Essential Britain

Welcome to London!!! Once you arrive at the international airport in London, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure and witness the beauty and charm of one of the greatest cosmopolitan cities

Overnight in London

After breakfast starts your day with a half-day guided tour of London. Enjoy a whistle-stop tour of London’s famous monuments and marvel at the history of London’s modern masterpieces from the comfort of your seat. Then you will visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, towering high over the City of London, magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral is widely considered to be Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece and marvel at the beautiful mosaics inside. Then you will head towards London‘s Buckingham Palace where you can click photos. You will receive a ticket for a Point-to-Point Uber Boat Ticket. This will be valid for a one-way trip from Westminster, Embankment or Waterloo to Greenwich or vice versa. Spend your day at leisure perhaps you can choose to book one of our optional tours.

Overnight in London

Optional: Grand London Bike Tour (3H)
Available: Daily

Meeting Point: Outside the entrance to platforms 1 & 2 at Waterloo Station

Departure Time: 10:30 AM

Want to see all of London’s must-see sights and attractions? Want to hear quirky tales about London’s amazing and sometimes bizarre history? Want to visit off-the-beaten-track areas that the tour buses can’t take you? Then this is the tour for you. The Grand London tour is designed to show you London in all its glory – great monuments as well as hidden nooks and crannies and give you a taste of Londoner’s London. Cycling casually alongside riverside pathways, cycle lanes and park routes, always ensuring your complete safety, the tour includes stops at highlights such as the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the magnificent Royal Parks, where you will stop for a refueling break by the lakes. Then pedaling along the Mall, you will also we also see Admiralty Arch, Trafalgar Square, Chinatown, Covent Garden and St Paul's Cathedral. Wow! That’s quite a list of places.  Yet, true to form you will also hear about the unique, strange and amusing elements of this great city. How else would you ever find the world’s smallest police station or an ancient Egyptian tower that has survived 3,000 years; learn about the historic struggle between the town planners and the milkmaids at St. James Park; or discover the church that inspired the wedding cake?! There are so many other wonderfully eccentric characters, peculiar traditions and eyebrow-raising monuments to discover on this carefully selected route, that the GRAND LONDON TOUR is a must-do for anyone who wishes to unravel London’s most bizarre past and present.

Optional: Visit London Zoo (2.5H)
Available: Daily

Meeting Point: ZSL London Zoo, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY

Opening Hours:

5 September - 30 October 2022: 10:00 - 17:00 last entry 16:00

31 October 2022 - 10 February 2023: 10:00 - 16:00 last entry 15:00

11 February - 25 March 2023: 10:00 - 17:00 last entry 16:00

See little, large, hairy and scary animals from across the globe in the heart of London at ZSL London Zoo! Run by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), London Zoo in Regent’s Park houses a collection of 755 species of animal in beautiful, landscaped grounds. Meet rats, bats, spiders and owls and face a mystery feely-box challenge in the Black Widow’s Lair. Browse the Victorian Grim Curiosity Shop to see some creepy and eccentric objects from ZSL’s historical collections – there’s even a surprise reptilian guest! You can also visit the dark Owl Emporium to see the Zoo’s magnificent owls demonstrate their nocturnal abilities and get crafty at the Bat Cave activity zone, where you can make treats for the zoo’s short-tailed bats. Major attractions include Land of the Lions  ‘windowless view’ into the big cats’ enclosure,  Tiger Territory -  home to critically endangered Sumatran tigers,  Gorilla Kingdom - Get up close to the zoo’s western lowland gorillas in a natural environment, Penguin Beach - Catch a glimpse of the penguins shooting through the water from the underwater viewing bubble, Rainforest Life - A visit to the zoo’s reptile will also interest fans of the Harry Potter films! A scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone involving Harry and a talking Burmese python was filmed at the Reptile House. See Komodo dragons, tortoises and extremely venomous snakes and meet the black-capped squirrel monkeys.

Optional: London by Night open bus tour (1.5H)
Available: Daily

Meeting Point: London Eye, Belvedere Road, Tourist bus, London SE1 7NA.

Departure Time: 6:30 PM

This London by Night tour will reveal the floodlit splendor of London’s landmarks as dusk falls. When twilight descends upon London, the attractions of the city become imbued with a certain grandeur. This sweeping, wide–ranging tour will encompass the most distinguished and vibrant areas of this world-renowned capital, including Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and the financial district of the City. The tour also glides past eminent structures and attractions such as the world-renowned London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, inimitable Buckingham Palace, the formidable Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Embark upon this tour and discover the extraordinary allure of London at dusk.

