Welcome to London | Half Day London City Tour

Richmond-upon-Thames - Welcome to the largest city in the U.K. and Europe. London offers a wealth of history, culture, gastronomy, and much more. Over the next six days, you’ll create many experiences and memories.

Upon arrival at one of the five airports, you’ll be transferred to your host families in Richmond, the only borough on both sides of the famous River Thames. After a brief break to check in with your host family and refresh, the tour will commence with London’s iconic landmarks. Join us!

Leicester Square - Located in London’s West End, Leicester Square was designed in 1670 and named after Leicester House, after Robert Sidney, the 2nd Earl of Leicester. Initially a gentrified residential area, it housed tenants like Frederick, Prince of Wales, and artists William Hogarth and Joshua Reynolds. By the late 18th century, after Leicester House was demolished and retail changes occurred, it became a hub for entertainment. Today, Leicester Square is the heart of London, bustling with restaurants, cafes, cinemas, casinos, fast food outlets, hotels, international brands, street performers, and tourists. No London tour is complete without visiting Leicester Square, a popular venue for nearly 400 years, attracting over 2.5 million visitors weekly. It’s a meeting point for Londoners and London enthusiasts. The city’s top shows and plays, along with over 52 star-studded red-carpet film premieres each year, can be enjoyed by all visitors.

Piccadilly Circus - At the junction of Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue lies Piccadilly Circus, a trapezoidal area near London’s West End. Despite its name, there’s no circus here, but the term ‘circus’ usually refers to a circular area where several streets meet, following the Roman plan. This eccentricity suits Piccadilly Circus, as it attracts a diverse crowd in an already diverse city.

The first part of the Piccadilly Circus name comes from a 17th-century frilly collar called a “picadil.” The name is fitting, as this area showcases the frills of London, with pubs, monuments, shops, and nearby theatres in the West End. Piccadilly Circus, similar to New York’s Times Square, is filled with traffic, crowds, and (at night) neon lights, making it a major tourist attraction.

Known by its current name since 1743, the junction was created in 1819, and its history is evident. The bronze Shaftesbury memorial fountain, erected in 1893, is topped by a statue of Anteros, the Angel of Christian Charity. (The Evening Standard features a graphic of the nude statue on its masthead.) Technologically innovative at the time, it was the first sculpture cast in aluminium. In the late 1980s, the fountain was moved from the centre to its current location at the south-west corner of the intersection. Nearby is the off-centre (the literal translation of the Greek word ‘eccentric’) Reduced Shakespeare Company, performing at the Criterion Theater since 1995.

Their specialty is the rapid, highly improvised presentation of the complete works of Shakespeare in 97 minutes. (Well, something inspired by 37 of the plays, anyway.) The 600-seat theatre regularly sells out, so plan ahead. The surrealistic show fits well with the ambience of Piccadilly Circus, but for those interested in more traditional theatre, the London West End shows are just a few minutes’ walk away. Here, you can see the best of British theatre - shows often later imported to Broadway.

On the north-eastern side of Piccadilly Circus is the London Pavilion. First erected in 1859 as a music hall, Shaftesbury Avenue bisected the site in 1885. A new building was constructed, and by 1923, it was even lit with electric billboards. Rebuilt in 1986, the original 1885 facade was preserved, and the area was converted into a shopping arcade. Later, it was connected to the neighbouring Trocadero Centre. There are also numerous pubs at Piccadilly Circus, but be selective. Some cater only to tourists, while others are not tourist-friendly. While exploring, don’t miss the newly installed, giant, curved TV screen at Piccadilly Circus. Not even Times Square can compete with this one.

Carnaby Street - Welcome to the heart and soul of the fashion industry in the city. Carnaby Street is a pedestrian shopping street in Soho City, with a colourful history dating back to its construction in 1682. Named after Karnaby House, it became the epicentre of the Swinging 60s, home to the punks of the 80s, and remains iconic today. Between Oxford and Regent Streets, fashion and lifestyle retailers abound, including many independent fashion shops. In the heart of London’s shopping scene, Carnaby Street offers over 100 international and British fashion brands, independent boutiques, unique concepts, trendy beauty emporiums, grooming salons, and custom jewellery specialists. From brand-new flagships and UK firsts to one-off and unique designers, Carnaby’s 14 streets are lined with women’s wear, men’s clothing, cosmetics, and accessories like no other. Not just for shopping, more than 60 independent restaurants, bars, cafes, and pubs offer à la carte meals, late-night drinks, and even delicious breakfasts, delighting tourists and Londoners alike. Now it’s your turn to explore this lovely district with us.

Covent Garden - Speaking of gardens, don’t miss Covent Garden. Associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market in the central square, it’s now a popular shopping and tourist site. Not really gardens at all, the area is a spectacular array of theatres, shops (many visit London just for the shopping), and more, where street performers compete with restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops for tourists’ attention. Covent Garden is also a prime destination for theatregoers and patrons of the Royal Opera House by night. Situated in the heart of London’s Broadway West End, the area wasn’t always a fancy part of the city, but developments after the 70s made it a prime tourist destination. Indeed, Covent Garden is one of London’s vibrant places of interest. It plays a significant role in today’s cultural life with its theatres, restaurants, cafes, street performers, stalls, markets, and many attractions. It’s a must-see place in London.

Richmond-upon-Thames - These are famous and glamorous areas of London that visitors always want to explore. After this half-day tour, you’ll return to your host family for dinner, after which you might like to visit a local pub for an evening of traditional English social culture.

Full Day London City Tour - Sightseeing Bus Tour & London Eye & Buckingham Palace

Green Park - After enjoying a delightful English breakfast, you’ll start your day at Richmond Train Station. Here’s today’s list of places of interest in London. Today, you’ll explore the most important highlights of London with open-deck sightseeing tour buses. Your journey begins in Green Park, one of the Royal Parks of London. It connects with St James Park just across the road, with Buckingham Palace in between. This lovely park features an ornate fence and paths that crisscross the park. In the summer, visitors can rent deck chairs to soak up the sun. Green Park offers a respite from the heavy London traffic, providing a lovely piece of greenery in the middle of the city and a great place for a stroll. The park is well-connected to the London transportation system through a designated tube station and numerous bus stations, including sightseeing tour bus companies. The Ritz, one of London’s iconic hotels, is very close to the park. Other significant historical buildings near Green Park include St James’s Palace, Clarence House, and Spencer House.

