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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
2024
2025
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- Nov 24–Nov 30 (Su–Sa)
- $2,895 + Air
Opportunity to spend Thanksgiving in London!
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- Dec 1–Dec 7 (Su–Sa)
- $2,895 + Air
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- Dec 8–Dec 14 (Su–Sa)
- $2,895 + Air
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- Dec 26–Jan 1 (Th–We)
- $2,895 + Air
Opportunity to celebrate New Year's Eve in London!
What's Included
You'll get at least 16 group sightseeing events — at no extra cost!
Here's what you'll see and do on our 2024 Best of London tour:
- London neighborhood walk and Tube orientation
- Visitor Oyster Card for Underground (Tube) and bus transportation
- 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 3 other meals
- 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 4 p.m. to get acquainted. Then we'll set off on a neighborhood walk before finishing the evening with a "Welcome to London" dinner together.
Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain.
Day 2: St. Paul's, The City and the British Museum
After an Underground/Tube orientation, we'll visit 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. Next, we'll take a walking tour of The City, the oldest part of London and today one of the world's key financial centers. 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 and East London
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. Next, 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. 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 4: Westminster and the Churchill War Rooms
This morning 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. Later this afternoon, 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. Your evening is free. This is another good night for the theater.
Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain.
Day 5: The South Bank and Borough Market
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. 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: 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 afternoon is yours for poking around the quaint town of Windsor or for more sightseeing back in London. 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
Pamela
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating:
I'm really glad my husband and I took this tour as our guide provided much insight into the history of London and guided us with ease.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It's a toss up between Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle--both were awesome."
Kimberly
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating:
Overall experience would have been outstanding if the hotel, though clean with a good location, was nicer. The breakfasts were just fair.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"All of the informative and beautiful guided tours. Our guide, Steven, was outstanding."
Jana
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating:
First time traveling alone. I enjoyed the entire time I was in London. It was a very well planned trip and the directions provided were spot on.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Visiting Windsor Castle. We were very fortunate that we had beautiful 70 degree weather. "
Kenneth
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating:
Steven was lovely, knowledgeable and funny.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Queen Elizabeth's burial site. "
Jacqueline
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating:
My London tour was fantastic! Loved my overall experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My overall experience was a “wow” moment."
Richard
Tour: 10/13/24
Overall rating:
Except for the food, the overall experience was outstanding. Just about everything was as good or better than we had expected.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It's hard to pick a single moment, but visiting Windsor Castle stood out."
Joyce
Tour: 10/07/24
Overall rating:
My husband and I enjoyed our tour with Gillian. She was highly informative and we all loved her "biscuit" treats! We toured all the highlights of the city, had time on our own to explore and take in a show at night.We were forwarned about the amount of walking and stairs and that was correct information as we did a lot of walking each day. We did not mind the walking but glad we were told in advance. Our group was friendly and overall the tour with Gillian was fun, educational and enjoyable.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Too many to pick one...the Crown Jewels were amazing and St Pauls cathedral, Westminster Abby, Windsor Castle and the Churchill war rooms were our top sights. "
David
Tour: 10/07/24
Overall rating:
We had a wonderful experience in London with Gillian as our host and guide. Having never been to England previously, the London tour was a great way to immerse into the deep history and culture of the British people.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The climb and view from the top of the dome of St. Paul's !"
Sandra
Tour: 10/07/24
Overall rating:
Granville
Tour: 10/07/24
Overall rating:
The London tour exceeded all of my expectations. Our guide, Gillian was fantastic.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Many to choose from, although our time at the Tower of London was my favorite."
Ann
Tour: 10/07/24
Overall rating:
It was a great tour! Gillian was so helpful, knowledgeable and she has a great sense of humor. The guides at all of the attractions were great as well.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Gosh there were many but I think visiting Windsor Castle & the town of Windsor were amazing."
Sharon
Tour: 10/06/24
Overall rating:
This was our first Rick Steves tour and it exceeded all of our expectations. Rick Steeves tours prepared us well for the trip. Our accommodations were central to everything. Our tour guide was great - very knowledgeable, engaging and a great leader. She gave us a # of recommendations we went with on our own. Great itinerary - we visited the major spots, with a nice diversity of activities. Great group of fellow travelers. Appreciated the time for independent exploration. Fantastic!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many - Westminster Abbey and the Churchill War Rooms were among my favorites. Borough Market. Learning how much history (and intrigue!) surrounded our hotel neighborhood! Buckingham Palace - standing where there have been so many iconic scenes."
Lisa
Tour: 10/06/24
Overall rating:
This was our first Rick Steves' tour. Our tour was extremely well-planned and smooth, and our tour guide, Jeannie was phenomenal. The stories and anecdotes Jeannie shared really connected me to the place, the people, and the history of London. The other people on the tour were well-traveled, many having gone on multiple Rick Steves' tours in the past. The general sentiment was, once you've been on one Rick Steves' tour, you want to go on others. We completely agree -- it's addictive!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I was awe-struck by Westminster Abbey -- the beauty of the architecture and the wide range of scientists, royals, and writers buried there. Likewise, St. Paul's Cathedral and Windsor Castle were amazing."
Kelley
Tour: 10/06/24
Overall rating:
I saw all the places I've read about...seen on documentaries...dreamt of seeing. The additional experiences were a charming bonus
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It was pretty much WOW from start to finish...seeing Buckingham Palace...the Globe Theatre....it was amazing"
Linda
Tour: 10/06/24
Overall rating:
The London tour was wonderful from start to finish. It’s a perfect blend of history, culture, and experiences that are steeped in 100s of years of tradition. The hotel was perfectly situated to take advantage of the best of the city’s endless attractions. Group dining experiences were excellent and recommendations for dining on our own were spot on. The group was very congenial and the tour guide, Jeanie, was exemplary.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"This is difficult to answer. I think I would bundle the sites we visited and stories that we heard about World War 2 as the most meaningful to me. Jeanie telling about her father as a fire watcher on St Paul’s dome moved me to tears. The War Rooms moved me to tears. It’s one thing to read about London during the war or watching documentaries, but to walk where those events happened and to hear stories from people with authentic connections is truly special. "
Ann
Tour: 09/29/24
Overall rating:
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in London, especially the Rick Steves Tour. First of all, Tom our guide was welcoming, interesting and overall a great guide! We also thought our hotel and the location was great. So convenient to everything. Our group of 25 fit well together. We saw so many places that I had always wanted to visit too numerous to name here. I also thought the tea, group dinners and food tour were all good picks.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite was Windsor Castle and next Big Ben! "
Susanne
Tour: 09/29/24
Overall rating:
We had a wonderful time visiting many of the famous sites in London. Nice variety of activities. The tube was amazing and we were proud to figure it out and use it by ourselves a few times. Great group of tour mates. Lots of walking but we enjoyed it. Loved walking around the different neighborhoods and parks.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We had never been to London so just the taxi drive from the airport was wow! Seeing a huge city for the first time, the buildings, cars, and people was all very exciting. "
James
Tour: 09/29/24
Overall rating:
It was everything we hoped for. Our guide Tom was excellent, our group was fun and we truly experienced London at its best and gained confidence we can return by ourselves and get around the city easily.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many! Each day was wonderful but probably our day trip to Windsor Castle was our favorite day. "
Nancy
Tour: 09/29/24
Overall rating:
I have been reading about London all my 69 years; this tour brought it to life for me!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre; our guide was so Shakespearean! What a storyteller; what a voice! "
Robert
Tour: 09/29/24
Overall rating:
Tom was a great guide and was very friendly and helpful
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The London I"
Christine
Tour: 09/22/24
Overall rating:
I felt that the sequence and structure of our days did not flow properly. We had a Marvelous woman as our guide who showed and informed us of the basic information we needed to get around. She would pass the group on to other guides who specialized in the subject matter and meet up with us afterward. The hotel accommodations were only adequate but the location of the hotel was very good. It was the same breakfast buffet every day with no variation. The coffee was bad.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Two of our biggest WOW moments was riding the London Eye (not included in tour) and discovering L'Autre restaurant (delicious!). We would have liked to have spent more time in the town of Windsor. It was rainy and cold that day and none of us dressed appropriately not knowing we would be outside for portions of the tour. Once it was over we had to get back to our scheduled farewell dinner. We had only enoughttime to eat lunch and missed out on seeing Eaton and shopping in the cute stores"
Mary
Tour: 09/22/24
Overall rating:
Our tour guide, Gillian, was excellent! The tour was well organized and the perfect mix of planned touring and time to explore independently. We never had to wait in lines or fight crowds which was amazing. The hotel was fair due to being understaffed in the restaurant and our room was only adequate. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the culture and history. The reason why I didn't rate the experience outstanding is that traveling abroad is not my favorite way to vacation at this time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I enjoyed learning about the culture in East London on the food tour. I was awed by the beauty of the cathedrals and buildings. "
Jean
Tour: 09/22/24
Overall rating:
Tour and tour guide were great. Hotel was less than satisfactory. Breakfast was lacking in service, buffet food quality, and the coffee was terrible. The hotel dinner food was. Very poor quality and over priced. 2 less than 1/2 glasses of house quality wine was 15 pounds each. No bar prices are posted so it was a shock to see the bar tab.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The different neighborhoods we went through."
