Major Sights of London in One Day... Challenge Accepted!
While I was once spoiled with six weeks in this wonderful city, this time around we were on a tighter schedule. So we went ahead and pre-booked a full day organized bus tour through Viator. This way, Jordan gets to see all of the major sights one has to see when in London.
Bright eyed and bushy tailed, we were up at dawn to catch our coach.
First stop: Westminster Abbey. This has been the coronation site of every British monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066. It's also the burial site of many notable figures such as Charles Darwin, Dickens, Elizabeth I, Sir Isaac Newton, and Laurence Olivier.
Back on the bus and we're off to the Tower of London!
We had some time to snap a few photos before our cheerful tour guide was ready to show us around.
The unlocking of the gate.
This was our very kind Yeoman Warder, aka Beefeater, for the morning. These are the ceremonial guard of the Tower, and are formally tasked with protecting the crown jewels and looking after the prisoners. Today they act more like tour guides and raven whisperers.
It's an intensely rigorous process to be chosen as one, and if you can believe it, they all live in these cute stone houses with their families.
For preservation's sake we're not allowed to take pictures of the crown jewels. Sorry gang! Take my word for it, they're truly magnificent!
Our journey continues via river boat! We boarded our vessel for a cruise along the Thames.
Allowing us to capture some picturesque shots!
Now try to contain your excitement (unlike me) because we've made it to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard.
Stopping for a quick bite to eat...
Our last stop of the tour is St. Paul's Cathedral. If you fancy a flashback, check out my visit from my summer abroad here!
Climbing to the top of the dome is certainly worth the higher admission price and exertion level. The views are truly incredible!
Spot. On. Arm placement.
Sadly, that was the end of our organized tour... but we hit the ground on foot to explore the neighborhood of Westminster.
Obligatory photo shoot in Parliament Square!
We headed back to Buckingham Palace for a visit with Her Majesty.
And ended the day with one of the prettiest sunsets I've ever seen.
Phew! If you've made it all the way to the end, thank you! This was a long one! Stay tuned for for fun!
