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Best of London in 7 Days Tour
London has just what you need for a quick escape: direct flights, the best live theater scene on the planet, an inviting pub on every corner, and the simple pleasure of conversing with Europeans with (almost) no language barrier. During your week-long stay in London, your Rick Steves guide will lead you on a magical history tour along the Thames and through the Tower, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's, historic neighborhoods, and plenty of priceless art — and even take you on a train trip to Windsor Castle. Join us for the Best of London in 7 Days!
Dates & Prices
2023
2024
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- Nov 19–Nov 25 (Su–Sa)
- $2,595 + Air
Opportunity to spend Thanksgiving in London!
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- Jun 4–Jun 10 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Jun 11–Jun 17 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Jun 18–Jun 24 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Jun 25–Jul 1 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Jul 2–Jul 8 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Jul 9–Jul 15 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Jul 16–Jul 22 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Aug 13–Aug 19 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Aug 20–Aug 26 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Aug 27–Sep 2 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Sep 3–Sep 9 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Sep 10–Sep 16 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Sep 17–Sep 23 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Sep 24–Sep 30 (Su–Sa)
- $2,695 + Air
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- Oct 1–Oct 7 (Su–Sa)
- $2,595 + Air
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- Oct 8–Oct 14 (Su–Sa)
- $2,595 + Air
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- Oct 15–Oct 21 (Su–Sa)
- $2,595 + Air
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- Dec 3–Dec 9 (Su–Sa)
- $2,595 + Air
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- Dec 26–Jan 1 (Tu–Mo)
- $2,695 + Air
Opportunity to celebrate New Year's Eve in London!
What's Included
You'll get at least 18 group sightseeing events — at no extra cost!
Here's what you'll see and do on our Best of London tour:
- London neighborhood walk and Tube orientation
- Visitor Oyster Card for Underground (Tube) and bus transportation
- London panoramic bus tour
- Westminster Abbey
- Whitehall walking tour
- Churchill War Rooms
- Opening ceremony at the Tower of London
- Tower of London "Beefeater" tour
- "City" walking tour
- Afternoon tea
- British Museum
- Windsor day trip
- Windsor Castle
- East End food tour
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- Globe Theatre
- South Bank walk
- Borough Market
Plus you'll get all this, too.
- A small, friendly group of 24–28 people — half the size of most tour groups
- Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of London come alive for you
- All group transportation during the week in London
- 6 nights' accommodations in a memorable, centrally located hotel
- All breakfasts and half your dinners
- All tips for guides
- A tour kit including a guidebook (when available) and a moneybelt
- Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
- Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken with us
- Flexibility should you need to transfer or cancel your tour
Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above.
Group sightseeing events subject to change.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to London
We'll meet at our hotel in central London at 3 p.m. to get acquainted. Then we'll set off on a neighborhood walk before stepping aboard our very own double-decker bus for a panoramic tour of "The Old Smoke" (London). We'll finish the evening with a "Welcome to London" dinner together.
Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain.
Day 2: Westminster and Whitehall
After an Underground/Tube orientation, we'll wander through the City of Westminster. Our walk will take us down Whitehall and through St. James Park, a favorite for its resident pelicans, on our way to the majestic Westminster Abbey. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the abbey, where England's kings and queens have been crowned and buried since 1066, and continue with a history-laced walking tour along Whitehall. After a busy morning, we'll rest our feet while enjoying that quintessentially English experience: afternoon tea. Then you'll be ready to explore the treasure-packed British Museum.
Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain.
Day 3: The Tower, The City, and St. Paul's
This morning we'll head out early to witness the opening ceremony at the medieval Tower of London. We'll join a Yeoman Warder "Beefeater" for an entertaining tour and a close-up look at the UK's magnificent collection of Crown Jewels. This afternoon, we'll take a walking tour of The City, the oldest part of London and today one of the world's key financial centers. Then we'll continue on to England's national church — Christopher Wren's majestically domed St. Paul's Cathedral — and hear how local "fire watcher" volunteers saved this symbol of British resolve during the bombing raids of World War II. Your evening is free — consider staying near St. Paul's to hear the evensong.
Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain.
Day 4: East London and the Churchill War Rooms
Today we'll venture out to the culturally diverse East End of London, where we'll find our lunch on a food tour. The tour will guide us through the history of the East End, tasting the influence of cultures along the way — from Indian curries to the beloved London takeaway fish and chips. Once we've had our fill, we'll visit the Churchill War Rooms, where we'll get the inside story on the London Blitz and Britain's leadership during World War II. This evening is free and perfect for the theater (book a popular show in advance online or pick up a ticket in London).
Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain.
Day 5: Historic Windsor Castle
Today we'll catch a train and head out of town to Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest castle residence in the world. We'll spend the morning touring the Royal Family's castle, ornate St. George's Chapel, and the surrounding park. The remainder of the day is yours for poking around the quaint town of Windsor or for more sightseeing back in London. This is another good night for the theater.
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Train: 2 hours.
Day 6: Borough Market and the South Bank
We'll begin our morning with a tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the half-timbered and thatched-roofed replica of the original theater that was home to the playwright's productions in the late 1500s. Then we'll take a walking tour along the South Bank of the Thames. We'll see the Tower Bridge and Southwark Cathedral, and learn how this side of the river has evolved since Roman times. We'll end our tour at Borough Market, one of the oldest and largest food markets in London, with colorful produce and the wafting scents of grilled-cheese and duck-confit sandwiches. The afternoon is yours to enjoy lunch at the market, visit the Tate Modern, hop on a Thames River cruise, or take a ride on the London Eye. Tonight, we'll meet for our "last supper" and raise a toast to London and new friends. Cheers!
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs.
Day 7: Tour Over After Breakfast
Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. Heathrow and Gatwick airports can be easily reached by Tube, train, or taxi from our London neighborhood. For those not ready to return home yet, London is a great jumping off point to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, and many other exciting destinations. Cheerio!
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
Physical Demands
Our tours are physically active! It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. On our Best of London in 7 Days tour — among other things — you'll need to happily…
- Carry your luggage up several flights of stairs to reach your hotel room.
- Be on your feet, walking and standing, for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
- Sleep with street noise and no (or weak) air conditioning.
- After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate around the city on your own.
- Be able to climb many flights of stairs in and out of the London Underground system.
Reviews
Steve
Tour: 05/07/23
Overall rating:
Excellent tour.....saw lots in London and our guide was fantastic!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Really enjoyed seeing the London Theatre district."
Ellen
Tour: 05/07/23
Overall rating:
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St Paul tour"
Alison
Tour: 05/07/23
Overall rating:
London was spectacular! It was so much fun being in London during the Coronation. The city was decorated and there was a celebratory atmosphere. Our tour guide was wonderful and very knowledgeable. A lot was packed into 7 days. It was easy to get around the city on the Tube. I wish we had more time when visiting the British Museum. Took a day trip to Cambridge and Oxford the day before our tour started and really enjoyed both locations. Also, the hotel was in a very good location.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved the Tower of London! Seeing the Crown Jewels up close (especially after watching the Coronation) was exciting. I also thoroughly enjoyed our English Tea."
Marcia
Tour: 05/07/23
Overall rating:
I so much appreciated having Jeanie Carmichael as our tour guide. She was ever so helpful, informative and enjoyable. I very much liked having the history of sites explained to us as well as details I never knew about in London.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"One of my favorites was being introduced to areas I hadn't known about - East End, on the food tour, and Borough Market which I loved. You are right about the grilled cheese sandwiches, and I suggest you add the lavender lemonade across from Kappacasein Dairy, at Marche du Quartier."