Joe
Tour: 09/22/24
Overall rating:
Excellent
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were many. Touring the British Museum and going on a food tour were highlights. "
Gary
Tour: 09/15/24
Overall rating:
Very nice tour, a good mixture of must see sights with needed down time, which we used to see two plays in the theater district and museums that weren't covered on the tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"no single one moment, however it was our introduction to English royalty and its history over time. And you see a LOT of this on the tour."
David
Tour: 09/15/24
Overall rating:
The oyster card gave us the ability to explore London and the suburbs after our daily events were done.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"the guide at the Globe was awesome. The guide at the east end food market experience was 10+. The bagel and corn beef was to die for."
Jim
Tour: 09/15/24
Overall rating:
Our guide Jennifer set a great friendly tone from the get go with lots of fine information along the way. Perfect weather the entire week was a real plus.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle and St. Paul's is hard to beat."
Michael
Tour: 09/15/24
Overall rating:
The tour was very full and complete. It seemed that all of the iconic London/English sites were adequately addressed.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I don’t know there was a particular moment, but I was continually impressed with our guide who brought her A Game each and every day. "
Lisa
Tour: 09/08/24
Overall rating:
we enjoyed that the tour was flexible with the weather
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Churchhills bunker"
Ronald
Tour: 09/08/24
Overall rating:
great
Favorite "WOW" moment
"windsor castle"
Dee
Tour: 09/08/24
Overall rating:
This was a fantastic trip from beginning to end. It was a truly wonderful experience that covered many things in London. There wasn't one thing that was a disappointment or not worth seeing. It was very well organized. The group meals were superb. I'll be high from the trip for a long time. We were ready to see it all over again when we were done. Rick, you've done a remarkable job distilling down to one week what London has to offer.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Everything we did & saw was a "Wow!" moment. The Sutton Hoo finds & the Parthenon Marbles were top sights."
David
Tour: 09/08/24
Overall rating:
Excellent introduction to London!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey tour"
Mary
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall rating:
Our guide was fabulous--so skillful, efficient and fun!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"East End Tour"
Timothy
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall it was quite enjoyable. Learned a lot about the city, all its attractions and how to get around.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The tube...its efficiency and range and ease of use....once we Were shown how to use😊"
Vito
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall rating:
Did not disappoint. Saw and learned so much about the ins and outs of London.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Borough Market grilled cheese sandwich. Food tour to the east end. Alladdins curry. Theater district. "
Kimberly
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall rating:
We just finished the RS 8 - day Scotland Tour so it is easy to compare the two tours. The Scotland tour allowed us more bonding with the group since more meals and bus time was shared. The London tour allowed us to be in one hotel which was very nice however I felt the format was less informative since much of our time was spent getting to sites with not much narration from Robert.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved the Tower of London, Crown Jewels and the tour leader, very informative and loved his humor. The Afternoon Tea was lovely and food tour including the leader really showed another side of London."
Regina
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall rating:
I enjoyed the thorough itinerary for a first-timer in London. All the must-sees were included with a sense of specialness and ease of access.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"In Borough Market, my wonderful guide Robert steered me to the best grilled cheese sandwich on earth. "
Timothy
Tour: 09/01/24
Overall rating:
It was wonderful, as has the other two Rick Steves tours we have attended.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle and the charming community surrounding it."
Doug
Tour: 08/18/24
Overall rating:
Our guide Lisa was excellent and very well prepared. The accommodations were great including the location.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The diversity of the food and the functionality of the Tube. "
Linda
Tour: 08/18/24
Overall rating:
Although the tour was very busy, we hit almost every landmark we wanted to see. We walked a lot and learned how to use the tube. Our guide was great and we met a lot of really nice folks-some not even in our group. Overall, we were very busy but our guide Lisa made the tour exciting.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite 'wow" moment and favorite part of the tour was the East End food tour. The food tour guide made the East End come alive with each wave of immigrant migration. The food was beyond excellent and I tried foods I've never had before. This tour exceeded my expectations!"
Trevor
Tour: 08/18/24
Overall rating:
A great balance between a wide variety of sights to visit with enough free time to explore on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Every say had a wow moment. It’s why I enjoyed the tour so much. But if I needed to select one, I would say the location of the hotel. Walking distance to so many great locations and mass transit."
Kevin
Tour: 08/18/24
Overall rating:
Great agenda. High pace which we love. Packed all of the must see items into the one week itinerary
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Tie between the opening ceremony at the Tower of London and the East End Food Tour."
David
Tour: 08/18/24
Overall rating:
We hit all the highlights plus many surprise and delight experiences with our guide in London.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We like the foodie tour since it included local history of the area and street art. If we had been on our own, we wouldn’t have realized the fun that awaited us."
Samantha
Tour: 08/18/24
Overall rating:
Our guide, Lisa, was amazing, providing a fun and informative tour of really amazing places and history. She created such a wonderful vibe that the group was able to gel right away and really enjoy our tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The food tour of the East End - the amazing history and food were unexpected and delightful surprises. "
Kathy
Tour: 08/18/24
Overall rating:
The guide was very good, the people were kind and friendly, and the information about London and each site we visited was interesting. I learned so much and had fun.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey"
Paul
Tour: 08/11/24
Overall rating:
Lisa was a fantastic Tour Guide. Friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable. Made the Tour a fantastic experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westmister Abbey"
Mark
Tour: 08/11/24
Overall rating:
This was our first tour where we stayed in one city. It was amazing how many attractions we were able to see and the variety of experiences we had.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle - We have a fascination with the royals and to see Windsor Castle was awesome."
Pam
Tour: 08/11/24
Overall rating:
The Hotel was the perfect location. It was close to everything
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abby and St. Paul's Cathedral "
Kirk
Tour: 08/11/24
Overall rating:
Things went smoothly.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Henry VIII was a very bad dude and the British haven’t cancelled him. "
Michael
Tour: 08/11/24
Overall rating:
The mix of sights was good, planning and itinerary were paced well. Excellent overview of London
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey tour. The guide's knowledge was great, and the Abbey is spectacular. "
Cary
Tour: 08/11/24
Overall rating:
Once again, my wife and I had a great time learning about London, the UK, the Royals, and what a history lesson! Our guide, Lisa, was terrific. This was our third Rick Steves" tour, and can hardly wait for the next!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"For me it was the Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre history. Of course all of the historic sites were a close second. For my wife, it was touring Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and seeing where Queen Elizabeth was laid to rest. "
Ruby
Tour: 08/11/24
Overall rating:
The tour allowed us to see UK's history, culture and art all in 5 days. Lisa is an awesome tour guide. She is quite knowledgeable in all things British, and very friendly.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The highlight of the tour for me was seeing the ancient ruins and mummies at the British Museum. I also very much enjoyed seeing the crown jewels in the Tower of London."
Daniel
Tour: 08/11/24
Overall rating:
Wonderful tour of London. Loved tour of Winsor Palace. Loved hearing stories of the various Kings and Queens who occupied the throne.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The architecture in London is fantastic! I was in London 20 years ago and was unimpressed with the new buildings being constructed. Now in context of all the other new buildings it all works. Skyline is gorgeous."
Karen
Tour: 07/21/24
Overall rating:
Seamless!! Everything from the hotel, meals, and sightseeing stops was outstanding! Made our first trip to Europe easy peasy!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved seeing Windsor Castle and The Tower of London. The food tour was amazing as well!"
Travis
Tour: 07/21/24
Overall rating:
Excellent, even though we arrived 3 days late due to the Delta Airlines software meltdown.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"All of the sites were wonderful, but Tom, our tour manager, and the fellow group members brought the most joy."
John
Tour: 07/21/24
Overall rating:
everything was well planned and executed perfectly.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"the optional climb to St Paul's Cathedral golden dome. "
Karen
Tour: 07/21/24
Overall rating:
Best of London tour was well organized. Our tour guide was on top of each day’s activities. He was well informed and professional.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The afternoon tea experience was excellent. I probably would not have done afternoon tea if I was on my own. I was pleasantly surprised by this experience. A must do in England."
Richard
Tour: 07/21/24
Overall rating:
Greatly enjoyed our tour guide's (Tom) guidance, knowledge, professionalism, patience, and humor. It was spot on. Hotel fairly good but super good for location, location, location in Mayfair area.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Going unplanned through Buckingham Palace tour at the last moment. All the credit for this goes to our guide Tom, who mentioned to our group that spots had opened for later that day."
Chris
Tour: 07/21/24
Overall rating:
Great experience, great tour guide in Tom
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey & Windsor Castle "
Virginia
Tour: 07/21/24
Overall rating:
Every day went according to plan and very smoothly. Our guide, Tom, made all the difference. There were unexpected good surprises along the way such as perfect positioning for changing of the guard and early entrances to the Tower of London and Windsor Castle.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The way our guide, Tom, had the timing of the changing of the guard, complete with band, and the best position at Buckingham Palace."
