view of the Tower of London from the river
Buckingham Palace
Cruise among the themes
Guided tour of the Tower of London
Changing of the guards in Buckingham Palace
VIP Early Access

Best of Royal London: Tower of London Tour with Changing of the Guards, Thames River Boat Ride & Optional Entrance to Buckingham Palace

4.91
(494 Reviews)
4h / Flexible
English
Everyday
Several Departure Times

  • From the macabre to the magnificent, begin your tour at the infamous Tower of London – former fortress, prison, and execution site. This expertly curated early-morning visit to one of London’s most iconic landmarks avoids long lines and large crowds so you can experience its opening ceremony (if option selected) and be among the first to view the priceless Crown Jewels.
  • You’ll next step aboard a relaxing river boat ride up the Thames as your expert, English-speaking guide points out major landmarks along its banks. Disembark this superior shuttle for a fully guided walking tour through the Horse Guards to St. James and enjoy watching the heralded Changing of the Guard ceremony.
  • Your tour ends at beautiful Buckingham Palace, the royal residence. View the balcony from which royal decrees have been issued to the adoring public for generations. Upon booking choose to upgrade your experience by adding entrance tickets to Buckingham Palace and explore it at your own pace.

Tour Description

What's Included

  • VIP early-access tickets to Tower of London
  • River Thames boat ride
  • Changing of the Guard (weather permitting)
  • Expert, English-speaking tour guide
  • Headsets when appropriate, so you always hear your guide
  • Entrance tickets to Buckingham Palace (if option selected)
  • Gratuities

Sites Visited

  • Tower of London (inside)
  • Thames River boat ride
  • Horse Guards Parade
  • St James's Park
  • Buckingham Palace

Famous and somewhat infamous, we start this early morning relaxing, strolling 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 access to the Tower before it opens to the public and will witness the Opening Ceremony (if option selected) performed by the Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters as they are better known.

Our early morning tour also avoids the crowds that form later in the day and allows 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.

Changing of the Guard

From here we escort you on board a relaxing river boar ride up the Thames to enjoy the beautiful sites as your expert local guide points out notable landmarks. Once we arrive at the Embankment, we will take a short leisurely walk to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or the Horse Guards Parade, depending on the day.

Your guide will enliven your experience even further with vibrant and entertaining stories about the history and pageantry behind this traditional ceremony. (Please note that this experience is subject to weather conditions.)

Grand Finale at Buckingham Palace

Your morning ends at Buckingham Palace - it looks like a grand bastion to the rest of us, but to the Royals it is home sweet home. Here you’ll enjoy plenty of time to take photographs to last a lifetime, particularly of the iconic balcony where the royal family perform their well-practiced slow hand wave during major events. It is a wonderful way to end a perfect London morning with your expert local City Wonders guide.

Do you want more?! Upon booking, you may choose to upgrade your tour to include a rare opportunity to visit the private residence of the Royals at Buckingham Palace, with guaranteed access and no waiting in lines. Be amazed by the lavish apartments and sparkling rooms, which house some of the greatest treasures of the Royal Collection. Use the official Buckingham Palace audio guide to learn about the palace's history and traditions as you stroll through its gardens.

Experience the grandeur and history of Royal London like never before and discover the magic of this iconic city firsthand.

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From
US$105.29
per adult
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • 24 Hour Cancellation Policy

Get to Know City Wonders

Guide showing attraction

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.

With City Wonders it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.

  • All of our guides are experts in their field
  • We only hire fluent English-speakers so nothing is ever lost in translation
  • We focus on the little details and anecdotes that make City Wonders so special