes.
The building is running and both guides were knowledgeable friendly and entertaining.
Next we walked past and stopped outside the Supreme Court, which is currently completely fenced off, following recent decisions and subsequent protests. This was disappointing but no fault of the guide or tour company (Although was the tour discounted beforehand ??).
Then onto the Library of Congress. Another stunning building with fascinating artefacts (books) and history.
Liam's in depth knowledge, professionalism, and friendly disposition (as well as the interesting dynamic and knowledge source of his wife's jobs) elevated the tour and it passed far too quickly. Not cheap, but based on group size, a guide we would thoroughly recommend.