This 5-hour combination tour starts with the National Archives, the neoclassical building considered a temple to American history. Your local English speaking guide will not only be an expert on the archives, but will also share a mix of historical & political information, background stories and surprising details with you. Visit the National Archives Rotunda to learn about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution while reading the perfectly-preserved documents from the 17th and 18th centuries. You will also see the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers featuring the signatures of world-famous statesmen like Alexander Hamilton. Discover the Public Vaults Exhibits, where letters written by presidents including George Washington and John F. Kennedy are on display. Have a look at the Emancipation Proclamation, which helped end slavery in the 19th century. Study a citation issued to civil rights activist Rosa Parks and examine even older documents like the Magna Carta of 1297 in the Rubenstein Gallery. After a break, the tour explores Capitol Hill on foot - the epicenter of activity in Washington DC. Your knowledgeable local guide will show the exteriors of the Supreme Court, the Capitol building and the Library of Congress as well as the interior of the Main Reading Room. In addition, admire the Statue of Freedom and the Thomas Jefferson library with a real Gutenberg Bible. You can also learn about the judicial system at the Museum of the Supreme Court and maybe get a peek inside the actual courtroom.