Discover the charm of London through a unique combination of a vintage bus tour, scenic Thames cruise, and a classic British meal. This 4.5-hour adventure takes you on a journey past iconic landmarks, from the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace. With knowledgeable guides and the option for vegetarian meals, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that blends sightseeing with local cuisine. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this London tour promises to immerse you in the city’s rich history and culture. But what makes this experience truly special is the opportunity to…
Good To Know
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Offers a 4.5-hour experience that combines a vintage open-top bus tour and a Thames river cruise to explore major London landmarks.
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Includes a stop at Buckingham Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard (morning tours only) and a traditional fish and chips meal at a local pub.
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Priced starting from $88.55 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
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Departs from Victoria coach station, with the recommendation to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
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Highly rated by customers for its knowledgeable guides, efficient service, and overall enriching experience of sightseeing and local cuisine.
Tour Overview
The London Vintage Bus Tour and Thames Cruise offers a comprehensive 4.5-hour experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s iconic landmarks aboard a vintage open-top bus and riverboat.
Priced from $88.55 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to check availability for starting times. Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
The booking process is convenient, as travelers can reserve their spot and pay nothing today.
This tour is an excellent way to see major sights like the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Westminster Abbey, plus enjoy a traditional fish and chips meal at a central London pub.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
Itinerary Highlights
On this 4.5-hour tour, guests will experience a 3.5-hour journey aboard a vintage open-top bus and riverboat, showcasing London’s most iconic landmarks.
Along the way, you’ll see:
- The Tower of London
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- London Bridge
- Westminster Abbey
The tour also includes a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace, allowing you to witness the Changing of the Guard (only on morning tours).
The experience concludes with a traditional fish and chips meal at a central London pub.
Inclusions and Pricing
This tour package includes an open-top bus tour with a live English-speaking guide, a river Thames cruise, a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace, and a traditional fish and chips meal at a pub in central London. Vegetarian options are available with 24-hour advance notice. The tour is priced from $88.55 per person and is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the tour for a full refund. Customers can reserve their spot and pay nothing today.
Tour Inclusions | Pricing |
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Open-top bus tour | From $88.55 per person |
River Thames cruise | Free cancellation up to 24 hours |
Buckingham Palace photo stop | Reserve now, pay later |
Fish and chips meal |
Meeting Point and Requirements
Typically, tours depart from Victoria coach station, located at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London.
To ensure a smooth experience, guests should:
- Arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Look for the tour operator’s signs or representatives to identify the correct departure gate.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking on cobblestone streets and steps.
- Refrain from bringing large bags or pets, as they aren’t permitted on the tour.
The tour may switch to a closed-top bus in rare cases of inclement weather, so it’s recommended to check the forecast and pack accordingly.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews Summary
Reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guides who provide insightful commentary throughout the tour.
With an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 39 reviews, customers were particularly impressed by the quality of the guided service, rating it 5 out of 5.
The transportation experience on the vintage bus and riverboat also received strong reviews at 4.4/5.
While the overall organization was rated 4.2/5, customers noted some confusion regarding directions to the meeting point.
Nevertheless, the tour’s efficient service and the delightful fish and chips meal have left most patrons satisfied with their experience.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Customers can reserve their spot on the London Vintage Bus Tour and Thames Cruise by booking online. This tour offers a convenient "reserve now, pay later" option, allowing travelers to secure their spot without any upfront payment.
The tour also features a flexible cancellation policy, providing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Some key details about the booking and cancellation policy include:
- Ability to reserve your spot online without immediate payment
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
- Full refund for canceled bookings within the 24-hour window
- Availability is limited, so it’s recommended to book early
Weather Considerations
The open-top bus experience on the London Vintage Bus Tour may be changed to a closed-top bus on rare occasions due to inclement weather.
Be prepared for rain, as the tour often operates rain or shine. While the open-top bus provides excellent views, it doesn’t offer much protection from the elements.
In the event of heavy rain or severe weather, the tour operator will switch to a closed-top bus to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Checking the forecast before your tour and dressing appropriately can help you make the most of the journey, regardless of the weather conditions.
Experience Highlights
Setting out on a 3.5-hour tour aboard a vintage open-top bus and riverboat, guests witness major landmarks across London’s skyline.
Key highlights include:
- Viewing the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, London Bridge, and Westminster Abbey
- Catching a glimpse of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (on morning tours)
- Enjoying a traditional fish and chips meal at a central London pub
- Snapping photos during the river cruise along the Thames
This immersive experience offers a unique way to explore London’s iconic sights and savor local cuisine, providing an unforgettable day for both first-time and returning visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Upgrade to a Private Tour?
No, there’s no option to upgrade to a private tour. This tour is only available as a shared group experience. To get a more personalized experience, you’d need to book a private tour through a different provider.
Do You Provide Any Restroom or Snack Breaks?
The tour provides scheduled restroom and snack breaks during the approximately 4.5-hour experience. Passengers can use the facilities and purchase additional refreshments at select stops along the route. The timing of these breaks is managed by the tour guide.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Landmark?
The tour spends approximately 30-45 minutes at each major landmark, allowing guests to disembark, take photos, and learn about the site’s history from the guide. The specific time spent varies depending on the size and popularity of each location.
Is Audio Commentary Available on the Bus?
Yes, audio commentary is available on the bus tour. It provides information about the landmarks and sights along the route, enhancing the overall experience for passengers.
Can You Accommodate Dietary Restrictions Beyond Vegetarian?
Yes, the tour can accommodate dietary restrictions beyond vegetarian with 24-hour advance notice. Guests can request gluten-free, nut-free, or other dietary needs when booking, and the provider will work to meet their requirements.
Sum Up
This London tour offers a delightful blend of sightseeing and local cuisine. Guests can explore iconic landmarks by vintage bus, cruise along the Thames, and savor traditional fish and chips. With knowledgeable guides and flexible meal options, the tour provides a unique and memorable experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, this adventure is sure to charm and delight.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in London
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