Tom
Tour: 05/07/23
Overall rating:
Loved it, wish I had more time in London, plenty to see. 10+ miles a day for seven straight days. Need new feet.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Brian leading the tour through Saint Paul’s. Also enjoyed the food tour of the East End"
Blair
Tour: 05/07/23
Overall rating:
Due to the coronation occurring the day prior to the start of the tour, the itinerary was changed slightly but we did not miss out on anything. Jeanie was wonderful and through her expert guidance we were able to see everything we wanted to see when on our own time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There are too many “wow” moments to choose just one. Due to the coronation, all of London was decorated and sparkling for our visit. Store fronts were covered with flowers and other decorations and the monuments were all shining with their newly applied gold leaf."
Kathleen
Tour: 04/23/23
Overall rating:
Fun, fast paced tour of London. We got loaded Oyster cards & traveled on the Underground, trains, buses & walking. Loved the pace & exploring this great city.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My WoW was my independent time. Met up with a friend from the past. Also loved exploring the street art. There is so much creativity."
Martha
Tour: 04/23/23
Overall rating:
Great tour and wonderful way to see and experience London.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey so full of history."
Michelle
Tour: 04/23/23
Overall rating:
Our guide, Gillian, was fantastic! She made every part of the country and city come alive with her wonderful knowledge.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Tower of London.....wow, the history! It was truly amazing to see the Crown Jewels (some items weren't available due to preparation for the coronation). The grounds were beautiful as was the church and seeing the ravens interaction with a Beefeater. The multiple steps up the tower were well worth it! Also loved the opening ceremony and the Beefeater history presentation."
Steven
Tour: 04/23/23
Overall rating:
After participating in the tour we were very glad that we did it. It provided a great introduction to London and we are looking forward to coming back.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing the bright and beautiful Great Clock of Westminster."
Richard
Tour: 04/23/23
Overall rating:
I had a wonderful time on this tour and would highly recommend it. The tour had a good mix of planned activities and free time. I saw everything I wanted to see in London. The tour guide, Gillian, was fabulous and my fellow travelers were so nice and very fun to be with. Everything was well organized and we were able to make some itinerary adjustments because of the preparation for the King's coronation.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite wow moment in the tour was seeing St. Paul's cathedral."
Thomas
Tour: 04/23/23
Overall rating:
It was interesting, fun and informative. At times the public transportation was a bit intimidating, but that was part of the learning experience. It prepared me for future visits on my own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking along the river Thames and seeing the Parliament Building."
John
Tour: 04/23/23
Overall rating:
Good but pace each day could have been slower. I run and carry my golf bag each day and I struggled to keep up
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Own air market, buying Stilton cheese."
Jacki
Tour: 04/23/23
Overall rating:
We were one week ahead of the coronation, and our tour could not have been better organized. Our guide did an amazing juggling act, and it all went very well.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I was personally able to pay my respects to the Queen and her Prince at St. Georges, Windsor Castle. It was a very busy site, and folks were doing a great job moving through the chapel in an orderly manner."
Nora
Tour: 04/23/23
Overall rating:
My week in London was fabulous! It was my second time to take this tour and I enjoyed it even more the second time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The food! We had the best time on the local East End food walk learning about the history and culture and the food stops were amazing!"
Raymond
Tour: 04/23/23
Overall rating:
First and foremost, it starts with Gillian our guide, she was amazing!!! Rick Steves' has a gem with Gillian as a representative of the tours. Thank you!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Again, I don't know where to start, everything on the tour was a "Wow" moment for us. I would have to say Westminster Abbey knowing that the Coronation was going to happen a week after we departed London."
Randall
Tour: 04/16/23
Overall rating:
Great tour. Our tour guide, Tom was exceptional. He has great sense of humor, in addition to his incredible fund of knowledge of history and culture of London . Fellow tour group members were all interesting and fun. Most were RS tour veterans and we seemed to get on really well. Hotel was really good with great location near tube stop and close to Green Park and Buckingham palace , which would be our daily morning walk path. Great laundry really close as were pubs and restaurants
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Overall Wow was being in London just before coronation of King Charles III. Seeing all the flags and grandstands assembled around Buckingham palace, the 1000 year old coronation throne being worked on at Westminster Abbey, visiting the Tower Castle with Crown Jewels a few of which were missing ,replaced with small signs “currently in use”"
Margaret
Tour: 04/16/23
Overall rating:
First time taking a week long city tour and it was wonderful. London was at its finest (except for the cooler weather) and it was nice to unpack and use the Hotel as a base for walking and exploring. The itinerary was brilliant with lots of teaching moments, the right amount of museums and cathedrals and the nicest group of tour members.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Having been to London before, I was used to the glamour and buzz of the city. My Wow moment was seeing St. George's Chapel in Windsor. Being Canadian, I got a bit emotional seeing the resting spot of Queen Elizabeth. Loved Windsor Palace and the surrounding countryside."
Robert
Tour: 04/16/23
Overall rating:
Rick Steves tours are well organized and prepared to give us an exceptional vacation experience. I admire the depth of preparation involved that the experience smooth and enjoyable..
Favorite "WOW" moment
"A standout was our hotel in Mayfair London. Safe, quiet, polite and easy access to the underground to visit the great sites .... West Minster Abbey, St Pauls, Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Globe Theater, West End Shows, famour museums, Harrods, and East End. Also, very easy access to a wide variety of restaurants just across the street."
Susan
Tour: 04/16/23
Overall rating:
I loved this tour - my first Rick Steves tour! I can see why other attendees were on their 4th or 5th tour. I found the pace just right for me.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Highlights were Windsor Castle, St Paul's Cathedral and the Globe theater. Actually, I loved everything!"
Griffith
Tour: 04/16/23
Overall rating:
London in 7 days was a whirl wind of a tour. We jam packed a tremendous amount into the 7 day tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were a few wow moments....Tower of London and Windsor Castle."
Jennifer
Tour: 04/16/23
Overall rating:
Such a wonderful way to visit London especially for the first time!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle was amazing"
Steve
Tour: 04/16/23
Overall rating:
Our guide, Tom Hooper was by far the best tour guide we’ve ever had!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Getting started a little early to see the changing of the guard at the Tower of London, and then on another day, seeing the changing of the guard at Windsor Palace."
Peggy
Tour: 04/16/23
Overall rating:
What a gorgeous city, and so much fun! Very active, still managed to get in pre and post activities.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I have to say, Tom was my wow moment! He is an incredible guide, brought so much to the tour. He is so knowledgeable, personable, and loves to share. He made the culture and history come alive for us."
Wayne
Tour: 04/16/23
Overall rating:
It has been twenty years since I was last in London. This city is exciting as ever. Spending an entire week here is a bonus. The tour took us into areas and sights that you might not normally see. We were fortunate to be in London just prior to the coronation as most sights were open. Staying in the same hotel for all seven nights is a bonus as not having to pack and unpack is priceless. Overall I had a great time on this tour
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St James park, the Tower of London and The British Museum are all great places to visit but without a doubt my WOW moment was to tour St George’s Chapel in Windsor. The history of this Chapel is endless and to be able to pay our respects to Queen Elizabeth is a moment I will always remember."
Laura
Tour: 04/16/23
Overall rating:
Tom made our first tour experience outstanding. He was kind, funny, and so interesting to talk with. Thank you Tom!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Crown Jewels!"
