General information
| Destination |
|---|
| London, United Kingdom |
Program details
See the best that London has to offer in this exciting full day of sightseeing!
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Beat the crowds with early access to the Tower of London
* See the Changing of the Guards
* Pass by Downing Street and Big Ben before visiting Westminster Abbey
Start your day with early access to the Tower of London, home of the Yeoman Warders, former prison and execution site of three Queens of England. Our early morning visit means you will be among the first to enter the Jewel House and view the spectacular Crown Jewels, which have been held here and locked up for safekeeping every night for the last 600 years.
Then it’s time to step aboard a relaxing river shuttle as the tour heads up the Thames. Enjoy the sights as your guide points out major landmarks as you coast by. Arrive at the Embankment and follow your guide on a short stroll to see the Changing of the Guards. This world-famous ceremony takes place either at Buckingham Palace or at Horse Guards Parade, depending on the day. Your guide will make sure you are in a prime position to enjoy the best views at this crowded event and will bring this experience to life with colourful commentary regarding the history and pageantry behind the ceremony as the Queen’s Foot Guards, with their red tunics and unmistakable bearskin hats, march to Buckingham Palace, where we end the morning portion of our tour.
After a break for lunch on your own, re-join the group and your expert local guide for a stroll around the city’s most iconic buildings and monuments. We’ll begin at Trafalgar Square, home of the National Gallery and Nelson’s column, before proceeding down Whitehall. This recognisable street is lined with government departments and ministries, including the old Palace of Whitehall, which burned down in the 17th century, leaving only the Banqueting Hall still standing. You will also view the Horse Guards, guarded by the Household Cavalry in their sentry boxes, wearing their plumed silver helmets and mounted on their magnificent steeds. We follow these experiences with a pass by Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister, before arriving at Parliament Square, where you will be treated to spectacular views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. After learning about the Palace of Westminster, home to the British Parliament, it’s on to Westminster Abbey, site of royal coronations and weddings.
Meeting/pick-up point: Directly in front of the Ticket Office at Tower of London, look for your guide holding a City Wonders sign. The ticket office is located just opposite the main entrance to the Tower. Afternoon tour: Waterloo Place, Waterloo Place, 9 Carlton Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ by the Duke of York Column. This is the tall column with a statue on top.
Duration: Seven hours.
Start/opening time: Tour starts at 8:30 am; meeting time is at 8:15am. Afternoon portion of the tour begins at 2:15pm; meeting time at 2pm.
Early access to the Tower of London on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (Saturday standard access only).
From 14th March onwards: early access on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Languages: English.
Others: Please note that transfer between the morning tour and the start of the afternoon portion is not included.
Italiano