Sharon
Tour: 07/21/24
Overall rating:
Our charismatic and experienced tour guide wrangled our group with mind-boggling ease. Tom knew answers to every single question posed (from a variety of group members) and had a plethora of London stories to keep us entertained when we had to wait for something (which wasn't often.) Tom brought charm and humor to our group and the only problem we have now is trying to find another tour with Tom as our guide!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Opening ceremony at the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels, and the general history available at the Tower of London. It was a great morning! "
Gary
Tour: 07/21/24
Overall rating:
Great guide! He made the tour!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Probably Windsor Castle"
Joseph
Tour: 07/21/24
Overall rating:
Our Rick Steves Best of London tour checked all of the boxes. It was a full experience, beautiful, enlightening, educational and fun!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Oh my gosh! How does one pick just one?! There were so many wonderful visits to London sights! The day spent at Windsor Castle was definitely a favorite. The castle was glorious and the town of Windsor was quaint and lovely."
Roel
Tour: 07/21/24
Overall rating:
Outstanding
Favorite "WOW" moment
"the amount of knowledge Tom has to share"
Claire
Tour: 07/14/24
Overall rating:
Seven days in London was quite powerful, filled with world history and a great deal of walking. Most every day was structured to allow independent time to do whatever one desired, a nice balance to the day. I traveled as a single but found our group of 25 was very cohesive, we all looked out for one another including our Rick Steve's guide. London is one of those "must experience" in the realm of world travel
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I found myself quite overwhelmed in Westminster Abbey. To be amongst so many founding, world influencers, brought me to a commanding mental and emotional standstill. "
Arianne
Tour: 07/14/24
Overall rating:
The history offered around the city and at the buildings and castles was very androcentric and therefore incomplete. I also feel that there were far too many people in our group, which made navigating the streets, sites, and transportation system difficult. The city is very, very busy and such large groups are impractical. If I had known either of these things, I wouldn't have gone on the tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I enjoyed the food tour (and that particular guide) very much. I also really enjoyed the food from the last meal we had together."
James
Tour: 07/14/24
Overall rating:
The guide was informative, kind and flexible to the needs of the group.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I felt like the guide gave me great inside information that I would not have learned if I was on my own."
Betsy
Tour: 07/07/24
Overall rating:
It was a well organized, busy, interesting tour with a wonderful guide and a friendly group of people.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our wow moments came at unexpected times, like when we saw the changing of the Irish guard at Buckingham Palace, we caught a glimpse of a fox during the key ceremony, hunting the ravens they raise at the Tower of London, and the East End food tour in the rain. Also, just being in Westminster Abby is awe inspiring."
James
Tour: 07/07/24
Overall rating:
Excellent hotel location. You weren’t kidding about the walking. We set new records on our daily count.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Rosetta Stone "
Anna
Tour: 07/07/24
Overall rating:
This was our first Rick Steves' tour and it was AMAZING! We got to see everything we wanted (and more). We felf very safe in our group and it was nice to have others looking out for you in a new country. It was also fun to have familiar faces around the city. It was the perfect blend of guided activities and time to explore on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It's hard to pick just one, but we enjoyed Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle the most."
John
Tour: 07/07/24
Overall rating:
Nice tour of London. Tour guide was entertaining, funny, and had a lot of stories, some of them sort of conspiracy stories. I had to google them to separate accepted facts from debatable conspiracies. Hotel location was great.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There actually was NOT one this time, and this was our 9th tour. There wasn't any special activity that I wouldn't have been able to do on my own. "
Sarah
Tour: 07/07/24
Overall rating:
It was an amazing time. It was educational as well as fun.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Big Ben. It was so beautiful in the sun."
Derek
Tour: 06/30/24
Overall rating:
Very very very amazingly excellent. Our guide Tom was great.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Climbing up to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral "
Lia
Tour: 06/30/24
Overall rating:
The tour was incredible! It was comprehensive, fun, and absolutely wonderful. Everything was timed very well and we got to see so much without being rushed. There was a perfect balance of scheduled items and free time. The accommodations were great. Access to commuting options was streamlined and easy to understand. Food was diverse and delicious. My mother and I could not have asked for a better tour!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Visiting Westminster. Listening to the history and walking through the gorgeous cathedral. My mother returned for Evensong and I want to return for a longer tour to really taken in the art in every corner. "
Jan
Tour: 06/30/24
Overall rating:
Wonderful! Always felt safe, expectations were clear, the tour packed a great deal into a short time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St. Paul's or Westminster"
Wendy
Tour: 06/30/24
Overall rating:
I really enjoyed the London tour - we were always on the go, but there was still sufficient independent time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Beautiful interior of St. Paul’s Cathedral."
Kimberley
Tour: 06/30/24
Overall rating:
Our guide Tom was wonderful. It was great hearing all the history and information about the places he took us to. I really love his sense of humor. I needed help with some arrangements to get to somewhere else when the tour was finished and he helped me get my train tickets.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved the Spittlefields market food tour, I had not thought that I liked curry, but our tour guy took us to what he said was the best Indian restaurant and we got to try three dishes which were delicious. I also loved seeing Westminster Abbey and had to go back and rewatch the beginning of William and Catherine‘s wedding because I had wondered about the things I saw as she walked inside the cathedral and down the aisle. It made it even more magical now that I know what it really looks like. "
Ann
Tour: 06/30/24
Overall rating:
Tom was the most fantastic tour guide we could have ever had, given it was our first time on a tour! Outstanding!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It was pretty much ALL “ WOW” given the history of London. But, I think most most wow moments were St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels. And, of course, Tom’s excellent history recap on each! "
Edward
Tour: 06/30/24
Overall rating:
We had such a wonderful time on our seven day London trip, and it was made all the better by our outstanding tour guide Tom. What a treasure he is, I recommend any tour that he might lead! At times charming, funny, empathetic, and outgoing, Tom was the perfect guide for our tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Climbing to the very top of St Pauls Cathedral (and being a few minutes late returning to the group!)."
Dianne
Tour: 06/23/24
Overall rating:
Wonderful tour with friendly kind travellers, led by a knowledgeable guide who gave us helpful tips for navigating around London. The balance was just right for time with the group and time to explore places of interest on your own. London is such a fantastic interesting city, we want to return.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Upon reflection I think the wow comes when one realizes that the places visited have so much so history ...famous people and historical events. "
Lauren
Tour: 06/23/24
Overall rating:
Wonderful tour of all of the important sights in London. Our tour director Jeanie was exceptional. She guided us through the London Underground and made us confident experts at navigating on our own. She kept us laughing with her charm and whit. Great group of fellow travelers. It was wonderful to beat the crowds at the Tower of London and not have to wait in a 5-hour line to see the Crown Jewels.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey took my breath away, as did the crown jewels. "
Jim
Tour: 06/23/24
Overall rating:
Jeanie our guide was fantastic!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The food tour in the East End."
Amber
Tour: 06/23/24
Overall rating:
Everything I hoped for. This trip and group was amazing!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Going inside St. Paul’s and hearing about the soldiers who saved it by putting fires on the dome. "
Victoria
Tour: 06/23/24
Overall rating:
This tour is amazing! Our guides were outstanding, the meals were wonderful, the hotel was fabulous. There was a great balance between tour activities (so many great sites to see and experiences to have in London!) and time to explore on your own. Know that this tour is a tremendous amount of walking and standing. Be prepared to get 18-20K steps a day.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Tower of London and seeing the Crown Jewels. So much history in one place. "
Melody
Tour: 06/23/24
Overall rating:
Our guide and accommodations were great!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The stories our guide shared about Jung Henry VIIIi"
John
Tour: 06/23/24
Overall rating:
Our tour was very interesting fun and educational.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many but I would say Windsor Castle was my favorite. "
Linda
Tour: 06/23/24
Overall rating:
See my husband’s responses.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Churchill war rooms."
John
Tour: 06/23/24
Overall rating:
I travelled with my mother who turned 85 on the trip. This was the ideal trip. She'd never been to London I had. The hotel was central to tube stop, buses and all the sights. The hotel was comfortable with a great breakfast. She walked 5 to 7 miles each day with a top day of 10 miles. We were out most days 8:30 am to 3 PM, back for a nap then out to west end evening shows. Our guide, Jeanie Carmichal and fellow group travelers were great, the weather wonderful. It went so well.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"East end food tour. Globe Theater tour. Our guides were great. Wednesday - 12:30 am Thursday - hitting the rack after Westminster, St. James Walk, Westminster Abbey tour, lunch/brief viewing at National Gallery, Churchill War rooms, evening Irish pub crawl and later dinner finishing with birthday comp cake/ice cream and a shot of limoncello. WOW - Mom did it all (we have photos!) and we was on deck 8:30 am the next morning ready to tour. "
Sandra
Tour: 06/23/24
Overall rating:
A very well organized and comprehensive introduction to the many sites/sounds/tastes/culture of London. A wonderful experience!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Experienced so many 'Wow" moments it's difficult to pick out one. Being able to tour the lesser known St. Bartholomew The Great church was a highlight that differentiates the uniqueness of Rick Steves tours."