Hyde Park - Hyde Park is perhaps most famous for the Speaker’s Corner, where citizens stand atop a soapbox and share their views with the crowd. However, there’s much more to see and do in Hyde Park than listen to political opinions. The land forming Hyde Park was first acquired by Henry VIII from the monks of Westminster Abbey in 1536. While Henry used Hyde Park for deer hunting, horseback riding today is strictly for leisure. Casual and relaxing, the Hyde Park trails are abundant, but riders must bring their own horses. Visitors can often see the Royal Horse Artillery riding on horseback through Hyde Park early in the morning. Hyde Park was first made accessible to the public by King James I in the early 17th century. The park is split by the Serpentine, a river dammed to create an artificial lake. The idea originated with the wife of King George II, an avid gardener. Boat rides on the Hyde Park lake remain a popular activity.

Marble Arch - Marble Arch once served as an entry gate to Buckingham Palace and today marks the entry point to the world’s famous shopping district of London, Oxford Street, as well as Hyde Park’s Speaker’s Corner. Marble Arch also lent its name to the district where it was moved. This lovely masterpiece has a charming history. Famous British architect John Nash (1752-1835) was also Prince Regent’s (later known as King George IV) favourite architect. Under George’s auspices, Nash designed and planned several important landmarks and masterpieces, including Regent’s Park, Regent Street, Carlton House Terrace, much of Buckingham Palace, and the lovely Marble Arch in London. By 1830, Nash’s work, with several statues and panels, was completed in Buckingham Palace. However, King George IV suddenly died. Unfortunately, Nash was dismissed by the Prime Minister of Wellington shortly after the King’s death due to the project’s excessive expenditure. Instead, architect Edward Blore was tasked with completing the work economically and practically. When Blore found himself with a jumbled collection of statues and panels, he tried to obtain drawings by Nash to explain how the puzzle was meant to fit, but Nash was unhappy about his dismissal. Despite its glory and triumph, this masterpiece contains a notable mistake. Our APTG blue badge guides will share the rest of the story during the tour.

Oxford Street - Oxford Street is one of London’s main thoroughfares, stretching between Tottenham Court Road and Marble Arch. It’s also Europe’s busiest shopping street, hosting around half a million visitors daily. Today, there are more than 300 shops, cafes, restaurants, language schools, department stores, and more. It’s the heart of daily business, fun, leisure, and, of course, shopping in London. Like everywhere in London, Oxford Street has its history. The street route was once part of the Via Trinobantina, a Roman route passing through London between Hampshire and Essex. It was known as Tyburn Road during the Middle Ages when Tyburn Gallows was also known for its public hangings. It became known as Oxford Road and then Oxford Street in the 18th century, transitioning from residential to commercial and retail use by the late 19th century, attracting street traders, confidence tricksters, and prostitution. The first department stores in the UK opened in the early 20th century, including Selfridges, John Lewis & Partners, and HMV. Unlike nearby shopping streets such as Bond Street, it has retained an element of downmarket trading alongside more prestigious retail stores. The street suffered heavy bombing during World War II, and several longstanding stores, including John Lewis, were completely destroyed and rebuilt from scratch. Oxford Street, with several chain stores and listed buildings, remains in demand as a retail destination amid competition from other shopping malls, including Westfield Stratford City and the Brent Cross Shopping Centre. Shopping is simply a tradition on this street, and tourists love this experience during their stay in London.

Regent Street - Regent Street in London’s West End is a major shopping street. It was laid out by architect John Nash and James Burton and named after George, Prince Regent, later George IV, the uncle of Queen Victoria. George IV was a pleasure King, and his grace and signature can be seen almost everywhere in London. We are talking about the King who also remodelled Windsor Castle. As you walk along the street, you’ll learn about the history of the British monarchs and their lifestyles in our charming city. Regent Street runs from Waterloo Place in St James’s at the southern end, through Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus, to All Souls Church. The street is famous for its flagship international retail stores and brands, including Liberty, Hamleys, Jaeger, Apple Store, Microsoft, Bose, Burberrys, Anthropologie, Hugo Boss, Breitling, Calvin Klein, Coach, Desigual, Gant, Guess, H&M, Hollister, Kiko, Kipling, Lacoste, Longchamp, Levi’s, Mango, Michael Kors, Nike Town, The North Face, Omega, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reiss, Superdry, Ted Baker, Tezenis, Tommy Hilfiger, Topman, Topshop, Tumi, Uniqlo, Yoshino, Zara, and many more. Regent Street was one of London’s first planned developments. After the Great Fire in London in 1666, Sir Christopher Wren and John Evelyn drew up plans for a reconstruction of the city according to the classical formal model. The ordinary configuration of London’s roads replaced the medieval layout, and houses were reconstructed on the old road network after a lack of development. The Royal Polytechnic Institution, now Westminster University, has been based on Regent Street since 1838.

Piccadilly Circus - At the junction of Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue lies Piccadilly Circus, a trapezoidal area near London’s West End. Despite its name, there’s no circus here, but the term ‘circus’ usually refers to a circular area where several streets meet, following the Roman plan. This eccentricity suits Piccadilly Circus, as it attracts a diverse crowd in an already diverse city.

The first part of the Piccadilly Circus name comes from a 17th-century frilly collar called a “picadil.” The name is fitting, as this area showcases the frills of London, with pubs, monuments, shops, and nearby theatres in the West End. Piccadilly Circus, similar to New York’s Times Square, is filled with traffic, crowds, and (at night) neon lights, making it a major tourist attraction.

Known by its current name since 1743, the junction was created in 1819, and its history is evident. The bronze Shaftesbury memorial fountain, erected in 1893, is topped by a statue of Anteros, the Angel of Christian Charity. (The Evening Standard features a graphic of the nude statue on its masthead.) Technologically innovative at the time, it was the first sculpture cast in aluminium. In the late 1980s, the fountain was moved from the centre to its current location at the south-west corner of the intersection. Nearby is the off-centre (the literal translation of the Greek word ‘eccentric’) Reduced Shakespeare Company, performing at the Criterion Theater since 1995.

Their specialty is the rapid, highly improvised presentation of the complete works of Shakespeare in 97 minutes. (Well, something inspired by 37 of the plays, anyway.) The 600-seat theatre regularly sells out, so plan ahead. The surrealistic show fits well with the ambience of Piccadilly Circus, but for those interested in more traditional theatre, the London West End shows are just a few minutes’ walk away. Here, you can see the best of British theatre - shows often later imported to Broadway.

