See the best that royal London has to offer in a single morning! Begin your day at the famed and somewhat infamous Tower of London, a former prison and execution site of three Queens of England. Here you will also visit the Jewel House, where you will see the crown jewels which have been held here and locked up for safekeeping every night for the last 600 years. This priceless collection includes magnificent orbs, swords, rings and of course, crowns and scepters. During your visit you will also be able to see the famous white tower, where it is said that the ‘Princes in the Tower’ were held and supposedly murdered by their Uncle Richard III to usurp the throne from their father, King Edward IV. Then it’s time to step aboard a relaxing river shuttle as the tour heads up the Thames. Enjoy the sights as your guide points out major landmarks as you coast by. Arrive at the embankment and follow your guide on a short stroll to see the Changing of the Guard either at Buckingham Palace or at the Horse Guards Parade, depending on the day. Your guide will be sure to explain the nuances of this ceremony and help you understand it's place in British imperial history. Following the Changing of the Guard, you'll visit Buckingham Palace, the residence of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh and see the famous balcony where the royal family appears during major events. Ask your guide for some lunch recommendations and enjoy some free time to try traditional English fare before continuing your journey to Windsor Castle. Your guide will meet you at a central London station and with your pre-booked tickets in hand, where you can settle comfortably into your seat as the scenic English countryside drifts by. Your guide will be sure to give you a complete introduction to Windsor and it's royal history before arriving in the charming English town. Meander through cobbled lanes bordered by black and white Tudor edifices and peek through traditional blown-glass windows as your guide offers fascinating insight into life, both past and present, of the royal family. Your trip to Windsor includes a stop at the most famous school in England, Eton College, before heading to Windsor Castle. At Windsor Castle your guide will teach you all about the longest occupied palace in Europe, having housed all British monarchs since Henry I and is favored by Queen Elizabeth II as her weekend retreat. Explore the ornate State Apartments where visiting dignitaries are hosted among artworks by Rembrandt and Rubens. Delight in Queen Mary’s dollhouse, a perfect miniature of an aristocratic home lavishly furnished with the finest of tiny handmade artifacts. This castle tour is the perfect way to end a day filled with royal British history before you make your way back to London!
