Private London in a Day Tour

Next is a stop at Downing Street and a break for lunch at Trafalgar Square where you'll have plenty of great recommendations to eat. To get to your next destination, you'll hop on a river taxi and enjoy a leisurely ride down the Thames, taking in the skyline. And your private London tour wouldn't be complete without the guided tour of the Tower of London and a stop at the Jewel House to see those incredible crown jewels.

Private London in a Day Tour Description

Your 7-hour private tour includes:

• Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of Westminster Abbey

• See Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard (certain days)

• Lunch in Trafalgar Square (on your own)

• Cruise on the River Thames

• Guided tour of the Tower of London

• Entry to see the crown jewels

• Private expert guide

Westminster Abbey

Your first stop of the day is where countless moments of English history have occurred: Westminster Abbey. In its near millennium of history the Abbey has hosted 16 royal weddings, most recently when Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011. This historic church is also the site of many key funerals, such as beloved Princess Diana in 1997, and over 3,000 notable people have been buried here over the centuries. Your guide will point out key names like George Frederich Handel, Sir Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and more.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Since the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the Changing of the Guard has been a dedicated part of British history since the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Their sole and primary goal is the protection of the reigning monarch. You'll follow your guide from Westminster to the mall where you can watch the Scots Guard in their traditional red and black uniforms make their way to the palace. And of course, your guide will make sure you also see the other set of guards arrive to make the exchange.

Please note that the Changing of the Guard occurs every day during June and July, but only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for the remainder of the year. If there is heavy rainfall, the Changing of the Guard will not happen.

Trafalgar Square

Make your way up to the famous Trafalgar Square that is now a busy thoroughfare and the site of many protests and public events. Originally, this square was built to commemorate the victory over French forces during the Battle of Trafalgar. Your guide will point out a number of great places to eat nearby on your own. Enjoy taking a short break before heading off on the rest of your private tour of London.

River Thames Boat Ride

After lunch, take a gentle ride down the River Thames with your guide. Since it's just you and them on this tour, you can ask all about the skyline and buildings you see along the way. They'll point out Shakespeare's Globe Theater, St. Paul's Cathedral, London Eye, and much more. Take in the views of London's famous bridges, the modern Millennium Bridge, the real London Bridge, and Tower Bridge (often believed to be London Bridge). This is the best way to see the city as you head towards the Tower of London.

Tower of London

Follow your guide as you disembark at the infamous Tower of London. Its ominous walls rise proudly above the river, and your guide won't hesitate to jump into the incredible (and often gruesome) stories here. The fortress was originally built to be the military and political center of London by William the Conqueror when he conquered London in 1066. Built at the ancient edge of the city, you can still see the ancient Roman wall from the when the settlement was called Londinium.

Head inside to see the Bloody Tower, the Beefeaters Quarters, the White Tower, and more. It's here under Henry VIII, that the Tower was used as a prison for criminals and political adversaries of the king. Learn about the fate of famous prisoners and discover the secrets of what's considered to be a haunted apartment here.

Crown Jewels

Over 2.5 million people visit the crown jewels each year, and you can be one of them. As you wait in line (there's no skip-the-line for anyone here), listen to your guide explain all about these stunning jewels. It's a collection of 140 royal objects bedazzled with 23,578 precious stones. While most of the collection dates back to the 17th century when the monarchy was restored from the rule of Oliver Cromwell, see if you can find the oldest piece here!

Your private tour ends here at the Tower of London, but you're free to explore Tower Bridge which is just steps away from this ancient fortress.