Kathye
Tour: 06/16/24
Overall rating:
This was my third Rick Steves tour. Our schedule was modified from what the itinerary said and that may have added to the uneven distribution of activities and events.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved seeing the rebuilt GlobeTheatre. The guide was passionate and knowledgeable about its history and Shakespeare."
Thomas
Tour: 06/16/24
Overall rating:
Totally lived up to, and stayed true to the agenda as described. We were a bit amazed at what a huge and interesting city London is, geographically-speaking and in diverse population. Thankfully our guide totally knows the agenda; in fact we were always a few minutes early for any appointment. We had a well-rounded experience seeing the "top ten" sights plus a mix of local charm with some food markets and a few times when we had an open agenda to explore places of our own choosing.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey seemed hard to top, but then we saw Saint Paul's Cathedral and then the Tower of London and the crown jewels, and then Windsor Castle. All world-class but collectively a powerful living history lesson about the UK. We also loved being along the substantial River Thames and seeing it rising and ebbing with the ocean tides and knowing of its central theme to London and its history and commerce. The public park system throughout London was a bit of a surprise & a nice treat too."
Linda
Tour: 06/16/24
Overall rating:
Larry
Tour: 06/16/24
Overall rating:
This tour brought back fond memories of my military tour in England in 1979--1983. My office conducted official business to London twice a week and with my personal visits to see London historical sites.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The most "wow" moment had to be the museums that we were able to visit. "
William
Tour: 06/16/24
Overall rating:
Never had done an organized tour before. Researched & choose this one. For tour stayed at Washington Mayfair hotel which had great accommodations & good location for our ventures. Great breakfast & final drink at night. Walked (& used tube/train) central London & Windsor visiting the historic sites mentioned in the tour information. Enjoyed pubs & talking to locals. A lot of walking and standing, so be in descent shape. Shepards Market is a close by for meals/drinks. Added days before/after.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My moment was meeting & being with the 24 people of our group & our guide Jamie. Our ages ranged from teens to +74 (at least me). We were from all over the US. Met some very good friends. We toured as a happy family. Jamie was an excellent guide with his years of doing this, knowledge, stories, & ability to adapt our group to schedule changes."
Danuta
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating:
The tour guide and the logistics were outstanding. Good accomodations in a posh area with very vice breakfast options. Site seeing well organized, and Tom made it so much fun. He really was the best. Loved it
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Tom - the tour guide who made the tour so pleasant."
Chris
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating:
So much fun and enjoyable! Ou tour guide Tom was fantastic!!!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Changing of the guard for Buckingham Palace."
Marla
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating:
The tour was well organized and included many of the top sights in London. Our guide, Tom, was extremely knowledgeable, entertaining, and made the tour very enjoyable. The hotel was centrally located, easy walking distance to many top sights, and excellent restaurants. There was an ample amount of free time to visit sights that were not included on the tour. Overall, great week in London!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite moments from the tour are the Tower of London and the visit to Windsor. The history of the monarchy and the castles are incredible. Also, loved all of the pubs, especially Two Brewers in Windsor."
Debra
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating:
Our guide Tom was great. So knowledgeable, learned a lot. Liked the location of the hotel, having restaurants, stores close by was helpful.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The food tour we had was something that we wouldn’t have looked into on our own. "
David
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating:
The tour really exceeded my expectations. I appreciated having each day carefully planned out so we could visit major points of interest in London. I also appreciated our tour guide making arrangements ahead of time, such as ticket purchases and restaurant reservations; so we could make the most of our time there. I also think there was a good balance between group activities and free time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I really enjoyed seeing inside Windsor Castle. Such beautiful rooms!"
Dale
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating:
I really enjoyed the number of sites we visited and the free time to explore other things we wanted to see. I did feel rushed as the pace of walking was so fast that it was difficult to enjoy the sites. I would appreciate more places to sit during the discussion periods.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I enjoyed Windsor Castle because it gave you a glimpse of the modern monarchy."
Raymond
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating:
The hotel (Washington Mayfair) was nice and well located. The tour leader (Gillian) was fun, attentive and knowledgeable. It was our first trip to London so it was a great intro to all the sights with free time in the evenings to explore on our own and take in some theater. The tour met our goals. It may come up later in the survey, but there is LOTS of walking. My wife and I were fine with it and I had read your disclaimers before the trip but the walking and standing needs to be emphasized.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite moment was when Gillian took us across the street from the hotel and we discovered Shepard’s Market which was a fun, cool area with pubs and restaurants. May not have found that area without Gillian!"
Julie
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating:
First time doing a "city" tour so this was different for us
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Not sure are there were quite a few"
Judith
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating:
We saw the most important cultural places in London, without waiting in lines. Our guide prepared us well for each.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I had taken a one day tour once to various places, but saw virtually none of Windsor. Our RS guide truly gave us insights but the experience of touring Windsor was like 800 years of history in three hours. "
Patrick
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating:
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St. Paul’s or Tower of London."
Eileen
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating:
Enjoyed seeing all the highlights of London.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle was fantastic!"
Charles
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
This tour provided a thoroughly enjoyable week in a magnificent city. Our guide Tom was informative, entertaining and kind. Our hotel, the Radisson Mercer, was centrally located in Covent Garden and the hotel staff were friendly and helpful. London is dynamic and bustling, with great historical sights, museums, restaurants, food markets, pubs, musicals and plays. Our tour covered many of the most important sights and museums, and we had ample time to visit other sights on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey, so rich in history with (among many other things) its Coronation Chair, Grave of the Unknown Warrior, Royal Air Force Chapel, and the tombs of & memorials to scientists in Scientists' Corner, and to writers in Poets’ Corner. "
Janet
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
Tom, our leader, was absolutely wonderful. He made everything so personal. By the time the tour was over, Tom felt like family. The tour gave a great overall view of London: historical, cultural, modern. We toured the great sites of London as well as hidden gems. It was a perfect combination of group time and free time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St. Paul's especially the American chapel and seeing King Charles III."
Donna
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
First tour with Rick Steves... it was amazing! Our guide Tom was the BEST! Extremely knowledgeable and just a lot of fun.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Don't have one moment... the whole trip was a wow!"
Tanner
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
I enjoyed being on the tour! It was great to be in London for 7 days. With our hotel located so centrally, we could get to so many great sights and attractions without too much trouble. As someone who is only 22 years old, I did feel like I didn't have much in common with the other tour group members, and I could have used less explanations and delays from the tour guide on using the Tube (it's pretty intuitive). I thought the activities were generally good but I might have skipped some.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved seeing the Assyrian art in the British Museum. It would have been better if we had more time to see the museum; we did go back at one point but since the museum closes at 5pm there were fewer opportunities to go back than you might think. Plus, the line for security took about 20-30 minutes each time. "
David
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
We had a great group of 23 people who really became friends over eight days in this lovely, detailed exploration of London and surroundings.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The "science" corner of the Westminster Abbey was amazing for me. As a scientist I have great respect for Newton, Faraday, Maxwell, Herschel and the other great scientists who are buried there."
Jeanne
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
Everything was so well planned and executed, and our guide Tom was beyond outstanding
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The ww2 memorial chapel at St Paul's moved me almost to tears"
Debra
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
Tom Hooper was a wonderful guide, we visited many places, he provided so much information in an entertaining way
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Visiting Buckingham Palace and seeing the bands/color guards marching and playing and then King Charles drove by in the limo and waved"
Julio
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
I enjoyed all of it.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We got to see King Charles driving to work!"
Christine
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
Exhausting. I discovered city tours are actually more tiring than moving from hotel to hotel. There is little to no down time on a city tour because there is no bus ride. Had educated guide and good group of fellow travelers visiting all the must see spots.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St Paul's Cathedral. But I wish we would have had the time to climb up to at least the whispering level. Having time to shop for fabric at Liberty of London was great fun for me, as was the Victoria and Albert museum. "
Dorothy
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
Excellent mix of history, architecture, food and culture.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St. Paul's tour"
Miryam
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
Our tour guide, Steven, was fabulous. He was incredibly knowledgeable and quite fun. There was an excellent balance between tour activities and free time with one exception. There were only 2 group dinners. I would add at least another group dinner. It gives the people in the group more time to get to know each other. The hotel was located well. Being able to walk to many places or take the nearby public transportation made navigating around London quite easy.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I had 2 WOW moments. The Churchill War Rooms were amazing. I spent more time there than I thought I would. Such a powerful and meaningful place. The other moment was the East End food tour. That was so delicious and informative! Our guest guide was excellent! It was a great way to give a tour and history of that area of London."
Alison
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
As in past experiences on a RS tour, our group had an excellent guide.Steven was extremely knowledgeable, cordial and responsive. He was patient and thorough in answering all my questions. The tour was a good balance of structured tour events and free time. The group was made of many RS "veterans" who were interested in learning and responsible in adapting to the schedule. This was the first time I traveled solo. I felt comfortable with the group.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Probably seeing Windsor Castle. Also food tour."
