Perfection is our product
We are a small DC walking tour company. Our guides are licensed, our groups are capped, and the history we tell holds up if you already know the subject.
- 4.91average guest rating
- 786verified guest reviews
- 6walking routes in Washington
Reviews from GetYourGuide, Google, Tripadvisor and Viator. Updated 12 Nov 2026.
What we actually do
Cornerstone Tours runs small-group walking routes across Washington DC: Capitol Hill, Arlington, Georgetown, Lincoln Assassination, National Archives, and National Mall. On the routes that go inside federal buildings we reserve your timed entry before you arrive, so you are not competing for a same-day pass.
We are not the cheapest tour in this city and we are not trying to be. Tip-based operators run large groups on a free-to-join model. We keep ours to 15 guests or fewer, pay our guides properly, and charge accordingly.
Why accuracy matters to us
Washington is full of tour stories that are not true. The tunnel that does not exist, the statue that means something else, the quotation nobody said. They are repeated because they are good stories and because nobody checks.
We check. Our guides are expected to know the difference between what is documented, what is contested, and what is folklore, and to tell you which is which. If a guest who happens to be a historian joins the tour, the tour should still hold up.
The faces behind Cornerstone
Every tour is led by a licensed DC guide. You get a person who can answer the question you actually asked, not a recorded audio loop and not a script read off a card.
Guests name them in reviews more than they name us, which is the way round we prefer it.
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Declan
Declan Bigger is a Washington, DC-based tour guide who blends a lifelong interest in history with a passion for storytelling in all of its forms. Declan loves digging into the overlooked details of famous places and events to share the hidden facts behind stories that everyone knows, while still crafting a narrative that is as engaging as it is informative. When he isn’t leading tours, Declan can often be found contra dancing, playing board games, or engaging in musical storytelling at local folk sings.
“We loved our guide Declan. He was pleasant and so knowledgeable about government, history and architecture. He gave a great presentation as we went from the Supreme Court to the Library of Congress and ended at the Capitol… unfortunately we had to cut the Capitol visit short because we had another tour scheduled so plan on more than 3.5 hours if you do all three buildings… We were a group of 6 and one in our party was struggling with walking and he was helpful with finding us public wheelchairs in the various buildings.” Verified guest, GetYourGuide
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Derek
Derek's enthusiasm and true love of history is portrayed in every tour. He loves pointing out details that would typically be missed. Born in Maryland, but raised in Louisiana, he brings out that "southern hospitality" each and every time during tours.
“We truly enjoyed our tour of the Capital and Supreme Court. It’s a must when visiting Washington DC.! Fee was included w/ visiting inside the Capital and Supreme Court. The tour lasted about 3hrs. but went pretty quickly, Derek was our tour guide, he was great very knowledgeable, he made it fun! Our group was small, which was perfect! We highly recommend this tour!!” Calogera T., Tripadvisor
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Fiona
Fiona is a graduate student at George Washington University studying Security Policy Studies. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Fiona frequently visited Washington, D.C. on school field trips and hopes to give visitors just as great an experience she had. She has lived in the area for over a year now and recently interned on Capitol Hill for her state Senator. When not studying or working, she enjoys trying new restaurants, exploring D.C.'s many sites and museums, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
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Ford
Ford is a graduate student at the George Washington University with a background in American history and experience interning on Capitol Hill. Raised in Maine, Ford has lived in Washington, DC since July 2025 and has taken the chance to explore the capital's famous and lesser-known sites at every opportunity. When he's not giving tours of Capitol Hill, Ford is often hiking in the Virginia or Maryland woods.
“Great experience with our guide Jesse! This is much more than just visiting Ford’s Theater and Petersen House. You’ll see and learn about other locations in the area where John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators made their plans, and even walk the path JWB took to the theater. Jesse is very knowledgeable about all things Lincoln and it was interesting to learn a lot of new tidbits that set the scene for that tragic night and all that happened after. Highly recommend!” Cara K., Tripadvisor
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Mark
Born and raised in New York, Mark has called Washington, DC, home for the past 54 years. Fascinated by the city’s rich history, he has spent decades exploring its neighborhoods, landmarks, and hidden gems. When he’s not leading walking or biking tours, you’ll likely find him out discovering the places in DC that you simply can’t miss, and sharing his passion for the city with you!
