Exploring the heart of London’s iconic landmarks is a must-do for many travelers. The "Changing of the Guard, Big Ben, Thames & Tower of London Tour" offers an immersive full-day experience, allowing visitors to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, marvel at the historic Tower of London, and cruise along the River Thames. With an expert guide leading the way, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the capital’s most captivating sights. What’s more, early access to the Tower of London ensures a unique perspective on this legendary fortress.
Key Points
- This full-day tour in London covers key attractions like the Tower of London, River Thames, and Buckingham Palace’s Changing of the Guard ceremony.
- The tour provides early access to the Tower of London, allowing visitors to explore the Crown Jewels, Medieval Palace, and other highlights.
- A scenic Thames River Cruise offers views of iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- The tour includes a walking tour of Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament Square, Downing Street, and Westminster Abbey.
- The tour is accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide and includes headsets, hotel pickup and drop-off, and gratuities.
Tour Overview
The tour, titled "Changing of the Guard, Big Ben, Thames & Tower of London Tour," offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of London’s iconic landmarks.
Located in the heart of England, this full-day tour takes groups of up to 25 travelers to must-see attractions, including the Tower of London, the River Thames, and the legendary Buckingham Palace.
With a team of expert English-speaking guides, travelers will enjoy early access to the Tower, a boat ride on the Thames, and the opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
The tour is priced at $121.62 per person and comes highly recommended.
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Highlights of the Itinerary
Travelers on this tour enjoy early access to the iconic Tower of London, where they see the Crown Jewels, explore the Medieval Palace, Traitors’ Gate, and the imposing White Tower. After a scenic boat ride along the River Thames, they witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade. The tour also includes a walking exploration of Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament Square, Downing Street, and Westminster Abbey.
| Itinerary Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Tower of London | See the Crown Jewels, Medieval Palace, Traitors’ Gate, White Tower |
| Thames River Cruise | View Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral |
| Changing of the Guard | Witness ceremony at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade |
| Walking Tour | Explore Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament Square, Downing Street, Westminster Abbey |
| Expert Guide | Knowledgeable English-speaking guide accompanies the group |
Inclusions in the Tour
This tour includes a meet-and-greet with a Beefeater at the Tower of London, as well as entrance tickets to the iconic landmark.
Travelers will also enjoy a boat ride on the River Thames, offering picturesque views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Depending on the day, the tour includes either the Changing of the Guard ceremony or a walking tour of Westminster.
An expert English-speaking guide provides insightful commentary throughout the day.
Headsets ensure clear audio, and hotel pickup and drop-off plus gratuities are included, making this a hassle-free experience.
Meeting and Ending Points
The meeting point for this tour is the Duke of York Column, located at St. James, London SW1Y 5AJ, UK.
Travelers will gather here at 10:15 AM to begin their day exploring the city’s iconic landmarks.
At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off at the Tower of London, located at London EC3N 4AB, UK.
This convenient location allows participants to continue exploring the Tower of London or make their own way to their next destination.
Throughout the tour, an expert English-speaking guide will provide insights and lead the group through the carefully curated itinerary.
Accessibility and Special Assistance
Is the tour wheelchair accessible? No, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and doesn’t provide any special assistance for those with impairments.
The steep staircases and uneven terrain at the Tower of London make it challenging for those with mobility issues. Guests with special needs may have difficulty fully participating in the tour.
While the tour operator strives to be inclusive, they don’t offer specialized accommodations. Visitors with accessibility concerns should consider alternative sightseeing options in London more suitable for their needs.
The tour is best suited for those who can navigate uneven surfaces and stairs without assistance.
Weather Policy and Photography Restrictions
How does the weather policy affect the tour’s operations? The tour’s Changing of the Guard event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. If the ceremony is canceled, the tour provider will offer an alternative walking tour instead. The tour’s photography policy restricts visitors from taking photos inside the Crown Jewels exhibition at the Tower of London. This restriction helps maintain the security and integrity of this famous display.
| Weather Policy | Photography Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Changing of the Guard subject to cancellation | No photography permitted inside Crown Jewels exhibition |
| Alternative walking tour provided | Helps maintain security and integrity of display |
| Ensures safety and enjoyment of guests | Visitors must comply with this policy |
Cancellation Policy
Customers can freely cancel their tour reservation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This policy provides flexibility for travelers who may need to adjust their plans.
If a cancellation occurs within this timeframe, guests will receive a full refund, allowing them to rebook or seek alternative arrangements without penalty.
The operator values the convenience and satisfaction of their customers, recognizing that last-minute changes can sometimes be unavoidable.
This flexible cancellation policy ensures an enjoyable and stress-free experience for all who participate in the "Changing of the Guard, Big Ben, Thames & Tower of London Tour."
About the Tour Company
The tour company behind the "Changing of the Guard, Big Ben, Thames & Tower of London Tour" is a reputable operator known for providing high-quality experiences in the heart of London.
They’ve a track record of excellence, boasting a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence.
The tour is led by expert English-speaking guides who ensure guests have a memorable and informative experience.
With a maximum group size of 25, travelers can expect personalized attention.
The tour’s inclusions, such as early access to the Tower of London and a river cruise, offer great value for the price.
Ask Away
What Is the Maximum Group Size Allowed?
The maximum group size for this tour is 25 travelers. This allows for a more personalized experience and ensures enough attention from the expert English-speaking guide.
How Long Does the Tour Last?
The tour lasts a full day. Specifically, the Changing of the Guard, Big Ben, Thames & Tower of London Tour is a comprehensive experience that provides visitors with a full-day exploration of London’s top attractions.
What Is the Price Range for the Tour?
The tour costs from $121.62 per person. It’s a full-day tour that covers multiple iconic London landmarks and experiences, including the Tower of London, a Thames River cruise, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
How Do I Get to the Meeting Point?
To get to the meeting point at the Duke of York Column, St. James, visitors can take the London Underground to Charing Cross station, which is a short walk away. Alternatively, they can take a bus or taxi to the location.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Photography is not permitted inside the Crown Jewels exhibition. However, visitors can take photos during other parts of the tour, such as the Changing of the Guard ceremony and along the River Thames.
Final Words
The "Changing of the Guard, Big Ben, Thames & Tower of London Tour" offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the iconic sights of London. With early access to the Tower of London, a scenic boat ride, and the renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony, this tour provides an immersive and enriching adventure for up to 25 travelers. Led by expert guides, this full-day experience is a must-do for visitors to the city.
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