Rhonda
Tour: 04/16/23
Overall rating:
We had a great first tour!! Our guide, Tom, was fantastic and the activities were wonderful. I had been to London a few times before but there were plenty of new things to see and learn.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The day spent in Windsor was fantastic. I really appreciated the flexibility within the day to either stay longer or head home with the tour guide."
Marcia
Tour: 04/16/23
Overall rating:
I enjoyed our guide, Tom, immensely. He was especially kind when I lost my train ticket and was entertaining and attentive to us all, individually and as a group. And he was knowledgeable and interesting.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"That's too difficult to answer. Churchill's war room was a highlight. The food tour on the East End was a welcome change from the glitz of historic buildings...but they were interesting also."
Patrick
Tour: 02/19/23
Overall rating:
Our third Rick Steves tour and the best one yet. Our guide, Jeanie Carmichael, was brilliant: well organized, energetic, funny and absolutely loaded with information. We started the trip a bit concerned about the London weather in February but it wasn't an issue; my two umbrellas never left the room and daily temperatures in the low to mid-fifties were perfect for brisk walking. Spending the entire week in the same hotel was a nice change from wider-ranging tours with frequent moves.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"On Day 1 we were 24 strangers, sitting quietly waiting or Jeanie to begin the kick-off meeting and looking like a bunch of nervous grade schoolers sitting outside the Principal's office. Six days later we were together in a local pub, having a drink and the chatter was loud enough to wake the dead. That was my "wow" moment: Rick Steves tours don't just show you around, they foster camaraderie, friendship, and memories that will last a lifetime. Our group photo is now my computer wallpaper!"
Dixie
Tour: 02/19/23
Overall rating:
I loved Jeanie. She is the perfect tour guide. She’s caring, knowledgeable, and doesn’t take herself too seriously. It was a great group of people on the tour. We did just enough each day with plenty of free time. I appreciated how well organized everything was for the tour. The hotel was in a great location. I loved using the underground and the buses.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I would say the best moments were being able to see four West End shows, two musicals and two plays, during our time on the tour. I’m glad I wasn’t so exhausted from touring during the day to take advantage of what London has to offer."
Leslie
Tour: 02/19/23
Overall rating:
The hotel was comfortable and in a great location. The tour group was the perfect size and our tour leader did a great job. Every day was well-planned and interesting, the atmosphere was friendly, the level of activity was active but not overwhelming, and we had free time every day to explore on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The trip to Windsor was beautiful."
Terry
Tour: 02/19/23
Overall rating:
My daughter and I had fantastic trip. Jeanne, our tour guide was so delightful and knowledgeable. She had the best stories and kept everyone engaged. We definitely left wanted to visit again.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many “Wow” moments. If I had to chose one, it would be our afternoon tea. So much fun."
Joni
Tour: 02/19/23
Overall rating:
Every moment, every detail was well done and well handled. As a project manager, I was impressed at every turn and thank your company and especially our exemplary guide Jeanie for a wonderful trip I will treasure forever.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"That is really hard to say - there are so many to pick from. Windsor and the Globe Tour are certainly at or near the top."
Robert
Tour: 10/16/22
Overall rating:
Lovely trip -- been to London quite a few times and the itinerary ticked all the important experiences for a short stay, including a couple of new ones (high tea and East End food tour). Wonderful Mayfair hotel, great guides, relaxed schedule, sufficient free time -- a great choice for either someone's first Rick Steves tour or a returning alum.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Two "wow" moments, each centering on our guides. The big one was having TWO exceptional guides for our group -- Roy, with his Britishness and his years of experience and Jennifer, a Blue Badge Guide (!!!) of a different generation and a different experience set. Wonderful! The second "wow" moment, although brief, nevertheless qualified -- touring the British history section of the British Museum with a degreed British archaeologist. Second "wow"!"
Deborah
Tour: 10/16/22
Overall rating:
What made the experience special were our guides: knowledgeable, articulate, interesting. The lodging was very comfortable; the days organized to be full but not exhausting, interesting mix of experiences. And not having to stand in lines for entry into sites is always a win.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The narrative by our guides as we walked the streets of London."
Linda
Tour: 10/09/22
Overall rating:
Phenomenal! Our first visit to London and we definitely learned the "tube" thanks to the Oyster Card provided by the tour. The Tower of London was terrific. Jeanie our tour guide was very informative and had a wonderful sense of humor, just loved her commentary.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My daughter and I totally enjoyed the Windsor Castle day of the tour. It was a perfect excursion out of London which gave us the independence to dine on our own and return on the train whenever we desired."
Marilyn
Tour: 10/09/22
Overall rating:
I enjoying it very much. The company was good and our guide was outstanding! I learned so much!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St. Paul’s Cathedral."
Karen
Tour: 10/09/22
Overall rating:
A very experienced & knowledgeable & good humored tour guide with the ability to provide a "Plan B" when events prevented Plan A. A lot of walking; guide very helpful in teaching to use the subway & buses. Good variety of places to visit & experience. Hotel was very good & good location. With only 1 week, it is more difficult to become friends & create a cohesive group than during longer tours.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"That London police were allowing the dozen "Just Stop Oil" protesters (each day in different spots) to create enormous traffic snarls & also very serious emergency ambulance preventions. There were more police than protesters each time."
Jeffrey
Tour: 10/09/22
Overall rating:
We found the tour to be well organized and easy to navigate. The guides were excellent. I event think the guests were wonderful.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I was just blown away by Windsor Castle. But I also loved the Churchill bunker and the Tower and St. Paul's and Westminster."
Susan
Tour: 10/09/22
Overall rating:
There was such a great variety of places to see and so much information from Jeanie it was all wonderful!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey was my "wow" moment. Such history and beauty all in one place!"
Susan
Tour: 10/09/22
Overall rating:
The people were great, the place was great, and our guide, Jeannie, was spectacular.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Tower of London was epic."
Jean
Tour: 10/09/22
Overall rating:
It was exhausting! I’ve been on a Rick Steves tour in the past and thought this one was very rigorous.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle"
Suzanne
Tour: 10/02/22
Overall rating:
So informative, saw beautiful things every day and so many historical sites! Our tour guide, Robert was terrific! He was very organized, you felt like we all were his top priority and he navigated changes that had to be made seamlessly. Love the group, all interesting and very nice people! This tour covered a lot of ground in a week!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So hard to pick just one! St. Paul’s is huge and has such a presence in the city. Windsor and seeing Queen Elizabeth’s gravesite, but I esp. was surprised at how cool The Globe Theatre was. London is such a beautiful city, it Wowed me!"
Adam
Tour: 10/02/22
Overall rating:
It was a nice trip. Great guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Out on our own, we went to a jazz club, theater, different restaurants. Just the city and the ease of getting around was very nice."
David
Tour: 10/02/22
Overall rating:
Nice accommodations. Great tour guide - knowledgeable, concerned with health and safety.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey, Windsor, the Jewels."
Yvonne
Tour: 10/02/22
Overall rating:
Very relaxing after just completing another Rick Steves tour. Provided a much needed “step down” experience before heading home. Tour allowed for a lot of free time to explore London independently if desired or with the tour group. Staying in one hotel was nice.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Trip to Windsor. I enjoyed the town and the castle."
