Perfection is our product

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 cap ours between 10 and 15 guests, 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.

• Jesse

  Jesse

  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, Jesse has lived on both coasts and in Virginia, and his travels have taken him across the U.S. and around the world. He’s drawn to the stories, characters, and unexpected details that make a place more than just a landmark. 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 cared about with others. That passion eventually led him to founding Cornerstone Tours with Trevor. Whether exploring the National Mall, wandering Georgetown, or uncovering Washington’s lesser-known stories, Jesse enjoys making history approachable, memorable, and fun. When he isn’t giving tours, Jesse can usually be found traveling, exploring DC, getting outside, or planning his next adventure.

  “We highly recommend the Small Group Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Tour with Jesse. He was an excellent guide—enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and engaging throughout the tour. Jesse took us to all the key points of interest, welcomed questions, and shared a wealth of fascinating historical information that really brought the experience to life. His passion for the subject matter was evident, and he made the tour both informative and enjoyable. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute and came away with a much greater appreciation of Arlington National Cemetery and its significance. Top tip: Wear comfortable footwear, as there is a fair amount of walking. There isn’t much shade, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring plenty of water, especially on warm days. A fantastic tour and well worth doing! Thank you Jesse, Jon & Linda from Wales, UK” Verified guest, GetYourGuide

• Mark

  Mark

  A licensed DC guide with Cornerstone Tours, leading small groups across the company's Washington DC routes. Mark keeps the pace comfortable and the history straight.

  “Great experience. Mark Z. , our tour guide has lived in DC for 55 years. He shared a wealth of information which made for an awesome tour of the capitol grounds and the library of congress.” Kenneth C., Viator

• W Will

  Will

  A licensed DC guide with Cornerstone Tours. Guests often name Will on the Arlington tour, where he is also credited by guests who wrote his name as "William."

  “I had such a great time on my tour with William! He was incredibly informative and engaging, and he made the history behind the Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and Capitol come alive. You could tell he really knew his stuff, but he also kept the tour fun and captivating the entire time. I learned so much and genuinely enjoyed every stop. William was friendly, personable, and made the experience feel relaxed rather than like a typical history tour. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting DC—especially if you want to learn a lot while having a really enjoyable time. I had a fantastic experience and wish this new company lots of success!” Beth G., Viator

• D Derek

  Derek

  A licensed DC guide with Cornerstone Tours, leading small groups across the company's Washington DC routes. Guests have also credited him under the spelling "Derrick."

  “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

• Colin

  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.

  “Well worth it. Great tour… So much history. Collin was a very knowledgeable and passionate tour guide. He even quoted Shakespeare which was impressive for an Army guy! ;)” Bill R., Viator

• Declan

  Declan

  A guide with Cornerstone Tours, most often leading groups through the US Capitol and the Library of Congress. Guests name Declan in reviews of the Capitol Hill tour.

  “Declan was such a great tour guide. His knowledge of Arlington was amazing, he was engaging and a fabulous tour guide. On top of the general Arlington info, he knew a lot of side stories about people and history that made the tour. It was prob our favourite thing to do in Washington and I can’t recommend it enough.” Verified guest, Tripadvisor

• T Trevor

  Trevor

  A licensed DC guide with Cornerstone Tours, and one of its founders. Guests name Trevor in reviews across the operator's routes, most often alongside the Arlington tour.

  “Trevor from Cornerstone Tours was outstanding from start to finish. He reached out before our tour via text to ensure we could contact him directly, which I really appreciated. Trevor was not only knowledgeable, but also presented information in a fun and engaging way. He took the time to learn about us and showed genuine interest in who we were and where we came from, making it easy for my nephew to connect with him. At the end, he even accompanied us to our Metro stop. We enjoyed Trevor’s relaxed approach, and my eleven-year-old nephew said he was his favorite tour guide of the whole trip. Both adult and kid approved- we highly recommend Trevor!” Verified guest, GetYourGuide