London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise

Your morning starts at Parliament Square near Westminster Abbey. Catch a glimpse of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and meet some of the fascinating figures whose statues surround the square as you make your way to the church.

Enter the Abbey at opening time to go directly to the Coronation Chair before crowds begin to surround it. Learn about the history of the building—England’s most important church—and visit the final resting places of a few of the countless monarchs and luminaries buried inside, from kings and queens to great writers and scientists. Please Note: Only the 9AM tour will include skip-the-line entry and a guided tour of Westminster Abbey. The 10AM tour does not include entry, but your guide will give an introduction to the Abbey from the exterior.

It’s a short dash from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace, where you'll catch the Changing of the Guard if it's taking place on the day of your tour. As the crowds gather in front of the palace, your guide will take you to a great alternative viewpoint to witness this historic ceremony.

You’ll also swing by the Horse Guards Parade—home to the lesser-known but arguably more impressive King's Life Guard—on your way to Trafalgar Square.

You'll break for lunch at London's busiest square. Before you part ways for the break, your guide will share more about what makes this the beating heart of London and point out a few of its most significant spots—including a tiny patch of American soil!

Reconvening with your group after lunch, you’ll board a Thames sightseeing cruise complete with lively and entertaining commentary from the crew. It's a fun and relaxing way to journey to your last stop of the day.

Your final stop is one that's sure to be a highlight: the Tower of London. With pre-reserved tickets, you’ll get inside quickly to enjoy a tour of its fascinating (and sometimes gruesome) history. Your full-day London tour comes to an end at the Jewel House inside the Tower. While your guide can't accompany you inside to see the Crown Jewels, they'll give you a primer on the top pieces to look out for and their significance so you can check them out on your own.

Tower Bridge (exterior)

St James Palace (exterior)

Houses of Parliament (exterior)

Big Ben (view)

London Eye (view)

St Paul's Cathedral (view)

The Shard (view)