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5 Day London Itinerary

London Tour

Day 1: Best of London Private Driving Tour (Part 1)

Your guide will meet & greet you inside the arrivals hall at Heathrow Airport or Eurostar train station for this private tour.

Explore the best of London by the hand of a well-informed cabbie and professional driver guide, who knows the city like the back of his hand, including the most popular attractions and many hidden gems on this panoramic sightseeing tour of London.

On your private driving tour, you will stop at several quintessential London must-sees, including Buckingham PalaceTrafalgar SquareHyde ParkRoyal Albert HallSt Paul’s Cathedral, and St James’s Palace; catch the ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony for tours starting at 10 am or earlier… Hop back in for an easy drive to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster and drive alongside the Thames River to the Tower of London, where true stories seem more like fiction than fact!  Stop for a tea along the way for a refreshing “English” break.

Details:

Tour Length: 4 hours; 2 hours also available
Transportation: London Black Cab
Pickup: Designated meeting spot
Drop off: Designated meeting spot

– Dinner: On your own

Day 2: Best of London Private Driving Tour (Part 2)      Changing of the Guard, Westminster & Tower of London

Enjoy Royal London on this fantastic day tour that begins in the heart of Westminster, follows the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and ends with the sight of the dazzling Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

Meet your guide at Westminster for a tour outside the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Learn about the political history of Parliament Square and its relationship to The Crown. Westminster Abbey has been the site of 38 coronations since 1066, and numerous royal weddings and funerals, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Her Majesty The Queen’s state funeral.

From Westminster, wander up Birdcage Walk where you will follow the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Follow the Guardsmen and military band, with their famous red coats and black bearskin hats to Buckingham Palace. Head into Trafalgar Square, via Horseguards Parade, and along Whitehall – the political nerve centre of the UK and the address of 10 Downing Street – home to the British Prime Minister.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Thames to Tower Bridge. You’ll get to see London and Waterloo Bridges, the London Eye, the Globe, the skyscrapers, and St Paul’s Cathedral from the boat. 

Your guide will then accompany you to St. Katherine’s Docks for lunch (cost of lunch not included), after which you will enjoy an exclusive private tour of the infamous Tower of London, with reserved tickets included.

Upon entering the Tower of London, you will walk past Traitor’s Gate and discover the many stories and scandals hidden within the walls of this ancient building. It was formerly a moated royal palace, that became an armoury, a royal mint, a zoo… and most famously the traitor’s prison! You’ll meet the Beefeaters and the ravens who guard the Tower and discover the stories behind some of the Tower’s most famous prisoners from the young Princes in the Tower to Queen Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey whose graffiti you can still see in her prison cell.

Explore the White Tower, the oldest part of the fortress, walk the battlements, enter the torture chambers (if you dare!) and visit the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, where some very famous queens are buried.

Best of all, you will be able to admire the dazzling Crown Jewels which are kept behind extensive security in the aptly-named Jewel House. (Due to the strict security measures in place and the moving viewing platform, your guide cannot accompany you but will wait for you at the exit.)

Details:

Tour Length: 6 hours [Includes: Tower of London Admission Tickets and River Thames Boat ride

Transportation: Walking w/ River Cruise (Optional Tube or Taxi at your expense)
Pickup: Designated meeting spot at Westminster
Drop off: Tower of London

5:00 pm – United Kingdom Time – We recommend you take in the unparalleled sites from Sky Garden with a delightful dinner/snack…  HINT: Make reservations to have a drink and a snack and completely skip the queue!

Dinner: On Your Own

Day 3 (Option 1): Churchill War Rooms [Westminster Underground Bunkers]

Step into the world of Wartime London in the late 1930s and 1940s, where you will hear the stories of larger-than life Winston Churchill, explore the underground bunkers that British wartime officers used during that time known as the Churchill War Rooms and learn about the resilience of Londoners during that time.

On your private Churchill War Rooms tour, you will enjoy the personalised attention of a knowledgeable private guide throughout your tour; see the Winston Churchill memorial and the partially bombed buildings from the blitz; stop at some of the most iconic buildings in London: Houses of ParliamentWestminster AbbeyDowning Street, The Cenotaph, the Old War OfficeMI6 headquarters and the Gurkha Soldier memorial.  Visit the Churchill War Rooms and travel back in time to the times of the Second World War while your tour guide gives you a private tour of these underground bunkers …Explore the Cabinet Room, hidden under the streets of Westminster and hear the stories about those who worked and lived here; discover the Transatlantic Telephone Room, which connected Churchill directly to the US president and find out how they disguised this tiny room.  See the BBC Broadcast Room, where all speeches were televised from; visit the Map Room, used around the clock to collate information for King George VI, Churchill, and the armed forces; walk the Churchill War Rooms’ top-secret winding corridors and get a glimpse of what life would have been from 1939 to 1945.