Connie
Tour: 05/26/24
It was good. I nice mixed of structured, guided experiences plus free time to pursue our own interests.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"After reading so much English history, it was fascinating to visit the Tower of London"
Joyce
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
Busy but so outstanding “first time” to London experience. Our guide Stephen was awesome!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many, Crown Jewels , Westminster Abbey, High tea, trip to Windsor(cold, rainy weather) and Churchill War rooms "
Jeanine
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
The tour guides were exceptional! The small group size and tour guides are what brings us back to Rick Steves tours.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite part was visiting a small pub in Windsor and connecting with local owners. "
Nancy
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
We enjoyed an informative and busy tour of London. The sights, the history, and the food were incredible, and our hotel was in a perfect location. We were able to get in 3 theater performances on our own, and that was truly special.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We enjoyed the Spitalsfield Market food tour. Our local guide, Dave, was informative and the food was delicious and plentiful. The Globe theater tour was another special moment. "
Sharon
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
We loved everything about the London Trip! The hotel was great and in a great location. The breakfast was great. Our tour guide Jeanne was fantastic. She had a great sense of humor, was knowledgeable, organized, always watching for us, informing us, teaching us how to use the Tube. London is a fantastic city, better than we imagined!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"London in General has remarkable sites. Windsor Castle was impressive. I did not realize it was so much more than one castle! My husband loved the pubs and the tower of London. "
David
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
Very happy with the tour and the activities we did.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle"
Rene
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
Our tour manager Jeanne was very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. Jeanne was very energetic and demonstrated it with all the information provided on daily basis. I enjoyed the London tour but, was a little disappointed with overtourism in London.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle."
Gerald
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
This was a wonderful tour. The balance of guided tours and free time was just right. We learned so much and had time to explore on our own. Jeannie is an exceptional tour guide. She led us through the many sights and neighborhoods of London. She regaled us with stories and insights that made London come alive. Our band of travelers were delightful people and we became a traveling family right from the first hour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There's lots of wow moments. There were two that stood out to us - the Chruchill War Rooms and Windsor Castle. The food tour was lots of fun too!"
Carol
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
We enjoyed the itinerary, the group and our guide Jeanie! The weather was mostly good and the location of our hotel was convenient and easy to get to by on busses or tube!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It is difficult to pick one wow moment but the good tour was delicious, informative and our guide was delightful! The trip to Windsor was also amazing!"
Gretchen
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
I was very impressed with the organization and the efficiency of the Rick Steves tour entrerprise. The perfect amount of freedom versus structured activity, with time allocated for breaks (restroom and food/beverage). As a first time Rick Steves tour participant, I loved it! This will be the first of many tours for me!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many "wow" moments .... I think entering Westminister Abbey for the first time tops the list, but seeing the Crown Jewels and Windsor Castle were also "wow" moments. "
David
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
Every detail was provided.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle"
Ellen
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
This was a fantastic tour! Jeanie was great - knowledgeable, candid, and a little cheeky. She gave great recommendations of things to do and places to eat (and drink) on our own. She gave us tools to navigate London, which made us confident and comfortable, turning us from tourists to travelers :D
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were many great sights and places, but the best "wow" was free time to explore individual interests - there's so much to do! Public transportation made it a breeze to get around, the Oyster card and Jeanie's orientation gave us freedom and confidence. Even going to the theater in the evening was easy and hassle free! "
Shirley
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
This was our first Rick Steeves tour and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment from start to finish! Jeanie, our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and answered our questions with great insight. The history and architecture was fascinating and every day was a wonderful adventure!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many “wow” moments for me and it’s hard to choose just one. I particularly enjoyed seeing Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. "
Jeff
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
A knowledgeable, helpful, humorous tour guide - Jeannie.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor and the Windsor Castle."
Francis
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
A great tour starts with a great guide and Jeanie was just that She has a wealth of knowledge with a great sense of humor.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite wow moment was Windsor castle and the town of Windsor "
Joanne
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
Exciting times touring around London with fun tour group and wonderful guide, Jeanie! Very full days tired us out, but we were always ready for next day's adventure!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The opening ceremony of the Tower of London...wow, impressive experience! We were just there last week (having just come off The Best of England tour), but being there early hours to witness their opening ritual with no crowds was an awesome opportunity! Another Wow...bumping in to Rick Steves...twice!!! Fun!"
Gordon
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
We wanted to experience London and we did that in an amazing fashion! Right from Day 1, it was nothing short of wonderful. Every day was memorable and thoroughly enjoyable! We loved having our evening’s free to rest and we were surprised by how easy it was to navigate the underground, after being shown.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It’s so hard to narrow it down! But perhaps it was Windsor Castle which was like a dream. Having said that, it could have been St. Paul’s, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London or the Churchill War Rooms."
Suzanne
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
As all of our previous Rick Steves tours, this tour was filled with adventurous as we saw all of the sites London is famous for. Our guide, Jeannie, really made the tour, as she regaled us with fascinating history that brought the city to life.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lots of wows. Churchill War rooms, Windsor, and a surprisingly chance encounter with the man himself…Rick Steves!"
James
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
Wonderful immersion into London and Jeannie was a fantastic guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor was amazing.."
Gregory
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
Jeanie was an exceptional tour guide. Her knowledge of London was uniformly outstanding. Our fellow travelers were also a great group that enhanced the tour. Could not ask for a better experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Met Rick Steves by chance while touring in London."
Tracy
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
We had a wonderful trip! There is so much to see in London, and I felt our tour gave us the best itinerary to see the top attractions to appeal to a wide variety of interests. Our tour guide Jeanie was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. She had a wonderful personality and shared many background stories that made each day memorable.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Two WOW moments for me :) 1st -- running into Rick Steves in front of Westminster Abbey! That was unbelievable! Thank you Rick for taking a photo with our tour group! :) 2nd -- Windsor Castle was amazing! The art, the architecture, the history, and don't forget to look up and see the amazing ceilings in each room."
Nan
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
The tour was fabulous. We had a great tour guide and our tour members were fun. We became a part of London. We saw so many famous sites and wonderful neighborhoods. I really enjoyed everything.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle! The town and castle grounds were beautiful. I was so touched so see Queen Elizabeth’s memorial."
Camille Joelle
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
The London 7-Day tour was perfect for a first time Rick Steves tour. I didn't feel rushed and I felt like I was able to explore London like a true Londoner. Jeanie was great to be with. She's shared a whole lot of information during the tour- it was like listening to a podcast but you can ask questions! I also really appreciated the little snacks she gave to help energize us throughout the day. So thoughtful!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My jaw dropped at St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. I like how the tour takes you on paths less taken then reveals the marvels that London has to offer at the climax! I really felt like I was being read through a story of London with all the amazing things I was shown. "
Amy
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
This was my first time overseas, and all the guidance, information, and advice was MUCH appreciated. I felt like I was in safe hands. I loved my guide and all the stories she shared with us. Everyone in my group was kind and friendly. The pace was tiring, but I was warned about that, and I didn't want to miss anything. It was great to be lead straight to the best experiences. I never could have found so many great things on my own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Just one?! Everything in the British Museum wowed me. The Long Walk at Windsor Castle took my breath away. The Globe was a huge thrill. I could have spent a week at the Tower of London, and maybe the most memorable moment was when one of the ravens, standing on a fence inches away from me, positioned himself directly in front of me while looking at me over his shoulder... and pooped! I definitely felt like he was speaking to me. LOL!"
Janet
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
This tour of London had everything one would expect from a RS tour; a fantastic guide, great group of fellow travelers, and a wonderful introduction to all London has to offer!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many Wow moments on this tour! One was St. George's chapel at Windsor Castle; the history in the chapel spans centuries (Henry VIII and Elizabeth II to name just two burials) and it's a beautiful space. Another was enjoying the Philharmonic at the Royal Albert Hall; beautiful music in a gorgeous historic building...totally WOW!"
Pamela
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
It was wonderful. Jeannie, our tour guide was knowledgeable, professional, interesting, and fun. I saw all the amazing London sights & learned a lot.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The entire experience. "
Deborah
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
The tour hit all the London highlights we were interested in not missing, and the hotel was in a fabulous location. We took advantage of the suggestion to take in a show at the West End one evening. The day trip out to Windsor was a relaxing closure and very interesting.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"All of Tour Guide Jeanie's narration. She is a British national treasure!"
Joelle
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
Experienced guide, well organized, positive group cohesion & support.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Arriving in London & seeing the magnificent city & architecture."
Mary Ann
Tour: 05/05/24
The tour was very comprehensive and informative and covered all the major sites in London and then some. The tour guide, Jeannie was exceptional in every regard from her extensive knowledge of London and its history to her relative ease with choralling 25 adults thru the Tube and all our venues. We were fortunate to be with a group of like minded, caring individuals as well. The only downside of the itinerary was the food tour which I would definitely skip next time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Saint Paul’s Cathedral. This masterpiece by Christopher Wren and the fact that it survived the bombing demonstrated its structural integrity and beauty and the passion of the London people who kept it in tact during the War."
