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The cosmopolitan city of London is full of stunning architecture, old world traditions and modern culture that blend to offer something for every traveler. Classic Thore icons include Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, beautiful parks like Hyde Park and St. James, as well as many charming British pubs. Not sure what to see and do when in town? From boat cruises on the Thames, bike tours, walking tours and day trips to outlying areas, these London tours will give you a taste of all the city has to offer.
Best Overall: Buckingham Palace Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony
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Watching the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is a must when in London, and in these 4.5 hours you can experience this event, as well as other quintessential British traditions. The package combines three main attractions: the Changing of the Guard (including fantastic photo opportunities), a tour of the State Apartments, and traditional afternoon tea. The guided tour passes through St. James Park before stopping to watch the guard ceremony with soldiers in traditional uniforms, followed by entry to Buckingham Palace for an audio tour. Afterward, travelers will head to a luxury hotel (Rubens at the Palace or St Ermin’s Hotel in central London) for traditional afternoon tea, scones and sandwiches.
Best Film Tour: Warner Bros. Studio Making of Harry Potter Tour
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Experience the magic of the Harry Potter movie with a behind-the-scenes look at Warner Bros Studio with the seven-hour Making of Harry Potter Tour. The popular movie series about magic and wizards grossed around $ 7 billion, with much of the movies taking place in and around London. The comfortable Mercedes coach departs London Victoria for Warner Brothers Studios, where you’ll spend four hours exploring the studio and viewing some of the film’s most memorable sets. Experience Professor Dumbledore’s office, Diagon Alley, and the Ministry of Magic, plus the famous Platform 9 ¾ and the original Hogwarts Express train, as well as a number of costumes used in production. Bring your own sandwiches or lunch, it is not included in the price.
Mejor tour nocturno: Jack the Ripper Tour con Ripper Vision
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For a fun and slightly spooky nighttime activity, consider the Jack the Ripper Tour with “Ripper Vision,” a one-hour, 45-minute walking tour that follows the mysterious story of the serial killer, “Jack the Ripper.” In 1888, a series of violent (unsolved) murders occurred in the Whitechapel district which is still the subject of much speculation as to who the murderer was. The story has also been made into several popular movies, and visitors to London can explore the spooky low-light streets retracing the clues and murder scenes as the guide tells the story. Although there are several Jack the Ripper tours in London, the ‘Ripper Vision’ adds another element to help transport guests to that time period with visual slides projected onto the walls.
Best Boat Tour: Thames River Sightseeing Cruise with Afternoon Tea
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Afternoon tea is a British tradition, and to make this casual and elegant experience even more relaxing, you can combine it with a sightseeing cruise on London’s River Thames, the main waterway that runs through the heart of the city. Climb aboard a windowed craft for a 1.5-hour trip from Tower Pier to Westminster that includes traditional tea service with cakes, scones and sandwiches. The ship will pass iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, as well as Shakespeare’s famous Globe Theater. On your return, feel free to stroll around the outside terrace to take photos and hear informative comments from the staff.
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Best Bike Tour: London Royal Parks Bike Tour
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London has some spectacular parks that are among the most famous attractions in the city and a guided bike tour is a fun and relaxing way to quickly traverse a lot of terrain and experience these charming public spaces. The four-hour morning or afternoon bike tour begins in central London where bikes and helmets are issued, followed by a ride through Westminster to the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben with Tour guide narration followed by bustling Trafalgar Square. Next, the journey heads to the four royal parks: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park, and St James’s Park. Before heading back to the start, cyclists can visit the Princess Diana Memorial at Kensington Palace.
Best Pub Crawl: Soho Legends and Pub Tour
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If you’re looking for a great way to meet fellow travelers, learn some London history, and have a pint or two, consider the Soho Legends and Pub Tour. The 2.5-hour walking tour takes place in SoHo, London’s trendy entertainment district, where many famous musicians and celebrities have lived and worked. It begins at Piccadilly Circus, where the group of no more than 12 people will gather, making it easy for guests to mingle. The tour will stop at several colorful pubs along the route and guides will provide a scoop on pop culture icons as they drive to clubs where the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Jimmy Hendrix, Keith Moon, and Paul McCartney frequented.
Best Day Trip: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford Day Trip
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If you’re interested in exploring some of the world-famous attractions outside of London, consider booking the Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford day trip. The full-day tour departs from London in an air-conditioned coach, takes approximately nine hours, and includes three of England’s architectural gems. The first stop is the Queen’s official residence – Windsor Castle for audio tours and a chance to see the changing of the guard followed by free time to explore the streets of Windsor. The next step is a visit to the mysterious UNESCO site of Stonehenge, followed by a walking tour of the city of Oxford. Along the way, your guide points out historical landmarks and other attractions and offers in-depth commentary. Food and drinks are not included, but you can pick up something in Windsor.
Mejor tour gastronómico: London Food Walking Tour
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Sample traditional British food as well as some new and creative culinary works with the 3.5-hour London Food Walking Tour. The tour begins near London Bridge as a food guide leads to local pubs, market stalls, craft shops and bakeries. Travelers will visit the colorful Borough Market with more than 100 different stalls selling chocolates, sausages and other delicacies. Gain exclusive insight into current food trends and hear stories about London, as you stop for photos of Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast, the Royal Navy Cruiser. You will also have the opportunity to sample British cheeses, chutneys, cider, beer, tea, and fish and chips, a signature British dish.
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Mejor gira musical: London Rock Music Tour
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London is a hotbed of rock and roll legends, and the London Rock Music Tour explores all the famous music sites while keeping the group size to just 16 people. The tour is available for morning, afternoon, or full-day departures and includes transportation in an air-conditioned coach to legendary sites such as Abbey Road, Apple Headquarters, Jimmy Page’s House, Paul McCartney’s House, and the House of Ringo Starr. The tour visits famous music venues with connections to artists like Queen, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and more in neighborhoods like Soho, Camden Town, Hampstead, and Islington. See where Jimi Hendrix burned his first guitar, where Amy Winehouse lived and died, and walk down the famous Abbey Road.
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