4-Night London Experience

Day 2

Accommodation

City Center View Hotel - London, London Central and Surrounds

Check in policies:

Check-in time: 2 PM

Check-out time: 12 PM

Included Unique Activities

Half Day London's Iconic Landmarks with Pub Lunch

Spend a half day wandering the streets of London with a local guide. This tour will bring you to the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Royal Park of St. James. You will even have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional English lunch at a local pub, featuring fish and chips, pie and mash (vegetarian options available), and a drink of your choice (beers, ales, wines, spirits and more). As you walk, your guide will entertain you with tales about the royals, Winston Churchill, the rebels Guy Fawkes and William Wallace, World War II and tons more! While this tour allows you to witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, availability is subject to weather conditions, special events and specific dates of operation so we cannot guarantee that it will be included in your specific tour. Before your tour ends, be sure to ask your guide for tips on what else to see and do during your stay in London!

Duration: From 3 hours to 3.5 hours

Meeting point:

Winged Statue of Eros, Piccadilly Circus.  Your guide will be standing with a large open red and white umbrella, close to the statue.

Starting time: 10.00 AM

Ending point:

Covent Garden, near Covent Garden Station

Must-See Sites

Westminster Abbey, London Central and Surrounds

On The Map: Westminster Abbey is located in the very heart of Central London, adjacent to Big Ben. Nearest Tube Stop: Westminster - served by the Circle, District & Jubilee Lines, is located just 0.2 miles north of Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey is one of the world’s great churches, with a history stretching back over a thousand years. Paying a visit is truly an essential part of any trip to London. Kings & Queens, Poets & Heroes - all are represented at the Abbey - and it has many fascinating tales to tell. Westminster has long been the traditional venue for the coronation of English Monarchs, as well as their final resting place. The current, wonderful 700-year-old building is literally brimming with amazing artifacts and stunning craftsmanship. Of particular note is The Lady Chapel, begun in 1503, and constructed at the expense of Henry VII. It is regarded as the last great masterpiece of English medieval architecture, and in 1545 was heralded as "the wonder of the entire world". The outstanding feature of the chapel is the spectacular fan-vaulted roof with carved pendants. The spectacular Waterford Crystal chandeliers in The Nave were a gift from the Guinness family, in honor of the Abbey's 900th anniversary in 1965. In front of the High Altar is another of the Abbey's treasures - a marble pavement dating from 1268. The method of its decoration is known as Cosmati work, after the Italian family who developed the technique. Audio guides are available in 12 languages, and the highly-popular Verger-led tour is also an option on-site. Westminster Abbey is usually open to visitors from Monday to Saturday throughout the year.

Big Ben, London Central and Surrounds

On The Map: Big Ben is located in the very heart of Central London, adjacent to the British Houses of Parliament. Nearest Tube Stop: Westminster - served by the Circle, District & Jubilee Lines, is located right beside Big Ben. When the Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in October 1934, it was decided that the new neo-gothic style Palace should include an imposing and impressive clock tower. Thus, one of England's most famous & instantly recognizable landmarks came to be. Interestingly, although the name Big Ben is commonly used to describe the tower, it was initially given to the Great Bell within the tower. The tower itself, which lies to the north of the Houses of Parliament, is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, and was completed in 1859. The Great Clock started on May 31, with the Great Bell's peals being heard for the first very time on July 11. It is the second largest four-faced chiming clock in the world,after that of Minneapolis City Hall, and is famed for it's unerring time-keeping accuracy. The hands of the clock are 9 and 14 feet in length, and the Great Bell (Big Ben!) weighs-in at 13 tons. Although it is possible to tour the Houses of Parliament, the Elizabeth Tower is closed to visitors. But with no lift, and 334 steps to the top, this may not be such a bad thing!

