London: VIP Tower Opening Ceremony, Crown Jewels & Cruise

Discover the grandeur of London’s iconic Tower of London with this exclusive VIP experience. Guests will enjoy early access to the Jewel House, where they’ll marvel at the dazzling Crown Jewels without the usual crowds. A knowledgeable guide will lead the way, sharing the Tower’s rich history during a captivating tour. But the true highlight? Witnessing the Opening Ceremony, a centuries-old tradition that sets the stage for an unforgettable day in the heart of the city.

Contents show

Key Points

This VIP tour offers early access to the Jewel House and a guided exploration of the Tower of London, including the Opening Ceremony.
The tour includes a one-way river cruise and lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with the Jewel House visit taking around 40 minutes.
Experienced English-speaking guides provide expert historical commentary and ensure guests gain a deeper understanding of the Tower’s significance.
The tour is not suitable for guests with mobility issues or baby strollers, and significant walking is involved at a moderate pace.
Guests should arrive 15 minutes early at the designated meeting point, and early booking is advised due to the likelihood of sell-out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a comprehensive VIP experience, including early access to the Tower of London’s Jewel House, a guided tour of the historic site, and a one-way river cruise.

Lasting 2.5 to 3 hours, the activity is priced from $123.40 per person and is likely to sell out, so early booking is advised.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour’s availability and starting times should be checked, as the experience may be subject to changes due to potential site closures.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in London

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at 3 Great Tower St, the Tower of London, the tour begins with a guided tour of the Jewel House, lasting approximately 40 minutes.

Next, guests enjoy a 25-minute guided tour of the Tower of London itself.

The tour concludes with a 115-minute guided exploration, culminating at the Tower of London.

Key highlights include early access to the Jewel House, witnessing the Opening Ceremony, expert-led historical tours, and a one-way river cruise ticket.

With a focus on the Crown Jewels and Tower’s rich history, the tour provides an immersive and engaging experience.

Tour Experience

How do the guides contribute to the tour experience?

The local English-speaking guides are experts in the history of the Tower of London and Crown Jewels. Their knowledgeable and engaging commentary brings the tour to life.

Guests praise the guides’ ability to provide an informative yet entertaining experience. The guides expertly lead visitors through the Jewel House and Tower, ensuring they marvel at the Crown Jewels in a less crowded setting.

With their expert guidance, guests appreciate the historical significance of the sites and leave with a deeper understanding of this iconic London landmark.

Additional Information

Guests should arrive 15 minutes early at the West Gate entrance, opposite the Starbucks and next to the Tower of London gift shop, as this is the designated meeting point for the tour.

Arrive 15 minutes early at the West Gate entrance, opposite the Starbucks and next to the Tower of London gift shop, the tour’s designated meeting point.

The tour isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or baby strollers.

Sites may be subject to closures, and any modifications will be communicated at the tour start.

Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty, as the tour involves significant walking.

The tour guide will provide expert knowledge of the historical sites throughout the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a local English-speaking guide, an expertly guided walking tour, first entrance tickets for the Tower of London and Jewel House, as well as a flexible one-way London river cruise pass.

However, hotel pick-up/drop-off and gratuities aren’t included. Guests should arrive 15 minutes early at the West Gate entrance, opposite Starbucks, next to the Tower of London gift shop.

The tour isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or baby strollers, as a moderate walking pace is required.

Sites may be subject to closures, with any modifications communicated at the start of the tour.

Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in London

Early Access to the Jewel House

One of the highlights of the VIP Tower Opening Ceremony tour is the early access to the Jewel House.

Guests are granted priority admission to view the Crown Jewels before the general public, allowing them to experience the collection in a less crowded environment.

This exclusive access provides an intimate and immersive look at the priceless regalia without the typical queues and congestion.

Visitors can admire the stunning diamonds, rubies, and other precious gems that symbolize the power and history of the British monarchy.

This unique opportunity elevates the tour, offering a personalized and memorable encounter with the Crown Jewels.

Witnessing the Opening Ceremony

After being granted priority access to the Jewel House, the highlight of the VIP Tower Opening Ceremony tour awaits.

Guests witness the military ritual of the Opening Ceremony, a centuries-old tradition. Promptly at the scheduled time, the Queen’s Guard, resplendent in their scarlet uniforms and bearskin hats, march in perfect formation to the Tower’s main gates.

The Ceremony commences with the raising of the Union Jack flag and the symbolic unlocking of the Tower’s main gates.

Witnessing this historic event in an uncrowded setting provides a unique and memorable experience for tour participants.

The Relaxing River Cruise

Following the captivating Opening Ceremony, participants can now embark on a relaxing one-way river cruise along the iconic River Thames.

This scenic cruise provides a leisurely way to admire London’s famous landmarks, including the Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament.

The flexible cruise pass allows guests to disembark at their convenience, enabling them to explore the city further or return to the Tower of London.

The flexible cruise pass allows guests to disembark at their convenience, enabling them to explore the city further or return to the Tower of London.

This tranquil journey on the river offers a pleasant respite after the engaging guided tours, providing a chance to soak in the sights and sounds of the historic city from a unique vantage point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Jewel House?

Photos are generally not allowed inside the Jewel House to protect the Crown Jewels. However, guests can take photos outside the Jewel House before or after the guided tour. Additional restrictions may apply during the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not well-suited for children. It involves extensive walking at a moderate pace and is not wheelchair or stroller-friendly. The tour’s content may also not engage younger visitors.

How Long Does the River Cruise Last?

The river cruise pass included in the tour is a flexible one-way ticket, allowing guests to take the cruise at their convenience. The duration of the river cruise is not specified in the tour overview provided.

Can I Purchase Additional Tickets on the Day?

Additional tickets can be purchased on the day, but availability is not guaranteed. It’s recommended to book the tour in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code for this tour. However, guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as the tour involves a significant amount of walking. Casual attire is generally acceptable.

The Sum Up

This VIP tour offers an unparalleled experience in the heart of London. Guests will enjoy early access to the Jewel House, witness the Tower’s opening ceremony, and explore the historic landmark with a knowledgeable guide. The scenic river cruise provides a relaxing conclusion to an unforgettable day, leaving visitors with lasting memories of this exclusive VIP journey.