On the north-eastern side of Piccadilly Circus is the London Pavilion. First erected in 1859 as a music hall, Shaftesbury Avenue bisected the site in 1885. A new building was constructed, and by 1923, it was even lit with electric billboards. Rebuilt in 1986, the original 1885 facade was preserved, and the area was converted into a shopping arcade. Later, it was connected to the neighbouring Trocadero Centre. There are also numerous pubs at Piccadilly Circus, but be selective. Some cater only to tourists, while others are not tourist-friendly. While exploring, don’t miss the newly installed, giant, curved TV screen at Piccadilly Circus. Not even Times Square can compete with this one.

Trafalgar Square - Trafalgar Square is a highly touristic public square featuring some of London’s most popular attractions, from galleries and historic buildings to monuments and statues, offering a glimpse into deep-seated British history. The square also hosts a series of events throughout the year. Listen to the stories of kings such as Charles I, Charles IV, Admiral Horatio Nelson, General Sir Charles James Napier, and Major General Sir Henry Havelock, who shaped the history of this nation. Tourope UK’s APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides are ready to take you on an immaculate journey through the timeline of our nation.

Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall - Explore the official entrance to St James and Buckingham Palace, since the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660. Lifeguards have stood guard at Horse Guards, ready to offer you a true British ceremony. Although Changing The Queen’s Lifeguard is not as well-known as Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, smaller crowds and no railings between you and the men and horses taking part make it ideal for those with younger children and those looking for amazing pictures. The ceremony lasts about half an hour, and the mounted sentries change every hour, or half hour in very cold weather during the day until 16:00 when a dismounting ceremony takes place. The Queen’s Lifeguard is normally provided by men of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, consisting of a Squadron of The Life Guards, who wear red tunics and white plumed helmets, and a Squadron of The Blues and Royals with blue tunics and red plumed helmets. Our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides will be ready to tell you amazing stories about this ceremony. A simply not-to-be-missed attraction in the heart of the city.

Downing Street - As one of the most important political buildings in the world, the United Kingdom’s “White House,” Number 10, has continuously hosted British prime ministers since 1735. The main decisions affecting Britain’s destiny over the last 275 years have been made behind its iconic black door. Today, it’s not possible to enter the street as a tourist, but knowing that an actual prime minister lives and works there is exhilarating.

Westminster Abbey - Westminster Abbey is a church, burial ground, coronation site, and much more, continuing to attract visitors over 900 years after its founding. In many respects, the architecture is common, featuring the traditional cross-shaped floor plan with a nave, north and south transepts, and several round side areas. However, both its execution and use elevate The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster (the official name) to among the highest examples of church construction. Here at Westminster Abbey lie buried kings and poets, scientists and philosophers who have themselves raised humankind to the highest levels. Isaac Newton and James Clerk Maxwell (discoverer of electromagnetic theory, which later led to radio and TV), Chaucer and Kipling, Dr Samuel Johnson (creator of the first English dictionary), and many other justly famous names are interred here.

Houses of Parliament - The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is where the two Houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (the House of Lords and the House of Commons) conduct their sittings. They lie on the north bank of the River Thames in the London borough of the City of Westminster, close to other government buildings in Whitehall. The oldest part of the building still in existence is Westminster Hall, dating from 1097. The palace originally served as a royal residence, but no monarch has lived there since the 16th century. Most of the present Houses of Parliament structure dates from the 19th century when the Palace was rebuilt after it was almost entirely destroyed by a fire in 1834. The architects responsible for rebuilding the Palace were Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin, and the building is an example of the Gothic revival.

Westminster Bridge - Westminster Bridge is not an ordinary bridge spanning the River Thames. It has a tumultuous history in London. The bridge’s colour is green, and its story is colourful. We will tell you about the history of the bridge after Lady Boudicca’s role in London’s 2000-year-old history. Before we leave, we will walk along the bridge and take pictures of the London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, and the River Thames.

London Eye - Before boarding, you’ll see a sponsored 4D show that will give you an insight into the London Eye and what to expect. Did you know that the London Eye can carry 800 people in each rotation, comparable to 11 London red double-decker buses at the same time? Your full rotation will take 30 minutes, during which you’ll observe London’s best landmarks from the sky. Your picture will be taken in the capsule, and you’ll be able to take your own pictures of the city’s landmarks. If you want to purchase some souvenirs, you’ll find a small shop where you can buy little items, including the picture of you taken inside the capsule.

Our Millennium Wheel is the first-built and largest observation wheel in the world (a type of evolution on the Ferris wheel) and has been since its opening at the end of 1999. The London Eye stands 135 metres (443 feet) high on the western end of Jubilee Gardens, on the South Bank of the River Thames in Lambeth, London, England, between Westminster and Hungerford Bridges. It is adjacent to London’s County Hall and stands opposite the offices of the Ministry of Defence situated in Westminster, which it overlooks to the west. The London Eye was designed by architects David Marks, Julia Barfield, Malcolm Cook, Mark Sparrowhawk, Steven Chilton, and Nic Bailey. The London Eye’s wheel carries 32 sealed and air-conditioned passenger capsules attached to its external circumference. Rotating at a rate of 0.26 metres per second, one revolution takes about 30 minutes to complete. The London Eye wheel does not usually stop to take on passengers (the rotation rate is so slow that passengers can easily walk) except for wheelchair users. What a lovely panoramic sightseeing attraction in the city. Our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides will gladly tell you the history of the landmarks that you’ll see from the sky.

Covent Garden - You’ll then get back on the bus to continue your open-air sightseeing bus tour. Speaking of gardens, don’t miss Covent Garden. Associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market in the central square, it’s now a popular shopping and tourist site. Not really gardens at all, the area is a spectacular array of theatres, shops (many visit London just for the shopping), and more, where street performers compete with restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops for tourists’ attention. Covent Garden is also a prime destination for theatregoers and patrons of the Royal Opera House by night. Situated in the heart of London’s Broadway West End, the area wasn’t always a fancy part of the city, but developments after the 70s made it a prime tourist destination. Indeed, Covent Garden is one of London’s vibrant places of interest. It plays a significant role in today’s cultural life with its theatres, restaurants, cafes, street performers, stalls, markets, and many attractions. It’s a must-see place in London.

