Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Spotlight on London" tour, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Begin your adventure with a warm welcome dinner in the heart of this vibrant city. Discover London's iconic landmarks, from the majestic Westminster Abbey to the historic Tower of London. Experience the charm of the city from a retro double-decker bus and enjoy the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea or a West End theatre performance. Explore the hidden gems of Greenwich, including a culinary walking tour and a visit to the Victorian-style Cutty Sark ship. With free time to explore at your leisure and optional excursions like Windsor Castle, this tour offers a perfect blend of guided experiences and personal exploration. Conclude your London escapade with a farewell dinner in a traditional English pub, leaving you with cherished memories and new friendships. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: London
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton London - Tower of London
Get ready for a trip to one of the world’s trendiest cities, full of history, charm, and regal flair.
Day 2 : London, England
Location: London
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to London, a metropolis that is both timeless and sophisticated. Beautiful gardens hidden behind bustling city streets. Museums, monuments, and grand theaters tell a rich story that you’ll uncover on your journey. This evening, take a thirty minute walk with your new travel companions to a modern English restaurant, enjoy the vibe of the city, and kick off your tour with a welcome dinner.
Day 3 : London
Location: London
Hop on and off – all over “London Town”. Your retro double-decker bus cruises past St. Paul’s Cathedral, the buildings of Westminster and more. A local expert adds meaning to the famous scenery, which includes Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Parliament. Visit Westminster Abbey, the towering Gothic church that has been home to royal coronations and weddings. Personalize your afternoon because it’s your choice! Perhaps you’ll choose to attend a matinee performance at one of London’s many theatres -OR- maybe afternoon tea at Covent Garden is more your style. Either choice makes for a fabulous (and very British) afternoon.
Day 4 : London
Location: London
Visit the Tower of London this morning, the iconic World Heritage Site that is steeped in a dark, fascinating history. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore London at your leisure.
Day 5 : London
Location: London
Meals Included: Dinner
Today, you do you, London-style. A free day means independent exploration of London’s treasures. Or perhaps join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle, the home of kings and queens for nine centuries and the oldest royal residence still in use today. Tonight, join your new friends at a favorite London pub for a farewell dinner and toast the end of a wonderful getaway.
Day 6 : London - Greenwich - London
Location: London
Take a river bus along the River Thames en route to Greenwich to change up the view; the Tower looks entirely different from here. On arrival, explore Greenwich Market. Local stalls, specialty treats, and charming venues are perfect spots for lunch and shopping. Join a local guide for a walking culinary tour of Greenwich’s charming neighborhoods. Test your seafaring prowess onboard the Cutty Sark, a Victorian-style ship that served as a tea clipper.
Day 7 : London - Tour Ends
Location: London
It’s time to go home… with new friends, countless memories, and souvenirs from your London adventure.
What's Included
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Retro Double-Decker Bus Tour
Tour the West End from a retro double-decker bus.
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River Bus to Greenwich
Take a river bus along the River Thames to Greenwich.
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Culinary Walking Adventure
Sample British fare on a culinary walking adventure through London’s village of Greenwich.
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Dinner in a Traditional English Pub
Enjoy dinner in a traditional English pub.
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Visit to Westminster Abbey
Visit Westminster Abbey, known for its royal weddings.
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Visit to the Tower of London
Explore the famous Tower of London.
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Test Seafaring Prowess on the Cutty Sark
Test your seafaring prowess on the Victorian-style Cutty Sark ship.
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Choice of London Theatre or Afternoon Tea
Choose between attending a matinee performance in London’s iconic West End or enjoying a traditional afternoon tea at Covent Garden.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursion to Windsor Castle
The optional excursion to Windsor Castle is not included in the main tour package.
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Transportation Post-Theatre Show
Transportation back to the hotel after the theatre show is not accompanied by a Tour Manager and may require additional expenses if a taxi is chosen.
Experiences
- Take a ride on “the Tube” – London’s famous Underground.
- Tour the West End from a retro double-decker bus.
- Take a river bus along the River Thames to Greenwich.
Options
London: Windsor Castle Step into the formal world of the British Monarchy when you visit the stately and expansive Windsor Castle. His Majesty King Charles III uses Windsor as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Windsor’s 1,000 rooms comprise the largest inhabited castle in the world. It dates back to the 1070's, when William the Conqueror built the original wooden structure, now replaced by the grand stone edifices. Explore one of Britain’s most visited historic buildings, its precincts, and the State Apartments, which house a delightful collection of Royal art treasures. Enjoy time for lunch in the quaint town of Windsor before heading back to London. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the castle that houses so much British history and lore is not to be missed! Duration approximately 6 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 8 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
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Culinaries
- Sample British fare on a culinary walking adventure through London’s village of Greenwich.
- Enjoy dinner in a traditional English pub.
Must See
- Test your seafaring prowess on the Victorian-style Cutty Sark ship.
- Explore the famous Tower of London.
- Visit Westminster Abbey, known for its royal weddings.
Choice Highlights
London Retro Bus
Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey has been the site for every coronation for almost 1,000 years. The Abbey is also the home to many royal weddings, including the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
London Underground Opened in 1863, this "subway" public transport system is also known as “the Tube.” In time, it has become more extensive, now offering 11 distinct lines for easy transport.
Choice on Tour: London Theatre or Afternoon Tea Choose how to spend your day because, it's your choice! Enjoy a matinee performance in London's iconic West End -OR- sit for a traditional afternoon tea at Covent Garden.
Guests will be contacted approximately 60 days prior to tour departure to re-confirm their choice on tour.
London Theater
Activity Level 2
Guests choosing the theater option will be advised at approximately 60 days of the theater show name. Transportation is provided back to the hotel after the show via a Collette-provided Oyster Card to use on the bus or the London Underground aka 'the Tube,' but a Tour Manager will not accompany them post-show. A taxi to the hotel may be obtained at guests expense.
Afternoon Tea
Activity Level 2
The Tour Manager will accompany guests choosing the afternoon tea option. If they do not wish to stay in the Covent Garden area or continue exploring London on their own, the Tour Manager will take them back to the hotel via London Underground.
Tower of London The Tower of London first started off as a fortress in the 1070s, built by William the Conqueror. It is located along the banks of the River Thames. The famous guards of the Tower are known as Yeoman Warders. The Tower has been a treasury, prison, armory, and more.
Greenwich Culinary Walking Tour
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Mode of Transport
Experience London's iconic transport with rides on the famous Underground, a retro double-decker bus tour, and a scenic river bus journey along the River Thames to Greenwich.
Accommodation
Stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton London - Tower of London, offering comfort and convenience in the heart of the city, perfect for exploring London's iconic landmarks.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique transportation experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a ride on London's famous Underground, known as 'the Tube', a tour of the West End from a retro double-decker bus, and a river bus ride along the River Thames to Greenwich.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited during the tour?
The tour visits several key historical sites including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the Cutty Sark ship in Greenwich.
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Is there an opportunity to explore London independently during the tour?
Yes, there is free time allocated for independent exploration of London, allowing you to discover the city's treasures at your own pace.
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What options are available for personalizing the tour experience?
Participants can choose between attending a matinee performance at a London theatre or enjoying afternoon tea at Covent Garden. Additionally, there is an optional excursion to Windsor Castle.
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What culinary experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a culinary walking adventure through Greenwich, sampling British fare, and a farewell dinner in a traditional English pub.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Collette requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Spotlight on London
7 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15243
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 44
Age range:
5-99
