Frequently Asked Questions
Are your tours private?
Yes. Every DC Baltimore Tours experience is private and reserved exclusively for your group. We do not combine unrelated parties, allowing each journey to be tailored to your interests, pace, and schedule.
What is included?
Your tour includes a professional private guide, customized itinerary, and all planning associated with your experience. Vehicle-based journeys include private transportation unless otherwise noted. Admission fees, meals, parking, tolls, and special experiences are listed separately when applicable.
How do I book a tour?
Every great journey begins with a conversation.
To begin planning your private journey, we ask for a non-refundable planning fee equal to 10% of the tour price. This fee includes a customized draft itinerary and a 20-minute consultation and is credited toward the cost of your tour if you decide to book.
If you decide to move forward, the planning fee will be credited toward the total cost of your tour.
If you decide not to book, there is no further obligation, and your personalized draft itinerary is yours to keep.
The remaining balance is due according to the terms provided at the time of booking.
Where do tours begin?
We typically meet guests at their hotel, residence, airport, train station, cruise terminal, or another mutually agreed-upon location within the tour area. Pickup details are confirmed before your tour.
Can we customize our itinerary?
Absolutely. Every private journey begins with a planning conversation. We learn about your interests, available time, mobility, and preferred pace before designing an itinerary specifically for your group. Whether you’re interested in particular sites, museums, neighborhoods, or themes, we’ll create an experience that’s uniquely yours.
Are children welcome?
Yes. Families are always welcome. We are happy to adjust the pace and content of our tours to create engaging experiences for guests of all ages.
Do you offer accessible tours?
Many of our experiences can be adapted for guests with mobility considerations or other accessibility needs. Please let us know your requirements when booking so we can recommend the most suitable itinerary.
What happens in bad weather?
Most tours operate rain or shine. Severe weather may require modifications to the itinerary for safety and comfort. If conditions make a tour unsafe, we will work with you to reschedule whenever possible.
Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are always appreciated but are never expected. If you feel your guide or driver provided exceptional service, gratuities may be given in cash or, where available, through electronic payment methods such as Venmo.
One hundred percent of every gratuity goes directly to the guide and/or driver who served you. DC Baltimore Tours does not retain any portion of gratuities. When separate guides and drivers are provided, gratuities are traditionally shared equally between them. For driver-guides, gratuities go directly to the individual leading your experience.
Gratuities are not automatically included in your booking. If you wish, you are welcome to add a custom gratuity at the conclusion of your tour. While tipping is always at your discretion, many guests choose to leave approximately 20% in recognition of exceptional service.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies vary depending on the tour and any third-party reservations that have been secured on your behalf. Full details will be provided at the time of booking.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly during the spring and autumn travel seasons. Some experiences—such as Gettysburg tours with Licensed Battlefield Guides or visits requiring timed admissions—are subject to availability.
Why choose a private tour?
Private touring allows you to experience destinations at your own pace without the constraints of a large group. You have the flexibility to ask questions, spend more time where your interests lead, and enjoy a journey designed specifically for you.
Still have a question? We’d be delighted to help. Please contact us to discuss your interests, and we’ll recommend the experience that’s right for you.
Help! I just arrived in town. Can I still book?
Absolutely—subject to availability. We understand that travel plans sometimes change unexpectedly. Because last-minute reservations often require expedited planning and coordination, tours booked within seven days of the scheduled date are subject to a 5% expedited booking fee.
Can we take photographs?
Absolutely. Photography is encouraged throughout most of our tours, and we are always happy to recommend some of our favorite viewpoints and photo opportunities. Please note that photography policies inside museums and historic sites are established by each institution and may vary.
Can we stop for a meal?
Certainly. Many guests choose to incorporate breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, or refreshments into longer journeys. We are delighted to recommend restaurants that reflect your interests, schedule, and budget, and we’ll happily incorporate meal stops into your itinerary whenever practical.
Where can you pick us up?
For vehicle-based journeys, we typically meet guests at their hotel, residence, airport, cruise terminal, train station, or another mutually agreed-upon location.
We frequently provide pickup and drop-off service at:
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
- Union Station
- Hotels and private residences throughout the region
What vehicles do you use?
Depending on the size of your group and the nature of your journey, we utilize a variety of comfortable private vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, passenger vans, and motor coaches. We will recommend the most appropriate vehicle based on your itinerary, group size, and comfort preferences.
Do you offer tours in languages other than English?
At present, our tours are conducted in English. If your group requires another language, please contact us. We may be able to recommend a qualified colleague or arrange an interpreter for your experience.
What should we wear?
We recommend comfortable walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the season and weather. While many of our experiences involve only moderate walking, some historic sites, gardens, battlefields, and museums include uneven surfaces, stairs, or extended periods outdoors. We’ll let you know in advance if your itinerary calls for anything out of the ordinary.