London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye option
Our most popular and comprehensive Tour of London—jump straight into the history of London on this fantastic full-day coach tour. Dive straight into the rich tapestry of London’s history with our expert tour guide leading the way. Witness the grandeur of St Paul’s Cathedral, marvel at the Tower of London’s priceless Crown Jewels collection, and attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a traditional British military spectacle.
But that’s not all—this full-day adventure also includes visits to two of London’s most iconic landmarks. Glide along the River Thames on a scenic cruise, taking in the city’s skyline from a unique perspective. Why not top off your day with a trip 135m above the River Thames on the London Eye to enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the city? Book your experience now to discover the scale, splendour, and diversity of London in one day of exploration.
Highlights
- See all of London’s most iconic sights in one day
- Visit two of London’s most iconic landmarks
- Watch a traditional British military ceremony
- Marvel at the scale and splendour of St Paul’s Cathedral
- See the priceless Crown Jewels collection
- Enjoy a scenic cruise on the River Thames
- Journey on Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel (optional)
Itinerary details
Meeting Point
Victoria Coach Station – Our team will wait to greet you by our Welcome Desk at Victoria Coach Station and direct you to the correct departure gate. Victoria Coach Station is 10-15 minutes from London Victoria Station and Victoria Underground Station. Our Welcome Desk is in front of Gates 1 and 2. Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for boarding.
panoramic Tour
Your tour of London begins with a journey through London with your expert tour guide onboard one of our luxury coaches. As you make your way through the city, your guide will impart exciting stories and interesting facts about London’s long history. Along the way, you will see all of London’s most iconic landmarks, including the Albert Memorial, Westminster Abbey, the iconic Elizabeth Tower, also known as ‘Big Ben’, and much, much more!
* The changing of the guard
At one of our first stops, Buckingham Palace, we will watch a traditional ceremony that is the epitome of British pomp and pageantry. During the ceremony, guards from the New Guard of the Household Division arrive to assume responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace. Accompanied by a regimental marching band, these soldiers are instantly recognisable in their bearskin caps and scarlet tunics. Don’t let the bearskin hats fool you – these soldiers are elite soldiers from the British military!
*The Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace currently takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (subject to availability). When there is no Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, we will see the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade instead.
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic symbol of London. One of the largest churches in the world, its dome is an incredible 366 feet high and was the tallest building in London until the 1960s. Explore the history of the Cathedral and hear how Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece took 35 years to complete.
Important: Since St Paul’s Cathedral is a working church, the usual opening hours are subject to change. On some days, there may be a late opening and/or an early closure. Please check opening times prior to visiting.
The tower of london
Almost a thousand years of history await at the formidable Tower of London. The Tower’s long and bloody history is steeped in myth and legend. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this historic fortress in the middle of London is a notorious prison and execution site.
The last person to be executed here was in 1941, and throughout its long history, dozens have been shot, beheaded and even burned at the stake. Delve into the grisly history of this medieval castle and a former royal palace, and discover the stories behind some of its most famous former inmates. The Tower of London is also home to the priceless Crown Jewels Collection.
the crown jewels
The Crown Jewels have been stored and displayed at the Tower of London since 1661. This magnificent world-famous collection of 23,578 gemstones is part of the Royal Collection and boasts items that are still used in royal ceremonies today.
Following their use in the Coronation ceremony of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May, the regalia can be explored in the Treasury of the Jewel House. Appreciate these remarkable objects up close, including the Imperial State Crown, which was worn by His Majesty The King for the procession from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace and features in the official Coronation portraits, as well as St Edward’s Crown, which was used at the moment of crowning.
Also on display will be Queen Mary’s Crown, made by Garrard for the 1911 Coronation and modified for Her Majesty Queen Camilla ahead of the 2023 Coronation. Relive the historic service through official imagery from the 2023 ceremony, which is also featured in the exhibition.
Your experience of the Jewel House will begin with a celebration of the timelessness of monarchy, displaying the State Crown frames worn by past monarchs George I, George IV, and Queen Victoria and explaining how many of the most historic jewels – including the famous ‘Black Prince’s Ruby’ – have passed from crown to crown.
Learn more about the origins of the current Crown Jewels, starting with the destruction of the medieval Coronation Regalia in 1649 during the English Civil War. The Crown Jewels were destroyed at the Tower after the Civil War and remade for Charles II’s coronation in 1661. They signify the royal authority to lead and protect the nation.
Thames river cruise
At the end of our tour, head down to Tower Pier and hop on the next available boat for a scenic cruise down the River Thames. Enjoy a unique view of the beautiful London waterfront as you head to Westminster Pier next to the iconic Houses of Parliament.
optional extra: the london eye
The London Eye stands 135m high on the South Bank between Waterloo and Westminster Bridges. Standard Ticket holders should check-in at least 30 minutes before your booked time.
end Point
Westminster Pier (unless the London Eye option is chosen) – The Tour concludes at Westminster Pier, where you can conveniently access the London Underground from Westminster Station, London Bus Services, or local taxi services.
What’s Included?
What’s Excluded?
Additonal Information
• Tour Starts: 9:00 am, Victoria Coach Station (boarding 8:30 am)
• Tour Finishes: approx. 5:30 pm, Westminster Pier (unless London Eye option chosen). Guests wanting to spend longer at the Tower of London may use their cruise ticket on another day (please check the validity of your boat ticket with your guide)
• Optional Extra London Eye: The London Eye ticket is for standard entry at 6:00 pm on the same day
• St Paul’s Cathedral is closed to visitors on Sundays & during special events. On these days we stop for photographs outside & spend longer at the Tower of London
• Please note that there are quite a few stairs within the White Tower at the Tower of London and there is currently no disabled access
• *The Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace currently takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (subject to availability). When there is no Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, we will see the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade instead
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More Information
London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye option
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