Kerry
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
Hotel was perfectly situated to go anywhere in London. Once we learned how to use the tube/buses, we could go anywhere we wanted on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor was an unexpected "wow" for us. The castle (apartments), St. George's Chapel, and the town of Windsor itself were all charming and alive with activity. We could have stayed longer (overnight, even)."
Wendy
Tour: 05/05/24
Nancy
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
Wonderful experience! Most of London’s highlights covered with plenty of time to adventure on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There are two WOWs: Seeing the Crown Jewels and hearing The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra play at Royal Albert Hall."
Julie
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
Overall experience was wonderful. We got to see the main sights of the city, get a feel for different areas, learn some history, use public transportation, and eat adventurously! Nice balance of scheduled activities and time to explore.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hard to choose. Choir at Westminster Abbey, coming around the corner and seeing St Paul’s Cathedral, ravens at Tower of London, Queen Elizabeth II at St George’s Chapel and Nelson atop Trafalgar Square! Oh! And we also got to see the Royal Guard (I think?) rehearsing for anniversary of King Charles’s coronation, just happened upon it, what a treat."
Dave
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
Great time; saw lots of things and Jeannie is a terrific tour guide
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St Pauls Cathedral "
Sheila
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating:
Everything was outstanding. Still trying to figure out what a Tom desert is.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Too many to single out."
Priscilla
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating:
I loved it
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Crown Jewels "
Michael
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating:
Everything worked together perfectly. The hotel and it's location were great, our guide, Tom, was fabulous and the sites we saw were iconic in the scope of Western history.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I have known about the Rosetta Stone since grade school. Getting to actually see it was a WOW for me. Knowing how key it was to deciphering ancient Egypt's culture I loved seeing it in person."
Marilyn
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating:
First time in London. Tour highlighted key historic locations Loved that I never felt rushed. Great group of fellow travelers. Tom, our guide, was so knowledgeable, organized and efficient. Very personable.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey. I had no idea of the amount of history in this building. Local tour guide provided so much detail in a story like flow. "
Marcia
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating:
Wonderful itinerary, great tour group and outstanding guide (Tom). I have always wanted a more up-close and personal view of historic sites in London and this tour delivered
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Having a pint in one of the oldest pubs in London!"
Janna
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating:
Tom was a great guide. He was well informed and personable and he was my buddy! So I guess I’m a bit biased!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hard to say, I enjoyed it all. "
Michelle
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating:
Tom was an excellent tour guide!! Organized, funny and knowledgeable. The sites we visit were excellent and we got to learn how easy the tube system is in London. The other travelers were kind, supportive and fun. First time on a Rick Steve's tour and we would highly recommend.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor castle, especially because the flag was flying indicating that King Charles was in residence that day. I wish we had more time at Windsor. I could have stayed there the entire day and more if permitted. Being on the tour allowed us easy and quick entrance to the property. Didn't have to fight the crowds figuring out when and how to get in. Tom took care of it all! "
Christina
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating:
This is a wonderful introduction to London. We were able to see many of the main sites. Tom, our guide, helped us to avoid crowds and navigate the city. We wish we had more time to explore the city. We should have stayed an extra week to do so.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Touring Windsor Castle was my favorite wow moment. We have toured palaces in Italy, Germany, and Austria. This was by far the best."
David
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating:
First organized tour taken. Our tour guide Tom was excellent, location of hotel could not have been better, and quality of accommodations was very good. Nearby restaurants, M&S, Tesco, Prete a Manger, and wrap shop made grabbing quick bites and salads very convenient, as wife and I rarely sat down for meal other than breakfast buffet at hotel and the meals, tea, and food tour provided with the tour. The included preloaded Oyster card had 1.3 pounds left at Heathrow. First, but not last RS Tour
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hard to say. The warmth of the guide and camaraderie of the group stand out first and foremost in my impression of the tour. The planning that went into making the tour enjoyable, pre-acquired tickets, timing of when to view certain sites to avoid crowds, the above mentioned Oyster card, use of the “whisper” devices, and the spots, information and history pointed out far exceeded any solo effort.Tower and Windsor were favs, Non-tour highlight was London theater, notably SIX and Caberet."
Georgia
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating:
First trip to UK, and London was amazing.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"First glimpse of Buckingham palace as we strolled through Green Park. I knew I was really in London. "
Patrick
Tour: 04/28/24
Overall rating:
It was all good.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The hole trip was a wow moment."
Janie
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating:
My first tour ever and it far exceeded my expectations!!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our tour of St Paul’s Cathedral! It has endured so much and still remains a respected and revered landmark for all of us!"
Jeanne
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating:
I was impressed by many things on this tour from the great location of the hotel to the knowledgeable, funny tour guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Touring impressive Westminster abbey with an engaging local tour guide was terrific. "
Lissette
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating:
It was a fabulous tour and an unforgettable experience. I loved all the sites we visited and activities and the tour guide was the best!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The sight of the tower bridge and visit to the tower of London with the crown jewels."
Jere
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating:
My overall tour experience was exceptional. The itinerary was very well conceived and it was expertly brought to life by our tour guide Tom who was, I must emphasize, fantastic.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I cannot think of a particular moment that was a “wow” moment. However, our guide was a “wow” for sure. "
Beverley
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating:
The London tour definitely met my expectations and more. It was a memorable travel experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Enjoyed everything on our tour. Some highlights were the Churchill War Rooms, the Poet corner in Westminster Abbey, and St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle"
Laurie
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating:
I thoroughly enjoyed this Best of London tour. Our fabulous guide Tom was knowledgeable and entertaining. The hotel was in a great location. It was close to the Tube which is an amazing and easy to use transportation system.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The visit to Westminster Abbey was my favorite followed closely by St. Paul’s Cathedral."
Susanne
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating:
The tour offered a great overview of London and the major sites. Our guide Tom was very personable. I enjoyed listening to him.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"This may sound strange as London was full of so many amazing and historical sites but our group had a lot of fun traveling about town on the Tube. We successfully navigated our way everywhere."
Cheryl
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating:
Enjoyed the tour. Our guide, Tom, was entertaining and informative. Hotel was in an excellent location with easy access to the Tube. Easy to add on a few days on your own to this tour with side trips to Stonehenge, Cotwolds and other nearby sites.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The trip to Windsor Castle was my favorite. "
Ann
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating:
Tom was great of course. Location of the hotel was terrific. The itinerary was well planned
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The City of London Walk with all the history in every nook and cranny "
Christine
Tour: 04/07/24
Overall rating:
It was our first Rick Steves' tour. It was fabulous.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Churchill War Rooms."
Robert
Tour: 04/07/24
Overall rating:
Our guide, Roy, was fantastic and helpful. The hotel was lackluster and really should be looked at. The rooms need updating. The breakfast is poor. Its nice not to have to go to multiple hotels to stay at. I wish we had time in the morning and not just in the evening.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"War Rooms and Food Tour and markets. "
Kathleen
Tour: 04/07/24
Overall rating:
Fantastic tour. Excellent tour guide Roy
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle"
Robert
Tour: 04/07/24
Overall rating:
Fantastic from beginning to end. We had so much fun exploring London. The history, architecture, and people were all so much fun and interesting. We liked how the tour was designed to see the major points of interest and also free time to explore on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Palace was definitely a wonderful experience. The opulence and history were just unbelievable to see and hear about. There we so many rooms that just kept going and going. Each one with a story and Irish history. It was fun just imagining all the interactions that have taken place in this place. "
Pamela
Tour: 04/07/24
Overall rating:
Wasn't sure what to expect, since this was my 1st trip without my late husband, and 1st tour experience. I was made to feel so well taken care of, welcomed, and a part of a group of buddies exploring together. In my case, it turned out to be, a pleasantly heart-healing experience. I can't thank you all enough for making me feel "safe" enough, to experience this "new" life of mine, with a smile and feeling of adventure!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking into the grandeur of Westminster Abby ! "
Nancy Georganne
Tour: 04/07/24
Overall rating:
Perfect trip in every way; expectations exceeded.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey "
Roger
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
Great group and a good variety of sites.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Going to Westminster and going through the buildings and grounds"
Aurora
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Everything was great"
Joseph
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
Mark
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
Very enjoyable. Jeannie was a great guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"All of it. "
Juliet
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
We are RSE alumni! We appreciate all the detailed information for before, during, and after our tour. Our guide, Jeanne was warm, welcoming, helpful, extremely knowledgeable (from riding The Tube to history to places to shop), engaging, and fun! The Washington Mayfair was centrally located - easy to get from Heathrow & to access London on Tube or buses. We loved that it was so close to attractions we wanted to see.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Houses of Parliament, Churchill War Rooms, Buckingham Palace, Crown Jewels, and Windsor Castle. LOTS OF WOWS FOR US!!"
