Royal London Guided Sightseeing Tour and Thames River Cruise
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This fantastic half-day tour provides the perfect introduction to London's major landmarks. See the best bits of London in only half a day and learn all about London's history with your Expert Tour Guide. Plus, watch the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, an event steeped in tradition and ceremony. Enjoy a River Cruise after your guided tour and see the sights of London from a different angle.
Available options
Royal London Guided Sightseeing Tour and Thames River Cruise
What's included
Live commentary
One way Thames River cruise ticket (approximately 40-45 minutes)
Superior Coach incl. Wifi & USB charging on board
Expert guide
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade
Panoramic tour of London
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the UK's sovereigns since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, built around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. Its name commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars with France and Spain that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
A royal church in the centre of London offering daily services for all and a World Heritage Site with over a thousand years of history.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London and is usually extended to refer to both the clock and the clock tower.
6
Stop 6
Changing the Guard – also known as Guard Mounting – is the iconic ceremony which is seen by millions of people each year at Buckingham Palace. If there is no changing of the Guard, we will instead see the Changing of the Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade.
7
Stop 7
Pass by
Parliament Square in Westminster is next to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. The square was created in the 1860s and contains statues of well known statesmen including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela.
8
Stop 8
At the end of our tour, make your way down to Westminster Pier and hop on the next available boat for a scenic cruise down the River Thames. Enjoy a unique view of London and its beautiful waterfront as you head from Westminster Pier to Tower Pier next to the formidable Tower of London.
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
KO
CMN
JA
ES
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.9
13 reviews
5★
7
4★
2
3★
2
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
3.9
18 reviews
5★
12
4★
0
3★
1
2★
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1★
3
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a wheelchair user : Please inform us in advance if you intend to bring wheelchair.
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace currently takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
If there is no Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace we see the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade instead
Thames River cruise is from Tower Pier to Westminster Pier or Westminster Pier to Tower Pier (open dated, can use tickets any time during stay in London)
Please note that there is no transfer included for the Thames River Cruise.
Meeting point
Victoria Coach Station, Evan Evans Counter - Gate 1 - 5
Important notes
• Tour Departs: Evan Evans kiosk located opposite Gate 1, inside Victoria Coach Station,164
Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9TP
• Tour Starts: 9:00 am, Victoria Coach Station (boarding commences at 8:30 am)
• Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
• Where there is no Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace we will see the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade instead.
• Your Thames River cruise ticket is operated by City Cruises (From/to Tower pier to/from Westminster pier) by own (after the tour). Your will received boat tickets on the day of the tour.
About London
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.
Top Attractions
Tower of London
A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.
Historical
2-3 hours
£28 (adult ticket)
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.
Historical
1-2 hours
£27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)
The British Museum
One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)
The London Eye
A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.
Entertainment
30 minutes
£27-£33 (adult ticket)
Westminster Abbey
A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.
Religious
1-2 hours
£27 (adult ticket)
Tower Bridge
An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Architecture
1-2 hours
£11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish and Chips
A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).
Dinner
Contains gluten and fish
Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.
Breakfast
Contains meat and gluten
Afternoon Tea
A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.
Snack
Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets
Sunday Roast
A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
Dinner
Contains meat and gluten
Popular Activities
Rock climbing
Kayaking on the Thames
Cycling tours
Afternoon tea
Spas and wellness centers
Punting on the River Cam
Museum visits
Theater performances
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
- Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
London Waterloo, London King's Cross
By bus
Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon
Getting around
Public transport
The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Westminster
Camden Town
Soho
Notting Hill
Shoreditch
Greenwich
Day trips
Windsor Castle
34 km from London • Half day to full day
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.
Stonehenge
130 km from London • Full day
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.
Brighton
80 km from London • Full day
Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Festivals
Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August
London Film Festival • October
New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31
Pro tips
- Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
- Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
- Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
- Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
