London: Walking Tour, River Cruise and Entry to The Shard

Explore London in a comprehensive 7-hour package that combines a guided walking tour, a scenic river cruise, and a visit to The Shard, Europe’s tallest building. Priced at $141.43 per person, this experience offers a rich taste of the city’s most iconic sights, led by a fun local guide. While the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guide and well-organized itinerary, note that some parts, like the river cruise and Shard visit, may be without guides depending on the group size. This tour suits visitors eager to see London’s highlights in a single day, especially those who appreciate a mix of walking, scenic views, and high-altitude panoramas.

Key Points

• Duration: 7 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability
• Includes: River cruise from Westminster to Tower Pier, entry to The Shard, and a guided walking tour of Westminster
• Highlights: View London from the Thames, ascend Europe’s tallest building, see Buckingham Palace and attend the Changing of the Guard (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun at 10am)
• Starting Point: Outside the Ritz Hotel near Green Park Underground station
• Group Size: Small groups for a more personalized experience, though some parts may be self-guided if split
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, no hotel pickup included

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting at the Ritz Hotel: Classic London Landmark as the Meeting Point

This tour begins outside the Ritz Hotel at Green Park (Stop H), a renowned London icon. The meeting spot is easy to find, marked by two red telephone boxes and souvenir stands next to the Ritz signage, just a short walk from Green Park Underground station. The ease of access makes it straightforward to join the group and start exploring London’s grandeur.

Because the tour does not include hotel pickup, participants should plan to arrive at the designated meeting point on time. The starting location sets a luxurious tone, immediately immersing visitors in the elegant atmosphere of central London.

Walking Tour of Westminster’s Most Famous Sights

The guided walk covers over 20 key landmarks in the Westminster area. The tour makes stops at Buckingham Palace, where a guided visit takes around an hour. Visitors get the chance to see the Changing of the Guard if they attend the 10am tour on specific days—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday—though weather can impact this scheduled event.

Next, the guide leads you through Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, each lasting about 20 minutes, offering quick but insightful looks at these historic locations. The walk continues to 10 Downing Street, where the exterior is a key photo stop during the 20-minute visit. In Parliament Square, a 40-minute stop allows for sightseeing, photos, and listening to interesting stories about the buildings and statues.

The tour culminates with a visit to Westminster Abbey, where a 20-minute guided tour provides a glimpse into Britain’s religious and royal history. Throughout these stops, the knowledgeable guide shares lively stories, making the landmarks come to life.

Experiencing the Thames: Scenic Cruise from Westminster to Tower Pier

After the walking segment, the tour transitions to a two-hour guided cruise along the River Thames. The Whitehall and Parliament views from the water reveal a different perspective of London’s skyline, including iconic structures like the London Eye and Big Ben.

The boat departs from Westminster Pier, heading toward Tower of London Pier, providing scenic photo opportunities and a relaxing break from walking. The cruise adds a calming element to the day, with plenty of chances to appreciate the city’s riverside architecture and bridges.

It’s worth noting that, due to group size, some parts of the cruise might be self-guided if the group splits, as some reviews mention the possibility of guides not being present for all sections. Still, the cruise remains a highlight for its scenic views.

Ascending to the Top of The Shard: London’s Tallest Building

Following the river cruise, the tour moves on to the Shard, where a two-hour visit awaits. The entry tickets are included, allowing access to Europe’s tallest building. Visitors walk over Tower Bridge to reach the entrance, then ascend to 360-degree viewing platforms.

From the top of the Shard, guests enjoy panoramic views stretching up to 40 miles in all directions. The experience offers a spectacular overview of London’s sprawling cityscape, a perfect photo opportunity and a memorable way to close the day.

The viewing platform provides a unique vantage point, especially on clear days, and the height—almost twice that of other viewing spots in London—sets this experience apart.

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Logistics and Group Dynamics: Small Group, Guided and Self-Guided Components

The tour is structured as a small group experience, which encourages a more personal interaction with the guide. The live English-speaking guide leads the walking tour and shares stories about each landmark, making the experience engaging and informative.

However, some parts, like the river cruise and Shard visit, may not include guided commentary if the group is split or guides are not present at the pier. This setup means some guests might explore these areas independently, which can be a positive for those who prefer more freedom.

Participants should be prepared for comfortable shoes and be aware that hotel pickup is not included. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a broader range of travelers.

The Tour Stops: Detailed Breakdown of Each Landmark

The tour’s stops are carefully chosen to include London’s most recognizable sites. Starting at the Ritz Hotel, the walk explores Buckingham Palace, where the guide explains royal traditions and the significance of the Changing of the Guard if scheduled.

Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade are quick stops, offering visual context and stories about London’s political and military history. The exterior of 10 Downing Street provides a photo opportunity, despite limited access.

Parliament Square is key for understanding the seat of British politics, with landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey nearby, which is also included in the guided walk. The stops are designed to be succinct but meaningful, with stops ranging from 20 to 40 minutes.

Visiting London’s Iconic Landmarks from the River and Heights

The Thames river cruise grants a peaceful, scenic view of London’s skyline, including sights like the London Eye and historic bridges. The cruise is a relaxing way to see the city from a different angle, complementing the walking exploration.

The Shard visit offers the highest vantage point in London, with clear views extending up to 40 miles. Ascending this skyscraper adds a modern dimension to the tour, contrasting London’s historic sights with contemporary architecture.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most

This 7-hour experience is well-suited for visitors who want a rundown of London’s most famous sights in a single day. It’s ideal for first-time visitors eager to see landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye, while also enjoying scenic views from the Thames and The Shard.

Those who enjoy guided storytelling will find the knowledgeable local guide a major plus, although some parts may be self-guided if the group divides. Comfortable shoes and an interest in history and architecture will enhance the experience, which is accessible for wheelchair users.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day in London

This small-group tour offers a diverse mix of sightseeing, scenic views, and high-altitude panoramas, making it an attractive choice for those wanting to maximize their time in London. The guided walk through Westminster provides context and stories, while the river cruise and Shard visit add memorable visual experiences.

While some parts may involve self-guided exploration due to group size or guide availability, the inclusion of entry to The Shard and the Thames cruise make this tour stand out as a well-rounded introduction to the city. It’s perfect for visitors who appreciate a structured yet flexible itinerary and want to see London’s most iconic sights without multiple bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, participants are required to meet at the Ritz Hotel outside Green Park station; there is no hotel pickup.

What landmarks are included in the walking tour?
The tour covers Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, 10 Downing Street, Parliament Square, and Westminster Abbey.

Can I attend the Changing of the Guard?
Yes, the 10am tour on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday includes the Changing of the Guard, weather permitting.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What does the tour include?
It includes a river cruise from Westminster to Tower Pier, entry tickets to The Shard, and a guided walking tour of Westminster’s landmarks.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby