Setting out on a captivating journey through the heart of London, this tour offers a diverse experience for visitors. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the scenic River Thames, it promises an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks. With a vintage bus ride and a private cruise, travelers can uncover the rich history and vibrant culture that make London a truly remarkable destination. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour is sure to leave you with lasting memories of the city’s enchanting sights.

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Key Points

This tour offers a vintage bus and boat experience, including admission to Buckingham Palace and its state rooms and apartments.
The 8-hour tour showcases London’s iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
A private cruise on the River Thames provides views of the Shakespeare’s Globe and the Shard.
Visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
The tour includes special exhibitions featuring coronation displays and ceremonial robes from the British monarchy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors the opportunity to experience London by vintage bus and boat, including entrance to the iconic Buckingham Palace. Priced from $115.61 per person, the 8-hour excursion allows guests to explore the city’s landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Cruising along the River Thames, travelers will witness sights like Shakespeare’s Globe and the Shard. At Buckingham Palace, they can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the state rooms and apartments.

Flexible booking options, like free cancellation and pay later, make this tour convenient for visitors.

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Itinerary and Highlights

As visitors embark on this tour, they’ll be treated to a panoramic bus journey that showcases London’s most iconic landmarks.

They’ll witness the grandeur of the Houses of Parliament, the majesty of Westminster Abbey, and the historic charm of the Tower of London.

The tour also includes a private cruise along the River Thames, where they’ll marvel at the sights of Shakespeare’s Globe, HMS Belfast, and the towering Shard.

The highlight of the day comes when they witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, followed by a self-guided tour of the palace’s state rooms and apartments.

Special Exhibitions

Along With the grand tour of London’s landmarks, visitors to this experience can also explore special exhibitions at Buckingham Palace.

This summer, the palace is featuring a Coronation display, showcasing outfits worn by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, including:

The Robe of Estate worn by King George VI in 1937.
The King’s Robe of State.
The Queen’s Robe of State.
Other ceremonial robes and regalia from past coronations.

These unique exhibitions provide a behind-the-scenes look at the pageantry and tradition of the British monarchy, complementing the iconic sights and experiences of this London tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes admission to Buckingham Palace with an audio guide, as well as a sightseeing tour by vintage bus and a private cruise on the River Thames.

Enjoy a regal experience with admission to Buckingham Palace, a vintage bus tour, and a private cruise on the River Thames.

However, it excludes food, drinks, and gratuities. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the transportation.

Customers should pack minimal belongings as there will be security checks at Buckingham Palace.

While the audio guide is available for the palace tour, it’s worth noting that some customers have found the clarity of the information to be an issue.

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Meeting Point and Security Information

Guests meet at Gate 19-20, Victoria Coach Station, London at 7:30am for a 7:45am departure.

Minimal belongings are recommended, as security checks are conducted at Buckingham Palace.

The tour offers:

An audio guide available only for the Buckingham Palace tour.
A private cruise on the River Thames.
A panoramic bus tour of London landmarks.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

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Audio Guide and Customer Feedback

An audio guide is available for the Buckingham Palace tour portion of the experience, though customer reviews suggest there may be issues with the clarity of the information provided.

The tour has received a 3.5/5 rating based on 27 reviews. Customers have highlighted concerns about the condition of the bus and the lack of clarity in the audio guide, which provides commentary during the Buckingham Palace visit.

While the overall tour experience may be enjoyable, the audio guide component appears to be an area for potential improvement based on customer feedback.

Visiting Buckingham Palace

Visitors to the London by Bus and Boat tour will have the opportunity to explore the grandeur of Buckingham Palace.

The self-guided tour allows guests to:

The self-guided tour allows guests to wander through the magnificent State Rooms, marvel at the Throne Room, and capture stunning photos.

Wander through the magnificent State Rooms, decked in opulent decor and priceless artworks.
Marvel at the Throne Room, where official functions are held.
Discover the history and significance of the Palace’s interiors.
Capture stunning photos of the iconic exterior and its picturesque gardens.

With an audio guide to provide context, the Buckingham Palace experience offers a unique glimpse into the Royal Family’s official residence and the heart of British monarchy.

Exploring London by Bus and Boat

Although the London by Bus and Boat tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks, the heart of the experience lies in the seamless interplay between vintage bus transportation and a private cruise on the River Thames. During the bus tour, visitors can take in panoramic views of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The river cruise then provides a unique perspective, offering sights of Shakespeare’s Globe, HMS Belfast, and the towering Shard. This dynamic itinerary allows guests to experience London’s landmarks from both land and water.

| Tour Highlights | Duration |

|—————–|———-|

| Panoramic Bus Tour | 3-4 hours |

| Private River Cruise | 1 hour |

| Changing of the Guard | 30 minutes |

| Buckingham Palace Tour | 1-2 hours |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children. It includes a lengthy bus ride and self-guided palace tour that may not keep them engaged. Families should consider the tour’s duration and activities to determine if it’s appropriate for their children.

Can I Take Photographs Inside Buckingham Palace?

Visitors can take photographs inside Buckingham Palace, but flash photography is not permitted. The palace’s audio guide provides information on where photography is allowed during the self-guided tour of the state rooms and apartments.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any student or senior discounts. However, children under 16 get a reduced rate. Plus, group discounts may be available for bookings of 10 or more people.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as mentioned in the inclusions and exclusions. Individuals with mobility issues may find certain aspects of the tour challenging, such as boarding the vintage bus and navigating Buckingham Palace.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?

The tour duration can’t be extended, but the itinerary may be customized to an extent. Customers can contact the tour operator to discuss any specific needs or requests for modifications within the 8-hour timeframe.

The Sum Up

The "London by Bus and Boat & Entrance to Buckingham Palace" tour offers a captivating glimpse into Britain’s rich history and iconic landmarks. Travelers can explore Buckingham Palace’s state rooms, view royal exhibits, and embark on a scenic River Thames cruise, all while experiencing the city’s renowned sights from the comfort of a vintage bus. This comprehensive excursion provides an enchanting and immersive look into London’s enduring charm.