Best of Royal London Walking Tour Including the Tower of London and Changing of the Guard (4 Hours)Meet your guide at the Tower of London, and head inside before the doors open to the general public. Learn about the tower’s history, see the opening ceremony, and then use your time inside to explore independently. Perhaps visit the White Tower, Medieval Palace and Traitors’ Gate, and see the Crown Jewels ─ a dazzling collection of jewels still used by Queen Elizabeth II today.
After, meet back up with your guide and walk to a nearby pier for your 30-minute cruise. As you glide along the Thames River, listen to your guide share details about the sights you see including St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Disembark at Embankment Pier, then stroll to Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade to watch the Changing of the Guard. As you watch the Queen’s Foot Guards or the Household Cavalry perform this impressive ceremony, listen to your guide talk about the history behind it.
Continue on foot through St James's Park and finish your tour by Buckingham Palace, where you’ll see the balcony where the British Royal Family appear during events. After your tour, enjoy two hours of free time for lunch (own expense) before meeting back up with your guide for your afternoon tour.
Please note: If there is heavy rain ─ or if the Changing of the Guard is rescheduled to early morning ─ the ceremony will be replaced with an extended walking tour.
Highlights of London Walking Tour (1.5 Hours)Meet your guide at the prearranged time and location in central London, and then set off on foot to begin your walking tour of London’s premier sights. If required, plug into a headset to help you hear your guide’s commentary clearly.
With your guide, stroll through the capital’s bustling streets and make your first stop at Trafalgar Square, home to the iconic National Gallery, the beautiful St Martin in the Fields church and Nelson’s column.
Continue on to Whitehall, the center of Her Majesty’s Government. Pass by Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister, and the Horse Guards Parade, and proceed to Parliament Square.
Be awed by spectacular views of world-famous sights including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married.
After your walking tour, stroll to the 4-star St Ermin's Hotel, where you’ll indulge in a traditional afternoon tea. On arrival, take a seat in the lavish dining room and savor an exquisite spread of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, cakes and pastries, and a selection of British tea.
With your appetite sated, bid your guide a fond farewell before making your own way back to your hotel or next destination.