Details:

Tour Length: 1h30 – 3 hours
Transportation: Walking [includes Churchill War Rooms tickets]
Pickup:  Meet your private Blue Badge Guide outside Westminster Abbey Shop, Broad Sanctuary, London SW1P 3JS
Drop off: Designated meeting spot

Lunch: Afternoon Tea Options – On Your Own Option

We recommend you make reservation in advance.

Choices:
Ham Yard Hotel – Modern, Yet Classic
Ritz – Quintessential British Tea
Fortnum & Mason – very classic
Savoy – Classic like the Ritz

Other options

Science Afternoon Tea – For a fun twist!
Harrods – Fine traditional experience

Dinner: On Your Own

Day 3 (Option 2): EXCURSION to Windsor Castle

Visit Her Majesty Elizabeth II’s favourite home of Windsor Castle with St George’s Chapel, dating back to 1070, and explore the historic town of Eton and the famous Eton College, an ancient school of princes and prime ministers for centuries, including Princes William and Harry and the former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Travel by private transport from London to Windsor in an iconic London Black Cab with your private driver/guide.  Enjoy a fully guided tour of Eton, see Eton College from the outside and learn about the fascinating history, uniforms, habits, and language of England’s most famous all-boys public school and its illustrious alumni; visit the famous school outfitters and learn how to tie a Windsor knot before heading to Windsor Castle – a magnificent 11th Century castle built by William the Conqueror in 1070 and reportedly Her Majesty’s favourite royal home.  Enjoy a fully guided tour of the state apartments (with your qualified private guide and audio guide provided by the royal family) Admire the banqueting hall and impressive medieval suits of armour; learn about the working life of the Royal Family… Step inside St George’s Chapel as your guide gives you an in-depth tour of this historic building beloved of the royals; see the changing of the guard at Windsor Castle (mornings only) and learn about the tradition of England’s military pomp and pageantry and enjoy an easy transfer back to London.

Tour Length: 6 hours [includes Windsor Castle Adminission Tickets
Transportation: London Black Cab
Pickup: Pick up from hotel
Drop off: Back at your hotel

OR

EXCURSION to Hampton Court & Windsor Castle

Just outside of London, two Royal treasures and England’s most notable places await you: Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle. You will explore the home of Henry VII & the Tudor dynasty, and the world’s oldest & largest occupied castle and the current residence of Queen Elizabeth II with your private tour guide who will share the stories and the history behind these two British landmarks.

Travel in the comfort of a private and iconic London Black Cab; visit the stunning Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s residence of famous for its beautiful gardens; see Hampton Court’s sixteenth-century astronomical clock which is still functioning; explore The Maze, commissioned in the 18th century and is now UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze.  Then travel to Windsor Castle after a lunch break, and discover the grounds of the Queen’s favourite weekend residence.  See the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel, the resting place of many English Kings and Queens, and the wedding venue of Harry and Meghan. Stop along the way at Runnymede Field where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215… and finally, enjoy a relaxing drive back to your centrally located London hotel.

Your day begins with a day trip to Hampton Court Palace, where lies the spectacular favourite residence of Henry VIII built in 1514, where you will explore the impressive maze and beautiful gardens, see the astronomical clock and visit Henry VIII’s tennis court.

Afterwards, you will visit Her Majesty’s favourite weekend residence, the beautiful Windsor Castle. You will be able to walk through the exquisite State Apartments, which display artworks by Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci.

You will see magnificent rooms, including St. George’s Hall where larger-than-life banquets are held, stunning suits of armour as well as flawless grounds and gardens. Another highlight will be St George’s Chapel – where numerous weddings within the Royal family have taken place and where famous monarchs, including the infamously beheaded Charles I, are buried.

Details:

Tour Length: 8 hours [Includes:
Entrance tickets to Hampton Court and Windsor Castle
Self-guided audio sets within Hampton Court Palace & Windsor Castle
Option: Also available with a blue badge guide who can guide inside]

Transportation: London Black Cab
Pickup: Your hotel
Drop off: Your hotel

Day 4: EXCURSION to Stonehenge and Bath

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel for this private tour.
Be picked up from your hotel in a comfortable car and journey to the enigmatic Stonehenge – a mystical collection of 5000-year-old Neolithic stones, located on the rolling plains of Salisbury, Wiltshire. This monumental stone circle is still very much a place of strong spiritual and esoteric significance – a haunting echo from Britain’s forgotten past. It is a mystery as to why the stones were placed here and what purpose they served.

Discover the sites with your guide and together attempt to unlock the secrets of the stones. Afterwards, walk through the visitors’ centre and learn more about the fascinating people that lived and worshipped at Stonehenge.

In the afternoon, you will continue onward for a private walking tour of Bath – famous for its elegant Georgian architecture and widely considered one of England’s prettiest cities. Follow your expert guide on a picturesque tour of the city, through its beautiful Regency squares and quaint mews.

