Enter the Tower of London and spend the morning discovering the rich history waiting inside. Then see London by water on a Thames river cruise.
Morning at the Tower with Crown Jewels, Optional Opening Ceremony & Thames River Cruise
Summary Description
Highlights
- Enjoy a morning visit to the Tower of London.
- See the Crown Jewels without the usual crowds.
- Uncover the history of the Tower from an expert guide.
- If selected: Witness the famous Opening Ceremony.
- Board a sightseeing cruise on the River Thames.
Description
Step inside a former royal residence and experience history brought to life with a complete tour of the Tower of London by an expert Blue Badge guide. You’ll get an up-close view of the precious Crown Jewels and a complete tour of the complex. Hear the history behind the Bloody Tower, Traitor’s Gate, and the ravens kept within the Tower—along with the many specters said to haunt these halls. Unlock even more Tower of London secrets and watch the storied Opening Ceremony by select the Opening Ceremony option when booking. Finish with a relaxing river cruise down the River Thames.
Your tour begins outside the Tower, where your expert guide will give you the context needed to understand the significance the site holds—not only in the pages of history, but its continued relevance today. Once the doors open, you'll step inside this historic building, with your guide bringing you directly to the Jewel House. Armed with the knowledge that makes these gemstones so important, feast your eyes on the 23,000 gemstones contained within the Crown Jewels. For a behind-the-scenes look of day-to-day life at the Tower of London, select the Opening Ceremony option when booking. The Opening Ceremony is a notable military ritual that officially opens the famous historical edifice.
Afterwards, your guide will lead you out onto the castle ramparts. Take in the gorgeous view of the Thames before exploring the personal chambers of past kings and discovering the intriguing stories of betrayal and power behind the Traitor’s Gate and the Bloody Tower. You’ll also discover why a superstition holds that ravens be kept within the Tower at all times.
Retracing the paths of former prisoners of the Tower, you’ll step into the Torture Tower where you’ll discover the methods used to extract confessions and the exact spots where famous characters in history spent their final days.
Your last stop on the tour will be the White Tower. Here you’ll see the armory and discover the function behind specific pieces of armor and how they changed throughout the centuries. After parting ways from your guide, you’ll be free to explore further on your own, equipped with the complete story of the Tower and its importance as a symbol of royal, state and historic power. You’ll also receive a flexible one-way boat pass for a London sightseeing river cruise to be used on any day and from any pier.
Included / Excluded
- Certified Blue Badge guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Small group of 20 guests maximum
- Entrance to Tower of London
- Flexible one-way London river cruise pass
- If selected: Opening Ceremony viewing
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- All guests must pass through security.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- We recommend you bring a water bottle (to protect the environment we don't provide plastic bottles). You'll be able to fill your bottle on tour.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- Please note that for security reasons bag searches will take place at Tower of London.
- There is no guiding allowed in the White Tower for groups of more than 10. In Peak Season no guiding inside The White Tower at all.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no-shows are non-refundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.
Options and Pricing
Morning at the Tower Tour Base Price
| Morning at the Tower Tour Base Price | RETAIL PRICE |
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Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 20
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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