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Historic and Modern London

Westminster Abbey. It was founded over 1000 years ago. This magnificent Gothic building has been the site of every coronation since 1066 and is also the final resting place of many kings, statesmen, poets, scientists, warriors and musicians. The Abbey has seen all 38 coronations since that of William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1066, as well as the funerals of Diana Princess of Wales and the Queen Mother. On Sundays and other days when there is a religious service you can visit the Cloisters and Chapter House.

British Government. You will drive past the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Downing Street, the official London residence of the British Prime Minister, Horse Guards and Pall Mall.

Changing of the Guard. From Pall Mall go to Buckingham Palace, the Lon­don residence of Her Majesty the Queen, for the Changing of the Foot Guard; or to Horseguards Parade, to see the Changing of the Household Cavalry. Both ceremonies are wonderful, colourful spectacles.

The Ancient city of London. Centuries ago English Monarchs had to ask the Mayor’s permission to enter the 'square mile’. You will discover its fascinating his­tory, including its emergence from the Great Fire of 1666 and the Blitz of 1940/41.

St. Paul’s Cathedral. You will drive past this outstanding church, com­pleted in 1710 and the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren.

The Tower of London and Crown Jewels. During its 1000-year history this impressive fortress has been a royal palace, prison, mint and zoo. It has seen three Queens of England beheaded, and the torture of numerous prisoners, stretched on the rack and crushed in the Scavenger's Daughter. After this guided tour you can explore on your own – see the Crown Jewels, including the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Bloody Tower, Traitors' Gate, the Royal Chapel and the White Tower, built by King William the Conqueror in 1078.

Windsor Castle. Windsor is the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, the home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It includes Queen Mary's Dolls' House, the most famous dolls' house in the world, and St George's Chapel. You’ll see the gorgeous State Apartments, created by George IV in the 1820s, with their fabu­lous collection of treasures. The lavishly decorated formal rooms are still used for state and official functions.

Hampton Court Palace. Set on the banks of the River Thames surrounded by parkland, the earliest remaining buildings date back nearly 500 years. Henry VIII rebuilt and extended the buildings and all the subsequent royals stayed here, until it was used to imprison Charles I during the Civil War. There are the state apartments, containing a large part of the Queen's art collection, and also the spectacular formal gardens, set in over 60 acres.

Hampton Court Gardens. You’ll see the Privy Gardens, manicured master­pieces of garden design completed in 1702 for William III, and the formal East Front Gardens. Other gardens to visit include the South Gardens and the Lower Orangery. It’s possible to enjoy a scrumptious English cream tea and scone with clotted cream in the Tiltyard tea –rooms in the Palace Gardens, in true English style!

Cruise. You will enjoy superb views of London's majestic riverside buildings as you glide smoothly through the heart of London.