St. Paul’s Cathedral - St Paul’s Cathedral is a cathedral on Ludgate Hill, in the City of London, and the seat of the Bishop of London. The present building dates from the 17th century and is generally considered London’s fourth St Paul’s Cathedral, although the number is higher if every major medieval reconstruction is counted as a new cathedral. The first cathedral was built of wood by the Saxons. It burned down in AD 675 and was rebuilt, again in wood, ten years later. After this version was sacked by the Vikings in 962, the “second” St Paul’s was built, this time mainly in stone. The predecessor to Wren’s cathedral, the third St Paul’s (known as Old St Paul’s), was begun by the Normans after the late Saxon cathedral suffered in a fire of 1087. Work took over two hundred years, and a great deal was lost in a fire in 1136. Nonetheless, the roof was once more built of wood, which ultimately doomed the building. The church was “completed” in 1240, but a change of heart soon led to the commencement of an enlargement programme, which was not completed until 1314. The cathedral was, however, consecrated in 1300. It was the third-longest church in Europe at 596 feet (181 metres) and boasted one of Europe’s tallest spires at some 489 feet (149 metres). England’s first classical architect Sir Inigo Jones added the cathedral’s new west front in the 1630s, but “Old St Paul’s” was finally ruined in the Great Fire of London of 1666. Building work on the latest St Paul’s Cathedral commenced in June 1675 to a design by a great English scientist and architect of the 17th century, Christopher Wren, and St Paul’s Cathedral was completed on October 20, 1708. The story starts from this point on, and you can’t wait to hear the rest of it from our qualified blue badge tourist guides.

The Monument to the Great Fire of London - The Monument to the Great Fire of London, more commonly known simply as the Monument, is a Doric column situated near the northern end of London Bridge. Commemorating the Great Fire of London, it stands at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill, 202 feet (62 m) in height and 202 feet west of the spot in Pudding Lane where the Great Fire started on 2 September 1666. Constructed between 1671 and 1677, it was built on the site of St. Margaret’s, Fish Street, the first church to be destroyed by the Great Fire. The Monument comprises a fluted Doric column built of Portland stone topped with a gilded urn of fire. It was designed by Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke. Its height marks its distance from the site of the shop of Thomas Farriner (or Farynor), the king’s baker, where the blaze began. Hear the story of how London missed its opportunity to be a highly planned city of all times.

London Bridge - London Bridge is a bridge over the River Thames, between the City of London and Southwark. It is between Cannon Street Railway Bridge and Tower Bridge; it also forms the western end of the Pool of London. The original London Bridge made this one of the most famous bridge emplacements in the world. It was the only bridge over the Thames in London until Westminster Bridge was opened in 1750. On the south side of London Bridge is Southwark Cathedral and London Bridge station. On the north side is the Monument to the Great Fire of London and Monument tube station.
A bridge has existed at or near the present site for nearly 2000 years. The first bridge across the Thames in the London area was built by the Romans on the present site around 46 CE and was made of wood. The location was most likely chosen as a bridgeable spot which still had deepwater access to the sea. The bridge fell into disrepair after the Romans left, but at some point either it was repaired or a new timber replacement constructed, probably more than once. In 1013, the bridge was burned down by King Ethelred in a bid to divide the invading forces of the Dane Svein Haraldsson.
This episode reputedly inspired the well-known nursery rhyme London Bridge is falling down. The rebuilt London Bridge was destroyed by a storm in 1091 and yet again, this time by fire, in 1136. The current London Bridge was constructed by contractors John Mowlem from 1967 to 1972 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II on March 17, 1973. London Bridge is a fairly dull edifice comprising three spans of pre-stressed concrete cantilevers, paid for in part by the sale of the earlier Rennie bridge. It is 928 feet (283 metres) long. The cost of £4m was met entirely by the City of London’s Bridge House Estates. The current bridge was built in the same location as Rennie’s bridge, which was carefully demolished piece by piece as the new bridge was built, so the bridge would remain in use throughout.
In 1984 the British warship HMS Jupiter collided with London Bridge causing significant damage to both ship and bridge. On Remembrance Day 2004, various London bridges were furnished with red lighting as part of a night-time flight along the river by wartime aircraft. The red lighting on London Bridge considerably improved its drab appearance, so it has been left on the bridge (but not the other bridges) and lights it at night.

HMS Belfast - HMS Belfast is the last remaining vessel of her type and one of the largest and most powerful light cruisers ever built. At 80 years old, HMS Belfast is now a popular museum and tourist attraction in London. Built by Messrs Harland & Wolff in 1936, HMS Belfast was launched by Anne Chamberlain, wife of the then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, on St Patrick’s Day in 1938. This warship was designed for the protection of trade and offensive action from Germany. Two months at sea and then, unfortunately, hit a magnetic mine, this masterpiece of Windsorian engineering was damaged so severely she was out of action for three years. On re-joining the home fleet in 1942, she was still the largest and most powerful cruiser in the Royal Navy and, most importantly, she was equipped with the most advanced radar systems. HMS Belfast was immediately called into action and played a crucial role in protecting the arctic convoys, Russia’s supply route throughout the war. Most notably in her role during the Battle of North Cape, which saw the sinking of the German battle cruiser Scharnhorst and the loss of all but 36 of her 1,963 crew. HMS Belfast remained protecting the arctic convoys until 1944 when she spent five weeks supporting the D-Day landings and reportedly fired one of the first shots on D-Day itself. After the Second World War, HMS Belfast played an active role in the Korean War from 1950-1952, working with other Allied Forces to support the retreating American and South Korean troops. HMS Belfast was brought to London, opening to the public on Trafalgar Day, 21 October 1971. Her final years were spent performing peace-keeping duties until she was retired from service in 1963. Explore and visit this sleeping beauty with our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides today.

Tower Bridge - Tower Bridge is probably the city’s most distinctive symbol today. The bridge shows a lot to its medieval predecessor, London Bridge, with its starlings and elaborate twin towers that give the bridge its name. However, it’s not just a homage to the past; hidden inside that medieval-looking exterior is a rather wonderful piece of Victorian engineering. In its day, it was the biggest and most sophisticated lifting bridge in the world. Unlike London Bridge, the genius of the design is that the bridge can act as a gateway, swinging open to allow tall ships to pass through. We have plenty to tell you about this masterpiece in London, just follow us!

Tower of London - Few prisons can claim to be as popular as the Tower of London, an attraction - unpleasant for some - for over 900 years. Its twenty towers are filled with an ancient tradition of royal blood, armour, and jewels, and the history to match. The Tower of London central structure began as a fort - used by the original builder William the Conqueror, who completed the first tower around 1100 AD. At its completion, it was the tallest building in London. Henry III had it whitewashed in the 13th century, and the name, White Tower, has stuck. Later, it evolved into a prison, used by Henry VII (and many others). Still later - and continuing to this day - it has acted as a repository for the extensive collection of crown jewels. Henry VII, nearly always short of money, had few jewels to store. But the stone complex, near the Tower Bridge alongside the River Thames, has also been used at various times to house the Royal Mint, the Public Records, the Royal Menagerie (later to form the starting point of the London Zoo), and an observatory (built in 1675). Listen to the rest of the story of the Tower of London from us today.

