Combo: Tower of London Guided Tour + Thames River Cruise

Experience London’s royal history with a guided tour of the Tower of London, a Thames River cruise, and the Changing the Guards—all in one morning.

Getting started

Begin at the Tower of London ticket office, where your guide will greet you and assist with ticket validation. After a brief introduction, proceed through security and set off with your group to explore the first landmark of the day.

What to expect

Tower of London

The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has stood for nearly 1,000 years as a royal fortress, prison, and treasury. This tour offers early access, allowing you to explore its storied grounds before the crowds and discover the Crown Jewels up close.

Features:

• Tower of London: Explore the historic fortress, once a royal residence and infamous prison, and learn about its pivotal role in British history.

• Crown Jewels: View the priceless Crown Jewels, a dazzling collection of regalia still used in royal ceremonies today.

• Skip-the-line entry: Enjoy early-morning access to the Tower, allowing you to see the Crown Jewels before the first visitors even arrive.

Extras

• Opening Ceremony: Upgrade your tickets and witness the Opening Ceremony, one of the oldest military ceremonies in the world.

Thames River Cruise

Board a boat for a scenic ride along the Thames, with your guide highlighting major London landmarks visible from the water.

Features:

• Commentary: Enjoy expert insights about the sights you see on your cruise from your English-speaking guide.

• London attractions: See iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, among others, from the Thames.

Changing the Guards Ceremony

See a centuries-old tradition that involves the new guard taking over the protection of the palace from the old guard.

Features:

• Changing the Guards: Witness the precision and tradition of the Changing the Foot Guards or Horse Guards (subject to schedule), a celebrated British ceremony.

• Buckingham Palace (exterior): Conclude your experience outside Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the monarch.

• Westminster Walking Tour: If the Changing the Guard ceremony is cancelled, enjoy a guided walk through Westminster, passing iconic sites such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and St James’s Park.

This tour combines expert commentary, seamless logistics, and access to some of London’s most significant royal sites.

Combo: Tower of London Guided Tour + Thames River Cruise

Dive into a tapestry of history and mystery as you embark on a guided exploration of the iconic Tower of London, followed by a serene river cruise along the majestic Thames. This journey is crafted for explorers of hidden secrets, devotees of royal lore, and seekers of architectural marvels; your tickets include exclusive access to the Opening Ceremony led by Beefeaters or the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace. With live commentary painting vivid pictures of London’s storied past, this adventure weaves a narrative as intricate as the city itself, offering memorable encounters to forge bonds while understanding that every cobblestone whispers tales from centuries gone by.

Wandering Through Tower of London's Ancient Fortresses

Visit the Tower of London during the tour’s highlight segment where history breathes in every stone and shadow. As you step through its towering gates, delve into a labyrinth of royal intrigue, each room echoing with whispers of monarchs past. Marvel at the Crown Jewels nestled within the Jewel House, their glittering jewels capturing centuries of British heritage. Discover the White Tower’s imposing presence, standing sentinel over London for nearly a millennium. Explore the Yeoman Warders’ tales, guardians of these hallowed grounds known colloquially as Beefeaters. This tour’s centerpiece offers an unparalleled glimpse into England's regal past, with every corner revealing a new story.

Experiencing Thames River Cruise's Panoramic Views

Experience the Thames River cruise as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring London’s most iconic landmarks along its banks. As your boat glides gently through the water, take in panoramic views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament rising majestically from the riverfront. Listen to live commentary that brings each landmark to life with tales of resilience, rebellion, and royal power. Navigate under Tower Bridge as it looms overhead, a symbol of engineering prowess and architectural grandeur. This cruise offers an immersive journey through London’s vibrant history and contemporary skyline.

Accessing Westminster Abbey's Sacred Grounds

Access Westminster Abbey included in the tour package enabling explorers to delve into one of England’s most sacred sites. The abbey’s towering spires and intricate Gothic architecture stand as a testament to centuries of religious devotion and royal coronations. Marvel at its grand nave, adorned with stained-glass windows that cast kaleidoscopic patterns across ancient stone floors. Discover the tombs of monarchs and statesmen interred within its hallowed walls, each resting place telling stories of triumph and tragedy. This stop showcases the tour’s cultural significance, offering a profound connection to Britain's spiritual history.

Discovering Buckingham Palace's Royal Splendor

Explore Buckingham Palace representing the tour’s architectural appeal where grandeur meets tradition in every stone and statue. As you approach this iconic residence of British royalty, observe the Changing the Guard ceremony, a spectacle steeped in military pageantry and royal protocol. Enter the palace gardens to witness the opulence of its manicured lawns and floral arrangements. Discover the State Rooms, each chamber filled with priceless artworks and furnishings that narrate stories of royal life. This tour’s highlight segment offers an intimate look into the heart of British monarchy.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Tower of London observation decks highest viewpoint
• Experience Thames River cruise panoramic views spectacularly vivid
• Explore Crown Jewels exhibition treasures glittering centuries-old
• Discover Westminster Abbey tombs monarchs and statesmen resting places historically significant
• Access Changing the Guard ceremony grand spectacle included uniquely royal
• Include round-trip train transfers convenient seamless journey

Explorers for explorers of history, Explorers of architecture, and seekers of royal intrigue, this combination tour delivers a [adjective] journey through ancient fortresses and modern marvels. Join this curated adventure to uncover the secrets hidden within London’s most iconic landmarks, crafting memories that linger like echoes in the stone walls of the Tower of London or reflections on the rippling Thames.