Tower of London First Entry, Thames Ride & Changing of Guard Tour

The Tower of London First Entry, Thames Ride & Changing of Guard Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the city’s iconic landmarks and historic traditions. From exclusive early access to the Tower of London and a serene cruise along the River Thames to witnessing the time-honored Changing of the Guard, this tour promises an immersive and unforgettable day in London. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this carefully curated experience ensures you’ll uncover the city’s rich heritage in a way that’s both engaging and efficient.

Key Points

• Offers early access to the Tower of London with exclusive viewing of the Crown Jewels before crowds arrive.
• Includes a scenic cruise along the River Thames with expert commentary.
• Provides a choice between witnessing the Changing of the Guards or joining a guided walking tour of Westminster.
• Features knowledgeable and engaging English-speaking guides who use headsets for clear communication.
• Concludes at Buckingham Palace, making it an ideal tour for first-time London visitors.

Tour Overview

The Tower of London tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience, including early access to the iconic fortress and the chance to witness the Changing of the Guards or partake in a guided walking tour of Westminster.

Guests can admire the Crown Jewels, explore the medieval castle, and cruise along the scenic River Thames. Expert guides provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, and headsets ensure clear communication.

The tour concludes at Buckingham Palace, allowing participants to cap off their day with a glimpse of the royal residence. This half-day experience is ideal for first-time London explorers.

Highlights of the Tour

One key highlight of the Tower of London tour is the opportunity for early access to the iconic fortress.

Visitors can witness the opening ceremony by the iconic Beefeaters and admire the dazzling Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive.

The Thames River cruise offers scenic views of London’s skyline, while the Changing of the Guard ceremony or Westminster walking tour provides insights into the city’s rich history.

Guided by expert English-speaking guides and equipped with headsets, travelers can explore the highlights of London’s must-see attractions in a seamless and informative manner.

The tour concludes at the grand Buckingham Palace.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a comprehensive set of inclusions, such as VIP early-access tickets to the Tower of London, allowing visitors to witness the opening ceremony by the iconic Beefeaters and admire the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive.

Also included is a scenic boat ride on the River Thames and either the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or a guided walking tour of Westminster, depending on the day’s schedule.

While hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, gratuities aren’t included.

Detailed Itinerary

This comprehensive tour begins with an early-access visit to the iconic Tower of London, where visitors can witness the captivating Opening Ceremony by the legendary Beefeaters and enjoy exclusive access to the awe-inspiring Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive.

Next, guests embark on a scenic 15-minute cruise along the River Thames, offering stunning views of the city skyline.

The tour then continues with either the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace or a guided walking tour of Westminster, depending on the day’s schedule.

Finally, the experience concludes at the iconic Buckingham Palace.

Important Considerations

Though confirmation is received at booking, the Tower of London tour may not be wheelchair accessible as it requires moderate physical fitness.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

While guides aren’t allowed inside the Jewel House and White Tower, they provide engaging commentary throughout.

Changing of the Guard is subject to British authorities’ discretion and may be canceled due to weather.

Group size is limited to 25 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.

Accessibility and Group Size

Although the Tower of London tour may not be wheelchair accessible due to its requirement of moderate physical fitness, infants are welcome to join the tour, sitting on laps.

The group size is limited to 25 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. However, there are a few important things to consider:

1. Visitors won’t be able to receive guided tours inside the Jewel House and White Tower.
2. The Changing of the Guard is subject to the discretion of British authorities and may be canceled due to weather.
3. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

With over 830 reviews, the Tower of London tour has earned an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring the tower’s history to life with entertaining anecdotes. The highlights often include the early access to the Crown Jewels and the efficient use of headsets for clear communication.

However, some guests have raised concerns about the meeting point clarity and schedule changes affecting the Changing of the Guard.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Tower of London tour offers visitors an immersive historical experience, beginning with early access to the iconic fortress. Guests can witness the opening ceremony by the Beefeaters, then explore the grounds at their own pace.

The tour also includes:

1. A scenic boat ride along the River Thames, providing stunning views of London’s skyline.
2. The opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, a quintessential British tradition.
3. The option to join a guided walking tour of Westminster, delving into the city’s rich history and landmarks.

With an expert guide, headsets, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience for first-time visitors to London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Guests can generally take photographs during the tour, except for inside the Jewel House and White Tower at the Tower of London, where photography is not allowed. The tour guide will provide any specific photography guidelines.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the tour, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Dressing modestly is recommended, as some venues may have rules about covering up. The tour is generally casual and relaxed.

Are There Any Food or Drink Options During the Tour?

The tour does not include any scheduled food or drink options. Guests are welcome to purchase their own refreshments during the breaks or at the conclusion of the tour at their own expense.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point?

Participants can leave the tour group at any point, but they’ll be responsible for making their own way to the next scheduled stop or back to the starting point. The tour guide won’t be able to accommodate individual departures.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. The tour includes regular stops at various locations, providing participants with opportunities to use the restrooms as needed throughout the day.

The Sum Up

The Tower of London First Entry, Thames Ride & Changing of Guard Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore London’s iconic landmarks and witness the city’s rich history. With early access to the Tower of London, a scenic river cruise, and the option to witness the Changing of the Guard, this tour provides a comprehensive and unforgettable experience for visitors to the city.