Buckingham Palace - Buckingham Palace is still actively used as both a residence and offices, with over 50,000 guests and invited diplomats visiting per year, interacting with over 400 individuals for whom this is ‘the office’. Nevertheless, several parts of Buckingham Palace are open to the public, although we are here just for sightseeing today. You can listen to the story of the Royal’s Residence that goes back to the 1820s.

Buckingham Palace is still the official residence of Britain’s monarchy, as it has been since Queen Victoria’s designation in 1837. Much of Buckingham Palace was constructed as early as 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. Buckingham House (as it was then known) was purchased in 1762 by George III, who used it as a private residence. Over the following 75 years, the house was expanded to form three wings around a central courtyard. When Queen Victoria discovered Buckingham Palace lacked several ‘necessary’ rooms - such as a formal ballroom, a nursery, visitor’s bedrooms, and others - major additions were undertaken, including adding an entire wing to form a quadrangle. Buckingham Palace is the home of the Changing Guard Ceremony in London. The Changing of the Guard has been a tradition for hundreds of years, whereby the Household Regiment, the Queen’s Guards at Buckingham Palace, change shift in a fascinating show of pomp and circumstance.

St. James’s Park - You will then proceed to St. James’s Park, a small central park in London compared to New York’s Central Park. It’s not just a park, as it has an interesting history that you’ll hear, and The Blue Bridge in the park offers a great view of Buckingham Palace, as well as government buildings and Horse Guards.

Imagine a park surrounded by world-famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, and Whitehall, right in the heart of the city. It is arguably the city’s best park in every season. St James’s Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of nearly 57 acres. Summer, fall, winter, and spring, St James’s Park offers great joy with the outstanding beauty of its landscape, animals, nature, and vegetation you can admire. The park’s famous flower beds at the front of Buckingham Palace are a familiar backdrop to pageants, including Trooping the Colour, as well as state visits and other ceremonial occasions. Can you believe this? Pelicans have lived in St James’s Park for nearly 400 years. They were originally presented as a gift from the Russian Ambassador to King Charles II. If we go back to the 1500s, Tudor times, we should mention our big King Henry VIII, who was also known for his love of hunting; he regularly used Regent’s Park as a hunting ground. St James’s Park wasn’t quite big enough for his needs, so he put it to use as an area for breeding young deer — once they were old enough, they were shipped off to Hyde Park and Regent’s Park to face their fate. Listen to other stories from our tourist guides.

Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall - You will see the Horse Guard inspection ceremony, which was a punishment ceremony 100 years ago but is now only ceremonial, at 4 pm, and the history will be told to you by your knowledgeable guide.

Explore the official entrance to St James and Buckingham Palace, since the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660. Lifeguards have stood guard at Horse Guards, ready to offer you a true British ceremony. Although Changing The Queen’s Lifeguard is not as well-known as Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, smaller crowds and no railings between you and the men and horses taking part make it ideal for those with younger children and those looking for amazing pictures. The ceremony lasts about half an hour, and the mounted sentries change every hour, or half hour in very cold weather during the day until 16:00 when a dismounting ceremony takes place. The Queen’s Lifeguard is normally provided by men of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, consisting of a Squadron of The Life Guards, who wear red tunics and white plumed helmets, and a Squadron of The Blues and Royals with blue tunics and red plumed helmets. Our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides will be ready to tell you amazing stories about this ceremony. A simply not-to-be-missed attraction in the heart of the city.

Next, you’ll go to Downing Street Number 10, the official residence of all British Prime Ministers, where you can take photos of the iconic door, complete with a policeman.

West End - You can either return to your homes for dinner or turn this day into an amazing London cultural experience with one of the West End musicals tonight. And please remember, this tour can be customized by considering the group’s interest. It’s totally up to you.

Full Day London City Tour | Tower of London & Greenwich

Embankment Pier - Today’s tour will be via Thames River Cruise. Hop on a boat as the “boat on the river” glides through the Thames, passing by London’s most iconic landmarks, with many places of interest seen on the way to Greenwich. We will start our journey from Embankment Pier. You’ll probably notice most of the places of interest are from yesterday’s sightseeing tour in London; however, this time you’ll observe from the river, and the good news is there will be no barrier between London’s landmarks and your camera. Just enjoy your shots.

Tower of London - You’ll reach the Tower of London Dock and disembark from the boat to visit the Tower of London, the most famous masterpiece of all time in London. You’ll disembark at this point because it’s time to visit the masterpiece Tower of London.

As soon as you enter the Tower of London, your guide will take you through the bedroom of the Medieval King; you’ll admire the world-famous Crown Jewels. Meet the Jean Warders and stand where once known heads have rolled in a bloody story. Enjoy the White Tower Kings’ line with its fine arms from the Royal Armour Gallery collection and extraordinary wooden horses from the 17th century. You’ll be fascinated with the historical journey through the timeline of the Tower of London.

Few prisons can claim to be as popular as the Tower of London, an attraction - unpleasant for some - for over 900 years. Its twenty towers are filled with an ancient tradition of royal blood, armour, and jewels, and the history to match. The Tower of London central structure began as a fort - used by the original builder William the Conqueror, who completed the first tower around 1100 AD. At its completion, it was the tallest building in London. Henry III had it whitewashed in the 13th century, and the name, White Tower, has stuck. Later, it evolved into a prison, used by Henry VII (and many others). Still later - and continuing to this day - it has acted as a repository for the extensive collection of crown jewels. Henry VII, nearly always short of money, had few jewels to store. But the stone complex, near the Tower Bridge alongside the River Thames, has also been used at various times to house the Royal Mint, the Public Records, the Royal Menagerie (later to form the starting point of the London Zoo), and an observatory (built in 1675). Listen to the rest of the story of the Tower of London from us today.

Back to the pier, you’ll join another river cruise and reach Greenwich along the River Thames.

Cutty Sark - After the Tower of London, you’ll return to St Katharine’s Dock Pier, where you’ll catch the next boat that will take you to Greenwich again along the River Thames. Don’t miss the skyline of Docklands dominated by the skyscrapers of financial centres & banks while passing along the River Thames. Upon arrival at Greenwich, you’ll see the Cutty Sark, a British clipper ship built on the River Clyde in 1869 for the Jock Willis Shipping Line and now moored in dry dock. She was one of the last tea clippers to be built and one of the fastest, coming at the end of a long period of design development, which halted as the popularity of sailing ships gave way to steam propulsion.

