Crown Jewels of London Tour with River Cruise

Exploring London’s iconic landmarks in just under five hours becomes effortless with this Crown Jewels of London Tour with River Cruise. Priced at $157.63 per person, the tour combines a bus journey, guided visits to major sites, and a Thames sightseeing cruise, making it an efficient way to experience the city’s highlights. The tour departs from Evan Evans Tours at Vauxhall Bridge Road and finishes at Westminster Pier, with an average booking window of 69 days in advance.

This tour suits visitors who want a rundown of London’s most famous attractions without the hassle of planning individual tickets. Although it runs daily (except some holidays), the 4.5-hour duration ensures a packed schedule, so good pacing and a knowledgeable guide are vital. We appreciate how the tour balances sightseeing with informative commentary, though some reviews note that timing can be tight, especially at popular sites.

Key Points

• Includes major London landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, and Tower Bridge
• Ticket for a Thames River cruise from Tower of London to Westminster Pier
• Guided commentary provides historic insights and fun facts from a live expert guide
• Comfortable coach with Wi-Fi & USB charging makes the ride pleasant and connected
• Tour duration is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, with a well-structured itinerary
• No hotel pickup included; meeting point is centrally located at Vauxhall Bridge Road

Starting at Trafalgar Square and Boarding Your Coach

The journey begins in Trafalgar Square, where guests meet their expert guide. Once aboard the modern, Wi-Fi-equipped coach, passengers settle in and tune into the audio headsets for live commentary. This setup ensures everyone can clearly hear stories about London’s history and sights throughout the day.

The coach ride offers a comfortable means to cover significant distances quickly, setting the stage for the highlights ahead. The guide’s narration blends facts with entertaining anecdotes, making the experience engaging from the start.

Visiting St Paul’s Cathedral and Its Architectural Marvels

The tour’s first major stop is St Paul’s Cathedral, renowned for its Baroque architecture by Sir Christopher Wren. This iconic London church took 35 years to complete and was the tallest building in London until the 1960s.

Inside, visitors find a large crypt, priceless art, and a complex of seven chapels. The guide shares stories about the cathedral’s history, including its survival during the Great Fire of London and its role in royal weddings. It’s worth noting that when St Paul’s is closed, the stop is replaced with a photo stop outside the cathedral, and extra time is allotted at the Tower of London.

Exploring the Tower of London and Viewing the Crown Jewels

The Tower of London is a highlight, offering a glimpse into over a thousand years of British history. Guests get admission to the fortress, where Beefeaters provide lively stories of imprisonments, executions, and the royal crown jewels.

The Crown Jewels display features 6,000-year-old diamonds and golden crowns, attracting many visitors. The one-hour visit allows plenty of time to admire these treasures, though some reviews mention that long lines for the Crown Jewels can make access time limited.

The Thames River Sightseeing Cruise from Tower to Westminster

Included in the tour is a ticket for a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames. The boat departs from Tower Pier and arrives at Westminster Pier, offering scenic views of London’s skyline, including iconic landmarks like The Shard and City Hall.

The 30-minute cruise provides a relaxed break from walking, with the chance to see the city from a different perspective. It’s a popular feature, though some note that timing can be tight, so planning is essential.

Exploring the City of London: Bank of England and Mansion House

After the cruise, the coach continues to the City of London, often called the financial district. Here, guests see the Bank of England, a symbol of economic strength, and Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London.

While no detailed interior visits are included, these stops allow for photo opportunities and viewing the modern and historic architecture that defines London’s financial heart.

Tower Bridge and the View from The Shard

Next, the tour stops at Tower Bridge, a bascule and suspension bridge built in 1886-1894. This London icon is famous for its walkways and panoramic views. Although admission to the bridge’s interior or The Shard’s observation deck isn’t included, photos and external views are easily accessible.

Some dates include a stop at The Shard, London’s tallest building, offering viewing platforms with skyline vistas. However, this stop may not be available during all tours, depending on operational schedules.

Navigating the City of London and Public Landmarks

The coach drives through the City of London, providing a driving narration about financial institutions and historic sites. The guide’s commentary enhances understanding of landmarks like the Mansion House and Bank of England, enriching the sightseeing experience.

This segment is ideal for those interested in London’s economic history, with the added convenience of comfortable transport covering a lot of ground quickly.

The Tour’s Pacing and Group Size

The tour operates with a maximum of 53 travelers, ensuring a manageable group size that facilitates engagement. While most reviews praise the expert guidance and well-organized schedule, some mention that timing at sites can be tight, especially when dealing with crowds or site closures.

The coach’s Wi-Fi and USB ports help passengers stay connected, and the guided commentary keeps everyone informed without feeling rushed. However, some sites, like St Paul’s, may have limited access if closed for events or renovations.

Special Considerations and Tour Flexibility

Certain dates see changes in the itinerary, such as longer time at the Tower of London when St Paul’s is closed. The tour operates daily from April to March, excluding December 24-26 and January 1.

Guests have the option to reschedule the Thames River cruise or finish the tour at Tower of London instead of Westminster Pier, providing flexibility if needed.

Booking, Cancellation, and Customer Service

Booking typically opens 69 days in advance, with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours before the experience. The tour does not include hotel pickup, emphasizing the importance of arriving at the meeting point on time.

Customer reviews reflect a mix of experiences, with many praising the guides’ knowledge and humor, and a few mentioning rushing or timing issues. Overall, booking early and arriving promptly helps maximize the experience.

The Crown Jewels of London Tour with River Cruise: Final Words

This 4.5-hour guided tour offers an efficient way to see London’s most famous sites with the added bonus of a Thames River cruise. Its well-organized itinerary covers St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and a drive through the City of London, making it ideal for visitors with limited time.

While some reviews highlight timing constraints and site closures, the expert guides and comfortable transport make this tour a strong choice for those wanting a rundown. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors who want a scheduled, informative experience without the hassle of ticketing and navigation.

This tour balances sightseeing, history, and scenic views, making it a dependable option to enjoy London’s key attractions in one go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup; guests meet at Evan Evans Tours, Vauxhall Bridge Road.

Can I reschedule the Thames River cruise?
Yes, guests can choose to take the river cruise on another day and finish the tour at the Tower of London instead of Westminster Pier.

What happens if St Paul’s Cathedral is closed?
When St Paul’s is closed, the tour replaces the stop with a photo stop outside and spends more time at the Tower of London.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 53 travelers, ensuring a comfortable group size.

Are there any significant physical requirements?
The tour involves walking around St Paul’s and the Tower of London, so some physical mobility is needed.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard the coach?
Yes, the coach offers Wi-Fi and USB charging ports for passengers.

How long is the Thames cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 30 minutes, providing scenic views of London’s riverfront.

What is the typical start time?
The tour departs at 1:00 pm from Trafalgar Square and finishes around 5:30 pm.

Are there any restrictions on the sites visited?
Certain dates may see restrictions or closures, especially St Paul’s Cathedral on Sundays or during special events.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is available online, with confirmation received immediately, and full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.