London, United Kingdom

See the best that England’s capital has to offer on a full-day city tour of London! After an early access visit to the UNESCO-listed Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels and more, watch the must-see Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. Sit back and relax on a sightseeing cruise down the River Thames and then explore St Paul’s Cathedral with a guide. If you want to see even more, upgrade to one of two must-do activities: an afternoon tea at Westminster Park Plaza, or a London Eye flight.

Start your day with a pickup from your central London hotel or Victoria, and then travel east by air-conditioned coach to the Tower of London, a former prison, fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Head inside for a walking tour, led by one of the tower’s distinctive Yeomen Warders – the guards more commonly known as Beefeaters. Before the tower opens to the general public, visit sites like Traitor’s Gate, the Torture Exhibition and, of course, the glittering Crown Jewels – a collection of irreplaceable and historic items.

Leave the Tower of London, and head to the Mall outside Buckingham Palace to watch the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony. Accompanied by a military band, soldiers from the Queen’s Foot Guard march in time to drumbeats, performing a ceremonial ritual that dates back centuries.

After taking photos outside the world-famous palace, travel to the riverside and hop aboard a sightseeing boat for a short trip down the River Thames. Cruise down the river, looking out for the top London attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe, and then step out onto dry land in time for a traditional pub lunch (own expense).

Revitalized after your lunch break, return to your coach and travel to Westminster Abbey where Prince William married Kate Middleton in a lavish royal wedding ceremony in 2011. Pose for photos outside the Gothic crowd pleaser, and then finish your sightseeing trip with a tour of St Paul’s Cathedral, including visits to the famous Whispering Gallery and the crypts.

Finish your tour back at the start point or alternatively, upgrade to finish on a high note with one of two optional activities. Options include an afternoon tea at Westminster Park Plaza (see Itinerary below) or a must-do London Eye flight, for picture-perfect views over the capital. Both activities include transport to the attraction, but no transport back.

Please note: If your tour falls on a date when the Changing of the Guard ceremony is not taking place, you will stop at Buckingham Palace for photos