Michael
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
Had a great time! Learned so much about England and it’s culture.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Tower of London and the Crown Jewels were amazing. "
William
Tour: 12/26/23
Overall rating:
Everything was outstanding.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Getting to see the crown jewels up close."
Shannon
Tour: 12/26/23
Overall rating:
Jeanie was a fantastic guide, I thoroughly enjoyed listening while she shared her knowledge of London and its history with an edge of wit, warmth and humor. Our fellow travelers were all wonderfully easy companions and it was simply great fun!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lots! Seeing the crown jewels was pretty spectacular and all things food related were my favorites! Especially the Market Tavern! "
David
Tour: 12/26/23
Overall rating:
Jeanie was awesome. Moved quickly. Walking was strenuous but not overly so.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St Pauls"
Brenda
Tour: 12/26/23
Overall rating:
Jeannie is an amazing guide. The tours were nice and informative.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking in the Royal family's dining room where they walk and have meals."
David
Tour: 12/26/23
Overall rating:
Fantastic tour! Jeannie is a great guide!! The itinerary was excellent. I enjoyed being with the other travelers. This was consistent with my previous Ricke Steves tours. I have already signed up for another tour. Thanks!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were many WOW moments. I liked going to Windsor, where I had never been. I also liked the food tour of East London, another area where I had never been."
Jodi
Tour: 12/26/23
Overall rating:
My first time in London, it could have been so overwhelming, but Jeanie was ready to answer any and all questions plus make suggestions.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"This is always so hard to answer because I think I said 'wow' a hundred times a day... Perhaps learning about the history of Windsor Castle and seeing all the opulence inside."
Nancy
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
Visiting London during the holidays was amazing. The decorations, people and sights provided a wonderful atmosphere for the tour. Our guide, Tom Cooper was the best, with information and humor that made the experience even better.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The food! From the afternoon tea at the Montague, to the food tour of east end London and Old Spitalfields market to Borough Market…what a gastronomical adventure! A wonderful tour of the neighborhoods of London and great food!"
Ian
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
Tom was a terrific guide and host. The historical context he provided to the sites we visited really brought the history to life. I enjoyed the free time provided to explore on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey was very impressive. "
Leah
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
Fantastic-the tour was well organized with a great balance of group activities and free time, and visiting during the holidays made it even more special. Our guide (Tom Hooper) was knowledgeable, organized, and really enjoyed his British humor!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Too many to report, but loved the museums and the food tour in Spitalfields and Borough Market were fantastic, so much good food!"
Susan
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
The 7-day London tour delivered on expectations - thanks to our stellar tour guide Tom, who was very British, very witty and kind and patient. I saw, learned and experienced so much of London and the different boroughs, plus the train trip to Windsor. We always had sufficient free time. During the week we were treated to group dinners, pubs and food tours/markets. The only drawback was our tour hotel, Washington Mayfair, which is rundown, service issues, problems in the rooms, etc.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hard to choose but the Tower of London visit was spectacular. And I thoroughly enjoyed the Spitalfields tour and Borough Market days. Just wonderful - excellent guides throughout the week. "
Tom
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
Jane
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
This was truly a wonderful experience. I have to admit that I had some hestitation booking a tour versus planning out a trip on my own and I am so glad I picked a tour, especially a Rick Steves tour. All the planning was done for me and I saw many sights while having plenty of "on my own" time to do other things. I also met some great people in my tour group.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My "wow" moment was at Windsor Castle. particularly when I visited the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II."
Jennifer
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
It was a great experience top to bottom. The guide was engaging and entertaining, gave a great feel for the city peppered with great historical information.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Each day had an outstanding highlight from the ravens at the tower, to the salt beef with no wait. A great way to get a feel for the city and it's history."
Heather
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
A fantastic tour guide and great group of people. The only thing I’d warn people about for the London tour is be prepared to walk and walk some more. One day we did 20,000 steps and 49 stories of stairs, some of those stairs were optional climbing to the top of St Paul’s Cathedral. We experienced the key stops with lots of additional suggestions and bonus we just had to show up.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Honestly realizing we never left a 5 mile radius and saw so many things! "
Brittany
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
The hotel chosen was very comfortable and perfectly located in a safe and central neighborhood. My fellow tour mates were kind, excited, and made the tour even more fun. Tom was an outstanding host and I feel lucky to have seen the best of London under his clever and insightful guidance.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Being in the presence of history I had only known from textbooks and movies was mind blowing and awe-inspiring. It brought to life the humans I had only known as characters before. "
Dean
Tour: 11/19/23
Overall rating:
Everything went smoothly and was well planned out. Good collegial group and excellent guides. I was left wanting to return to London someday for more on my own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Probably going to the "tower". I had always thought of it as just being a dungeon/prison, but it's so much more."
Amelia
Tour: 11/19/23
Overall rating:
Tom, our guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly. He took into consideration that my husband had a sore leg and often asked about his condition. The group was friendly and fun to tour with each day. The activities showed us many places in London. It was well organized and helped us learn the underground rail System.The hotel was comfortable and in a great location. We enjoyed exploring the area.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing the Thames and Big Ben was a wow! Being a retired Literature Teacher, seeing the Globe warmed my heart."
Barry
Tour: 11/19/23
Overall rating:
First RS tour and it exceeded our expectations. Small group size and a super excellent guide, Tom.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St. Pauls' Cathedral was incredibly impressive, in size and in content. You could never appreciate this from looking at a picture or reading an article. "
Scott
Tour: 11/19/23
Overall rating:
Awesome guide, saw everything on my list, plus had time to explore on my own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"British museum "
Mya
Tour: 11/19/23
Overall rating:
Amazing experience!
Daryl
Tour: 11/19/23
Overall rating:
Friendly people, knowledgeable tour guide, great city.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The first time seeing the Holiday lights above the streets in London's west-end. "
Lesi
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
What a great way to be introduced to London or to see it again. Jeanie, the tour guide, was a wealth of knowledge and added a depth to the tour I wasn't expecting. She really made the tour! Everyday was full of adventures with a good mix of group activities and free time. I highly recommend this trip.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many...Evensong at St. Paul's...Westminster Abbey...the town of Windsor."
Shirley
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
Our guide was incredible. She was very knowledgeable, well prepared, approachable, and funny. The group was able to see so much in a short term and we learned a great deal about London, England, and the UK. I highly recommend this tour and hopefully you will have Jeanie as your guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Elizabeth I’s tomb in Westminster Abbey and there were many other candidates. "
Stephen
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
Our third Rick Steves tour and they all have been great
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I just love the fact that the tours are the perfect blend of guided tours and free time. Plus all the tickets and entrances to venues are taken care of."
Linda
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
London is a beautiful city! So much to see and do. Jeanie, our tour guide, was simply the BEST! She was so engaging! Her knowledge of London and UK history was astounding! We were able to visit many sites and because of being with a knowledgeable guide, were at the right place at the right time to get the most of the experience. Our hotel was very nice, centrally located, a brief walk to beautiful parks, Buckingham Palace and the Tube. I would recommend this tour to anyone!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking into Westminster Abbey, any words you use to describe it would not do it justice."
Michael
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
Tour guide was amazing very nice group
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Tower of London "
Gayle
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
As a tour guide Jeannie was fantastic. Our hotel was great, great food and informative tours
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle, Big Ben"
Kristin
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
It was amazing! A lifelong dream come true! I saw all the sites I wanted to see in a well planned, even paced tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey-just the history there was overwhelming!"
Judy
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
We learned about London is all its gore and glory - both the present and the past. We saw all the top spots in an organized, efficient manner. What a joy to visit!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were many - probably seeing the Crown Jewels followed closely by the British Museum highlights."
Carolyn
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
The tour is a wonderful introduction to London. We saw so many amazing sights, buildings and attractions. Our tour guide Jeanie was amazing. Jeanie's in-depth knowledge and her love for the city made me appreciate and enjoy the tour even more.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved visiting St. Paul's Cathedral. But there were so many "wow" moments like The British Museum and Westminster Abbey."
Elizabeth
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
This was a fast paced and incredibly informative tour. I feel like it covered all of the major highlights of London and taught us how to maneuver the city on our own if we ever came back. Our guide, Tom, was fantastic! He was a wealth of knowledge and had a great sense of humor.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Charles Darwin's grave at Westminster Abbey and riding the vintage double decker bus to see the major London monuments for the first time. I also really enjoyed the National History Museum and the food tour of Spitalfields Market."
Rebecca
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
This was a busy week of memorable sights, good food, great people. The hotel and location were very good.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"All of the sights were amazing, but our guide Tom provided the history and context to bring it all to life. The first evening ride on the old double decker red bus was a great introduction to the city. "
Francie
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
Wow! London was fantastic! If there was a thing to do or see in London, we did it. We had a fabulous time. Our guide, Tom, was wonderful. He planned so many adventures and sites for us, we were worn out! My husband and I have done another city tour (Rome) and remember how exhausting it was. The London City Tour wasn’t quite as exhausting but almost. But, we lived Tom and everything on the tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I think the WOW moment was the Windsor Castle. Seeing where Queen Elizabeth was placed in her final gravesite took my breath away. It was real. "
Mark
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
Saw all the sites in London that we wanted to see. Had enough free time to add a few more that were close to our hearts.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our "wow" moment was the tour of St Paul' Cathedral with its rich history and magical resistance to the WWII bombings. "
Annette
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
Great balance of perfectly planned events with free time for exciting and adventurous activities.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The hotel. The cost was phenomenal especially based on location. I read reviews online and was pretty nervous. The hotel was perfect for our adventure. So easy to get to so many cool areas and the Tube."