You will see Bath Abbey and the stunning Pulteney Bridge, modelled after the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Lastly, you will end your comprehensive tour with a pleasant car journey back to your hotel.

Please note: if you wish to visit the Roman Baths, you must contact us to pre-book those tickets, which are not included in the tour.

Details:

Tour Length: 10 hours [Includes admission tickets to Stonehenge]

Tour Transportation: private car
Pickup: Hotel
Drop off: Hotel

Dinner: On Your Own

DAY 5: The Victoria & Albert Museum and Kensington

Explore the Victoria and Albert Museum, famous for its resplendent architecture both inside and out, as well as its amazing collection of sculpture, jewellery, costume, art and design from many eras and cultures, followed by a walking tour through the elegant and discreet streets of West London, home of billionaire emigres, financiers, the aristocracy and British royalty.

On your private tour you will explore one of England’s most famous museums, the Victoria and Albert (known locally as the V&A) and the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design which houses a collection of over 4.5 million objects.  Admire the museum’s magnificent architecture, before stepping inside and wandering around its maze of galleries and exhibitions… Admire famous works from the Italian Renaissance, including the great maestros such as Raphael, Michelangelo and the king of Baroque, Bernini… Pause for a well-deserved break of tea and scones in the Victoria and Albert’s museum café.  Afterwards, we’ll stroll through Knightsbridge and Kensington – two of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, where you’ll see Harrods, and the Albert Memorial, and hear some of the inside stories about those who live here.  Learn all about the long reign and passionate marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert until his tragic early death… Entering Hyde Park we’ll enjoy an orientation of this 350-acre park, followed by a visit to the pristine gardens of Kensington Palace [NOTE: entry into the Palace is not included on this tour]. Walk along the Princess Diana Memorial Walk and see the new bronze statue of the late princess in the sunken garden.  Your private tour will end outside the Palace gift shop in Hyde Park.

Details:

Tour Length: 3 hours [Includes: Entry into Victoria & Albert Museum]

Transportation: Walking
Pickup: Victoria and Albert Museum located at Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
Drop off: Palace gift shop in Hyde Park

Afternoon: No Planned Activities

Dinner: On Your Own

DAY 6: Depart London [Private transport available]

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Optional Specialty Tours (Option 1): Private Driving Tour: London Rock’n Roll taxi tour

Hear all the stories of the fabulous four while exploring everything Beatles in London. Discover the iconic recording studio (and zebra crossing) in Abbey Road as well as some Beatles homes !! On this 4-hour unique driving/walking tour, you’ll see a Beatlesmania film location and celebrity ‘rock’n roll’ plaques unique to London.

From there, you’ll be driven to the Mayfair area, which is more rock’n roll than you’d expect … If time allows, you may trip the edges of Covent Garden for more Beatles related sight… but you’ll definitely dip into classy St James’s and nip into posh Kensington for a rhapsodic stairway to heaven!

There are plenty of stops for photo opps. All walks are very short; you’ll cover big distances across central London. Riding in a London taxi with your very own driver/walking guide conducting this tour will make the day enjoyable and memorable.

* Abbey Road Studios & Zebra Crossing.
* Paul’s house and John’s apartment.
* Hard Day’s Night to the Apple Shop.
* Where John met Yoko.
* Scene of THAT legendary roof-top gig (the old Apple Corps HQ and studio) record cover shots, weddings, offices and
clubs.
* Stones, Hendrix, Bowie, Floyd, Queen, Led Zep, Clash.

Details:

– Tour Duration: 3 hours
– Transportation: Private London Black Cab
– Pickup: Hotel
– Drop off: Hotel

Optional Specialty Tours (Option 2): A Private Driving Tour for Muggles: Harry Potter’s London

Harry Potter may have been raised in very dull Little Whinging, but very exciting central London is where you’ll discover many of the real film locations you see in the Harry Potter films. Close enough to one another to drive between them, this tour taxis from location to location so that you can see, stand next to and sometimes walk in the actual places where Muggles fear to tread.

Walk diagonally through Diagon Alley, stand fractionally closer to Platform 9¾ or deposit yourself outside Gringotts Bank. All are featured on this tour of real Harry Potter film locations. There is nothing imaginary about this tour; you’ll feel like you have received your Hogwarts letter after all.

This is not a drive-by tour. Your private Driver/Guide will be explaining as you explore. There are plenty of stops for photo opps. All walks are very short. Everyone is welcome on this Harry Potter London tour, except for Death Eaters!

What you’ll see:
* Platform 9¾
* Diagon Alley
* Leaky Cauldron
* Gringotts Bank
* Third Hand Book Shop
* Knight Bus Bridge
* Ministry of Magic

Details:

– Tour Duration: 3 hours
– Transportation: Private Car / Walking
– Pickup: Hotel
– Drop off: Hotel

 

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