Colleen S
Tour: 09/25/22
Overall rating:
Our tour guide was Gillian and she was excellent. We appreciated her foodie expertise, patience, efficiency, and friendliness. As we had been on an RS tour to England in 2018, we were familiar with the tube & trains; however this time we noted (a) more mental fatigue from dealing with the crowds and loud mechanical noises on the tube and (b) nonavailability of Houses of Parliament tours because tours weren't restarting until Oct 15 (after our departure) following the queens funeral.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Visiting the British museum was my favorite tour activity -- so much history from multiple cultures so well displayed. My favorite "wow" events outside of the tour were (a) exploring Cambridge by foot and learning more history/seeing architecture from a Scudamore punting tour and (b) seeing a Shakespeare play at the Globe."
Kim
Tour: 09/18/22
Overall rating:
What a phenomenal tour! We toured London during the most historic of time as Queen Elizabeth II funeral occurred on Day 2. Being amongst the British people during that time of mourning will forever be etched in memory. Our tour guide was outstanding in her knowledge, story telling and sense of humor. London is a special place and we were blessed to experience it with an outstanding Rick Steves Tour!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Tower of London and seeing the Crown Jewels were unforgettable. The Crown, orb and sceptre had been on the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II during her funeral ceremony just 24 hours prior and we thought they may not yet had been returned BUT they were there on display! It seemed a special moment for us to view those priceless historic sympbols."
Sam
Tour: 09/18/22
Overall rating:
Our overall experience was as positive as we hoped it would be. Jeanie, our tour guide, was excellent in every way. She even managed to deliver perfect weather for the week.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey was the most impressive place, among a week of visiting impressive places."
Glenn
Tour: 09/18/22
Overall rating:
This was our second Rick Steves tour, and we scheduled the London tour because of recommendations from other members of our first tour. It was everything we hoped for.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were two: The Tower of London and the Globe Theater."
Dana
Tour: 09/18/22
Overall rating:
Our tour was the 7 day best of London. We knew it was going to get interesting quickly since our itinerary had us scheduled at Westminister Abbey during the Queen's funeral. In addition, Windsor Castle was closed to visitors. Our tour guide, Jeannie, did a wonderful job of adjusting our rescheduling and adding additional stops. We were still able to tour Westminister Abbey and replaced Windsor Castle with Hampton Court. We had a very friendly group that all shared the love of travel.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Every day there were "wow" moments, it is hard to pick a favorite. Westminister Abbey was probably my favorite due to the blend or beauty, history, and variety of things to see. Our guide definitely added to the experience with her knowledge."
Gery
Tour: 09/18/22
Overall rating:
We had a fabulous tour of London. Because we were there during the queen's funeral, we got to experience the event firsthand! Our tour guide, Jeannie, was terrific in making adjustments to our itinerary, so we didn't miss a thing. Her positive attitude made it quite an adventure for all of us as we battled the crowds and closed venues. We had a wonderful group of fellow travelers. The tour guides at the museums, Westminster Abbey, the food tour and the Globe theater were terrific.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hard to pick just one--Loved the entire tour: Churchill war rooms were outstanding. Loved the food courts we visited and the eating tour of East London. We even had Tea on the day of the funeral which was wonderful. We visited Henry VIII's Hampton court instead of Windsor and it was remarkable. But I think the attitude that our guide, Jeannie, presented to all of us in this trying week due to the country shutting down for the funeral, made it so much fun for all of us. She is a "gem"."
Christine
Tour: 09/11/22
Overall rating:
I enjoyed the tour very much despite the unexpected changes on the itinerary due to Queen Elizabeth II passing. Gillian, our tour guide, did a remarkable job in filling in new activities for the ones that were canceled.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Tower Bridge wowed me! I saw the bridge in pictures only ever since I grew up in Hong Kong. I couldn't believe that it was in front of me, pitch pitch. Secondly, the crown jewels were amazing!! Again, pictures in my head for years came alive."
Jaclyn
Tour: 09/11/22
Overall rating:
Very busy! Saw so much but did have a ton of time to really explore too in depth. We were able to see so much!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We saw the king!"
Amy
Tour: 09/11/22
Overall rating:
We arrived the day after the Queen had passed. A sad, but exciting time to be in London. Our tour guide ensured a fun informative time was had - despite changes / closures due to the Queen's mourning.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"King Charles and the Queen Consort drove right by us on their way to Buckingham Palace!"
Gary
Tour: 09/11/22
Overall rating:
What a week to be in London!! I arrived the day after The Queen's death. For obvious reasons, some of our plans were altered. We weren't able to sea Westminster Abbey and Windson Castle but our guide, Gillian, scrambled to find alternative activities like a boat ride on the Thames and a visit to Greenwich. She was working her phone franticly to see how events and places would be affected and to find other options. Otherwise, it was a truly historic time to be in London and just by chance.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My "wow" moment was more than a moment. It was seeing how deeply emotional the people of England were to the Queen's death. I got a chance to talk to a couple of people who had traveled to London from around England to be a part of things and pay their respects. They would almost break down crying when talking about the Queen. I think their emotional reaction was something that we in American cannot fully appreciate. And that in spite of anyone's opinion on the concept of the monarchy itself."
Sandra
Tour: 09/04/22
Overall rating:
So much packed into one week! Tom's availability to explain things and answer questions was so appreciated by all of us. Thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Sadly, the Queen died while we were there. We were overwhelmed by the country's response, especially the sea of flowers in Green Park. From the tour, perhaps the little details at Windsor: doorknobs in one room with St. George killing the dragon. The plasterwork? on the walls and over doorways."
Margaret
Tour: 09/04/22
Overall rating:
Our tour guide, Tom, was fun and very knowledgeable. Seeing London was a breeze because of the tour. It was sad but so memorable to have been there during the Queen's passing. Tom was very moved by her death.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Being at Windsor Castle as the Queen was passing and seeing the love of the London residents for her. My favorite part of the tour was Tower of London followed by the Churchill War Rooms. Funny side note: on the bus Tom was going over our upcoming itinerary. I heard him say we were going to the 'Church of Warrens' on Wednesday afternoon. I was so disappointed because I thought we weren't going to the Churchill War Rooms. We had fun with that for the rest of the the tour."
Dana
Tour: 09/04/22
Overall rating:
Tom was a fantastic guide, so knowledgable. Saw the full range of anticipated sights and experiences and enjoyed them thoroughly.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Touring Windsor Castle and finding out the Queen had passed on the train heading back to London."
Scott
Tour: 09/04/22
Overall rating:
We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour of London and our guide, Tom, was a major reason along with the overall itinerary.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were several great moments but the Tower of London was especially interesting. However, being in London at the time of the passing of the Queen was historic. My wife and I were in a small restaurant and an older (80's) gentleman turned to the other diners and respectfully held out his cell phone for all to see a news bulletin on the screen; "the Queen has died", it was very moving."
Diane
Tour: 09/04/22
Overall rating:
Our guide, Tom was very knowledgeable. I learned a lot about the history of London.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Touring Windsor Castle"
Sheilah
Tour: 09/04/22
Overall rating:
The week before our Rick Steve's tour we went on a Viking River Cruise from Paris to Normandy and back to Paris. The following week we went on the Rick Steve's tour. Although we enjoyed our Viking River Cruise, we enjoyed the Rick Steve's tour more. We think that speaks for itself. We have been on Caravan and Globus bus tours and our Rick Steve's Tour Guide Tom was the BEST.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We were at Windsor castle when we were notified that the Queen was not doing well and the family was on their way to Scotland. We were in London when Queen Elizabeth II passed away. Our hotel was 1/4 mile from Buckingham palace so many of us immediately walked to the palace to pay our respects. Throughout this process our Guide was Exemplary, to say the least."
