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River cruise among the Themes river
Changing of the guards in Buckingham Palace
Beautiful view of Westminster Abbey
Guided tour outside Westminster
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Incredible Value

Full-Day Guided Walking Tour with Special Access to the Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, Thames River Cruise & More

4.93
(295 Reviews)
7.5 h.
English
25
Tue, Thu, Fri & Sat
08:15

  • See London’s most-notable sights in one day. Begin your day at the infamous Tower of London. With privileged Early-Morning Access, you can explore this iconic landmark without the crowds. Experience its opening ceremony and be among the first to view the priceless Crown Jewels.
  • Explore London by boat on a river cruise along the Thames. Once back on land, enjoy a tour through the Horse Guards to St. James and watch the Changing of the Guard from the best vantage point. Your day concludes with a guided tour of Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street and Whitehall.
  • Marvel at the London’s most influential sights as your expert, English-speaking guide enthralls you with tales of the world-shaping events that took place here. Audio headsets and a group size of 25 or less, means you won’t miss a word of your guide’s commentary as you explore.

Tour Description

What's Included

  • VIP Early Access to Tower of London including opening ceremony
  • Tickets to the Tower of London
  • Boat cruise on the River Thames
  • Guided walking tour from Embankment to Buckingham Palace
  • Changing of the Guard (weather permitting)
  • Guided walking tour of Whitehall and Westminster
  • Expert, English-speaking tour guide
  • Small groups of 25 people or fewer
  • Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
  • Gratuities

Sites Visited

  • Tower of London (inside)
  • Thames River cruise
  • Horse Guards Parade
  • St James's Park
  • Buckingham Palace (outside)
  • Trafalgar Square
  • Whitehall
  • Downing Street
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Houses of Parliament

Famous and somewhat infamous, we start this early morning tour at one of the United Kingdom’s most recognizable landmarks – the Tower of London. Formerly a fortress, a prison, and the macabre execution site of three Queens of England, you will have privileged early-morning access to the Tower before it opens to the public, to witness the Opening Ceremony performed by the Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters as they are better known, without the crowds.

This early morning tour invites you to be among the first to see the Crown Jewels. These official regalia and vestments used by the Sovereign of the United Kingdom have been held in this Jewel House for the last 600 years and include swords, crowns, scepters, orbs, rings and more.

From here we escort you on board a relaxing river shuttle up the Thames to enjoy the beautiful scenery as your expert local guide points out notable landmarks. Once we arrive at the Embankment, we will take a leisurely walk to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or the Horse Guards Parade, depending on the day. You’ll be ushered to a prime viewpoint for the best photo ops of this very popular and crowded event, your guide enlivening your experience even further with vibrant and entertaining stories about the history and pageantry behind this traditional ceremony (note that this experience is subject to weather conditions).

Your morning concludes at Buckingham Palace - it looks like a grand bastion to the rest of us, but to Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, it is home sweet home. Here you’ll recognize the famous balcony where the royal family does their well-practiced slow hand wave during major events. It is a quintessential London experience, and we know the best places to stand to take the most memorable photos.

After a break for lunch on your own (your City Wonders guide will provide recommendations for nearby restaurants), you’ll re-join the group for a fun and informative stroll around the city’s most iconic buildings and monuments.

Your next stop will be the home of the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column - Trafalgar Square, then on to Whitehall, the center of Her Majesty’s Government. Lined with government departments and ministries, including the old Palace of Whitehall which burned down in the 17th century, you'll see the only original building still standing - the Banqueting Hall where King Charles II stepped onto the scaffolding to be executed in 1649. You will also view the Horse Guards in their sentry boxes, wearing feathered silver helmets and mounted on noble steeds.

But the excitement doesn’t end there! We then pass by Downing Street, where the British Prime Minister lives, on our way to Parliament Square. Here you will be awed by the most spectacular views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Your expert local guide will give you an insider’s perspective of the Palace of Westminster, headquarters of the British Parliament before you continue to Westminster Abbey, which you will instantly recognize from televised royal events such as the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the recent wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.

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Thousands of 5-Star Reviews

4.93
295 Reviews
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  • Know Before You Go

    Meeting Point

    Tower of London Ticket Office - Open in Google Maps

    Important Notes

    Depending on the day you will see either the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade. On some occasions, the Changing of the Guard may be cancelled at short notice. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' access.

     

    FAQs

    • When can I cancel a booking?

      On tours canceled more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, we are happy to offer our customers a credit voucher for the full value of the tour. Tours cannot be canceled with less than 24 hours notice. We are unable to provide compensation for cancelations with the 24 hour window prior to your tour departure, nor can tour dates or times be amended. Bookings made with the 24 hour window are final. Please note that this cancelation policy does not apply to the Colosseum Underground Tour. In this case, 50% of the value of the tour will be credited if canceled at least 7 days before the tour departure date. If tour is canceled within 7 days of the tour departure date no credit voucher will be given.

    • When can I amend my booking?

      A booking cannot be amend with less than 24 hours notice. Amendments made before this window are possible, but may incur a charge. Any bookings made within the 24 hour window are final and cannot be amended or subject to compensation. Please note that amendments made to the Colosseum Underground Tour will incur a charge of 50% of the cost of the tour if amended at least 7 days before the tour departure date. If tour is amended within 7 days of tour departure date the full price of the tour will be charged. 

    • Is an advanced booking necessary or can I just show up at the meeting point?

      We strongly advise against arriving at the meeting point without a booking as we cannot guarantee that there will be space left on the tour. Our guides are unable to accept payment for tours so any bookings made on the spot will still need to be processed over the phone with payment by credit card.

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From
US$125.05
per adult
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • 24 Hour Cancellation Policy

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A City Wonders tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever.

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