Royal London, Windsor Castle and Runnymede

Cost: $195.00
Tour Length: Half Day
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

The tour begins with a panoramic drive around Parliament Square, to see Westminster Abbey, where many of our Kings, Queens, Statesmen, poets and writers are buried. See Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. You will pass all the famous sights around London's West End, including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Whitehall, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column. We include a guided tour of St Paul's Cathedral and a stop at Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard.

Next is a guided tour of Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece – St Paul’s Cathedral - crowned by the magnificent dome that is so much a part of the London skyline.

This afternoon we visit Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied Castle in the world. Its proud, strong walls dominate the delightful town that has grown around the castle over the years. Generations of Kings and Queens have conducted their business here and enjoyed its grounds, and you get a real sense of British history breathing through the walls of Windsor Castle, first founded by William the Conqueror a day’s march from London. You’ll see the lavishly decorated State Apartments* containing priceless furniture in glorious colours and St George’s Chapel, home to the 14th Century Order of the Royal Garter, our senior chivalric order.

Departing Windsor we make our way to the magnificent Runnymede, where King John met his barons in 1215 and agreed to seal the Magna Carta that was to have a profound influence on rights and freedoms, not only in England, but across much of the civilised world.

We will also see the memorial to John F Kennedy on an acre of land given to America by the people of Britain.

*Occasionally there may not be a Changing of the Guard, on these occasions we will visit Horseguards Parade.
*Due to church services St Paul’s Cathedral is closed to visitors on Sunday and we will show you the Cloisters and Chapter House of Westminster Abbey. Viewing at Windsor Castle is also restricted on Sundays. On rare occasions the State Apartments may be closed, we will instead visit Queen Mary's Dolls' House.

First-class luxury motorcoach and services of professional blue-badge guide are provided on this tour.

DURATION: Approximately 8-9 hours; Tour begins around 9am and returns around 5:30pm

AVAILABLE DATES: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday through October 31, 2008

PRICING: Adults: $195, Children (12 and under): $175, Seniors/Students: $185 (Students must present ID card)

DEPARTURE: Pick-up is available from several London hotels. Please provide your accommodation information when making your reservation and a pick-up time will be provided, if available. Otherwise, the tour will depart from Victoria Coach Station.

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