David
Tour: 09/04/22
Overall rating:
On balance, the tour met my expectations for a Rick Steve's city tour: an excellent guide (Tom), excellent local guides, and a well thought out set of activities.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Although it was not part of the tour per se, my wow moment was definitely Queen Elizabeth's death and the British public's reaction to it. Nothing will ever match that experience."
Mary Jane
Tour: 08/28/22
Overall rating:
Excellent. Interesting sites I had not previously experienced.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Saint Paul’s Cathedral"
Jo
Tour: 08/28/22
Overall rating:
The tour was well organized, rich in variety, and very full. I got my money's worth for sure. I liked the mixture of walking and public transportation, our tour guide and local guides, a mix of learning and experiences - learning about the history and people of London and experiencing the sights and sounds of this incredible city. I liked having a small tour group that was very pleasant and as a solo traveler, I appreciate being able to be part of a tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"This was my second Rick Steves 7-day London tour, so I didn't have any "wow" moments that took me aback this time, but I'm totally okay with that. I enjoyed seeing sights for the second time - Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's, and Windsor Castle to name a few."
Jay
Tour: 08/28/22
Overall rating:
Felt as if we visited the top stops in this great city. Appreciated Tom’s effort and his attention to the needs of his guests.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We greatly enjoyed and appreciated our hotel’s proximity to Barkley Square, Shepherd Market, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, and a convenient tube station."
Susan
Tour: 08/28/22
Overall rating:
The tour included many key sites and experiences of London. We loved our location in central London that was so close to Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly, and the parks. Our guide, Tom, was wonderful and helped to create a memorable experience while managing our group with humor and intelligence. He taught us so much! We also liked our walking culinary tour in the East End. Our visit has made the Queen’s funeral so much more real to us.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s cathedral. Seeing Lincoln’s statue on Parliament Square was also great. My greatest surprise was the enormity and detail of the Prince Albert Memorial."
Patricia
Tour: 08/28/22
Overall rating:
We saw everything that we expected to see and more. Loved our tour guide, Tom and others that we had.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Loved the Winston Churchill Museum and the walk in the financial district."
Addison
Tour: 08/14/22
Overall rating:
Our tour was amazing, we went to historical sites along with fun locations for tourists. The tour made sure to include many different locations and opportunities for our tour group to experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite wow moment was when we stood under the beautiful dome of St. Paul’s cathedral, you could feel the history and power of the cathedral."
Colleen
Tour: 08/14/22
Overall rating:
I loved seeing London through the eyes of a professional. Gillian was marvelous and the tour hit all the highlights while still allowing us free time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The food tour. It was great. I really loved the tour guide."
Jerry
Tour: 08/14/22
Overall rating:
First time taking a group tour and was a little hesitant however found the group, tour, and guide outstanding! Our guide, Gillian, was fantastic! She is funny, sweet, and efficient!!!! No long lines or wait times, she took care of all the tickets and got us where we were going and into the sights ahead of or without having to deal with the crowds! That alone was worth it, not to mention how great she was, super knowledgeable and funny!!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Churchill War Rooms! and drinks with the group at the pub! We all hit it off and even spent personal time outside of the tour together!"
Jason
Tour: 08/14/22
Overall rating:
Gillian was fantastic, she helped with dinner reservations, knew so much about everything and made it a great time. I enjoyed every stop on the tour, I only wish I had 2 more weeks to take in everything.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abby, was my favorite site. All of the history, and art, but my favorite moment was the Globe Theater tour, our guide was so knowledgeable and made the theater come alive, and was so fun."
Dawn
Tour: 08/07/22
Overall rating:
The tour was fantastic and we loved every minute of it!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Touring St. Paul's Cathedral was probably a favorite highlight for me, and touring all of the cathedrals was a very moving experience."
Barbara
Tour: 08/07/22
Overall rating:
All visits to points of interest on our Best of London in 7 days tour were well organized, and the meals we shared together were delightful.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The day we had a tour of Westminster Abbey followed by afternoon tea fit for an English Lord."
Mary
Tour: 08/07/22
Overall rating:
John was the best.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Crown Jewels"
Gretta
Tour: 08/07/22
Overall rating:
It was absolutely fantastic. I loved seeing in person what I have studied for years.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Windsor Castle"
John
Tour: 07/24/22
Overall rating:
Well paced. Enough activity to enjoy as well as free time to explore on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Shepherd's Market. Half a block from the hotel. It was like walking into Diagon Ally in Harry Potter, except with restaurants and pubs. Ended almost every night at one of the pubs."
John
Tour: 07/24/22
Overall rating:
First time to London. Had a great time
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Tower of London."
Ira
Tour: 07/24/22
Overall rating:
The tour provided a really good overview of London. The many destinations were well-chosen and gave us as good a sense of the city as we could hope for in the time we had. The only thing we were not satisfied with was our lead guide, John, who was not up to the standard we expect from Rick Steves. Our local guides, by contrast, were uniformly strong.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I think the food tour of East London was probably our favorite event — the guide was outstanding and the tour itself was very interesting and tasty. We also loved the Globe Theater tour. The guide there was remarkably good. But more broadly, we really enjoyed just getting to know London better. The tour did an excellent job of that."
Teresa
Tour: 07/24/22
Overall rating:
The tour could best be described as most of London’s major sites in six days. Our tour guide was great and our companions were companionable.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"For me the wow moment was the tour of the globe theater. It was lovely having one of the actors take us on a tour. A close second would be the tour of Saint Paul’s."
Robert
Tour: 07/24/22
Overall rating:
I've been on multiple Rick Steves' tours and all have been great. London had so many places to see and we were centrally located to almost all of them. Food was better than expected and the ethnic diversity within the city provided for many culturally diverse and unique dining experiences.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I've been to London before so my "wow" was probably Windsor Castle. That said, if this were my first time I'm pretty sure my "wow" would have been the Tower of London or Westminster Abby."
Sharon
Tour: 07/17/22
Overall rating:
Given we were in London during the historical heatwave, our guide, Tom Hooper, did an excellent job finding shade and cool spaces! Tom was most excellent and entertaining.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Believe it or not, the transportation system. I love learning the Tube and bus routes. I always enjoy the various tours, but in London it was the transportation system. ??"
Linda
Tour: 07/17/22
Overall rating:
I loved it all! Well organized, fabulous guide, nice central hotel, great use of public transportation and a terrific group of traveling companions. All the sights and walks were very interesting.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I especially loved the tour of Westminster Abbey. The tour was very thorough and the Abbey was beautiful inside and out."
Steven
Tour: 07/17/22
Overall rating:
It was a magic week in London thanks to our great group and wonderful guide Tom Hooper. Tom knew so much about London and engaged 100 percent of the group by involving them in our daily activities and banter.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I love the tour of Westminster Abbey."
Terrell
Tour: 07/17/22
Overall rating:
Good time seeing London’s highlights.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster abbey and Tom’s excellent guiding."