“This was an excellent tour with Mark! He was incredibly knowledgeable, passionate and friendly. Everyone arrived early so we kicked off early and it was fantastic to hear some of the tidbits that he had to share that we probably wouldn't have pulled together ourselves or realised, especially with artwork. The lines were quite long, which was a shame (unsure if we were meant to be able to Skip The Line?) and unfortunately they closed the main reading room in the Library of Congress so we just missed out! We did run over time, so all up it was around 4 hours before we finished. However, Mark did mention this and check in if we were okay to stay, so all was well! One note I would make for Get Your Guide is to have clearer instructions on what you can and cannot take into the Capitol. You can take empty drink bottles and small bags. There's some conflicting information on the booking vs the information you receive :)” Verified guest, GetYourGuide
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Max
Max is a third-year law student at the University of Miami School of Law and is spending the fall in Washington as an extern at the Department of Justice. He first walked these halls as a Capitol Hill intern, giving tours of the Capitol to visitors from his home state of Kentucky, and he has been hooked on the building’s stories ever since. On weekends he leads guests through the Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court, connecting the art and architecture to the people and cases that shaped the country.
“The tour was a great way to see the Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress! Our tour guide Max was very pleasant and friendly! Max had a tremendous knowledge of US history as well as the history of the buildings and the symbolism of the architecture. Like all Viator tours, we were very impressed and thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Max!!!” Kathleen T., Viator
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Ryan
Ryan is born and raised in right here Washington DC! With a double degree in biology & history, he is a big nerd. He has been working as a professional guide for well over five years. He leads every single type of Tour in the Washington DC area.
“We had a great time. Ryan is an outstanding tour guide who had all the answers to our many questions. He wasn't political about anything during our entire tour, a rare thing I've found here in Washington DC. Ryan taught us many facts about the Supreme Court and the Capitol building. I enjoyed seeing the statues and the old senate chambers. The Court was closed because the judges were inside working.” Jan K., Viator
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Colin
Colin Hively is a Washington, DC–based defense professional, Army National Guard infantry officer, and unapologetic history nerd who genuinely loves giving tours. Whether it’s a battlefield, monument, national park, or obscure piece of Washington history, he enjoys digging into the stories behind a place and sharing the details that make history feel real. He has taken three cross-country road trips visiting national parks and battlefields and has collected more than 100 stamps in his National Park Passport along the way. When he isn’t exploring historic sites or talking someone’s ear off about American history, Colin can usually be found fly fishing, sailing, hiking, or planning his next adventure.
“Great experience! Colin is very knowledgeable and shared many fun facts about big 3 with some interesting pictures for congress history. Declan is also very nice and helpful as team lead! Highly recommended!” Ultur E., Tripadvisor
Meet the founders
Trevor
Co-founder
Trevor Stokes started Cornerstone Tours to build the kind of tour company he’d want to book himself: small groups, great guides and history that doesn’t need embellishing.
After years running tour operations across twelve cities, he wanted to create something more personal. A company where guides share the places they love, there’s time for unexpected conversations and you never feel like you’re being herded from one stop to the next.
He wants people to feel comfortable asking questions, enjoy the company they’re in and leave with a little more curiosity than they arrived with.
Away from work, he’s usually in the gym early or on a padel court at the weekend.
“Our Guide Trevor was absolutely amazing. One of the most professional and bright young men I have met in awhile. I am a retired Marine Senior Officer and Trevor was extremely knowledgeable, courteous and he was fun to hang out with for 2 hours. Wish I could recruit him into the Marine Corps! The experience was very memorable because of Trevor. He is a keeper. 5 star tour and tour guide!! Thank you, Jim” Verified guest, GetYourGuide
Jesse
Co-founder
Jesse Costolloe is a Washington, DC based tour guide, entrepreneur, and lifelong traveler who loves bringing history to life through the places where it happened. Originally from Boston, he has lived on both coasts and in Virginia, and his travels have taken him across the U.S. and around the world. Before moving to Washington, Jesse worked as a surf instructor and ocean kayak guide in La Jolla, California, where he discovered his love of sharing places he cares about. That passion led him to found Cornerstone Tours with Trevor. Whether exploring the National Mall, wandering Georgetown, or uncovering Washington’s lesser-known stories, Jesse makes history approachable, memorable, and fun. Otherwise, he’s traveling, exploring DC, getting outside, or planning his next adventure.
“Jesse was amazing. We had so much fun. Was grwat to have all times, tickets, scheduled figured out with no hassle. Show up, have fun and learn. Jesse was a great storyteller to help us feel the history. Highly recommend” Verified guest, Tripadvisor