This London tour starts at Victoria Coach Station at 0845h (08:45am). You will travel in an air-conditioned motor-coach accompanied by an English-speaking Blue Badge Guide.
Start the day with a panoramic drive to Kensington Palace, former home of Diana, Princess of Wales. the Royal Albert Hall, Albert Memorial and Westminster. This is the political heart of the UK and it is here you will find some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. You will also take a drive round Parliament Square and past Downing Street – the home of the Prime Minister.
Then it’s time for one of the first highlights of the day – a guided tour of St Paul’s Cathedral. This masterpiece with its distinctive dome is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the London Skyline. Your guide will tell you about the buildings fascinating history; from its destruction during the great fire of London in 1666 to the many events that have been held there; including the wedding of Charles; Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer.
Continue to Buckingham Palace where you will see the famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Truly a must-do in London you will witness pageantry and tradition which has remained unchanged for centuries.
The tour will take a short break for lunch; you can spend this time at leisure or join your guide for a traditional English lunch; Fish and Chips or Sausage and Mash at a highly recommended restaurant (additional charge payable direct).
After lunch relax on the included Thames River Cruise. London grew along the banks of the Thames and a Thames Cruise offers you great views of some of the historical landmarks including Big Ben and Tower Bridge as well as some of the wonderful 21st century icons such as the London Eye.
Next it’s on to the Tower of London. This ancient fortress offers more history than perhaps any other London landmark. The tower is still guarded by the traditional Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) who will enthrall you with tales of murder, mystery, intrigue and treason at the tower. While there you will also be able to see the Crown Jewels including the famous Koh-I-Nor Diamond which is over 6000 years old.
As you return to Victoria Station you will take a drive through the City of London, also known as the “Square Mile.” This is one of the oldest parts of London and is also the heart of the financial district; thus the area is a fascinating mix of architecture; where thousand-year-old structures stand harmoniously next to 21st century skyscrapers and the whole area is alive with the hustle and bustle of city traders.
The tour ends at Victoria Station at around 1730h (05:30pm).