Changing of the Guard, London Central and Surrounds

Witness one of the most historical traditions in Britain - the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard is the ceremony where The Queen’s Guard hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace to the New Guard. The ceremony begins on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11:00 sharp, following a march by a detachment of the Old Guard, and lasts about 45 minutes. The Guardsmen taking part in the ceremony are highly trained infantry soldiers who, in addition to their combat role, undertake ceremonial duties. Musical support is provided by a Regimental Band or Corps of Drums with pipers occasionally taking part in the ceremony. While watching the ceremony is free and does not require tickets, it is recommended that you arrive no later than 10:15 in order to get a good viewing spot. 

Please Note: the Changing of the Guard ceremony schedule is subject to change, please check the confirmed dates before planning your experience.

Downing Street, London Central and Surrounds

Known for being the street that houses the official residences and offices of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Downing Street is a popular landmark in the city of London. The Prime Minister’s official residence is 10 Downing Street, while the Chancellor’s official residence is Number 11, both just a few minutes’ walk from the Houses of Parliament. While 10 Downing Street is not open for regular public tours, many walking tours will take you down the street so you can view the front door - subject to security measures. 

Covent Garden, London Central and Surrounds

On the map: Covent Garden, located in London’s West End, is a must-see for anyone interested in shopping, theatre, dining, history and culture. With an endless amount of things to see and do, visitors can spend multiple days in the Covent Garden area. Head to the London Transport Museum to discover the powerful link between transport and the growth of modern London, its culture and society since 1800. Check out Somerset House - a neo-classical building sitting between the Strand and the river Thames. Catch a Royal Opera performance or enjoy a guided tour at the Royal Opera House - also home to the Royal Ballet. If shopping is your cup of tea, the area is home to some of the best shopping in London - from Tom Ford and Mulberry, to Paul Smith and Apple. Wrap up your day at one of the Garden’s five-star restaurants such as Frenchie, Henrietta, or The Oystermen. 

Overnight Location

London, London Central and Surrounds

On The Map: London is located in the southwest of England. The city's fantastic transport system, including the Tube (subway), red buses and black taxis, insure you can get around the city quickly and easily.

London is the capital of England, and globally-renowned as one of the world's great cities. London is very diverse - more than 230 languages are spoken, and you'll encounter a great variety of cultures and communities throughout the city. London's history is measured in thousands, not hundreds of years, and the city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich and The Royal Botanic Gardens. Beyond these, there is an unending list of interesting attractions and places to explore. You can visit the Queen's official residence at Buckingham Palace and tour the Houses of Parliament, historic home of the UK government. Many of the most famous attractions are free to visit, like the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museums. Famous City Landmarks abound, such as Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. London is often cited as Europe's best shopping destination. Oxford Street is the central shopping hub, but quirky markets all over the city, such as in Camden Town are well worth a visit. The River Thames runs through the heart of London, and a river cruise is a great, alternate way to see the city.

Day 3

Accommodation

City Center View Hotel - London, London Central and Surrounds

Check in policies:

Check-in time: 2 PM

Check-out time: 12 PM

Included Unique Activities

Bath, Avebury & Lacock Village Tour

Your small group tour begins by heading west out of London, through the county of Wiltshire, to our first stop of the day, the ancient Roman Spa town of Bath. This city has been inhabited for around 2000 years. There are Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and a gorgeous abbey to see. It’s a fascinating town to explore, so we give you plenty of time to wander around at your own pace. After lunch in Bath, we travel deeper into rural Wiltshire to Lacock village, famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and role as a filming location (Harry Potter & Pride and Prejudice). The Abbey in the heart of the village has its own woodland grounds, and is a quirky country house of fascinating architectural styles. Our final stop of the day is the pretty village of Avebury. Here, you can wander amidst the Standing Stones, the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world - that’s right, even bigger than Stonehenge! Following Avebury, you will return to London in the early evening. This tour will give you plenty of time to investigate the secrets and understand the beauty of these famously historic locations, so be sure to take full advantage of it! 

Places you explore:

Bath - This essential English city is as gorgeous as it is historically fascinating.

Roman Baths - Soak up the fascinating facts and beautiful artefacts at one of Britain’s most famous Roman sites.

