Tour Washington D.C. And Arlington Cemetery on the Tourmobile!

Driving through Washington D.C. as a visitor can be a real test of ones patience. This beautiful city is a puzzle of one-way streets and cordoned off streets (a safety step following 9/11). Arlington Cemetery is closed in the evening making a drive through at night,-- hoping to miss some of the traffic,-- impossible. As you get close to the Capitol Building you begin to note the presence of police forces adding a touch of uneasiness as you try to navigate the streets without going the wrong way on the one-ways! Tree lined streets seem to loop around popular tourist sites such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Wall. Traffic speed makes it difficult to get a good look at these historical monuments, or any of the other 40+ throughout town, and parking is difficult.

Let's not forget the walking "to" involved in seeing all the sites, plus the 'walking back' to the vehicle! Many points of interest are not within walking distance of each other meaning you will have to move your car, and walk some more.

There is a solution! The "Tourmobile"!

Washington D.C. has a great solution to all the above mentioned issues; the shuttle system known as the "Tourmobile". (www.tourmobile.com) This sightseeing vehicle is a really great deal, allowing tourists the flexibility of hopping off and on as many times as they want, while viewing all the Washington D.C. highlights. The shuttle stops at more than 40 points of interest and the drivers are well versed in historical information, as well as popular eating sites, shopping areas, and shuttle schedules.

The "Tourmobile" offers different ticket options, a One-Day ticket, Two-Day Ticket and a 3 l/3 hour Twilight Tour. The One-Day and Two-Day include a trip through Arlington Cemetery which takes you by The Tomb of the Unknowns, and President John F. Kennedy's' grave-site. Arlington also has a Visitors Center with ample vehicle parking where tour tickets can be purchased.

Hopping on and off when you want allows you to spend more time at the historical sites that mean the most to you. The Vietnam Wall is a true tribute to the lives lost during that era, and Mr. Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial is just awesome. The U.S. Capitol can be seen over the top of the city from many points on your ride, and remember, you can hop off and actually stand on the front steps of this magnificent building.

Plan enough time to see a bit of the Smithsonian, knowing in advance that it would probably take a few weeks to tour the whole institution. The Washington Monument is another site that can be seen from most of the city, but this wonderful shuttle trip also lets one view the Jefferson Memorial, the WWII Memorial, and many more incredible pieces of our country's history.

Although the day trips are fun consider the 3 l/2 hour Twilight shuttle tour. The monuments, historical sites and the Capitol are illuminated at night are are just beautiful.

The "Tourmobile" is a good way to see Washington D.C. with children, those little legs get tired! Assistance can be arranged in advance for a wheelchair lift if needed, and remember to ask the driver any questions - they are always willing to help provide information.

This writer highly recommends this method of touring the Capitol of the United States, it allows you to see the city at your own pace without stress. For further information visit the website, www.tourmobile.com, or visit www.ticketmaster.com for ticket information and pricing. The shuttle runs daily throughout the year from 9:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. except on Christmas and New Years. The Twilight Tour is at 7 p.m.

Grab your camera, get your ticket, sit back and enjoy Washington!