10 VIP Experiences in London Worth Booking Ahead

1.Guided Luxury Paris Day Trip with Optional Lunch at the Eiffel Tower

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,702 reviews · 15 hours (approx.) · from $429Our pick

This 15-hour Paris day trip starts at St Pancras and includes return Eurostar tickets, a guided coach tour and a Seine cruise. Choose the Eiffel Tower lunch upgrade for a three-course meal with wine and first-level access. Guides may include Anna, David or Susan, but the name is not guaranteed.

“David was an excellent tour guide very knowledgeable and a great sense of humor. Made the tour very enjoyable highly recommended”

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2.VIP Tower of London & Tower Bridge Early-Access Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 862 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $201

Meet an English-speaking guide at Tower Hill for early entry to the Tower of London, the Yeoman Warders’ opening ceremony and a close look at the Crown Jewels. Then walk to Tower Bridge for timed entry and a self-guided visit to its walkways and Victorian Engine Rooms. Guides vary, with Ben, John and Don among those leading tours.

“Fantastic! Worth the cost. One of my favorite tours in London.”

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3.VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour with Private Beefeater Meet & Greet

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 849 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $155

Start near Tower Place with a guide, timed entry and a private audience with a Beefeater. Then explore the Tower’s main sights, including Tower Green, the Crown Jewels and the White Tower’s armour collection. It is a group tour of up to 30 people, not a private tour for your own party.

“It has been over 38 years since I’ve been to London and the tower very informative. Very glad that we went.”

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4.Windsor Castle Half Day Trip from London by Luxury Coach

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 744 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $122

Ride from Earl’s Court to Windsor Castle with a guide’s commentary on the way, then explore the castle independently with your included ticket and audio guide. You have about two hours and forty minutes at Windsor on the stated schedule. Guides vary, with Sam, James and Nick among those who have led trips.

“It was two days after Christmas so I am not sure if our crowds were low, normal or higher at the castle. We did a tour witha 9.50am pick up and I do believe we missed the the morning surge. The castle state rooms were absolutely beautiful. The unexpected treat was being able to view the late Queen and Philip's final resting place. Timing of arrival allowed us to view a changing of the guard as the troops marched up the street. Again luck or timing because of the mid-morning departure. A must do, bucket list item. We had enough time to see what we wanted to see. Ours was…”

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5.VIP Early Access: Opening Ceremony Tower of London & Bridge Entry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 673 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $206Top rated

Join a small group of up to 20 for the Tower of London’s morning Opening Ceremony, a welcome from a Chief Beefeater, early entry to the Crown Jewels, and a guided history tour. Then visit the White Tower and Tower Bridge Exhibition, including its Engine Rooms. Guides vary, with past tours led by Ben, John, Don, and Warren.

“John was great. Very informative. We loved the tour and all of the information that was given. Getting in the gate before everyone else was a highlight too.”

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6.Eating London: Twilight Soho VIP Food & Drinks Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 590 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $151

Spend about three and a half hours exploring Soho with a local English-speaking guide and a group of no more than 12. Expect Indian, Burmese, Sicilian and Cantonese food, cocktails, dessert, and stories about the neighborhood’s music and literary past. Guides have included Tom, Jordana, Dave and Jay. The tour is for ages 18 and up.

“Go hungry! Food was excellent and guide was friendly and knowledgeable. I’ve done food tours in other cities and this was one of my favorites. Highly recommend!!”

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7.VIP Early Access Opening Ceremony Tower of London & River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 282 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $164

Meet an English-speaking guide for an early-morning Tower of London visit that may include the opening ceremony, the Jewel House, the Tower Walls, Edward I’s refurbished bedroom, the ravens and the White Tower. A flexible one-way Thames cruise pass is included. Tour timing and ceremony access can vary, so check your departure details before booking.

“We were glad to get an early entry to the Tower of London. Robert was extremely knowledgeable, had a great sense of humor and gave us insights into past and present London. A great experience .”

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8.6-Course Gourmet Dinner on a Luxury Coach

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 277 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $130

Meet at Victoria Embankment for a table on the top deck of a glass-roofed coach. A freshly prepared six-course French and British dinner comes with views of landmarks including St. Paul’s, Tower Bridge and Westminster Abbey. English guiding and WiFi are included; wine pairing is optional. The coach returns to the starting point.

“We loved this experience and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to see the London sights a different way. The food was of a high quality and so much of it . My suggestion is don’t eat all day before hand as there is so much delicious food”

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9.4 Course Lunch Tour by Luxury Coach Bustronome

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 254 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $109Best value

Meet at Victoria Embankment for a four-course lunch on Bustronome’s top deck, served as a glass-roofed coach passes London landmarks. An English audio guide, WiFi and a toilet are on board. Wine pairing costs extra, and the published duration is inconsistent: the details give both 1.5 and 2 hours. Crew names vary, with hosts such as Jackson, Lily and Emma among those who have worked aboard.

“Excellent food, staff, Tyrique and Chef were wonderful & atmosphere.”

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10.VIP Kensington Palace Gardens Tour & Royal Tea Crown Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 102 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $159

Meet your guide near Kensington Gardens for royal stories, a walk to the Sunken Garden and Princess Diana statue, and afternoon tea at the 18th-century Orangery. Timed Kensington Palace entry is an optional upgrade, with palace rooms explored using the official audio tour. Guides have included Mike, Liz, and Warren.

“Really loved this experience! The first hour is spent walking in Hyde Park, getting a little bit of history of the area as well as about Kensington Palace and the Royal Family. After, you have tea at The Orangery. Come hungry because there’s a lot to eat and it will fill you up! You can also try more than one tea, if you like. Our tour guide, Mike, was wonderful. Very knowledgeable and kind.”

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