London Tour: Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey & Tower

Your day will begin around parliament square. From this prime location you can already catch a glimpse of London's iconic Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster before heading to your first stop of the day - Westminster Abbey.

Tour of Westminster Abbey - Skip the ticketing line alongside our expert guide and enter this majestic Abbey, nestled upon the very spot where a humble fisherman once glimpsed a celestial vision of St. Peter in the 10th century. Our guide will take you around this sacred sanctuary, which housed nearly 40 coronations as well as the funeral of Princess Diana.

Exterior Visit on Downing Street Downing Street, a place of intrigue and power, stands as an iconic symbol of British governance. Nestled amidst the bustling streets of London, this historic address is where the country's leaders make crucial decisions that shape the nation's destiny.

Walk Through St James Park - Following your visit to the Abbey, you'll pass through this charming park on your way to Buckingham Palace. A jewel in the crown of the capital, this enchanting park unfolds like a living masterpiece, offering a change of scenery from the bustling streets of London.

Marvel at the exterior of Buckingham Palace - Buckingham Palace, an iconic symbol of British monarchy and culture, is the official residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Your guide will tell you all the ins and outs of this imposing estate before heading on to the next stop of the day.

Witness the Changing of The Guard ** Entrusted with the sacred duty of protecting Britain's revered monarch these soldiers have become a symbol of the United Kingdom. This ceremony—a practical passing of the torch from the morning shift, known as the Old Guard, to the afternoon shift, the New Guard is a must see when visiting London. ** Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade instead. If there is heavy rainfall, the Changing of the Guard will not happen. Following the visit, you will have a short break for lunch, before meeting for the afternoon itinerary of the tour.

Enjoy some free time for a quick lunch in Trafalgar Square before continuing with the afternoon part of your tour. Your guide is more than happy to recommend some local eateries and café before reconvening at the same meeting point as this morning.

Thames River Cruise Prepare for an exciting adventure as you board the comfortable and air-conditioned local clipper service for a ride along the River Thames. Sit back and relax as your expert guide points out the famous sites that you'll pass along the way.

Guided Tour of the Tower of London* - Step back in time and witness the incredible history of the Tower of London, which was established by none other than William the Conqueror in 1066 after his conquest of England. From famous prisoners to gruesome executions, this castle has seen it all. Led by your expert local guide, you'll learn about the often bloody history of this magnificent structure. *There are certain areas within the Tower of London where no guides are allowed, but can be explored at own pace once the tour concludes.

The British Crown Jewels - Prepare to be dazzled as you enter the Jewel House of the Tower of London! The crown jewels, a collection of 140 regalia and symbols, have been protected here for centuries. Bedazzled with over 23,000 sparkling stones, these priceless items are the ultimate symbols of the British monarchy. As your tour nears its end, you'll have the opportunity to enter the famous White Tower on your own and continue your exploration of this iconic landmark. Your guide will also be happy to offer insider tips for the rest of your day in London, so you can make the most of your time in this vibrant city.