This masterpiece of naval engineering, Cutty Sark, represents the pinnacle of clipper ship design and was one of the fastest ships of its day. Aged 14 years, Cutty Sark started recording remarkably fast passage times under her Master Richard Woodget and became the dominant ship in bringing wool from Australia to England. Cutty Sark was built for China tea trade but would carry a vast array of cargoes during its career. Cutty Sark, the Ferrari of the seas, carried almost 10 million pounds of tea between 1870 and 1877. The opening of the Suez Canal marked the end for sailing ships in the tea trade, and so Cutty Sark had to find new employ. Delve into the fascinating history of Cutty Sark, now an award-winning visitor attraction in Greenwich, with our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides. We celebrated Cutty Sark’s 150th anniversary in 2019.

Royal Observatory Greenwich - Your next stop is the Royal Observatory, and on the way up the hill, you’ll pass through the lovely Greenwich Park, where you can also get some rest and chill out.

Welcome to Space and time’s place in the world, The Royal Observatory of Greenwich, where the Greenwich Meridian Line is located. Take a selfie on the Meridian Line with a foot in the West Hemisphere and a foot in the East Hemisphere. Discover one of London’s most cherished views through Greenwich Royal Park and the Thames River. Learn the findings of leading scientists and inventors based or associated with the Royal Observatory from your guide today.

Greenwich Mean Time was once based on the time observations made at the Royal Greenwich Observatory before being superseded by Coordinated Universal Time. Whether it’s observing the stars, standing astride the Prime Meridian, or marvelling at John Harrison’s timepieces, the Royal Observatory Greenwich provides a treasure trove of fascinating information. Marvel at the history of space, time, and navigation, stand on the world-famous Meridian Line with one foot in the west and one foot in the east at the Royal Observatory. Enjoy one of the most-loved views of London at the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Hear about the story of Docklands and explore how great scientists first mapped the seas and the stars in Charles II’s magnificent Christopher Wren-designed Octagon Room - dating from 1675. Marvel at the Great Equatorial Telescope, the UK’s largest historic telescope, which gave astronomers new views of the universe over 100 years ago. While Greenwich no longer hosts a working astronomical observatory, a ball still drops daily to mark the exact moment of 1 p.m. (13:00), and there is a good museum of astronomical and navigational tools.

Queen’s House - Queens House is the former residence of the consort of King James I/VI, Anne of Denmark, the mother of Charles I, who lost his head during the Civil War. The Stuarts are such an important dynasty in British history. Our APTG qualified guides will share all important information about the kings and queens of England here in this house. Therefore, Queens House is one of the most important buildings in British architectural history. We can clearly see the trace of Italian architecture touches in this building, and the reason for this is because the architect Inigo Jones built this masterpiece a year after his return from the grand tour in Italy in 1614. Construction of the house began in 1616, but work on the house stopped in April 1618 when Anne, the consort of James I/VI, became ill and died the next year. Work restarted this time when the house was given to the queen consort Henrietta Maria in 1629 by King Charles I, and the house was structurally complete by 1635 finally. The Queen’s House is considered remarkable for its break with the traditional, red-brick Tudor style of building, and its elegant proportions and the high quality of its interiors. Queen Henrietta Maria turned the building into her personal ‘house of delight’, filling the rooms with the most cutting-edge art and design of the day. Henrietta Maria’s white and gold colours, fleur-de-lis symbol, and initials are present everywhere in the house’s original features. Therefore, we can see some significant connections between this house and Windsor Castle. The Tulip Stairs and lantern are the most iconic photo spots, being the very first centrally unsupported helical stairs constructed in England. The stairs are supported by a cantilever from the walls, with each tread resting on the one below. Queens House was only used for 7 years until the Civil War began in 1642, which meant that Henrietta Maria had little time to enjoy it – she went into exile, her husband was executed, and his property seized by the state. Following the restoration, in 1660, Henrietta Maria returned to England. She lived at the Queen’s House from 1662 and was the last queen to do so. During the restoration period, Charles II, who began a new palace in 1664 (design by Denham and Webb, now incorporated as part of the Old Royal Naval College), redesigned and replanted the Park, and in 1675-76 founded and built the Royal Observatory (designed by Sir Christopher Wren). The Royal Observatory is Britain’s oldest purpose-built scientific structure in London. James II, (as Duke of York and Lord Admiral to 1673) was often at Greenwich with his brother Charles. According to Samuel Pepys, it was James who proposed the idea of creating a Royal Naval Hospital. This was then established at Greenwich by his daughter, Mary II, who commissioned Wren to design the Royal Hospital for Seamen, now the Old Royal Naval College, in 1692-3. The work began in 1696 under her widower husband William III, who supported it in her memory. Queen Mary insisted that the view from the Queen’s House to the River Thames should be left clean and not blocked by the new buildings. This view continues to the present day. The sister of Mary II, Queen Anne, and Prince George of Denmark continued to patronise the project (of which George was Grand Committee chairman from the 1690s to his death in 1708). In 1714, the Georgian era started with George I, who landed at Greenwich from Hanover on his accession. In 1735, George II granted the Hospital the forfeited Jacobite Earl of Derwentwater’s estates (c. 80,000 acres mainly in Northumberland). This allowed completion of the Hospital by 1751. In 1805-06, George III, the grandfather of our Queen Victoria, granted the Queen’s House to the Royal Naval Asylum, an orphanage school under Royal patronage. In 1821-25, this amalgamated with the pre-existing Greenwich Hospital School. It was extended with the buildings that are now the National Maritime Museum and was renamed the Royal Hospital School by Queen Victoria in 1892. Queen Victoria’s uncle, George IV, donated nearly 40 paintings, including JMW Turner’s only royal commission in 1824. This created the Naval Gallery of Greenwich Hospital in the Painted Hall, Britain’s first public national historical art collection. We all know that George IV is a pleasure and art king of our nation. These now form the Greenwich Hospital Collection in the National Maritime Museum. William IV, the son of George III and the uncle of Queen Victoria, our ‘Sailor King’, made further donations to the Gallery. Queen Adelaide continued to be a regular and popular visitor in his memory. Queen Victoria only occasionally visited Greenwich. When Nelson’s Trafalgar coat appeared on the market in 1845, Prince Albert bought it for the Naval Gallery. He paid £150 for it. George V and Queen Mary both privately supported the creation of the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich. Queen Mary presented many items to it, both from her own Nelson collection and other royal items. George VI, the father of our Queen Elizabeth II, laid the foundation stone of the new Royal Hospital School at Holbrook, Suffolk. As Duke of York, in 1937, as his first major public act as King, just three weeks before his Coronation - George VI opened the National Maritime Museum. In 1948, while still a princess, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh made their first joint visit to Greenwich. This was also the year that the Duke of Edinburgh became a trustee of the National Maritime Museum. Both have opened or visited countless projects at Royal Museums Greenwich, including the opening of the Cutty Sark in 1957.

