London in a Day: Tower of London Tour, Westminster Abbey & River Cruise

See all of London's highlights in just one day on this in-depth tour covering more ground than any other.

Your London in a Day tour begins with first entry into Westminster Abbey, which means you'll get inside before most of the crowds show up. As you wander through its jaw-dropping, gothic nave, your guide will tell you the story of its rich and tumultuous history, pointing out all the historical details packed into every surface and corner. There are ancient orders of chivalry, tombs of household names like Isaac Newton and Charles Dickens, and of course, all the details from the royal weddings and the iconic Coronation Chair. Whether you're a devotee of English history or just love a great story, this is one of the most compelling buildings in the UK, and your guide will ensure you don't miss any of its most fascinating corners.

Please Note: Only the 9AM tour will include skip-the-line entry and a guided tour of Westminster Abbey. The 10AM tour does not include entry, but your guide will give an introduction to the Abbey from the exterior.

When you leave the Abbey you'll cross St. James's Park and head over towards Buckingham Palace. Your guide will show you where to catch the best view of the palace and tell you all about its history as a royal residence. From there, you'll swing by the Horse Guards Parade, home to the lesser-known but arguably more impressive King's Life Guard, before visiting Trafalgar Square, the historic central point of London. Standing beneath the famous lions that flank Nelson's Column, you'll learn about the navy that spread British influence around the globe, as well as the celebrity Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, whose fame in his own time rivaled that of any present-day celebrity. There are also a couple of surprises scattered around the square, like a tiny patch of American soil and the smallest police box ever made.

You'll break for lunch around midday (don't forget to ask your guide for restaurant recommendations; they know the area well and can direct you to the best spots). Once you reconvene, your London in a Day tour takes you down to the Thames to enjoy a scenic river cruise with City Cruises. You will sail past landmarks like the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Shard, the Gherkin, and of course the one and only Tower Bridge, which, as you'll experience firsthand, is best seen from the water.

The highlight of your London in a Day tour awaits you when you disembark. Using pre-reserved tickets, you'll stroll past the crowds and straight into the Tower of London for an in-depth guided tour. The first thing you'll notice is that it doesn't look like a tower. In fact, it was a fortress and royal stronghold for British monarchs for some 1,000 years. The history of the Tower of London is steeped in dark tales of imprisonment, torture, ghosts, jailbreaks, and royal blood feuds. These walls have seen scores of executions, murders, and strange disappearances. There was even a zoo here for many years!

Your guide will tell you the Tower's story as you make your way through the walls, from humorous anecdotes about the King's menagerie to the grim story of two possible heirs to the throne who never made it out. This is British royal history at its most entertaining—a favorite for both children and history buffs alike.

To finish your London in a Day tour in style, your guide will direct you to the Crown Jewels, the largest collection of coronation regalia in the world. Although they aren't allowed to accompany you inside, they'll give you the stories and backgrounds of the can't-miss pieces so their significance will be that much more apparent as you make your way through the Jewel House at your own pace.

London is not an easy city to see or even get around in a single day. This special itinerary is the result of hundreds of hours of planning to ensure you get a comprehensive view of London's history and culture, mixing the traditional and the modern to bring the city to life in a way that most visitors never get to experience.

This London in a Day tour provides the ultimate day of sightseeing in Europe’s most vibrant capital city. With the help of your expert local guide, London and its history are yours to savour.

Sites Visited

• Westminster Abbey (9AM tour only)
  Tower of London & Crown Jewels
  Tower Bridge (exterior)
  Buckingham Palace (exterior)
  St James Palace (exterior)
  Trafalgar Square
  Houses of Parliament (exterior)

• River Thames
  Big Ben (view)
  London Eye (view)
  St Paul's Cathedral (view)
  The Shard (view)
  The Gherkin (view)