British Museum Highlights Private Tour in London including the Rosetta Stone
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
See human history and culture brought to life on a 2.5-hour tour of the British Museum in London! With millions of artifacts spread over 70 galleries, the enthralling museum is vast and a visit to it without a guide can be overwhelming. So, follow a knowledgeable local guide around the exhibitions to discover its highlights while hearing historical facts and anecdotes. See mummies from Ancient Egypt, Anglo-Saxon treasures from England and the impressive Parthenon Frieze from the Acropolis of Athens, alongside other captivating relics.
Available options
British Museum Highlights Private Tour in London including the Rosetta Stone
What's included
All Fees and Taxes
Professional English guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
In the heart of London exists a treasure chest, filled with objects spanning all continents and centuries of human civilization. These fascinating artifacts of priceless value tell the story of mankind and no comparable collection exists in the world. This treasure chest is called The British Museum. It houses over eight million pieces spanning two million years of human history, contained within a seemingly limitless space of nearly one million square feet. As a result, touring the British Museum without a guide to lead the way can be a daunting task. However fear not, on our specially designed private tour your knowledgeable guide, an expert who is passionate about the British Museum and its treasures, will keep you engaged and enthused by sharing the history and anecdotes that bring these ancient objects to life.
Relax in the beauty of the wonders contained inside as your guide skilfully navigates you through the seventy galleries housing Athenian marbles, Egyptian Mummies, and Anglo Saxon treasures. You’ve probably heard of Rosetta Stone as language learning program, but what you probably didn’t know was that this is a real stone that played an instrumental role in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs and is now on display here. Another guaranteed highlight is the enormous Parthenon Frieze. Just over three feet high and 525 feet long, this incredible sculpture once stood in the Acropolis in Athens and is one of the most important surviving relics of classical Greece.
Another group of “must see” highlights lie within the Egyptian Rooms and their impressive collection of mummies. Your guide will explain the importance of death and the afterlife in Ancient Egyptian culture as you witness this incredible piece of human history in person. The museum also contains a wonderful selection of artifacts representing the British Isles’ own Anglo Saxon culture, such as those found at the burial sites of Sutton Hoo. Your guide will share the amazing story of how these objects survived the centuries and the grave robbers, making them an improbable find.
This private tour offers you the special opportunity to be shown around these highlights alongside your own personal guide dedicated to you and only you. As well as ensuring that you don’t miss the must see exhibits contained within, this will also give them the opportunity to tailor parts of the tour to your own desires and wants. Allow them to educate and elucidate you on the parts of history that you are most interested in. Use your own story to engage you with the story of mankind.
All that’s left is for you to set off on an incredible time-travelling adventure through this chronicle of human culture from the beginning of time to the modern age, on our Best of the British Museum tour.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
91 reviews
5★
56
4★
17
3★
6
2★
4
1★
8
Tripadvisor
4.8
12 reviews
5★
10
4★
2
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Baby strollers are not permitted on the tour
Meeting point
On Montague Place next to the King Edward entrance. This is the north entrance, with the stone lions on either side of the doorway. We will be holding a sign for easy recognition.
Important notes
• Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked tour start time. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.
• Due to heightened security measures, you may experience delays in clearing security checks when entering the venue.
• Only very small bags are allowed.
• You should wear comfortable walking shoes.
• This activity is unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
• This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
• To change the date or time of your tour, please contact your travel agent at Viator customer care: 1-866-648-5873 (Toll Free) / +1 (702) 648-5873 (International).
• Gratuities for your guide/driver that provided excellent service are appreciated!
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