Greenwich Market - In Greenwich Market, you’ll find plenty of souvenirs, art stalls, retro shops, and much more. You’ll love this neighbourhood.

Since the Middle Ages, all stalls have constantly been trading in the historic district of Greenwich, where you can find a wide range of goods, including street foods, books, vinyl, CDs, DVDs, vintage clothes, beads, crocheted and knitted items, jewellery, antiquities, fruits, vegetables, olives, freshly prepared products such as bread, cakes, cookies, scones, healthy foods, meat products, fish, and dairy products, any type of second-hand goods, including bikes, garden plans, flowers, electronic gadgets, mobile phone accessories, typical English art and craft stands, handmade items, yarns, embellishments, totes, bags, suitcases, simply beyond your imagination. The Greenwich Market also offers flourishing local street food, arts, and crafts market on scheduled days, selling organic produce from local farmers and work from some of the region’s most talented artists, craftsmen, potters, sculptors, and photographers. To feel the soul of this vibrant district, historic Greenwich Market would be the best hit in this historic naval town. For art & craft lovers, visit the market on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and weekends; for antique and collectible buffs, don’t forget to pop in on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. You’ll love this lovely market, we bet.

Palace of Placentia - A description of the Palace of Placentia in one sentence would be “The Buckingham Palace of the Tudors”. This lovely English Royal Palace, built by Humphrey, the Duke of Gloucester, in 1443, was sadly demolished by Charles II in 1660 during the restoration period to construct the new palace, which was never constructed until 40 years later. Instead, today’s Royal Naval College was built on the foundation of the site. Palace of Placentia has a very deep background in English history. Humphrey, The Duke of Gloucester, was the regent of Henry VI. He built this palace under the name of Bella Court, but later on, things changed, and Humphrey lost his life in prison. It was popularly believed that he was murdered by Henry VI. This is depicted in William Shakespeare’s plays in the Globe Theatre too. Margaret Anjou, the consort of Henry VI, took over Bella Court and renamed it as Palace of Placentia. Henry VI’s nephew, Henry VII, the very first Tudor, who is also the father of our infamous King Henry VIII, rebuilt this palace between 1498 and 1504. This is where Henry VIII was born in 1491, and the palace remained the principal royal palace for the next two centuries. Therefore, we may call this palace the Buckingham Palace of the Tudors if you like. Henry VIII’s very first child, Mary Tudor, was born in this palace in 1516 (Our Bloody Mary, and we will tell you the story) from his first marriage with Catherine of Aragon. From his second marriage with Anne Boleyn, our Virgin Queen Elizabeth I was born in Palace of Placentia in 1533. After the loss of his third wife, Jane Seymour, who was the most popular amongst his 6 wives, he married wife number four, Anne of Cleves, in this palace, but we all know that marriage was a total disaster due to the blind date. Although they hated each other, both Queens lived in the Palace of Placentia. During the reign of James I/VI and his son Charles I, the Queens House was erected to the south area of the complex. Our APTG guides have many stories ready to share with you today.

Greenwich Foot Tunnel - Greenwich Tunnel is one of the marvels of the late Victorian period in England. The project began in June 1899, and the tunnel opened on August 4, 1902. The tunnel actually replaced an expensive and often unreliable ferry service, enabling staff living south of the Thames to access their workplaces in the London docks and shipyards in or around Isle of Dogs. It’s the only pedestrian tunnel beneath the River Thames that allows walkers and cyclists. The tunnel was restored after destruction during World War II. The entrance shafts at both ends are under glazed domes. Built in 1904, lifts were upgraded in 1992 and again in 2012, and helical staircases allow pedestrians to enter this sloping, tiled tunnel. This cast-iron tunnel is 1,215 feet (370.2 m) wide, 50 feet (15.2 m) deep, and about 9 feet (2.74 m) in diameter. The cast-iron rings are coated with some 200,000 white glazed tiles. Bombs weakened the northern end during World War II, and repairs required thick steel and concrete inner lining that significantly reduces diameter for a short span. The North Tower has 87 steps, the South Tower has 100 steps. Greenwich Foot Tunnel is actually one of the best examples to understand London’s subway system because cast iron tunnelling is the main principle of building the tunnels in the late Victorian eras.

Richmond-upon-Thames - Time to return to Richmond for delicious homemade dinners at your English homes. After dinner, you may enjoy the rest of the night in one of the traditional English pubs in Richmond Riverside.

Full Day London City Tour - The British Museum and St Paul’s Cathedral

The British Museum - Today’s tour will begin with the British Museum, the biggest and most important museum of human history and culture.

The British Museum is one of the oldest museums in the world, established in 1753. The British Museum was based largely on the collections of the physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane. We are talking about 40,000 printed books, 7,000 manuscripts, extensive natural history specimens, prints by Albrecht Dürer, and antiquities from Rome, Greece, Egypt, the Middle and the Far East, and the Americas. Our 3 hours will be dedicated to this museum for today.

St. Paul’s Cathedral - The British Royal Family holds most important marriages, funerals, and other religious and celebratory functions in Westminster Abbey, but Charles, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer were married in St. Paul’s Cathedral. The church had been “finished” in 1240. However, an extension program was soon begun, which was only finished in 1314. In 1300, the Cathedral was consecrated. At 181 meters (1596 feet), it was the third largest church in Europe and had 489 feet (149 meters) of one of the largest spires in Europe. The construction of the latest St. Paul Cathedral was started by Christopher Wren in June 1675, and the St. Paul Cathedral was completed by a great English scientist and Architect of the XVII Century on 20 October 1708. The new West Front of the Cathedral was added by England’s first classic architect Sir Inigo Jones, but the Great Fire of London of 1666 finally destroyed “Old St Paul’s”. Today, you’ll explore this masterpiece and pay an interior visit.

