Combi Ticket: Westminster Walking Tour, River Cruise & The Shard

Discover London’s Iconic Landmarks in a Single Day

This combi ticket offers a convenient way to explore London’s most famous attractions in just seven hours. Priced at $201.20 per person, it includes a walking tour of Westminster, a river cruise on the Thames, and admission to The Shard, giving you multiple perspectives of the city. The tour is especially well-suited for first-time visitors or those wanting a comprehensive introduction to London without the hassle of planning individual tickets.

The experience is designed with small group sizes—maximally 15 travelers—which means more personalized attention and a relaxed pace. While it’s packed with highlights, it’s important to note that the walking tour guide does not accompany you during the cruise or at The Shard, so some independence is expected at those moments. This tour combines sightseeing, scenic views, and cultural insights into a well-rounded day.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience combining walking, cruising, and high-rise views
• Affordable price for three major attractions at $201.20
• Small group size ensures personalized attention
• Two-hour Thames cruise covers top sights from the water
• Visit Europe’s tallest building, The Shard, for 360-degree panoramas
• Includes a guide, but guide does not accompany you at the cruise or The Shard

Starting Point at The Ritz London in Piccadilly

The tour begins at The Ritz London located at 150 Piccadilly at 10:00 am. This central meeting point is easy to access via public transportation, making it convenient for visitors arriving from different parts of the city. The guide provides tickets and instructions after the initial walking tour, ensuring a smooth transition between activities.

The small group format enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction with the guide and flexibility during stops. Please note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included**, so participants need to meet at the designated starting location.

Strolling Past Buckingham Palace and Green Park

The first stop is Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the King. Your guide leads a walk through Green Park before arriving at the Palace, where you can admire its majestic exterior and hear stories of the British Royal family. On specific days, the Changing of the Guard takes place at 10 am, which you can watch if timing aligns, adding a splash of pageantry to your morning.

The tour then proceeds along the Royal Mews, providing insight into royal traditions. While admission to the Palace is not included, the exterior view and commentary make for a memorable start to the day.

Exploring Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade

Next, the group reaches Trafalgar Square, a hub of London life. Here, you’ll see Nelson’s Column, the fountains, and the nearby National Gallery building. The guide offers a quick overview of the historical and cultural significance of this lively square.

The walk continues to Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, where you get a photo opportunity in front of the famous arch and clock. This area also provides views of St. James’s Park, adding a scenic backdrop to your sightseeing.

Visiting Whitehall and Downing Street

From Horse Guards, the tour moves to Whitehall, home to grand government buildings and monuments. Your guide points out Downing Street, the residence of the British Prime Minister since 1735, and discusses its importance. This area is perfect for understanding London’s political history without needing to enter any buildings, as the focus is on the exteriors and stories.

Up Close with the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

The group heads to Parliament Square, where the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben dominate the skyline. The guide highlights the architecture and political function of these landmarks during a 40-minute stop. From here, views extend to the London Eye and the Churchill Statue, framing a quintessential London scene.

Westminster Abbey: A Historic Crown Jewel

A short walk leads to Westminster Abbey, an architectural marvel and the site of British royal coronations for over a thousand years. Although entry is not included, the guide discusses the Abbey’s history, its role in royal ceremonies, and its stunning exterior. This stop allows a sense of the building’s grandeur and historic weight.

Scenic Thames River Cruise

After the walking tour, participants board a two-hour Thames River cruise from Westminster to London Bridge. The cruise provides a relaxing break and a different perspective of London’s skyline. Passengers view sights such as Blackfriars Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the London Eye from the water.

The cruise is included in the ticket price, and tickets and directions are provided at the end of the walking tour. It’s a stress-free way to see many landmarks in a scenic setting, with commentary or sights to enjoy as you drift along the river.

Ascending to the Top of The Shard

Following the cruise, the tour proceeds to The Shard, Europe’s tallest building. Admission tickets included in the package allow you to reach the top in about two hours. From the observation deck, you enjoy 360-degree views over London’s skyline, offering a breathtaking end to your sightseeing day.

The visit to The Shard is independent, with no guide accompanying you once at the top. It’s best suited for those comfortable exploring alone briefly and eager to take in panoramic views.

Practicalities: Group Size and Recommendations

The entire experience is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 15 people. This allows for more tailored stories and interaction during the walking tour. Participants should bring a topped-up Oyster Card or Travel Card for local transportation, as the tour does not include transit.

While food and drinks are not included, travelers are encouraged to bring snacks or packed lunches, especially for the waiting time at The Shard. The tour does not involve hotel transfers, so guests need to meet at the starting point and arrange their own transportation afterwards.

Authentic and Engaging Guides

Feedback highlights the guides’ knowledge and personality, with comments praising their humor and storytelling skills. One guide, Giles, is specifically mentioned for making the day enjoyable and ensuring timings worked well, particularly for the ferry and The Shard. The guide’s role stops after the walking tour, and at each subsequent activity, tickets and directions are provided for independent exploration.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This comprehensive package is ideal for visitors who want to maximize their sightseeing in London without the stress of booking individual tickets or planning routes. The combination of walking, cruise, and high-altitude views caters to those eager to see London from multiple angles—ground, water, and sky.

It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors, families, or groups seeking an efficient yet varied day of exploration. Since the tour receives high praise for its organization and guide expertise, it’s a reliable choice to experience London’s top sights comfortably.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day Out in London

This combi ticket experience offers excellent value and convenience, packing a lot into a single day. The small group size and spirited guides make the walking portion engaging, while the river cruise and The Shard provide scenic, panoramic perspectives of London’s skyline.

While you’ll need to explore some sites independently at The Shard and during the cruise, the overall arrangement allows you to avoid the hassle of ticketing and logistics. Most travelers who enjoy sightseeing, scenic views, and a well-paced itinerary will find this tour a rewarding way to see London’s highlights.

The free cancellation policy adds flexibility, and the high ratings and positive reviews reflect its reliability and appeal. For those wanting an all-in-one, memorable introduction to London, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
No, transportation is not included. You should bring a topped-up Oyster Card or Travel Card for local travel.

Do I need to book tickets separately for The Shard or the river cruise?
No, tickets for The Shard and the cruise are included as part of the combo package.

Can I join the tour if I am not staying near the meeting point?
Yes, the tour starts at The Ritz London in Piccadilly, which is accessible via public transportation.

Will the guide accompany me during the Thames cruise and at The Shard?
No, the guide remains with the group during the walking tour. At the cruise and The Shard, you’ll receive tickets and directions for independent exploration.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a topped-up Oyster Card or Travel Card, comfortable shoes, and possibly a small packed lunch or snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the small group setting makes it suitable for families, though some stops involve walking and standing.

How long do I spend at The Shard?
The visit to The Shard lasts about two hours, giving plenty of time for sightseeing from the observation deck.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Key highlights include Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Thames River cruise, and The Shard.

What is the total duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately seven hours, beginning at 10:00 am.

Is there flexibility to customize the experience?
The itinerary is fixed, but you can explore The Shard and the cruise independently after their respective tickets are used.