Private Tour of the National Gallery in London
Admire masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Monet's Water Lilies with a dedicated guide
Did you know Hans Holbein’s The Ambassadors hides a distorted skull that can only be seen from a specific angle? The National Gallery is home to some of the world’s most celebrated artworks, from Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire to Rembrandt's Belshazzar's Feast. Your dedicated guide will offer a personalized journey through centuries of art, and reveal the stories behind the brushstrokes. Skip the line and uncover the hidden symbolism and history of these timeless treasures.
What You Get With This Tour
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Private English-speaking guide
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Skip the line National Gallery tickets
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Monet's Water Lilies
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Caravaggio's Supper at Emmaus
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Van Gogh's Two Crabs
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Private tour
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Hotel pick up
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Meals
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Guide gratuity
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at the National Gallery Portico Entrance
Exact location can be found on your voucher -
2
The National Gallery
Explore one of the world’s greatest art collections, showcasing masterpieces spanning centuries and styles. -
3
Monet's Water Lilies
Lose yourself in Monet’s tranquil vision of light and color in nature. -
4
Van Gogh's Farms near Auvers
Immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s vivid depiction of the rural landscapes near Auvers-sur-Oise. -
5
Van Eyck's The Arnolfini Portrait
Admire this Dutch masterpiece, renowned for its intricate detail and symbolism. -
6
Da Vinci's The Virgin of the Rocks
Appreciate da Vinci’s mastery in this serene portrayal of the Virgin Mary. -
7
End inside the National Gallery
Additional Information
Begin your journey at the Portico Entrance on Trafalgar Square, where your personal guide will introduce you to masterpieces like Holbein’s The Ambassadors, renowned for its hidden symbolism. Explore highlights such as Van Gogh’s Farms near Auvers, Leonardo’s The Virgin of the Rocks, and Monet’s serene Water Lilies.
As you move through the gallery, your guide will share tailored insights into each piece, from Caravaggio’s dramatic Supper at Emmaus to Turner’s evocative The Fighting Temeraire. Conclude your experience inside the National Gallery to continue exploring on your own.
Private National Gallery Tour Description
Your 2-hour private tour includes:
Private tour with an art historian guide
Skip-the-line entry to the National Gallery
Curated exploration of top masterpieces
Van Gogh's Sunflowers (4th version)
Caravaggio's Supper at Emmaus
Tailored storytelling and historical insights
Early Renaissance Masterpieces
Your journey begins with Holbein’s The Ambassadors, a masterpiece renowned for its hidden symbolism. Your guide will point out the anamorphic skull, a striking detail only visible from a specific angle, and explain its deeper meaning within the painting’s context. Then, marvel at Van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait, where meticulous details like the convex mirror and intricate fabrics reveal layers of storytelling about Renaissance life and art.
The Romantic and Impressionist Movements
Explore Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire, an emotional tribute to the Industrial Revolution, showcasing the final voyage of a grand ship set against a glowing sunset. From there, immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s Farms near Auvers, a bold celebration of color and emotion. Learn how Van Gogh’s personal struggles and artistic innovations influenced this timeless masterpiece. Conclude with Monet’s Water Lilies, where luminous brushstrokes transport you to the tranquility of his garden in Giverny.
Religious and Historical Art
Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s The Virgin of the Rocks, a masterpiece of intricate composition and lifelike detail. Your guide will delve into the painting’s mysterious history and Da Vinci’s groundbreaking techniques. Next, experience the emotional intensity of Paul Delaroche’s The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, which captures the tragic moment before her decapitation with haunting realism and deep historical resonance.
Dramatic Realism and Symbolism
End with Caravaggio’s Supper at Emmaus, where dramatic chiaroscuro and lifelike figures create a captivating scene of revelation. Your guide will unpack how Caravaggio’s revolutionary use of light transformed art forever. Wrap up with Titian's Bacchus and Ariadne, a dramatic portrayal of Ariadne’s rescue by Bacchus, rich with color and movement.
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Customer Reviews
I thought I knew the National Gallery, but Mark brought it to life in a whole new way. He explained The Arnolfini Portrait and Sunflowers like we were uncovering secrets. Two hours flew by, and I left appreciating art so much more!
Our guide was so kind and made the experience really enjoyable. Seeing masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and da Vinci’s The Virgin of the Rocks up close was incredible and a lifelong dream of my father. Having a private guide gave us plenty of time take it all in without feeling rushed. I’d absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting London!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and a curiosity for art!
What to bring?
Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and a curiosity for art!
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the National Gallery is wheelchair accessible. Contact us for specific accommodations.
Are tickets included?
Yes, we will have your tickets ready at the start of your tour!
What if I don’t know much about art?
No problem! This tour is designed to make art accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
