ESW London
In our ESW itinerary, there is an "optional morning tour" listed for Day 13. Would any past travelers please share what tour is available on that day (Wednesday, 9/24) for us? I see Buckingham Palace tours are unavailable the two days (Tues & Wed) we are scheduled to visit London. I don't want to double book. TIA!!
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It may be for that one tour date. So I would call Tauck.
We did ESW in May. The optional tour was a walk around London seeing parts of London with the final destination being in front of Buckingham palace and seeing the changing of the guard with band, horses and all. The guide knew just where to stand for best pictures as the troops marched toward the palace. The extra bonus was King Charles exiting Clarence House right in front of us! I would not categorize it as a “must do” event, however we were staying an extra day so we could afford the time, as we had time to see other sites not on the tour. Most on our tour joined the walking tour. FYI, I don’t know if changing of the guard happens everyday so you should check their schedules or ask your TD.
On our tour in September 2024, this optional walking tour was offered. Most in our group participated. On our tour, the schedules for Day 12 and Day 13 were swapped, so this walking tour was actually on Day 12, and our morning Westminster Abbey visit and theatre night were on Day 13.
A local guide met us in the Savoy lobby at 9:30am. VOX listening devices were used. She led us out the back of the hotel, and on a leisurely stroll towards Charring Cross area, and onward to the Horse Guards building, stopping often to share many tidbits of information. She had timed our arrival at the Horse Guards just before most other tourists, and she told us the best spots to stand to watch the iconic King's Life Guards arrive ceremoniously, at 10am.
After that, we strolled by 10 Downing Street, through beautiful St. James Park on our way to Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guards. Once on The Mall street, we walked a little further, and heard the regimental band approaching. Our guide stopped us at a good spot to watch the guards parade by us. She pointed out our next gathering spot, which was by Constitution Hill Memorial Garden (by the Queen Victoria Memorial), so we could follow the procession when they passed, and end up at a good viewing spot for the actual Changing of the Guard at about 11am.
After the Changing of the Guards, the walking tour was concluded, and people could choose to either walk back to the hotel with our local guide, or continue exploring on our own. The guide and our Tour Director were both available to help with individual plans at this point.
Tip #1: Use restroom before leaving hotel. Restroom facilities are not convenient, and stops are not planned into the schedule.
Tip #2: Consider a room service breakfast this morning. We were told ahead of time that the Savoy in-room dining was a wonderful experience, and worth doing, so we did just that. It was a splendid breakfast in all regards; among of the best we've ever had. Spot-on recommendation.
What wonderful experiences! When we did a different Tauck tour, it was right before Charles’ coronation so many streets were blocked off. We arrived a few days before the start of the tour and were fortunate to have a wonderful and affable young man who drove us from the airport to the Savoy. He said he had time to spare so he took us on a delightful tour of parts of the city not cordoned off. When I offered to tip him, he refused to accept it.
When I told one of the tour directors of our experience, she asked if I knew his name, which I did. She said she would take care of him. I hope she did. Such acts of kindness always remain with me.
And I agree about the breakfasts at the Savoy!
Thanks for the clarifications and tips! We were disappointed that the Buckingham Palace tours would be unavailable on the days we were in London, but it sounds as if we will be able to experience lots of the "pomp and circumstance" on the walking tour. Thank you, all!
Bravo to Tauck planners for sending advance itineraries.nI see that Hampton Court (Henry VIII) is closed on the appointed day; the alternative is Westminster Abbey. No complaints here, though: I booked my own ticket through Historic Royal Palaces (https://www.hrp.org.uk/) for the next day after the optional walking tour of London. A little advance planning/research does help.
We were at Hampton Court a couple of years ago, not our first visit. It requires a train ride and a fair walk from the station to get there. So bear that in mind for your timing. To see everything takes several hours, don’t miss the extensive gardens.
@British — I suppose one could take a cab from The Savoy to Hampton Court and back? Or Uber? I have London theatre tickets on that night, so seeing Hampton Court and then high-tailing it back to the hotel to ready for the show might be much, as I think on it now.
I’m sure you could take either but I’ve no idea of the cost. I know about ten years ago, a ride in a taxi from Heathrow was over $100 then which I know is further away. So Uber may be a better option.
I recall seeing a nearby train station.
I would not recommend taking cab from Central London to Hampton Court Palace. It would be crazy expensive and depending on traffic could add time to the trip. Best to rely on underground & trains whilst in London!!! Much quicker and less expensive. No problem seeing Hampton Court during the day and getting train back to Central London for West End show.
One way to do this is to take Tube/Underground to Wimbledon or Richmond stations and then pick up connecting bus.
Probably the best option is train service from London Waterloo with stop at Hampton Court train station which is 5 minute walk from Hampton Court Palace.
So - from Savoy you can walk to either Charing Cross or Embankment tube station on Northern Line, head south to Waterloo Station. Follow signs to Train station (Waterloo Train) and take it to Hampton Court train station. Then 5 minute walk. Use your credit card to simply tap in and tap out of Tube (& I think same applies for Train). TfL (Transportation for London) does great job of figuring out credit card charge ---- it will be a seamless experience & I've never known them to charge incorrectly. It helps if you use Tube later than 9:30 AM on weekdays so as to be charged less expensive fare as well as avoid the onslaught of commuters.
Good luck and enjoy Hampton Court.
I may need to clarify ---- from Savoy you can walk to either Charing Cross Tube Station or Embankment Tube Station, both of which I believe are on the Northern Line. Take Northern Line south to Waterloo Station. Should be 1 or 2 stops, depending on whether you get on at Charing Cross or Embankment. At Waterloo Tube/Underground, follow signs to train/National Rail and get on train to Hampton Court. Should take about 35 minutes & is 12 miles. Cost apparently around $15 each way.
And I'm reading online that you CAN use your credit card to "tap to pay" on most National Rail services within London. So just tap your credit card as you go through the turnstile and tap out when you exit the station. Also, there are
always TfL and National Rail staff on hand to assist at the turnstiles.