Full Day London Sightseeing Tour with Tower of London, Thames River Cruise, and English Tea

Learn about London’s history and culture on this comprehensive day trip. Spend less time planning and more time exploring with the individualised attention of a private guide. Stop by St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the London Eye, and don’t miss Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guards and other famous London events.

Highlights

• Visit the Tower of London
• On our custom-tailored, early-morning tour you will be among the first to view the crown jewels
• Enjoy a scenic river cruise up the Thames
• Go on a guided walking tour through the Horse Guards to St. James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace
• Watch the Changing of the Guard
• End the perfect afternoon with a spot of traditional English tea

Full Day London Sightseeing Tour with Tower of London, Thames River Cruise, and English Tea

A cosmopolitan city at the crossroads of history, London has much to offer both seasoned travelers and first-time visitors. But seeing the best of what this bustling metropolis has to offer can be daunting for visitors that attempt to go it alone. That’s why we have designed a tour to get the most out of a single day while still allowing you ample time to take in all the sights and sounds of London.

See the best that London has to offer in one day! We’ll begin at the Tower of London, home of the Yeoman Warders, former prison and execution site of three ill-fated queens. Our early morning arrival means you will be among the first to see the spectacular crown jewels, which have called the Tower of London their home for the last 600 years.

These magnificent orbs, swords, rings, and of course, crowns and scepters are the official regalia and vestments used by the Sovereign of the United Kingdom during the coronation ceremony and other events. We’ll also visit the White Tower, where Richard III allegedly held and murdered his nephews as part of a scheme to usurp the throne from their father, Edward IV.

Then we’ll change tack and go on a relaxing cruise up the Thames. Enjoy the ride as your guide points out all the major landmarks. We’ll get off at the Embankment and take a short walk to see the Changing of the Guard, which takes place either at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade, depending on the day of the week.

Your guide will make sure you are in a prime position to see this hugely popular and very crowded event while filling you in on the history and pageantry behind the changing of the Queen’s foot guards with their red tunics and unmistakable bearskin hats. Please keep in mind that the weather often dictates the schedule for the Changing of the Guard, which does not take place in the rain. The morning portion of our tour will end at Buckingham Palace, the residence of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. See the famous balcony where the royal family appears during major events!

We’ll regroup after the lunch break and continue our tour of the city’s most iconic buildings and monuments, beginning at Trafalgar Square, home of the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column, followed by Whitehall, lined with the departments and ministries of Her Majesty’s Government, including the old Palace of Whitehall. It is from this building that King Charles II stepped out onto the scaffolding to be executed in 1649. You will also see the Horse Guards in their plumed silver helmets.

We’ll take a stroll on Downing Street before arriving at Parliament Square, where you will be treated to spectacular views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. After learning about the Palace of Westminster, home of the British Parliament, it’s on to Westminster Abbey, site of royal coronations and weddings, including the recent wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton in 2011.

We’ll wind down with a traditional and sumptuous English tea. Enjoy scones with jam and Devonshire cream, a selection of sandwiches and cakes, and of course, a pot of fresh tea, all served on fine china in the opulent interior of a luxury hotel – a lovely way to end a splendid day.

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