London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London

The journey, in full

Westminster Abbey: Experience London’s history with a storytelling guide. Westminster Abbey is the first stop on this tour, clocking in at over 1,000 years old. In this glorious church, there have been sixteen royal weddings and plenty of coronations and funerals. Perhaps the most famous events that have happened here (in recent memory) are the 1997 funeral for Princess Diana and the 2011 marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.  From Charles Dickens to Charles Darwin, some of England’s most accomplished luminaries are interred in Westminster Abbey. There is a lot of cultural history buried here, which your guide will bring you through as you walk down these hallowed halls. Please note that photography is strictly forbidden in the Abbey.  Changing of the Guard Selected from across seven branches of England’s military, the Queen’s Guard comprises some of the most elite soldiers in the world. One of the most revered traditions of the Guard is the Changing of the Guard, which takes place every day without fail. Passed down for generations, it is one of the most popular attractions in London, which can make for some pretty sizable crowds. Good thing for you, your guide knows a special spot with a much better view of the procession, far away from the crowds. Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. If there is heavy rainfall, the Changing of the Guard will not happen. Boat Ride Down the Thames: The River Thames is the heart of London and has been since the beginning of the city’s history. With your guide, take a pleasant boat ride down the Thames and see some of the best sights the city has to offer. You’ll also catch London’s stunning City Hall and The Shard, which is the nation’s tallest building. And after your ride, you’ll disembark right at your next stop: The Tower of London.  The Tower of London: The walls of this great fortress have been witness to some of the most significant moments of England’s long history. William the Conqueror first built this place in the 11th century as a fort, but it soon became the prison of choice for those who made themselves enemies of the crown. Your guide will bring you through the dark history of this haunted place. There was once a time where kings had unlimited power and everything was bent to their whim. Henry VIII was perhaps one of England’s most unchecked in his power. He kept many of his enemies in the Tower, such as Sir Walter Raleigh and two of his wives, Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard. Your guide will bring you through the complex politics behind their imprisonment, and the historical context that made such a place possible.    Marvel at the Crown Jewels: With Skip the Line tickets, you'll skip the hours-long lines and gain privileged entry to see these beautiful artifacts. Used during royal coronations, this collection of kingly objects comprises over 20,000 glittering gems. Some of these beautiful objects are as old as the 1100's. This is where our tour ends, a sparkling finish to a packed day of London exploring.  Skip the Line tickets are included on this tour, where you will pass through the Tower’s extensive collection of Royal gems and artifacts. These have been used in royal coronations for almost a thousand years, and comprise nearly 20,000 individual stones. And here we will end our tour. Feel free to explore more yourself! ** Please note that the Changing of the Guard currently occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only. On alternate days, we will see the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade instead.