Rick Steves Home > 2008 Tours > City tours

Best of London in 7 Days

$1,795 + air • 22-26 people • Begins and ends in London

London has just what you need for a quick escape: cheap, 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.

Join us for a week in London, where you'll be entertained with tales of the city's outrageous history, trade wisecracks with a Beefeater, rummage through civilization's attic at the British Museum, whisper across the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral...and much more.

With a colorful cast of characters — from Shakespeare to Monty Python — London is an exuberant, long-running performance you've got to experience.

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 0: Depart USA

Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.

Day 1: Arrive in London

Look for a note posted in the hotel lobby telling you where and when to meet this afternoon. We'll get together around 3 p.m. to get acquainted, before setting off for an orientation walk and dinner together. Walking: light.

Day 2: Westminster Abbey & The Tower

This morning we'll start with a guided tour of Britain's finest church, Westminster Abbey. Then we'll hop a boat and cruise past monuments, skyscrapers, and cathedrals on our way to the Tower of London, the city's historic "tower of power." We'll join a Yeoman Warder "Beefeater" for an entertaining tour and a peek at the impressive Crown Jewels. We'll finish the day with a traditional fish & chips dinner together. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: Whitehall and the National Gallery

We'll take a historic stroll through the Westminster/Whitehall area, including stops to visit the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms and gaze at Big Ben. This afternoon, we'll dodge pigeons in Trafalgar Square and marvel at the masterpieces in the National Gallery before dispersing in the late afternoon for free time. This would be a perfect evening for the theater (book something in advance from the Colonies or pick up a ticket in London). Walking: moderate.

Day 4: St. Paul's Cathedral and The City

This morning we will take a tour of St. Paul's Cathedral, the symbol of London and England's national church. Then we'll explore The City, the oldest part of London and now its financial heart. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy one of London's many museums (perhaps the Victoria & Albert Museum) or wander through one of its many parks. This is another good night for the theater. Walking: strenuous.

Day 5: Historic Windsor Castle

This morning we'll hop on a train and head out of town to Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. We'll spend the morning touring the Royal Family's castle and grounds. After free time in the quaint town of Windsor, the remainder of the afternoon is free for sightseeing back in London. Walking: strenuous.

Day 6: The British Museum and Library

This morning we'll dive into the treasures of the British Library, including the Magna Carta, Gutenberg's Bible — even Beatles lyrics! Then we're off to the British Museum, the chronicle of Western Civilization. The rest of the afternoon is free for more museums, Covent Garden, or other sightseeing. Tonight we'll meet for our "last supper" and raise a toast to London. Walking: strenuous.

Day 7: Tour over after breakfast

Following breakfast, we'll say our final farewells and head for home or further adventures in Britain or on the Continent.

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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Recommended reading and viewing list for this tour

 

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