Leanne
Tour: 07/17/22
Overall rating:
The tour was wonderful! Our tour guide, Tom, was brilliant! He was extremely personable and knowledgeable and made everything enjoyable. He did a beautiful job including my nephews (pre-teen/teen) in conversations. I appreciate how the tour teaches you how to travel. We had a wonderful location and it had air conditioning which mattered during the heatwave. Everything was perfect!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were multiple "wow" moments: the opening of the Tower of London and the crown jewels; the coronation dress at Windsor Castle was jaw-dropping! A wow moment I didn't expect was the Churchill War Rooms. It had a more significant impact on me than I expected. My 12-year-old nephew mentioned how much he enjoyed seeing the crypt in St. Paul's Cathedral. I loved having tea!"
Avis
Tour: 07/10/22
Overall rating:
This was my first solo trip to Europe, and my fifth Rick Steve's tour. I knew I could count on the tour to help me see all the things I wanted while giving me free time to explore the important sights I wanted to see. That's exactly what happened, and I felt safe and in good hands at the hotel and with our wonderful guide, Lady Chadwick!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Borough Market! I went to the Globe theater by myself one night, and I left the underground, turned the corner and found myself in the middle of the party of the century! At least that's what it seemed like to me! Everyone was laughing and talking and drinking together. It was standing room only, and I had to wade through the crowds! It was hard to tell where the patrons from one establishment ended and the next began. I felt I was really experiencing life in the UK. It really was exciting."
Nanny
Tour: 07/10/22
Overall rating:
My daughter (48) and I could not have had a better experience. I had been to London several tim did not want to make all the arrangements and was happy to be in an organized tour. We both learned so much and it was hassle free. We covered a lot and had most of our evenings free for theatre or walking. Our group was so congenial, and our guide Jillian was superb - just pitch perfect. She gave us interesting pertinent information without overwhelming us with facts. Loved this week!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I think Borough Market was something I will never forget and want to recommend to all my friends who travel to London."
Christopher
Tour: 07/10/22
Overall rating:
Great Guide! Friendly group & well organized!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Churchill War rooms"
Carl
Tour: 07/03/22
Overall rating:
Overall, very good experience. The tour (1 week in London) was somewhat different than I expected. Learning to navigate the Underground turned out to be very helpful. That part was definitely out of my comfort zone.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Not sure I could identify anything that qualifies as a "favorite wow". My wife and I were very impressed by the British Museum and the significant historical items available. Also, Windsor Castle was probably my favorite site on the tour."
Jennifer
Tour: 07/03/22
Overall rating:
My daughter & I had a fabulous time and enjoyed Westminster Abbey, Tower of London and Windsor. Always appreciate the guides giving us instructions on how to use local transportation so that we were easily able to maneuver around London and surrounding areas including back to the airport with no problem. The other folks in the tour group were also amazing and friendly.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many...maybe the food!"
Mary
Tour: 07/03/22
Overall rating:
Overall, I was very happy with the tour. Maybe I am getting old, but the amount of walking every day was a bit much for me. I made it, but I was exhausted by Saturday.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I knew what to expect from most of the attractions we visited, but the "wow" was the Borough Market. I loved it! I am a lover of food and this was oveer the top. Another "wow" was the instruction on how to travel on the Underground. After a day, I was very confident traveling around London."
Nancy
Tour: 07/03/22
Overall rating:
Our days were very well planned. We beat the crowds each day and we had plenty of time at each sight. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. His orientation to the Tube was very comprehensive which helped us move about with confidence on our own. Our travel mates were very pleasant.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The crown jewels were amazing and our group entered soon after they opened. But I really loved getting to see Windsor Castle."
Julie Ann
Tour: 06/26/22
Overall rating:
Saw so much and had great information from our fabulous tour guide Tom.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle"
Martha
Tour: 06/26/22
Overall rating:
It was fantastic! I LOVED London! What made the tour was our wonderful guide Tom Hooper. He was outstanding. I will definitely be back!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many. I think seeing Winsor as well as the Churchill War Rooms was outstanding, although everything was wonderful! I LOVED where we stayed in the Mayfair area - very nice, I felt very safe there."
Genevieve
Tour: 06/26/22
Overall rating:
The tour guide (Tom) was great! Excellent stories and information. Plenty of time to explore on your own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved the food tour of London. The history as well as the tastes were so fun."
Mary
Tour: 06/26/22
Overall rating:
It was well balanced between group time and personal time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Globe Theater"
Bonnie
Tour: 06/19/22
Overall rating:
There were some unfortunate circumstances: the rail strike, I got food poisoning, that impacted on my overall enjoyment of the trip. Our guide had Covid so couldn't join us till day 3 so that also had an impact on the dynamic of the group
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Probably Windsor Castle. Because I was ill, I missed Westminster Abbey which I'm sure would have been 'it'."
Steve
Tour: 06/19/22
Overall rating:
Prior to booking our tour with Rick Steve's, as a customer you often ask yourself... Will it really be worth it? The quality? The service? The professionalism? The answer to all of these doubts/questions was Yes, Yes, Yes and YES. The Rick Steve tour provides a world class experience, regardless of any challenges that bound to occur when traveling in todays world. Train/underground/bus strikes, COVID restrictions and the associated logistical challenges were NO MATCH for our tour group!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Everyday was filled with experienced tour guides who loved their jobs and really enjoyed exploring the city of London with our group."
Julie
Tour: 06/19/22
Overall rating:
Guides excellent and knowledgeable
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St George Chapel"
Sandra
Tour: 06/19/22
Overall rating:
Despite a tube and rail strike our guides got us around London with ease. We saw major sites although more time would have been nice at many of them we did have time to go back to some.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing my great nephew age 17 totally enjoy himself and learn travel skills."
Terrie
Tour: 06/19/22
Overall rating:
London was great. It was easy to navigate the tube and busses with our Oyster card. It was great seeing the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abby and Windsor Castle.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Taking a boat ride on the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich. Seeing the The Elizabeth Tower all shined up. This is a trip that we did on our own. We went on a double decker bus tour the fist night of our trip and that was great."
Patricia
Tour: 06/19/22
Overall rating:
The entire trip was well organized and the guides were fun and knowledgeable Brits. The hotel was in a perfect location for access to all transportation options including walking on independent exploring. The hotel also had a wonderful breakfast buffet and my room was nice, wait staff and concierge were very helpful.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Actually being at so many of the famous and historic places in London that I've only seen in books and on TV was thrilling. Buckingham Palace and Westminister Abbey were my favorites, but I also spent a lot of time at the National Gallery and British Museum."
Janet
Tour: 06/12/22
Overall rating:
Well organized. Each day we knew the tour schedule. Routes to sites became familiar quickly. Easy to get around the city. Thoroughly enjoyed initial tour guide. Audio boxes worked very well. Each guide that filled in was great and shared different perspective in their knowledge. I would highly recommend this company for touring London. Top notch experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing the coronation chair, knowing each ruling monarch started their reign with that cerimony. The crown jewels were impressive as well as he Tower of London."
Lisa
Tour: 06/12/22
Overall rating:
Our tour guide, Jeanie set a great stride for our tour with her professionalism, enthusiasm, knowledge, and wit. She was thorough and clear with her goals during our enriching experiences. Our group enjoyed Jeanie’s anecdotal stories along the way, and we felt welcomed at each stop on the tour, including the restaurants. All of the points of interest and culinary exposures were thoughtfully planned, unique, and appreciated by all.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Since I am a foodie, my favorite experience was the Bangladesh restaurant. I really loved the high tea experience and Shakespeare Globe Theater."
