"Listening to our guide at the Globe theatre explain what London was like when Shakespeare was putting on his plays.". Gillian did such a great job getting us to spots where we could take great pictures! We were 24 on the tour and everyone got along very well. "Seeing the beautiful and iconic Tower Bridge on the way to the Tower of London. We saw all the sites that one would want to see in London. "Each day seemed to bring a new and different "WOW" factor.". Smaller text Larger text. Everyone in the tour group was pleasant and easy to work with. Everything was well thought out and planned for the tour guests. It was an experience that I will never forget as long as I live. The hotel was perfect - centrally located within easy walking distance to public transit and major attractions. "The Tower of London. "I really enjoyed the Westminster Abbey tour. "Obviously seeing the queen, but I was blown away by Windsor Castle. Our experience could not have been more enjoyable. Everyone in our group was very friendly and we shared what we did at dinners or lunch the next day. On my own time, I also saw Hamilton as well as A Midsummer Night's Dream at Shakespeare's Globe. Jeanie kept us busy though and with her expert knowledge of the city we got to see the most with the least amount of dead time waiting in lines. (exactly basically) Very well organized; appropriate activities. Additionally, our son was the youngest of the trip (12) and Jeanie treated him with great respect - not talking over him, or dumbing down the content. I would highly recommend it to all my friends and family! Tom was incredibly knowledgeable, droll and just the best. A lot was packed into one week, but we wouldn't have gotten the full flavor of London, if not. Saw and experienced so much more than the average tourist. I missed the Tower of London and I was really looking forward to that. On the tour, being given V.I.P. Gillian is a super tour guide, helpful, explaining, filling us in on amusing historical information (and she does a wicked impersonation of the Queen). A great chance to see a different yet vibrant part of London, with wonderful stories and - as we discovered - a variety of tasty treats.". Sleep with street noise and no (or weak) air conditioning. "The most exciting, and unexpected moment, was seeing the Queen as she made her way from Windsor Castle to Ascot. Magical !". Jamie our guide knows his stuff. We were able to see most of what we were hoping to, and now have a list of things we'd like to go back to see on another trip. ", this tour was exactly how I had hoped it would be...Tom delivered the information so well that when I wanted to yawn after 5 hours of touring I didn't because I was so engaged in what he had to say, "Everyday I was saying WOW on what I was learning and seeing...Tom delivery was so entertaining so I'd have to say TOM!". I loved Windsor Castle, I'll always remember being the first group into The Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels (& avoiding the huge crowds), Globe Theater, Afternoon Tea and the food tour was amazing.". "My wow moment was the British Museum. Jeanie made the tour what it was: her knowledge, pacing, humor reflected the culture, and was a joy to take in. The pace is brisk, but broken up with some afternoons and evenings to do as you wish. ", "Gillian's running commentary regarding the history of each place we visited". The holiday lights & attractions made this a terrific time to visit. Paperback. "My wow moment from the tour came from our walking in the City of London. Terms of Service | Privacy, London neighborhood walk and Tube orientation, Visitor Oyster Card for Underground (Tube) and bus transportation. "Favorite WOW - British Museum, Westminster Cathedral, St. Paul's, East End Food Tour...all were great.". It was my first trip to Europe. Rick Steves Paris 2017 Rick Steves. London is my new favorite place in the world and it's mostly because of the tour experience. What really set this apart was our tour guide Jeanie. Getting to sit in the driver's seat for a photo was icing on the cake. Concierge good, but could have been some what more helpful in providing info, e.g., that taxis were not available before theater times, and what alternative travel might be more helpful. I felt prepared to explore safely and comfortably during the two days I spent solo before meeting the group. While I loved seeing all of the sights and museums, I have to say our "food tour" was really special and a unique way of experiencing London.". I did like the tour of the Globe and walk to Bourough Hall.". For those not ready to return home yet, London is a great jumping off point to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, and many other exciting destinations. "It's very difficult to pick just one "wow" moment. Looking out at the Tower Bridge - an icon of London - eating at Burroughs Market - viewing the Crown Jewels - all WOW moments.". He quickly gave us confidence to navigate the London tube system on our own. The hotel, the Washington Mayfair, was excellent. I was struck by the graciousness, the polite responses I received from everyone from store personnel, hotel staff and the stranger on the street. First time trying a full week in one location. Pay close attention to Rick Steve's warnings on thieves and pick pockets. It was Jeanie's personal, organized, relaxed, empowering, and humorous approach that made this such a special trip. The itinerary full of valuable experiences was well-paced. London is a exciting and easily navigable city. Very knowledgible and professional. The smaller group was manageable and allowed the opportunity to get to know the others. An elderly couple sat next to us and for the next 90 minutes talked to us about being in London as children and experiencing the bombing of London in WWII. "Such a hard question. This was our first Rick Steve's tour and my husband and I were not disappointed! London has a lot to offer and is easy to navigate. All good travelers in our group. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Our guide really made it so interesting and while the church was crowded he was able to keep us together and we didn't miss a site.". "MY FAVORITE WOW MOMENT WAS VISITING WESTMINISTER ABBY AND SEEING THE CRYPTS OF VERY FAMOUS SCIENTISTS – IT GAVE ME SHIVERS (I'M A RETIRED SCIENTIST). It was a very busy trip including so many sites to see. "One evening we purchased tickets to a show. "Every day had several"wow" moments. I would absolutely take another RSE tour if finances/scheduling allowed. The hotel we stayed in was upscale and in a convenient central London location. I very much enjoyed the 'foodie' day. The Abbey is unlike any place I've ever been in terms of beauty and historical significance. Several on Tour: 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. "Windsor Castle was fantastic. The whole tour was a big "wow" moment.". It was a phenomenal trip. Although a hectic schedule, which is to be expected, it was good being in one location to unpack and enjoy that aspect. "My favorite wow moment was Beefeater tour at the Tower of London! WE WERE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED BY LONDON, A CITY WE HAD AVOIDED IN A FEW PAST VISITS TO THE UK - WE WERE INTIMIDATED AND NOT SURE WHAT TO DO OR HOW TO NAVIGATE THE CITY. By walking, the sunny warm day Queen?? `` Rooms or Shakespear 's Globe tours. `` ;! And stairs sight of Tower Bridge. `` and family, Turkey, Ireland Britain. 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