Optional: London Dinner Cruise on River Thames (3H)
Available: Daily

Meeting Point: Boarding at Westminster Pier

Departure Time: 07:30 PM

What better way to enjoy nighttime London? No crowds and great views. And a full four-course dinner which starts as we slip our moorings. You’ll be enjoying your delicious first course as the music starts and the sights of London glide past the panoramic windows. Shortly after we’ve passed under the world-famous Tower Bridge, we’ll be serving your main course. The cruise, which takes around three hours, then heads downriver, passing Canary Wharf, and heading towards the Thames Barrier in time for dessert and coffee. As we turn back to head home, your singer starts the second set and then it’s time to hit the dance floor. Or maybe enjoy an after-dinner drink from the bar. Head upstairs to the open-air deck and you get the best view of all. Romantic for sure. Fun. It doesn’t get any better. Good food, great entertainment, and fabulous views. The best night out on the river. Don’t miss the fun, come and join in!

Spend your day at leisure perhaps you can choose to book one of our optional tours.

Overnight in London

Optional: Total London Experience (9H)
Available: Daily

Meeting Point: Bus Stop 8, Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria SW1W 9SH

Meeting Time: 07:30 AM

Departure Time: 08:00 AM

Enjoy a whistle-stop tour of London’s famous monuments and marvel at the history of London’s modern masterpieces from the comfort of your seat.  , magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral is widely considered to be Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece and marvels at the beautiful mosaics inside. *On Sundays due to church services, there is no guidance inside the cathedral. As iconic an image of London as red telephone boxes and double–decker buses, the Changing of the Guard is a not–to–be–missed royal feast of bearskin hats and red tunics. The Changing of the Guard will go ahead from Monday 23 August and will take place each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday until further notice. During its 1000-year history, this impressive fortress has been a Royal Palace, prison, mint and even a zoo! Be dazzled by the Cullinan diamonds and the spectacular Kohi–i–Noor at the Crown Jewels.

Afternoon Tea while cruising along the Thames. What a civilized way to pass the afternoon. Why not gather a group of like-minded friends to enjoy a gentle cruise and cake? And if the mood takes you, perhaps a glass of something bubbly. Of course, afternoon tea wouldn't be right without scones, jam and a generous dollop of cream, so fear not you'll find those along with the selection of finger sandwiches and cakes. Yum yum. Plus of course tea! An almost endless supply if that's what takes your fancy. All aboard for a selection of delicious sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, a selection of traditional cakes and unlimited tea and coffee or soft drinks for kids. Delicious!

Setting off from the Tower of London, take to the water on a River Thames boat ride and enjoy a tour of the London sights as you head towards the London Eye. End your day with a London Eye experience and enjoy breathtaking views of London in the luxury of your glass capsule.

Optional: Simply Stonehenge tour (7H)
Available: Daily

Meeting Point: Stop 8, Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SA

Meeting time: 8:15 AM

Departure Time: 8:30 AM

Wander around the world heritage site and be captivated by the unique rock formation! Situated on Salisbury Plain, 40-ton rocks standalone since their arrival 5,000 years ago. An abundance of theories surround Stonehenge; from the belief, it is a religious temple to an astronomical clock and even a Bronze Age burial ground! Decide for yourself whilst discovering the history behind this mysterious monument.

*Please note this is not an escorted tour

Optional: Stonehenge and Bath tour (12H)
Available: Daily

Meeting Point: Golden Tours Visitor Centre Victoria, Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SH

Meeting time: 8:15 AM

Departure Time: 8:30 AM

Standing proudly on the slopes of the river Avon, beautiful Bath was the first city in England to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The gorgeous 15th-century Bath Abbey, the stunning Georgian architecture and the romantic Pulteney Bridge, modeled on Florence's Ponte Vecchio, are all sights to linger on in the memory of your day. No tour of Bath would be complete without a visit to the famous Roman Baths that gave the city its name. This beautifully preserved bathing complex still flows with water from Britain's only hot spring. Marvel at the dazzling torch-lighting ceremony as dusk falls (not applicable in summer) and sip Bath's healing waters in the Pump Room, a stunning neo-classical salon. The true meaning of this ancient, awe-inspiring creation has been lost in the mists of time. Was Stonehenge a temple for sun worship, a healing center, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar? How did our ancestors manage to carry the mighty stones from so far away and then, using only the most primitive of tools, build this amazing structure? Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress

Optional: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath tour (11H)
Available: Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun & Mon

Meeting Point: Stop Z6 outside 50 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W 0DH

Departure Time: 08:00 AM

Steeped in history, Windsor Castle perches proudly on a lush, wooded hill overlooking the Thames. Dating back to Norman times, with sweeping landscaped gardens and turreted Round Tower, it’s easy to see why it’s the King’s favorite weekend residence royal Windsor. Enjoy a fascinating––keyhole peeks at the lavish State Apartments, home to priceless artworks by Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci, and visit St. George’s Chapel, the atmospheric final resting place of former monarchs including Henry VIII. You can visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a truly incredible structure complete with working lifts, running water, electricity, and wine bottles, all in miniature!