Gregory
Tour: 06/12/22
Overall rating:
London is pretty intense with lots of things to see, travel, the London crowds, wonderful parks. I thought the placement of the activities was good over the five days we were busy as a group but did have time to take in our own activities.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Visit to Westminister Abbey"
Paula
Tour: 06/05/22
Overall rating:
Everything was wonderfully organized!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There was a tube strike on the day we were supposed to go to the Tower of London. Our tour guide, Jeanie, organized taxis to pick us up and take us. She handled everything very well and there was no interruption of the trip."
Patrick
Tour: 06/05/22
Overall rating:
An exceptional tour with a well-balanced itinerary and an outstanding tour guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Visiting Windsor Palace"
Sandi
Tour: 06/05/22
Overall rating:
I will start with commending our outstanding tour guide, Jeanie. She was so informative and added a bit of humor that made for an enjoyable experience. Our hotel the Washington Mayfair was perfect and the staff there were so attentive and professional. The tour was chocked full of everything and more than I could have asked for.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor. Seeing the beautiful castle knowing that the Queen was present. The changing of the guard and walking through the charming town."
Virginia
Tour: 06/05/22
Overall rating:
Well taken care of, but covid did hang over it. I saw everything that was promised, I would have liked a bit of Jubilee,as an extra.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The day in Windsor."
Sherri
Tour: 05/29/22
Overall rating:
This was our first organized tour experience and we appreciated all the details.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Tower of London was a highlight -- so much history we've only read about. Being there early to beat the crowds was certainly appreciated."
Christine
Tour: 05/29/22
Overall rating:
We were provided sufficient information in advance of the tour to plan and pack appropriately. Joe Darcy, our guide was outstanding! We totally enjoyed the itinerary Joe provided and our fellow tourists.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our first night in Dingle Joe arranged to have an amazing dancer from River Dance with his Mom and sister, join us after dinner for a performance. The whole experience was one to remember AND it was my husband's birthday so it seemed extra special!"
Joanne
Tour: 05/29/22
Overall rating:
This was our first city tour and we are so glad we decided to see London on a Rick Steves tour. Our days were busy, but well paced and we saw so much more than we would have on our own. Our guide Gillian did an amazing job getting us all where we needed to be, giving us the historic background that we needed, and helping us to appreciate each and every place we visited. This may have been our first, but it definitely won’t be our last city tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Shakespeare’s Globe theater, even though it’s a recreation of the original, hit me with a wonderful dose of historic wonder. We had seen quite a bit of London at the point, and I could absolutely envision that theater in its heyday. I think because I had no expectations concerning the theater, it completely wowed me!"
Catherine
Tour: 05/29/22
Overall rating:
It was a wonderful week in London, one of my favorite cities.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were several, but if I have to pick one, I would say it was at Windsor Castle, specifically St George's Chapel dating from the 1400's."
Theresa
Tour: 05/29/22
Overall rating:
It was excellent!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Everything!"
David
Tour: 05/29/22
Overall rating:
This is Karyn, David’s wife, Completing the survey for our ‘7days In London Tour’…. Great Guide in Gillian, well thought out, well planned, and so interesting. Loved that we used all forms of transportation and that we had time to explore on our own. On a personal note, I learned that I am not a big fan of following a group around - especially the slow folks (of which there were several!!) I hung close to our guide, who walked at my speed, and enjoyed the tour more when I was with her.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Impossible to have just one - London is such an amazing city mixing the old and the new - because of the jubilee celebrations, we couldn’t get near buckingham palace, so seeing Windsor was extraordinary! I also loved the little hidden lanes here and there that ended up being adorable restaurant/shopping areas - very London!"
Suzanne
Tour: 05/15/22
Overall rating:
See my husband’s comments
Peggy
Tour: 05/15/22
Overall rating:
Our tour guide, Gillian, was wonderful. Calm, confident and experienced. Our days in London were full and fun. The hotel was clean, comfortable, interesting in itself and the staff was friendly and helpful in the days I was there before our tour started.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey. Stunning. So much in that building to see it was hard to know where to look! Up? Down? Ahead? Just amazing place."
Charles
Tour: 05/15/22
Overall rating:
Exceeded my expectations
Favorite "WOW" moment
"London provided many"
Travis
Tour: 05/15/22
Overall rating:
We had a wonderful time on the walking tour of London. Our guide, Gillian, was fantastic. The hotel was nice and the staff were friendly. It was definitely strenuous physically. There were days we walked 8 miles. But we were able to see so many sites while still having time to do our own sightseeing several days. It was a great way to see London.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"For pure "wow" moments, St. Paul's and Westminster Cathedrals rank right up there. They were stunning. But our most enjoyable part of the tour was Windsor Castle. We got to see the changing of the guard, and the quiet surroundings were a nice break from the bustle of London."
Christopher
Tour: 05/15/22
Overall rating:
Great tour. Well organized.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Too many to list."
Jo
Tour: 05/15/22
Overall rating:
This was our first time in London and our guide, Gillian, could not have been better! She was very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. She really made our tour outstanding!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were many but probably seeing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. They certainly sparkled!!"
Charles
Tour: 05/15/22
Overall rating:
Well organized and very informative
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Churchill’s war room"
Jill
Tour: 05/15/22
Overall rating:
I had a wonderful time with a great tour group and delightful guide, Gillian. I didn't have any expectations of London but I came away absolutely loving it!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I was surprised at how much I was fascinated with the Tower of London."
Janet
Tour: 05/15/22
Overall rating:
I loved the variety of activities and destinations that were scheduled. As I have been to London twice before, our guide Gillian kept my interest with her constant tidbits of her vast knowledge of London.
Erik
Tour: 05/15/22
Overall rating:
We thought that the tour really had a good itinerary and our guide, Jillian, was great. We learned a lot about London from her and our other guides. We love the way that the Rick Steves tours are structured so that we have a lot of time to do our own thing while still seeing all the great London sights and history.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I think my favorite day of the tour was the Globe Theatre. Our guide at the theatre was a great storyteller as well as being very informative about the history of the original theatre as well as the construction of the new one, which was fascinating. He really put us in the time and place in his presentation."
Darell
Tour: 05/08/22
Overall rating:
From start to finish we were extremely pleased with our tour! Our guide, Tom, was the icing on the cake. He was helpful, funny, and extremely knowledgeable. He kept our group learning and laughing all week long!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our favorite stop was Westminster Abbey. It was an amazing place filled with beauty and history."
Stuart
Tour: 05/08/22
Overall rating:
Tom was outstanding
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor"
Margaret
Tour: 05/08/22
Overall rating:
This was my first Rick Steves Tour, and I thought it was fantastic! It went beyond all my expectations. I have recommended it my friends when I got home who are taking a Viking cruise and were going to spend and additional 2 days in London. After telling them about or trip, the went on line and BOOKED! They are SO excited!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"That would be so hard to narrow down! I thought Westminister Cathedral was THE most incredible site."
Charles
Tour: 05/08/22
Overall rating:
Given a real taste of London and its people...
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle"
Jeff
Tour: 05/01/22
Overall rating:
Wonderful trip with an outstanding tour leader, Tim.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite “wow” moment wasn’t a single moment. It was an overall feeling that I had really experienced London and had soaked up a good deal of its culture and modern history. My wife and I now look forward to revisiting London and exploring it further on our own."
Jonathan
Tour: 05/01/22
Overall rating:
The tour was well organized and expertly led by Tom.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Royal Air Force Museum, which we saw after the tour ended, was the favorite site. With the tour, the Westminster Abbey was the best place visited."
