London: St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London & Thames Cruise Tour

Summary

St Paul’s Cathedral, royal guards, river views and city legends in one full London day

You’ll walk beneath St Paul’s soaring dome, watch royal guards march at Buckingham Palace, explore ancient stones at the Tower of London (Crown Jewels included), and end with a breezy Thames cruise past city icons—all led by a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect surprises—and maybe even a new favorite view of London.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is how cold the stone felt under my hand at St Paul’s Cathedral. We’d barely woken up but our guide—Anna, born-and-bred Londoner—was already pointing out little carvings I’d never have noticed. The echo inside was something else; it made even our whispers sound like secrets. I still think about that dome and how light slanted through the windows, catching dust motes in midair. There’s a smell to old churches here—wax and stone and something sweet I can’t name.

After that, we wound through traffic (so many red buses) to Buckingham Palace. Anna timed it so we caught the Changing of the Guard—crowds pressed close, everyone craning for a glimpse of those bearskin hats. The band played something weirdly familiar (was it ABBA?) and honestly, I got more into it than expected. A little girl on her dad’s shoulders waved at a guard; he didn’t wave back but you could see his mouth twitch. We had time for photos outside Westminster Abbey too—the gargoyles look grumpier up close.

Lunch was on our own near the Tower of London (I grabbed a pasty and sat by the river—windy but worth it). Inside the Tower itself, one of the Yeoman Warders told us about ravens and royal ghosts with this dry humor that made everyone laugh. The Crown Jewels were shinier than they look in photos. I almost missed them because I got distracted by all the graffiti carved into old stone walls by prisoners centuries ago. It’s wild to think people waited here for their fate while now we just pass through snapping pictures.

The last bit was a Thames cruise from Tower Pier down toward the London Eye. Sitting on deck with my jacket zipped up tight, watching bridges slide past—there’s something calming about seeing London from water level. Anna pointed out Shakespeare’s Globe and The Shard; someone behind me tried to guess which pub was oldest (no one agreed). By then my feet hurt but in that good way you get after walking a city all day. So yeah—I’d do it again just for that view under Tower Bridge alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — London city tour and sightseeing cruise

• Photo stop at Buckingham Palace
• Watch Changing of the Guard ceremony
• Photo stop at Westminster Abbey
• Photo stop at Palace of Westminster and Big Ben
• Drive past Whitehall and Downing Street
• Drive past Trafalgar Square
• Drive past Law Courts of England and Wales
• Visit St Paul’s Cathedral with guide
• Free time for lunch near Tower of London
• Explore Tower of London and see Crown Jewels
• Drive past Tower Bridge and view from under
• Take sightseeing cruise on River Thames to London Eye

Top questions

How long does this full-day London tour last?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 8 hours from start to finish.

Is entry to St Paul’s Cathedral included?

Yes, your ticket includes entry to St Paul’s Cathedral with guided commentary.

Will I see the Changing of the Guard ceremony?

The tour includes witnessing Changing of the Guard on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays when scheduled; otherwise there is a photo stop at Buckingham Palace.

Does this tour include lunch?

No lunch is provided; you’ll have free time near the Tower of London to buy your own meal.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is not included; you meet at a central location in London.

Are entrance fees covered for all attractions?

Entry fees are included for St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London as part of your tour package.

Is there time inside Westminster Abbey?

No, there is only a photo stop outside Westminster Abbey—not an interior visit.

What happens if Changing of the Guard isn’t scheduled?

If there is no ceremony on your tour day, you’ll still have a photo stop outside or near Buckingham Palace instead.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets for both St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London (where you’ll see those famous Crown Jewels), plus an expert local guide throughout. You’ll also get an air-conditioned coach ride between sites, enjoy a private Thames River cruise from Tower Pier to near the London Eye, and have free time for lunch before continuing your adventure across some of London's most iconic landmarks.