The true meaning of this ancient, awe-inspiring creation has been lost in the mists of time. Was Stonehenge a temple for sun worship, a healing Centre, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar? How did our ancestors manage to carry the mighty stones from so far away and then, using only the most primitive of tools, build this amazing structure? Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress. Standing proudly on the slopes of the river Avon, beautiful Bath was the first city in England to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The gorgeous 15th-century Bath Abbey, the stunning Georgian architecture, the romantic Pulteney Bridge, modeled on Florence's Ponte Vecchio, are all sights to linger on in the memory of your day. No tour of Bath would be complete without a visit to the famous Roman Baths that gave the city its name. This beautifully preserved bathing complex still flows with water from Britain’s only hot spring. Marvel at the dazzling torch–lighting ceremony as dusk falls (not applicable in summer) and sip Bath’s healing waters in the Pump Room, a stunning neo–classical salon.

Spend your day at leisure perhaps you can choose to book one of our optional tours.

Overnight in London

Optional: London, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court palace (7H)
Available: Monday & Saturday

Meeting Point: Golden Tours Visitor Centre Victoria, Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SH

Departure Time: 08:30 AM

This guided tour begins with a drive to some of the most famous sites in London. See Parliament Square and the 12 statues of famous statesmen including Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Winston Churchill. Pass by Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column, which honors Admiral Nelson in his victory in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Then, it’s on to Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner and Kensington before heading to Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace.  A royal palace in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, Hampton Court Palace was built in 1515 by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, a favorite advisor to King Henry VIII. Once the most powerful man in the English court, second only to the King, Cardinal Wolsey fell out of favor with Henry after he failed to negotiate an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon so he could marry his latest obsession, Anne Boleyn. After Wolsey’s death in 1530, Henry VIII took charge of Hampton Court, turning it into a hotel, a theatre, and a huge private playground, using it to demonstrate his enormous wealth. When William III and Mary II (1689 – 1702) took the throne in 1689, they commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to build an elegant new Baroque Palace. Queen Victoria opened the palace to the public in 1838, and it has remained one of England’s most beloved historic attractions. Wander through the vast kitchens where cooks would have worked day and night to bring Henry his poached dolphin and roasted swan, and head out to the beautiful gardens and see if you can escape the oldest surviving maze in the world. The preferred weekend residence of our current King Charles III, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Also, a favorite castle of Henry VIII, the place is now his tomb along with Queen Victoria, the Queen Mother and many more royals. Wander through the stunning State Apartments and look at St George’s Chapel, where Harry and Meghan married. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is a must-see, with hot and cold running water, electricity and tiny items made by 1,500 of the finest craftspeople of the 20th century

Optional: Day trip to York by Rail including open top Bus (15H)
Available: Monday to Friday

Meeting Point: Meet your representative outside the ticket office in Kings Cross Station.

Meeting Time: 07:30 AM

Departure Time: 08:00 AM

Unrivaled in Britain for its magical charm and beauty, this walled city on the river Ouse was the northern capital in Roman times. The Open Top Bus Tour departs from outside the station and takes you all around the ancient city, including the famous medieval street, the Shambles; museums and galleries such as Castle Museum; and York Minster, a massive gothic cathedral with outstanding stained-glass windows. Your return train departs at 7:31 pm and arrives back in London

Optional: The Beatles and Liverpool tour
Available: Monday to Saturday

Meeting Point: Outside the Rail ticket office in Euston Station

Meeting Time: 6:30 AM

The Beatles Story exhibition at Albert Dock shows the lives and times of John, Paul, George and Ringo, from the band's early days right through to their solo careers.  We have booked you in the afternoon on a specialist 2-hour coach tour of iconic Liverpool Beatles landmarks. Meet your guide at Albert Dock where you'll step aboard the colorful Magical Mystery Tour coach for a fun and fascinating tour of Beatles Liverpool.  You’ll see all the places associated with John, Paul, George and Ringo as they grew up, met and formed the band that would take the pop world by storm. See the Beatle's childhood homes, schools and colleges and get up close to places that inspired some of their most memorable songs – Penny Lane and Strawberry Field. You’ll be kept entertained along the way by one of our professional Beatles Guides and some Fab Four tunes. The tour finishes at the legendary Cavern Club where you can enjoy live music every afternoon from the Cavern’s resident musicians and collect your exclusive souvenir complimentary with your tour ticket. Your train departs at 6:47 pm from Liverpool Lime Street, station arriving back in London Euston

Spend your day at leisure perhaps you can choose to book one of our optional tours.

