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Private viewing of Leeds Castle plus exclusive cruise on the River Thames with tea and scones

Return: Westminster Pier at 6.45pm where the tour finishes

Highlights:

Private viewing of Leeds castle - The loveliest castle in the world.

Lunch in Dover (food and drinks not included)

Entrance to Canterbury Cathedral

Walking tour of historic Greenwich

Tea/sparkling wine and scones served on the cruise along the River Thames

The Tour:

LEEDS CASTLE

Described as the "loveliest castle in the world", Leeds Castle was once a Royal residence for six of Englands medieval queens, a palace of Henry VIII, and a retreat for the rich and powerful. The setting is simply idyllic. The Norman castle was built on two small islands, in the middle of a lake, and is surrounded by a vast estate. Our day begins with a private viewing prior to the castle opening to the public. We will explore the chapel, galleries, courtyards and banqueting hall before taking time to enjoy the setting and wildlife, which includes wildfowl, black swans and the birds of the aviary.

DOVER

Youve heard of the famous white cliffs of Dover? This is your chance to see them. Following our scenic drive along the old coastal road, we take lunch* in Dover, with a chance to see the historic white cliffs. On a clear day you can even see France. Dover itself is an historic port with a magnificent 12th century castle. *(Food and drinks not included in the price).

CANTERBURY

The ancient city of Canterbury has been the centre of Christian worship for almost 1,700 years. Its greatest treasure is the cathedral, infamous as the setting for the brutal murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170. When Henry II snapped "Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?", four of his knights rode to the Cathedral and sliced Becketts head off. Canterbury became the centre of one of the most important medieval pilgrimages in Europe, immortalised by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. Your ticket includes entrance to the Cathedral and also allows some free time to explore the atmospheric old town.

GREENWICH AND THAMES CRUISE

Packed with exquisite parks, gardens, and architecture, Greenwich has strong connections with the sea, science, sovereigns and time. We will have time to take a look at the Cutty Sark, the fastest sailing ship of its time. As the early evening approaches we enjoy an exclusive reception of tea/sparkling wine and scones, as we gently cruise back to the centre of London. We will pass by historic sights such as the Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, before arriving at Westminster pier where our tour ends

Price: £69 adults | £65 child (up to 16 years)

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A full day tour of London including the Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral and enjoy cream tea at Harrods

Return: Tour finishes approx 17:30 at Harrods

Highlights:

Private guided tour of the Tower of London with Yeoman Warder

Be the first group to visit the Crown Jewels

Panoramic drive seeing the icons of London; Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Harrods and much more

See Changing of the Guard - subject to availability

Thames River Cruise - see St. Pauls Cathedral, the Globe Theatre and much more

Pub lunch in Whitehall (food/drink not included)

Visit St Pauls with professional guide and fast entry ticket

Cream tea and scones at Harrods

The Tour:

THE TOWER OF LONDON ...private tour away from the crowds...

Following our coach drive past some of Londons most famous landmarks including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament we arrive at the Tower of London where we are met on the middle drawbridge by our very own Yeoman Warder. Leading us into this world heritage site before it opens to the public our Beefeater will take us on a private guided tour explaining the history behind this fortress of imprisonment and torture. We are also the first group to see the Crown Jewels before enjoying some free time to explore on our own. Why not visit Traitors Gate, the armouries or the Bloody Tower? And keep an eye out for the famous Ravens. Tradition has it that if the Ravens leave the Tower the monarch will fall!

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Departing the Tower we head to The Mall to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony as one of the Queens Foot Guard Household Regiments march from St. James Palace to Buckingham Palace to military music dressed in their world famous tunics and busbies.*

THAMES RIVER CRUISE & PUB LUNCH

Next we enjoy a short cruise on the River Thames as we enjoy excellent views of St. Pauls Cathedral and Shakespeares Globe before heading for a traditional pub lunch in Whitehall, close to Downing Street, the residence of the Prime Minister (food/drink not included). After lunch we have a photo stop at Westminster Abbey.

ST PAULS CATHEDRAL

The afternoon part of the tour begins with a visit to St Pauls Cathedral. We shall explore this masterpiece designed by Wren in 1673, highlights of the tour will include listening to the 1695 organ that Mendelssohn once played and visit the tombs of Nelson and Wellington. With your professional guide test the unique acoustics of the Whispering Gallery (not normally visited by tour groups).On Sundays when there is restricted viewing at the Cathedral there will be an opportunity to enter and enjoy one of the services.

AFTERNOON TEA AT HARRODS

Then we head through Knightsbridge to one of the worlds most famous stores - Harrods where we finish our day with tea and scones served inside a the Terrace Bar. Tea includes tea, scones, jam and clotted cream. Why not end you day with a bit of shopping at this amazing store.

*If the Changing of the Guard is not taking place you will still see Buckingham Palace and then visit the Horse Guards Parade

Price: £80 adults | £74 child (up to 16 years)

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