London’s royal heritage is on full display with the ‘Royal Tour with Afternoon Tea at the Rubens.’ This 5-hour excursion provides a glimpse into the city’s storied past, from iconic landmarks to a luxurious tea experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Anglophile, this tour promises to elevate your appreciation for the grandeur of the British capital. But what secrets might it unveil about London’s enduring allure?
Key Points

- A 5-hour tour that combines a panoramic bus tour, guided walking tour, and traditional afternoon tea at the luxurious Rubens hotel.
- Highlights include witnessing the Changing of the Guard, exploring iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey, and enjoying a high-quality afternoon tea experience.
- Priced at $154.58 per person, the tour is led by an English-speaking guide and includes audio headsets for an enhanced experience.
- Allows for free cancellation up to 2 days in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.
- Offers stunning views of London’s royal landmarks throughout the tour, creating a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the city’s rich history and culture.
Tour Overview

The tour, named "London: Royal Tour with Afternoon Tea at the Rubens," offers a comprehensive experience priced from $154.58 per person and lasting approximately 5 hours.
A 5-hour comprehensive tour of London’s royal sights and an afternoon tea experience at the luxurious Rubens at the Palace hotel, priced from $154.58 per person.
It starts from London Victoria Station and is led by an English-speaking guide, with audio guides available in multiple languages.
The tour includes a panoramic bus tour, a guided walking tour, and an afternoon tea experience at the luxurious Rubens at the Palace hotel.
Cancellation is free up to 2 days in advance.
The tour promises stunning views of iconic landmarks and a traditional royal afternoon tea in an elegant setting.
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Itinerary Highlights

Panoramic Bus Tour (1 hour) takes guests on a scenic journey past iconic sights like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. Along the way, they’ll witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The Guided Tour (1.5 hours) offers expert commentary from a blue badge guide, providing historical insights.
| Itinerary Highlights | | |
|———————|———————|——————-|
| Panoramic Bus Tour | Guided Tour | Afternoon Tea |
| 1 hour duration | 1.5 hour duration | 1 hour duration |
| Iconic sights | Expert commentary | Luxurious venue |
| Changing of Guard | Historical insights | Freshly-baked scones|
| Superior coach | Audio headsets | Clotted cream |
The Afternoon Tea at The Rubens offers a traditional royal experience in a luxurious setting overlooking the Royal Mews.
Panoramic Bus Tour

A scenic journey through London’s iconic landmarks awaits guests on the one-hour Panoramic Bus Tour.
The coach provides superior comfort with Wi-Fi and USB charging. Travelers will witness the grandeur of Westminster Abbey, the iconic Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), and the magnificent Buckingham Palace.
The highlight is witnessing the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, a time-honored tradition.
With an expert blue badge guide providing historical insights through personal audio headsets, guests will gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich heritage and royal legacy.
This panoramic tour sets the stage for the indulgent afternoon tea experience.
Guided Tour
After the panoramic bus tour, guests embark on a 1.5-hour guided walking tour with an expert blue badge guide.
The guide provides historical insights and fascinating stories about the landmarks along the route. Guests explore the area around Westminster Abbey, admiring its Gothic architecture and learning about its role in British royal history.
The tour continues past iconic sights like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. With the guide’s knowledgeable commentary, guests gain a deeper understanding of London’s rich heritage and the significance of these world-famous landmarks.
More Great Tours NearbyAfternoon Tea at The Rubens
Following the guided tour, guests are escorted to the luxurious venue of The Rubens at the Palace hotel for a traditional royal afternoon tea experience.
Seated in the elegant dining room, they’re served a menu of freshly-baked scones, clotted cream, and homemade preserves. The tea is accompanied by a selection of finger sandwiches and pastries.
Guests can sip on Champagne as they enjoy the regal setting and views overlooking the Royal Mews. The attentive staff ensures an indulgent and memorable afternoon tea, providing an authentic taste of British hospitality.
Inclusions

The tour includes an expert blue badge guide who provides historical insights throughout the experience.
Additional inclusions:
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Superior coach with Wi-Fi and USB charging for convenience.
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Personal audio headset for live commentary, ensuring you can hear the guide clearly.
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Afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace hotel, a luxurious venue overlooking the Royal Mews.
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Champagne and admission to all attractions, enhancing the overall value.
These comprehensive inclusions create a seamless, high-quality tour experience, allowing you to fully learn about the rich history and culture of London.
Important Information

The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place on select days, occurring on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, subject to availability.
Guests should be aware that the afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace hotel is an independent visit on the same day as the tour, not part of the guided portion.
The meeting point for the tour is the Evan Evans kiosk opposite Gate 1, inside Victoria Coach Station.
Travelers should plan to arrive at the designated location on time to ensure they don’t miss the departure of the panoramic bus tour.
Customer Reviews
Travelers have provided largely positive feedback on the Royal Tour with Afternoon Tea, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 11 reviews.
The tour’s transportation received a respectable 4 out of 5 rating, while the value for money was also deemed solid at 4 out of 5.
Key highlights in the feedback included:
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Excellent food and service at The Rubens hotel
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Issues with the tour company’s pickup location and customer service
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Recommendations to visit The Rubens independently for afternoon tea
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Afternoon Tea?
The afternoon tea does not have a strict dress code, but guests are generally expected to dress smartly. Casual wear is acceptable, though formal attire such as suits or dresses is preferred to match the elegant setting.
Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available for the Afternoon Tea?
The afternoon tea at The Rubens offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. Guests can request these dietary accommodations when booking the tour or directly with the hotel staff upon arrival.
Can I Arrive Late and Still Participate in the Tour?
If you arrive late, you may be unable to join the tour. The tour has a fixed schedule and departs at the scheduled time. Late arrivals are not guaranteed participation. It’s best to arrive on time to ensure you don’t miss any part of the experience.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Tour?
The tour does not appear to offer any discounts or special offers based on the provided information. However, it’s recommended to check the tour provider’s website or contact them directly to inquire about any promotional pricing or deals that may be available.
Can I Request a Private Tour or Modify the Itinerary?
Private tours and itinerary modifications are not offered for this tour. The standard group itinerary and tour experience must be booked. Customers can’t customize the tour or request a private experience. However, visitors may opt to visit The Rubens independently.
The Sum Up
The "Royal Tour with Afternoon Tea at the Rubens" offers an enchanting way to experience the grandeur of London. This 5-hour excursion showcases the city’s iconic landmarks, provides historical insights, and culminates in a luxurious afternoon tea at the renowned Rubens hotel. It’s an elegant and immersive experience that captures the essence of London’s royal heritage.
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