Spotlight on London

Spotlight on London

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7 Days From

$2399

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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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Sample British fare on a culinary walking adventure through London’s village of Greenwich.

Itinerary

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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

  • Retro Double-Decker Bus Tour

    Tour the West End from a retro double-decker bus.

  • River Bus to Greenwich

    Take a river bus along the River Thames to Greenwich.

  • Culinary Walking Adventure

    Sample British fare on a culinary walking adventure through London’s village of Greenwich.

  • Dinner in a Traditional English Pub

    Enjoy dinner in a traditional English pub.

  • Visit to Westminster Abbey

    Visit Westminster Abbey, known for its royal weddings.

  • Visit to the Tower of London

    Explore the famous Tower of London.

  • Test Seafaring Prowess on the Cutty Sark

    Test your seafaring prowess on the Victorian-style Cutty Sark ship.

  • 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

  • Optional Excursion to Windsor Castle

    The optional excursion to Windsor Castle is not included in the main tour package.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Valeri White (Google Reviewer)  

If you’re looking for a...

06-Jan-2024

If you’re looking for a worry free group travel experience, Collette is perfect! You’ll be picked up at your door and taken to the airport. When you land at your destination, one of their professional tour managers will meet you at the airport. From there, you will be part of the highest quality tour company. They take pride in taking care of their travelers and creating memories in each location. Have loved every tour! ...more ...less

Rachel Epple (Google Reviewer)  

In 2024 I took two...

16-Dec-2024

In 2024 I took two Collette trips and had a wonderful time! I recommend Collette for travelers who are looking to learn and be active while touring new destinations. The Canadian Rockies by Train tour in Fall was beautiful. My Collette Tour Manager, Clare Martin, was amazing- knowledgeable, kind and very organized. The itinerary was so much fun and the hotels were great. We spent a lot of time outdoors, exploring the national parks, lakes, mountains and towns. Banff & Lake Louise were stunning! The food selections were varied and incorporated a lot of local flavors. There was a fair amount of down time if you do not elect to partake in the optional excursions. Sunny Portugal in October was the perfect time to go. My Tour Manager, Jose Eleuterio Alves Nunes Ferreira, ensured our group saw the best of Portugal! He was able to surprise us with live music and wonderful local treats each day. The optional excursions for a cave and grotto boat cruise as well as the Fado night were exceptional. I enjoyed the Algarve the best, but our itinerary was outstanding. We even had a picnic, on a mountain side, with a bread making demo. On both trips, Collette used brand new Mercedes Benz motor coaches with excellent drivers. We were kept safe and well attended to the entire trip. From the hometown pick up transportation to the airport to the flight scheduling, all our needs were met. I cannot recommend Collette enough! You’ll have a wonderful time, eat plenty of local food/drinks, and meet many fun loving individuals while seeing the best sights. ...more ...less

Dirk Ebener (Google Reviewer)  

We visited Italy with Collette...

16-Feb-2025

We visited Italy with Collette Tours, and toured Tuscany and Umbria. It was a 5 Star experience! Everything was extremely well planned, the hotel selection was fabulous, and the program very well done. It was the perfect mix of sight seeing, culture, education, and local impressions. Our tour guide Luca, together with our bus driver, was very, very knowledgeable, and they provided an excellent tour experience. The restaurant recommendations and selections were spot on. We always felt independent and part of a great tour. Collette Tours is the very best way to travel in a tour experience. ...more ...less

Deborah Bozarth (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a group...

24-Oct-2023

I went on a group tour through Collette. It was fabulous. Our Tour director, Paula, could not have been better. We went to Sicily and Southern Italy. Everything we did was so fun and the dinners were delicious. Paula made sure those with food issues had exactly what they needed. I am planning another tour next Spring and will definitely be using Collette Tours! ...more ...less

Diane Clifton (Google Reviewer)  

More than half of our...

01-Nov-2024

More than half of our tour days were rainy. Our tour manager said it was Italy’s rainy season when we complained. Why offer a tour during the rainy season? Half of our group came down with colds. A few tours were canceled due to the weather. Definitely don’t go to Italy in October. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Wednesday

May 08, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$2399 (USD)

Thursday - Wednesday

May 22, 2025 - May 28, 2025
$2399 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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:

Collette

Tour code:

15243

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 44

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2399 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 27-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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