Overnight in London

Optional: Cambridge and Oxford tour (10H)
Available: Daily

Meeting Point: Golden Tours Visitor Centre, Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SH

Departure Time: 08:30 AM

Follow in the footsteps of Oxford's famous students, from C.S. Lewis to Bill Clinton, as you stroll the captivating college courtyards and cobbled lanes of this historic university town. Take in the famous 'dreaming spires' and see the Bodleian Library – one of the oldest libraries in Europe – on your visit. You'll be captivated by the unspool narrow alleys and ancient squares of this naturally beautiful town.  Once you’ve left Oxford, you’ll make your way to the beautiful city of Cambridge. It’s here that you will visit the Senate House at the world-famous University of Cambridge. Before being used by the Council of the Senate for important meetings, it is now the chosen location for students’ degree ceremonies. You’ll get to explore this special location and discover its important history before venturing onto the Corpus Clock!  Visit the Corpus Clock, a unique invention outside the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University. Revealed to the world by Stephen Hawking, it is made from a 24-carat gold-plated stainless steel disc and has no numbers to tell the time. Instead, it shows the time through lights that shine through individual slits. This unmissable innovation will stay in your mind long after you’ve left!  You’ll also get to see Cambridge’s Mathematical Bridge during your stop. Designed by William Etheridge, it is nearly 300 years old and has attracted visitors from all across the world. The design gives visitors an intriguing conundrum – it uses only straight timbers but the bridge arches. It’s an absolute must-see!

King’s College Chapel

One of the main highlights of the trip is visiting the exquisite King’s, College Chapel. Used as a symbol representing the city of Cambridge, the Chapel is a popular tourist attraction for people across the world. Taking a century to build, starting in 1446 on Henry VI’s demands, King’s College Chapel displays wonderful gothic architecture and huge, enchanting stained glass windows. Featuring the world’s largest fan vault and famous artwork from Rubens, there’s plenty to learn and discover at the home of the King’s College Chapel Choir.

Optional: Oxford, Stratford-Upon- Avon, Cotswold’s & Warwick Castle (11H)
Available: Daily

Meeting Point: Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SH

Departure Time: 8:30 AMOxford is famous for being home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world – countless bright young things have wandered the town’s cobbled streets over the years! During this guided walking tour, you will see the stunning University Church of St Mary the Virgin and furtively discover unspoiled narrow alleyways, ancient squares, and towering spires. The University Church of St Mary the Virgin is an Oxford church situated on the north side of the High Street. It is the center from which the University of Oxford grew, and its parish consists almost exclusively of university and college buildings. All tour options include entry into the Church. After visiting Oxford, you will leave the university city and return to London.   Enjoy views of breathtaking countryside, sleepy villages, and bustling market towns as we drive through the charming scenery of one of England's most beautiful regions. Shakespeare’s Birthplace at Stratford–Upon–Avon A market town with a difference, Stratford–upon–Avon is the famous home of arguably the world's greatest writer, William Shakespeare. Visit the picturesque half–timbered house where the legendary Bard was born to gain fascinating insights into his childhood.  See where the famous playwright grew up and spent his years as a married man.   Be part of Britain’s Greatest Medieval Experience! Deep in the heart of Warwick Castle, the Great Hall becomes a hive of activity! Immerse yourself in battle preparations and feel the weight of a medieval sword. Become a soldier – try on a battle helmet for size! Visit the spectacular State Rooms and feast your eyes on Victorian party preparations.

Optional: Day Trip to Cardiff includes entry to Cardiff Castle and Open Top Bus (13H)
Available: Daily

Meeting Point: Paddington station: Praed St, London W2 1HB

Departure Time: 08:00 AM

Hop on and off to explore all the attractions and famous landmarks in and around Wales' capital city! With 14 stops along our route, you'd be sure to see Cardiff Castle and Bute park, Principality Stadium, Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff's Civic Centre and more!

Cardiff Bay is a great area to explore. Jump off the bus, admire the modern Wales Millennium Centre, visit the Craft in the Bay Gallery and the fascinating Cardiff Barrage or stop for a drink at the Mermaid Quai, ideal for an evening break. If you are looking for a family-friendly activity in this area you may want to have a look at Techniquest, an interactive science discovery centre including a 360° Planetarium. Once you have covered Cardiff's Bay area, get back on the bus to head to the city centre. Cardiff City has a combination of designer brands, high street shops and independent stores the city is a fantastic place to go shopping and is considered one of the top ten shopping destinations in Britain!

Be sure to grab a pair of earphones and listen in to our informative multi-lingual audio commentary. Or get amazed by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic local guides!

Today you will be transfer back to one of London's international airports for your onward flight.