London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and river cruise

Your morning starts near Westminster Abbey, where you'll catch a glimpse of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, before entering the Abbey at opening time to go directly to the Coronation Chair. Learn about the history of the building—England's most important church—and visit the final resting places of a few of the countless monarchs and luminaries buried inside, from kings and queens to great writers and scientists. It's a short walk from there to see the impressive exterior of Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the monarch since 1837, before swinging by the Horse Guards Parade, home to the lesser-known but arguably more impressive King's Life Guard, before visiting Trafalgar Square. After a break for lunch, you'll board a Thames sightseeing cruise complete with lively and entertaining commentary from the crew. It's a fun and relaxing way to journey to your last visit of the day, one that's sure to be a highlight: the Tower of London. With pre-reserved tickets, you'll get inside quickly to enjoy a tour of its fascinating (and sometimes gruesome) history. Please note that only the 9 AM tour will include skip-the-line entry and a guided tour of Westminster Abbey. The 10 AM tour does not include entry, but your guide will give an introduction to the Abbey from the exterior.