Karel
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
We had a wonderful time. Just the right amount of group activities with plenty of of time on our own to explore or attend a theatre show.
Susan
Tour: 10/01/23
Overall rating:
This is my second Rick Steves tour. London was great and we loved Tom as our guide . He brought wit and charm to all of us . The sights were phenomenal ! Highly recommend this tour!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Probably Windsor castle and also the tower with the Crown Jewels."
Peggy
Tour: 10/01/23
Overall rating:
I had taken the Best of London tour in 2022. I was a fairly new widow wanting to travel. It was good. I was a different person on this Best of London 2023 tour (yes, went again!) and it was wonderful. Great group, great leader, great weather.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The train ride to Windsor, the town of Windsor, the tour of Windsor castle. Seeing the resting place of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip; simple and touching. "
Allen
Tour: 10/01/23
Overall rating:
Exceptional local guide! Tom was knowledgeable, well organized, and entertaining. The tour provided a great first-time introduction to London.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Catching a parade of the palace guards with the band and horses."
Frances
Tour: 10/01/23
Overall rating:
Overall, a good trip. Great excursions, good leader, ok hotel.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Windsor Castle"
June K
Tour: 10/01/23
Overall rating:
Tom Hooper is a perfect guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Ginger Pig sausage roll - best! Thank you Tom for recommending. "
Katia
Tour: 10/01/23
Overall rating:
Excellent
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Tom our tour guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and funny "
Peter
Tour: 09/24/23
Overall rating:
I am thankful that the tour wasn’t cancelled and that Sharon could capably step in on short notice.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing the long walk from a window in Windsor Castle. The spitalsfield food tour and Humble crumble. "
John
Tour: 09/24/23
Overall rating:
Very organized. Guide was with us every step of the way. Location of the hotel was great, and a four-minute walk to the nearest "tube" station.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St. Paul's Cathedral was fantastic, and our blue badge guide was excellent. The guide at Westminster Abby (Tom) was also very well-versed on everything at Westminster-Abby and answered every question we had to our satisfaction. Tour guide "Matt" on the food tour of the Spidalfields area was so awesome and made us feel like locals as we tried various foods along the route. "
Rachel
Tour: 09/24/23
Overall rating:
The overall tour experience was quite nice. A good balance of group and independent time. Our guide and the other tour members were fun, friendly, and interesting.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Tower of London and the Food Tour in the East End"
Jaime
Tour: 09/24/23
Overall rating:
Overall, a good/very good experience. There were a few disappointments, but more positives than negatives.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Churchill War Rooms"
Kathleen
Tour: 09/24/23
Overall rating:
This my third Best of London tour and it was excellent. Great hotel location, outstanding activities.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminister Abbey tour."
Claire
Tour: 09/24/23
Overall rating:
A well chosen number of sites to visits. Greatly appreciated the "Blue Badge" guides chosen for specific sites
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Food Tour, particularly the Humble Crumble's apple crumble."
Karen
Tour: 09/17/23
Overall rating:
We had a wonderful tour guide. Jennifer was fantastic. She was charming, energetic and very knowledgeable. She really shared her love of London and made our tour memorable and very enjoyable.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The East End food tour was wonderful. Sampled some really excellent foods and toured a very interesting area I had not been to before."
Linda
Tour: 09/17/23
Overall rating:
The actual tour was organized well, we saw tons of great stuff in London. Our tour guide was a jewel.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The food tour was a big surprise . .great stuff!"
Lynn
Tour: 09/17/23
Overall rating:
Jennifer was very knowledgeable. The tour gives a wonderful overview of English history and present. We hit some touristy highlights (changing of the guard) and had a wonderful, informative tour of the East End. Thank you to Jennifer for checking in with each one of us on our last night, making sure we had arrangements to the airport and offering suggestions for which tube line would be quietest and most relaxing.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Shakespeare's Globe. So good we went back and saw a show."
Susan
Tour: 09/17/23
Overall rating:
Enjoyed all the places selected on the tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Westminster Abbey"
Chad
Tour: 09/17/23
Overall rating:
Jennifer is a wonderful guide. She definitely made the trip what it was between her knowledge of the locations to her personality. It was nice to have a list and times of the next day’s itinerary available the day prior so we knew what the plans were. I enjoyed the mix of scheduled items and free time so that you could see some of the other stuff not included on the tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"For me it was having an image of London with the castles and historical buildings. But once we started exploring and seeing the old and new right next to each other. "
Sharon
Tour: 09/17/23
Overall rating:
This was my first professional tour. After years of trying to do everything myself, I wanted someone to do it for me. This tour was everything I pictured. Small friendly group, knowledgeable friendly guide and every site I wanted to see, along with substantial free time to see more or to rest. Highly recommend.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Churchill War Rooms. It really put you into the time period. What an amazing thing to run a war from underground with bombs landing everywhere in the city. But I loved every bit of the tour."
Kerryn
Tour: 09/10/23
Overall rating:
This was our second RS tour and we enjoyed tour guide Gillian's knowledge and the pace of this tour. The hotel location was very convenient and appreciated the Oyster card that was provided at beginning of tour. Made it easy to get around in our free time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Everything is a wow moment when you let yourself fully relax and take it all in. Going inside of all the Cathederals where royal weddings, burials, events and recent corination took place. The private double decker bus ride through all the London neighborhoods was a great way to start our tour & welcome dinner."
Karen
Tour: 09/10/23
Overall rating:
Very organized, inclusive, and on time. The group got along well and best of all the guide was wonderful.
Dennis
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
Found it to be a great experience. Michael did a great job - especially with being brought in at a moments notice.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We had a random encounter with one of the British guards . Michael managed to chat the guy up and got us a group photo."
Victoria
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
We had an amazing time on our first Rick Steves tour. We had so much fun seeing all the sights of London as well as meeting so many wonderful fellow travelmates on our tour. The weather was unseasonably hot for our tour - but we all still made the best of it and enjoyed our time together. Our guide MIchael was a great resource and we had fun listening to his stories of his time living in London. We were lucky to also have Alex along as assistant and she had lots of good tips.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite "wow" moment was probably seeing Windsor Castle and just imagining actually living there! "
John
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
Well planned and well executed. Michael did a fantastic job!
Favorite "WOW" moment
" Visiting the British Museum. Rosetta Stone. "
Rodolfo
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
Great experience !
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Windsor Castle "
Cheryl
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
Hotel location was amazing. Very organized and a fun group of people.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Westminster Abbey"
Sandra
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
Our first trip to Europe and I couldn’t imagine doing all this planning on our own. Rick Steves tours are the only way to go!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Big Ben for the very first time as well as the entire Tower of London"
Doreen
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
This tour was beyond my expectations.We experienced so much history and had such wonderful guides at the sites as well as Michael, our tour guide. The group as a whole got on very well and everyone had great attitudes. Our orientation to the Tube system was spot on and enabled us to maneuver around the city independently.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St Paul's Cathedral was a wow moment and the Evensong was so beautiful."
Nicole
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
London is amazing and the tour organized wonderful activities and locations to visit that we wouldn't have thought of or sought out on our own. It was great sharing these experiences with our fellow travelers.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved riding in the old double decker bus for great pictures and better vantage points of the city. Our tour guide was very informative and the driver did an amazing job of navigating narrow streets to get us to the correct locations despite road closures."
Robert
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
Thomas
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
Your choice of hotels was perfect! Not only was the staff the most professional I have seen in a long time (I was in hospitality for 20+ years) but the location of the hotel in the small square of Mayfair was like being in your own small hometown. The quaint restaurants, the charming little pharmacies, the locals all so friendly, and the fact that you can buy alcohol in the neighborhood post office! Really!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Too many! I was there 24 years ago and climbed to the very top of St. Paul's Cathedral. Here I was, 24 years later, huffing and puffing, a senior citizen, and dripping with sweat, I made it! I had every intention. It was by far a "personal best"! Another favorite for me was being in Shakespeare's Globe Theater. I know it is a replica, but an EXACT replica. I was actor for 15 years. I was brought to silent tears being there. I so wanted to join the actors rehearsing on the stage that day."
Anna
Tour: 08/27/23
Overall rating:
Lisa was a great tour leader! Very knowledgeable and informative. The people in the group were fun to be with and very welcoming to me as a solo traveler. I made new friends, which was wonderful.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lots of "wow" moments! One was the tour of St. Paul's Cathedral and hearing how many times it had been rebuilt after fires and bombings, and how local people worked to save it during WWII."
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.