Bath’s Georgian Architecture - They say the Georgian period produced Britain's best architecture. Look around Bath and decide for yourself.

Lacock Abbey - Some of Harry Potter was filmed in the beautiful cloisters of this ancient abbey.

Avebury Neolithic Standing Stones - No one knows why the druids created this landmark. But we do know it's bigger and older than Stonehenge.

Overnight Location

London, London Central and Surrounds

On The Map: London is located in the southwest of England. The city's fantastic transport system, including the Tube (subway), red buses and black taxis, insure you can get around the city quickly and easily.

London is the capital of England, and globally-renowned as one of the world's great cities. London is very diverse - more than 230 languages are spoken, and you'll encounter a great variety of cultures and communities throughout the city. London's history is measured in thousands, not hundreds of years, and the city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich and The Royal Botanic Gardens. Beyond these, there is an unending list of interesting attractions and places to explore. You can visit the Queen's official residence at Buckingham Palace and tour the Houses of Parliament, historic home of the UK government. Many of the most famous attractions are free to visit, like the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museums. Famous City Landmarks abound, such as Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. London is often cited as Europe's best shopping destination. Oxford Street is the central shopping hub, but quirky markets all over the city, such as in Camden Town are well worth a visit. The River Thames runs through the heart of London, and a river cruise is a great, alternate way to see the city.

Day 4

Accommodation

City Center View Hotel - London, London Central and Surrounds

Check in policies:

Check-in time: 2 PM

Check-out time: 12 PM

Must-See Sites

The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square, London Central and Surrounds

Trafalgar Square is famous for its huge black lion statues that have been posed with for countless photos. The Square itself also hosts a water fountain, changing artistic statues, and occasionally has huge screens to show important events, like soccer games. Inside the National Gallery awaits original paintings by Monet, Cezanne, Rembrandt, van Gogh, Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and many more world-famous artists.  After feasting your eyes, get some sorbet and ice cream at Amorino around the corner, they make roses out of their ice cream! 

Piccadilly Circus, London Central and Surrounds

British Museum, London Central and Surrounds

The British Museum is a museum dedicated to human history, art, and culture, located in the Bloomsbury area of London. Its permanent collection, numbering some 8 million works, is among the largest and most comprehensive in existence and originates from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.

The British Museum was established in 1753, largely based on the collections of the physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane. The museum first opened to the public on 15 January 1759 in Montagu House in Bloomsbury, on the site of the current museum building. Its expansion over the following two and a half centuries was largely a result of an expanding British colonial footprint and has resulted in the creation of several branch institutions, the first being the British Museum (Natural History) in South Kensington in 1881. Some objects in the collection, most notably the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, are the objects of controversy and of calls for restitution to their countries of origin.

Until 1997, when the British Library (previously centred on the Round Reading Room) moved to a new site, the British Museum housed both a national museum of antiquities and a national library in the same building. The museum is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and as with all other national museums in the United Kingdom it charges no admission fee, except for loan exhibitions.

Day of Leisure in London, London Central and Surrounds

Today is yours to explore London at your leisure. Perhaps you are aching to revisit something you have seen in the past couple of days, or maybe you would enjoy some classic British shopping. May we suggest heading to Borough Market - London’s most renowned food and drink market - to enjoy a light lunch and browse the stalls. You can even pick out a picnic lunch and head to one of London’s many parks - we suggest Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Greenwich Park! For those looking to be entertained, check out London’s West End - home to spectacular shopping streets and a world-famous theatre district - and catch a Broadway show. No matter how you wish to spend your day at leisure, London is sure to deliver something special. 

Day 5

Included Unique Activities

Black Cab Transfer - London City to Heathrow Airport

Finish your vacation with a relaxing and easy ride to the airport in a traditional London Black Cab. Your driver will collect you and your luggage from your central London accommodation and deliver you to the terminal of your choosing. Due to traffic and unforeseen circumstances that can delay journeys to and from the airport, all transfer services are at a fixed-price to avoid costs spinning out of control.