London · WINE TOURS
London trips always run a day short. These 12 wine tastings justify the time, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes, not an evening.
Meet your English-speaking host at the VIP Desk, relax in the Eye Lounge, then board a shared capsule for a 30-minute London Eye flight with a glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut. Hosts have included Amanda, Mia, Sophie and Arnie, though your host will vary. Fast-track entry is included; the capsule is shared.
“The VIP service was very nice, and our guide, Amanda, was excellent.”
Ride the London Eye for about 30 minutes in a shared glass pod with priority boarding and a host who serves chilled Moët, points out landmarks and may help with photos. Choose a time that suits your plans: clear daylight can reveal far-reaching views, while evening rides show London lit up. Non-alcoholic drinks are available.
“We loved not having to stand in line and our guide, Megan, was simply fantastic! She was so knowledgeable and her personality really shined through with helping people with their photo requests. We knocked it down a star for the temperature in the cube. We went on 8/11 at 4:30 and my face was just dripping wet the whole time. The ac was blowing a little but it seemed as if it was just stirring the air currents a bit. Unbelievably warm in the cube!”
Board at Tower Millennium Pier for a two-hour evening cruise past Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, the Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye and Westminster. Expect one glass of sparkling wine or a soft drink, light canapés and live music. The boat has an open-air deck and an indoor saloon, but commentary on the sights is not assured.
“Great time champagne was good bought another glass each. Good price. Canapés were nice. No commentary which was disappointing”
At The Shard, head to the viewing levels for indoor panoramas and, when open, an outdoor platform on Level 72. Your ticket includes a glass of champagne, time to enjoy the views, and multimedia exhibits about London. The entrance is on Joiner Street beside London Bridge Underground station.
“Was good, but could have been better if people rotated rather than staying in one place at the windows. Views were great, as were the staff and the drinks.”
Spend 90 minutes over afternoon tea at The Milestone Hotel, whose building dates to 1689. Choose tea, sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and homemade strawberry preserve, and a selection of pastries in Cheneston’s Restaurant, the Park Lounge or the Conservatory. The Champagne option adds a glass for guests aged 18 and over. Menus vary, and seating depends on availability.
“Amazing! I highly recommend, it’s a bit on the pricey side, but so so worth it! The staff is super friendly & professional. You can get refills & take leftovers home. It’s a beautiful place aswell!”
Start at Madame Tussauds London’s 1835 Champagne Bar with Fast Track entry and a complimentary glass of champagne, beer or soft drink. Then explore celebrity and royal wax figures, visit the Impossible Festival, ride the Spirit of London and finish with Marvel Universe 4D. Plan about 2.5 hours; food and extra drinks cost extra.
Start with a three-course meal and a glass of sparkling wine at Clermont Charing Cross, then walk about 10 minutes to see TINA: The Tina Turner Musical. Your ticket is for an unrestricted-view seat in the Stalls or Dress Circle. The evening lasts about five hours, with the show running 2 hours and 45 minutes.
“Was no one at scheduled meeting point, should have been informed we needed to go straight to restaurant then onto show. Was a cold night we waited for 15 mins then decided to head to restaurant. Otherwise was very happy with meal and show”
Leave London Bridge at 9 AM for a full day of English wine, countryside and three vineyard visits. An expert guide introduces the industry and leads tastings, while a seasonal English lunch includes a glass of wine. Justin has guided the tour, though guide assignments may vary.
“Justin is very knowledgeable about English wines. He introduced us to three very interesting wineries, ranging from small-batches Bio-dynamic wines to well-known mass-produced Chapel down. We had a wonderful time! Will recommend to everyone ^^”
Travel from London to Paris on the Eurostar, then explore independently with a hop-on hop-off bus ticket and a one-hour Seine cruise. The highlight is a three-course Champagne lunch at Madame Brasserie on Level 1 of the Eiffel Tower. No tour guide is included, so you choose how to use your day.
“Good trip. Hard to see things through a moving vehicle. Driver did an amazing job negotiating traffic. Mayor had closed many of the main roads to help the locals adjust to the Olympic traffic. We went in May to avoid the Olympic traffic; not the tour operators fault. Our guide was knowledgeable, bet tended to talk off and leave many in our party behind. Some were older, so we hung back a little as not to loose them.”
Begin at 5:00 PM with a three-course meal and sparkling wine at Clermont Charing Cross, then walk about 12 minutes to the Sondheim Theatre for 7:30 PM Les Misérables. Your ticket is for an unrestricted-view seat in the Stalls or Dress Circle. Transport and a guide are not included.
“My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and theater experience. The food was delicious, and the service was amazing. The theater was only a short walk from the restaurant, so we made it there in plenty of time. We saw Les Miserables...outstanding. Highly recommend!”
Meet your English-speaking Great British Wine Tours guide at London Bridge for the train to Brighton, then board a 1960s red Routemaster for two Sussex vineyard visits. Expect guided winery and vineyard tours, at least eight tutored wine samples, and a locally sourced lunch hamper among the vines. The guide’s name is not specified.
“A wonderful day was spent at two very contrasting vineyards. Friendly attentive guides who made sure we have a safe and comfortable journey.”
Take a round trip on London’s IFS Cloud Cable Car in a private cabin for up to six people, with fast-track access and one glass of Champagne or a soft drink per person. The crossing lasts about 20 minutes, and evening flights after 7pm offer a chance to see the city lights. Drinks are served at the Greenwich Peninsula terminal.
“Wasn’t taken through to fast track we had to queue normally but champagne was still served on platform before we entered private car. Round trip took 20 minutes”
Pick a landmark, a river, a pub or a road out of town.
