Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, River Cruise, St. Paul's Cathedral & Optional London Eye

London Highlights Tour – Morning & Full-Day Options with Changing of the Guard

Best-selling London tour
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Included

Included
First group to enter St. Paul's Cathedral
Included
See Changing of the Guard
Included
Entry to the Tower of London (full-day tour only)
Included
Private Thames river cruise (full-day tour only)
Included
London Eye (optional upgrade for full-day tour)

Highlights

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TRIP ITINERARY

St Paul’s Cathedral – First Entry of the Day

Begin your day at St Paul’s Cathedral, where we’ll be among the first to enter, allowing you to step inside before the crowds arrive. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this architectural masterpiece has been the setting for some of Britain’s most significant national events, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee service. During your guided visit, admire the magnificent interior and learn about the cathedral’s rich history as you see the tombs of national heroes such as Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard - Subject to availability

Next, we travel to Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch and one of the city’s most recognisable sights. When scheduled, you will witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a classic display of British pageantry as the King’s Guards, in their red tunics and bearskin hats, march to military music. For guests joining the morning tour option, the experience concludes here.

Following the morning tour, enjoy free time for lunch, with your guide happy to suggest nearby places to eat.

Afternoon: The Tower of London

The afternoon continues with a visit to the Tower of London, one of Britain’s most important historic sites. Founded in 1066 by William the Conqueror, the Tower has served as a royal residence, fortress and prison, and is now home to the spectacular Crown Jewels. Your expert guide will bring the Tower’s dramatic past to life through stories of royal intrigue, imprisonment and power. You’ll have time to view the Crown Jewels, explore the White Tower and walk the grounds at your own pace, including the Bloody Tower and Traitor’s Gate.

Private Thames River Cruise – Exclusive to Premium Tours

To complete your full-day experience, relax on a private extended cruise along the River Thames, exclusive to Premium Tours. Enjoy outstanding views of London’s riverside landmarks, including Tower Bridge, the Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, while your guide provides engaging commentary.

Tour End & Optional Upgrades The tour concludes at the London Eye, where you may choose to enhance your experience with an optional flight offering panoramic views across London. Alternatively, you can upgrade to include a classic Cream Tea at Harrods (available on the tour titled Magic of London).

The London Eye

Rising 135 metres above the heart of the city, the London Eye offers breathtaking panoramic views across London’s iconic skyline. From the comfort of its spacious glass capsules, you’ll enjoy a unique bird’s-eye perspective of world-famous landmarks including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral, making it the perfect way to end your London sightseeing experience.

  • First group entry to St Paul’s Cathedral
  • Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (subject to availability)
  • Panoramic drive past London’s iconic landmarks, including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament
  • Entry to the Tower of London, including time to view the Crown Jewels (full-day tour only)
  • Extended private Thames river cruise, exclusive to Premium Tours (full-day tour only)
  • London Eye ride (optional upgrade for full-day tour)
  • Expert professional guide for the entire tour
  • Transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach

  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Lunch (time will be provided for a refreshment break)

Please note:

  • The tour departs from Victoria Coach Station, Gates 19–20, at 7:45 am (boarding from 7:30 am
  • The full-day tour finishes at the London Eye at approximately 4:30 pm.
  • The Morning London tour includes entry to St Paul’s Cathedral and the Changing of the Guard (subject to availability) and finishes at Buckingham Palace around 11:30 am.
  • Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace currently takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (subject to availability). If the ceremony is not scheduled, the tour will still stop for a photo opportunity outside or near the Palace.
  • On Wednesdays, when St Paul’s Cathedral opens late (10:00 am), the tour will not include the Changing of the Guard. Instead, there will be a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace first thing in the morning.
  • On Sundays, there is no guiding inside St Paul’s Cathedral due to church services.
  • Please contact us to discuss the suitability of this tour for guests with disabilities or mobility difficulties.