Discovering London - ( Tour ) Time of Day: Full Day
This Full Day tour of London starts with a guided tour of Westminster Abbey. Here, you see impressive monuments to kings, queens, famous scientists, musicians, poets and the Unknown Warrior. At the heart of the Abbey, you will see the Stone of Scone under the Coronation Chair made in 1301, and on which our kings and queens have been crowned since 1066, and where many state weddings and funerals have taken place*.
As the tour continues your guide will point out the famous icons of London, including Big Ben and the Parliament buildings, Whitehall, Downing Street, the London home of the Prime Minister, and Trafalgar Square where looking up you will see Nelson on his column (202ft high) before visiting Buckingham Palace for the colourful Changing of the Guard** ceremony.
Back on our coach we see the exclusive district of Mayfair and Piccadilly Circus, the heart of London�s West End with its theatres, cinemas, nightclubs, restaurants and shops, before reaching our traditional London Pub for your included lunch.
Your afternoon starts with a visit to the City of London, the world-famous financial centre that is dominated by the great dome of St Paul�s Cathedral. The City of London was the site of the original Roman city, founded some 2000 years ago. Here you will see the Mansion House (home to the Lord Mayor of London) and The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street (the Bank of England).
The Tower of London awaits. Here we meet the magnificent Beefeaters, dressed in their Tudor uniforms. You will hear the legend of the ravens and some spine-chilling tales from the Tower�s 900-year history. A visit to the Jewel House, which displays the Crown Jewels, is a �must�.
Our Full day finishes with a cruise on London�s famous River Thames, during which a Thames Waterman will point out places of interest along the way. Your cruise will end at Westminster Pier where you rejoin your coach.
* If services prohibit a visit inside Westminster Abbey we will visit the St. Pauls or Chapter House.
** At certain times during the summer, there may not be a Changing of the Guard. On these occasions we will visit Horseguards Parade.
