General information
| Destination |
|---|
| London, United Kingdom |
Program details
If you ever wondered where all of the fabulous finery of the Royal Family is kept, the answer lies in the Tower of London. The Tower, proudly protected by the charismatic Beefeater guards in service to the Queen, has been home of the Crown Jewels for 600 long years. In that time, the Tower has served as a stage for elaborate robbery attempts, executions and even evil curses -- making for a truly fascinating history. With an early morning start, we’ll have the privilege of experiencing the opening ceremony where the Yeoman Sergeant unlocks the tower for the day’s business. We’ll be the very first group to access the tower before the general public. Your Tower visit is followed by a guided tour of the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral, which offers the option to climb its impressive dome for breathtaking panoramic views of London.
Your VIP tour will begin as you meet your guide and intimate group of 15 people or less at the Royal Tower of London, before it opens to the public. Before we head inside, you’ll enjoy the opening ceremony. Escorted by a marching military band, the Yeoman Sergeant will unlock the tower containing the Crown Jewels, which have been held here and locked up for safekeeping every night for the last 600 years! We’ll be the very first group to access the tower. With no crowds to impede us, we’ll head straight to the stunning Crown Jewels. These are the official regalia and vestments used by the Sovereign of the United Kingdom during the coronation ceremony and other official functions. This priceless collection includes orbs, swords, rings and, of course, crowns and scepters! Your expert, local guide will enthrall you with the captivating stories of real attempted robberies and superstitions surrounding the crown jewels.
Your tour of the Tower of London complex also includes other areas steeped in royal history. You’ll see the famous white tower, where it is said that the ‘Princes in the Tower’ were held and supposedly murdered by their Uncle Richard III to usurp the throne from their father, King Edward IV. After wrapping up at the Tower, we’ll enjoy a walk to magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral, passing through the old winding back streets of the city. Your guide will continue to provide illuminating commentary throughout your visit; you’ll gain insights and listen to stories you would never have heard otherwise. St. Paul’s Cathedral has hosted many historical royal events but none so popular worldwide as the royal wedding of Lady Diana Spencer to Prince Charles. You’ll encounter the first breathtaking glimpse of the cathedral when you enter from the nave; you’ll stand beneath dizzyingly high ceilings and vaults lavishly decorated with mosaics. We then move onto the crypt where many outstanding figures of England have been laid to rest including Lord Nelson and acclaimed English architect Sir Christopher Wren, who designed the cathedral. In fact, the inscription above his tomb reads "Lector, si monumentum requiris, circumspice" (Reader, if you seek his monument, look around you). St. Paul’s Cathedral is widely considered his greatest masterpiece.
With your walking legs primed, you’ll have the option to go from the depths of the cathedral up to the very top. Climb the dome to the Whispering Gallery and experiment with the unique acoustics; a whisper on one side can be heard clearly over 100 feet away. Climb 271 more steps and reach the Golden Gallery at the very top of the dome where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across London.
Meeting/pick-up point: Tower of London - Ticket office.
Duration: Four hours and twenty-five minutes.
Start/opening time: At 8.30am.
Languages: English.
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