Nancy
Tour: 05/01/22
Overall rating:
So many memories were made on this trip! We were a family of 7, with high anticipation as this holiday was planned originally for spring 2020. Tom’s guidance, humor, skills and efforts were second to none. The hotel location was ideal for easy walking about and exploring. Our group was fun, lively, and no “grumps”. Thank you, RS, for another outstanding love of travel Europe experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We did so much in our week, it is difficult to choose one event. My WOW moments are the collective times our family shared, we will recollect them for years. We are planning an Italy trip in 2024!"
Catherine
Tour: 05/01/22
Overall rating:
The tour was excellent - including bus, train, tube and walking made getting around both practical and interesting. The sights we saw and the historical context given by all the guides made it truly a great taste of London.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Discovering through the Spitalfield food tour and the Borough's Market that there really is a vibrant foodie scene in London. After so many years of hearing that British food was to be avoided - except curries of course - it was a wonderful revelation!"
Lesley
Tour: 04/24/22
Overall rating:
Enjoyed seeing all corners of London plus a trip to Windsor Castle. Hotel was very well located and had a marvelous bath tub, shower, heated towel bar and floor; these revitalized my energy so I was ready for the next day's walks.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle was a delight. Beautifully maintained inside and out, so scenic and historic."
Robert
Tour: 04/24/22
Overall rating:
First time in London. Our tour guide, Jeanie, was amazing! Very impressed with London mass transit, particularly the Tube - great signage and maps. Great way to see a lot of interesting locations and there were a lot of them. We decided that a week is not long enough to see all there is to see and we'd really like to return. We're grateful that mask wearing was highly encouraged. A friend of ours and 6 of his fellow travelers with another tour company tested positive last week.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing the Queen from afar during our Windsor Castle visit!!"
Anne
Tour: 04/24/22
Overall rating:
Everything about the tour was great, the hotel, Jeannie our fantastic guide, and the the many sights and activities. Very active tour, sometimes exhausting, but worth every minute.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle.and the Churchill War Rooms."
Jon
Tour: 04/17/22
Overall rating:
The tour was well organized and lead by a very knowledgeable guide, Jeanne
Favorite "WOW" moment
"No one "wow" moment...more a totality of finally seeing and experiencing a city so very important in the world and throughout history!"
Rik
Tour: 04/17/22
Overall rating:
Wonderful guide, great organization and a very interesting city. There is never a guarantee but the weather was perfect, no rain. Jeannie, our guide kept us moving and well informed each day. She was very diligent on getting us to learn the underground and no one got lost. This was a perfect trip and everything was what we expected.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"For me there were several wow moments...Winsor Castle, the Globe Theatre and the Tower of London...but if I had to pick one it would be the Tower of London. I could not believe that we would be able to see a castle that had survived the centuries and was so prominent in English history for the good and bad that happened there. My time there could not have been any better unless I would have had more time."
Mary
Tour: 04/17/22
Overall rating:
Wonderful tour with Jeanie as our guide. So organized and filled with incredible schedule of events
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Probably Windsor. Beautiful city and wonderful castle with shopping and restaurants around. Beautiful walk on the long road in front of the castle."
John
Tour: 04/17/22
Overall rating:
It was a great experience and the weather really cooperated.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It was a series of wow moments visiting places so steeped in history."
Janeen
Tour: 04/17/22
Overall rating:
Jeanne Carmichael was fantastic. She handled everything with confidence and great humor. This was especially appreciated since it was our first major trip since the pandemic.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The little unplanned moments, like walking through St.James Park. Seeing "green" London was a thrill for me."
Elizabeth
Tour: 02/20/22
Overall rating:
It was a great tour of London, and Tom was a great guide! We enjoyed walking tours, seeing Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, Windsor Castle, and many more sites!
Connie
Tour: 02/20/22
Overall rating:
I was nervous about traveling, but I went ahead and took the plunge. It was fantastic! It couldn't have gone better!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Tom Hooper is just amazing! My favorite moment was the way he talked about Westminster Abbey. He knew everything! He was very informative and not dry about the history part!"
Maggie
Tour: 02/20/22
Overall rating:
It was brilliant. Our guide, Tom, was just fantastic - erudite and entertaining, with the wonderful British snarky sense of humour, perfectly judged for the crowd. Everywhere we went, people knew him, which made us feel most superior. The tour is active: you have to be happy hopping on and off tube and 'grown up' trains, walking distances and sometimes early starts. We packed so much in, learned so much and had a lot of fun.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Gazing mesmerized out of the windows of the lavish Crimson Drawing Room at Windsor Castle at sudden snow flurries swirling in the valley below. It felt like we had been transported to an enchanted northern kingdom, safe from the elements and danger in magnificent luxury inside."
Jeffrey
Tour: 02/20/22
Overall rating:
Our first tour with you and we were impressed. The hotel was comfortable and perfectly positioned, and our guide was entertaining and off-the-charts knowledgeable. Looking forward to doing another tour with Tom if that can be arranged.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I'd say the East End food tour was the surprise gem of the tour for me. What an incredible neighborhood with surprises around every corner. The curry at Aladin's was the best I've had in decades."
Thomas
Tour: 02/20/22
Overall rating:
My wife and I took our 3 adult children and daughter inlaw on this trip and all of us had a wonderfull time. The tour guide was excellant. Knowledgeable and funny! Adjustments due to Covis i.e. a little more outside stuff and avoiding the tube during peak hours were well coordinated and not an issue. Several of us were very familiar with London and for others a first time visit and ths trip worked for all. Plenty of time for outsidr tour activities such as the theatre, soccer and rugby.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Globe theatre and Windsor Castle."
Ken
Tour: 02/20/22
Overall rating:
What an incredible vacation!. As always, the Rick Steves Group delivered! Our tour guide (Tom) was the best! After 28 months of being in "limbo" due to the Virus issues, Rick and his team totally delivered! I am already planning my next trip! Many thanks to Tom and your team!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"the whole trip was a "Wow" factor.. It was great to finally get out and travel again1"
Michael
Tour: 02/20/22
Overall rating:
Another great Rick Steves tour. Excellent guides and itinerary. A good mix of structured tour activities and time on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Churchill War room and museum. I enjoyed seeing and reading about the historical artifacts."
Jeffrey
Tour: 02/20/22
Overall rating:
Our first tour with you and we were impressed. The hotel was comfortable and perfectly positioned, and our guide was entertaining and off-the-charts knowledgeable. Looking forward to doing another tour with Tom if that can be arranged.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I'd say the East End food tour was the surprise gem of the tour for me. What an incredible neighborhood with surprises around every corner. The curry at Aladin's was the best I've had in decades."
When To Go & Weather
Any time between April and December is a good time to visit London. However, the months of April, May, September, and October are best for combining the convenience of peak season with generally good weather and lighter crowds. Summer has its advantages, with long days and the best weather (though never guaranteed). November and December offer fewer crowds and the festive fun of the holiday season.
England/London
Hotels & Flights
Tour Hotels
In case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations, the contact information for the tour's hotel is included in your tour confirmation email as well as in the Itinerary section of your tour account. One month prior to the tour departure, you'll find the directions to your tour hotel in the Documents section of your tour account.
Flights
Our tours don't include airfare, so your flight arrangements and transfers are completely up to you.
Most tour members arrange to fly in and out of London's Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) airports.
We suggest arriving a day or two before your tour begins to allow ample time to get over jet lag and be well-rested for the first few days of your tour. For more information about transportation options for getting to and from your tour, see your Rick Steves London guidebook.