St Paul’s Cathedral is a cathedral on Ludgate Hill, in the City of London, and the seat of the Bishop of London. The present building dates from the 17th century and is generally considered London’s fourth St Pauls Cathedral, although the number is higher if every major medieval reconstruction is counted as a new cathedral. The first cathedral was built by the Saxons in wood. It burned down in AD 675 and was rebuilt, again in wood, ten years later. After this version was sacked by the Vikings in 962, the “second” St Pauls was built, this time mainly in stone. The predecessor to Wren’s cathedral, The third St Pauls (known as Old St Pauls), was begun by the Normans after the late Saxon cathedral suffered in a fire of 1087. Work took over two hundred years, and a great deal was lost in a fire in 1136. Nonetheless, the roof was once more built of wood, which ultimately doomed the building. The church was “completed” in 1240, but a change of heart soon led to the commencement of an enlargement programme, which was not completed until 1314. The cathedral was, however, consecrated in 1300. It was the third-longest church in Europe at 596 feet (181 metres) and boasted one of Europe’s tallest spires at some 489 feet (149 metres). England’s first classical architect Sir Inigo Jones added the cathedral’s new west front in the 1630s, but “Old St Pauls” was finally ruined in the Great Fire of London of 1666. Building work on the latest St Pauls Cathedral commenced in June 1675 to a design by a great English scientist and architect of the 17th century, Christopher Wren, and St Pauls Cathedral was completed on October 20, 1708. The story starts from this point on, and you can’t wait to hear the rest of it from our qualified blue badge tourist guides.

Covent Garden - Following this wonderfully historical building, you’ll take a short bus ride to the beautiful Covent Garden. Spending some quality time in Covent Garden is priceless. London’s theatreland is solely pedestrianised. You can sit and admire the street talents. Mostly then singing music, even opera bearing the soul of Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Some do magic; some do comedy: bustling cafes and gourmet shops from Italian ice cream to the signature British tea. Wander in Apple and Jubilee Markets to check the stalls for handmade ornaments, London souvenirs, and vintage goods to be purchased. See how friendly and welcoming people are. For those who would like to visit the London Transport Museum, you can take a journey of London’s transportation saga from the past to the present. Explore the art underground, don’t miss this lively and lovely exhibition.

Speaking of gardens, don’t miss Covent Garden. Associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market in the central square, it’s now a popular shopping and tourist site. Not really gardens at all, the area is a spectacular array of theatres, shops (many visit London just for the shopping), and more, where street performers compete with restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops for tourists’ attention. Covent Garden is also a prime destination for theatregoers and patrons of the Royal Opera House by night. Situated in the heart of London’s Broadway West End, the area wasn’t always a fancy part of the city, but developments after the 70s made it a prime tourist destination. Indeed, Covent Garden is one of London’s vibrant places of interest. It plays a significant role in today’s cultural life with its theatres, restaurants, cafes, street performers, stalls, markets, and many attractions. It’s a must-see place in London.

West End Theatre District - Now that you’re right in the middle of Theatreland, why not add one of the famous West End musicals to your programme? There are lots of shows and musicals ongoing in Covent Garden. Turn your visit into the perfect one. Enjoy your musical experience in the heart of the city.

Full Day London City Tour | Madame Tussauds - Regents Canal - Camden Town

Madame Tussauds London - After breakfast, your agenda is full of other important landmarks of London, beginning with the impressive Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.

Madame Tussaud learnt her extraordinary skill of wax modelling by creating death masks of the guillotine victims in France from the 18th and 19th centuries. Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were among her ‘clients.’ In the modern museum, this blend of accurate and macabre art can be seen but with a much stronger sense of fun!. Therefore, the museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions not just in London, but in almost every large city of the world. Madame Tussaud’s attracts more than two million visits every year. From the Hulk to Brad Pitt, from Jack the Ripper to Princess Diana or Winston Churchill, everyone wants to take a photo with them. Just search and find your favourite film, sport, music star, or politician in the museum. Don’t miss the Marvel’s London Adventure 4D IMAX movie experience (Wear your 3D glasses and sit upright & go) and also the Star Wars gallery. The characters you love, including 3PO and R2, will be just next to you. You’ll spend approximately 90 to 100 minutes in the museum.

Regent’s Canal - After lunch in Marylebone, you visit Little Venice, where boating has been a tradition since 1951 as the original tour of Regent’s Canal. Just get on board an authentic 108-year-old canal boat to take you between Camden and Little Venice. It takes about forty-five minutes for a one-way journey. During the trip from Little Venice to Camden, there will be live commentary from one of the professional guides who will tell you all about the canal’s history from 1800 to the present day.

Camden Town - There is nothing better than a lazy journey by boat to Camden Town, which would be an excellent venue for visiting and experiencing the country’s punk, funk, retro, live music, alternative music, odd and lovely souvenir stalls, and local jazz cafes. You’ll find a huge street full of funky shops for shopping here. In the Camden Canal, you can also take a lot of lovely photos as well. The most important part of the tour is to dig into the international food provided by street food vendors. Don’t miss this opportunity and get the food you desire. Ravers will absolutely love this. Cyberdog offers rave and cyber-club fashion wear goods in a banging clubber music environment under the neon lights.

Camden Town, where you’ll fall in love with the dynamics of this lovely town. This city is just a cultural sanctuary for teens, tourists, and punks. Live music in alternative and old-school clubs and major stars at the Jazz Cafe and the Roundhouse is part of the flourishing nightlife scene. During the day, cafés bustle, with hundreds and hundreds of stalls on the market with souvenirs you’ll be able to buy. At international food stalls, you’ll also admire the street food selection, or you can experience shopping in a disco environment under neon lights with dancers, then in the Stables area, don’t miss Cyberdog. Here you can also join Canal Boat Tour for an Italian home away from home experience right in the heart of the city.

Richmond-upon-Thames - After some free time for shopping, you’ll return to your homes for a nice English dinner provided by your host families here in Richmond. After a long day, you can spend the evening however you like, the choice is yours.

Kingston upon Thames | Transferring to the Airport

Heathrow Terminal 5 - Make the most of your time in London as you’ll then be transferred to the airport for your flight home. We do hope you enjoyed your stay in London, and next time we would like to offer other tours either in London or out of the city.

• Free group leader package for every 15 paying customers
• Dinner included
• Breakfast included
• Roundtrip transfers included
• Sightseeing bus tickets included

• Daily travelcards
• Lunches

Embark on a 6-day cultural exploration of London while staying in the welcoming homes of our British hosts. This package is an ideal selection for those with limited time. From the moment you join us to the conclusion of your trip, our operations team, group leaders, and tour guides promise outstanding care.

London’s charms are universally known and you’ll fully comprehend why it leaves such an indelible impact in the hearts of its visitors, creating cherished and unforgettable moments throughout our London program.

Witness globally recognized landmarks and listen to their narratives and past from an informed tour guide. Our Excursion Tour is skillfully planned to introduce you to vital facts and areas of interest during your brief stay in London.

Experience quintessential British culture in characteristic English residences in the picturesque districts of Richmond and Kingston. Join us on this journey!

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.