Pre Cruise London package
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Pre cruise 4 day / 3 night package exploring London and the very best of England.
The perfect way to start your cruise holiday with a short break in England's capital city, London.Our standard package is based on 4 days & 3 nights, however different durations are available - please see the 'Book this Tour' on the right of this page.
Package price includes:
- Arrival airport transfer from London Heathrow - transfers available from Gatwick for a supplement
- London city centre 4* or 5* hotel
- Full day London guided sightseeing tour with entry to Tower of London, St.Paul's Cathedral and River Thames cruise
- 10% discount on any International Friends Small & Friendly day trip
- Shared cruise transfer London to Southampton, with optional upgrade to include a visit to Stonehenge en route.
Day 1 - Arrival Transfer
On arrival into London Heathrow Airport, you will be met by your professional driver and transferred to your London city centre hotel. After check in, the remainder of the day is free to explore the city or relax at your leisure. Please note that if you are arriving at London Gatwick Airport, a supplement will apply. This can be booked under 'Optional extras' on the right of this page
Day 2 - Full day London guided tour
Enjoy a fully guided coach tour of this majestic city, starting at Victoria Coach station. The day begins with a guided tour of St.Paul's Cathedral, before we follow the Thames to Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben stopping at the Queen's official London residence Buckingham Palace. Enjoy the pomp and ceremony of the changing of the Royal Guards (subject to operating dates).
After some time for lunch, the tour continues through Theatreland and Leicester Square, before we enter the one thousand year old fortress at The Tower of London. Here we learn real life tales of torture, execution and Royal prisoners. you'll also learn of life in a former Royal Palace, before having a chance to admire and marvel at the Crown Jewels.
We will then take a guided boat trip on the River Thames. On our river cruise, you'll enjoy excellent views of The Shard, Shakespeare's Globe and of the Houses of Parliament from the river, whilst being entertained by your tour guide. The tour finishes at the Southbank Pier (located near the London Eye). This is a great location to continue exploring London from.
Day 3 - Free day in London or explore England
With a world class selection of attractions, museums, galleries, shops and restaurants you will be spoilt for choice for things to do in London. Visit the British Museum or Natural History Museum, explore the vibrant West End and Theatreland, sample a pint in a traditional English pub or a cream tea in Harrods.
If you would like to see more of England we have a fantastic selection of day trips from London, destinations include:
- Windsor, Bath & Stonehenge
- Oxford, Cotswolds & Stratford Upon Avon
- Stonehenge, Glastonbury & Avebury - The Legend of King Arthur
- Downton Abbey filming locations & Highclere Castle
- Warner Bros Studio Tour London, The Making of Harry Potter
All Pre Cruise London & Glorious England package customers will receive a 10% discount voucher which can be used on any International Friends day trip from London.
Day 4 - Transfer to your ship
After an enjoyable breakfast in your chosen hotel, you will be transferred directly to Southampton by executive vehicle. If you would like to include some sightseeing on the way, we also offer an option with a 90 - 120 minute stop at prehistoric Stonehenge (£15 extra per person). Your visit to Stonehenge will include entry to Stonehenge centre, the Stone Circle as well s having some time to visit the gift shop. With both transfer options we plan to arrive at Southampton cruise terminal by 13:30/14:00.
Arrival
- Where will I meet my driver? Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall in the airport. At all airports incoming flights are monitored by our staff and the driver will adjust his/her arrival time to the actual flight landing time. This means you do not have to worry if your flight is delayed en route. After you have collected your luggage you will walk through into the arrivals hall and will see your driver holding an International Friends sign with your name on.
Our drivers plan to enter the arrivals hall 30 minutes after your actual landing time. If you would like to select a later meeting time please let us know in the ‘Additional Comments’ box during the booking process. Our driver will wait for you for 60 minutes after entering the arrivals hall (90 minutes after you land). After this additional waiting charges may be applied if you have not contacted us. On your e-ticket you will find an emergency contact number, if you are delayed in immigration or luggage collection please phone this number.
Your driver will then walk you to the vehicle and transfer you to your hotel. Approximate journey times are London Heathrow to London City centre 50 mintes, from London Gatwick 80 minutes and from London City 25 minutes.
- What happens if we need to delay our pick up due to late flight? If your flight is delayed, we will not charge for amending your pick-up time. Should you miss your flight or be delayed in getting through the airport to meet your driver, you should contact us as soon as possible on the contact number on your E-Ticket and we will do our best to accommodate a new pick up time. The driver will wait for a maximum of 90 minutes after your flight has landed. If we do not hear from you in this period the driver will be forced to leave. After this we will not be able to guarantee your transfer. We do strongly recommend travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen delays or other factors beyond your control.
- Should we tip our driver? Tips are entirely at the customer’s discretion and in no way expected. Should you feel inclined to tip your driver would be grateful, but you should not feel obliged.
Welcome To London Tour
- How do I get from the hotel to Victoria Coach Station? You will need to make your own way from your hotel to the tour start point at Victoria Coach Station. Please contact [email protected] who can advise on the alternative travel options for you.
Departure
- How will I get from the hotel to Southampton cruise terminal? You will be collected by our drivers and transferred from London to Southampton cruise terminal by luxury minivan. This is a shared transfer service (not a private transfer), with maximum 6 people per vehicle. London city centre pick ups are between 09:45am-10:45am and your driver. Your exact pick up time will depend on the hotel you have selected. All pick up times will be detailed on the e-ticket you receive after booking.
- Will there be enough time to visit Stonehenge? If you select the 'Upgrade' option with Stonehenge your collection from the hotel will be between 07:00am-08:00am. This is an executive coach transfer service which includes entry to Stonehenge centre. Your exact pick up time will depend on the hotel you have selected. All pick up times will be detailed on the e-ticket you receive after booking.
- Where will I meet the driver? Please be waiting in the hotel reception/lobby area from 10 minutes before your confirmed pick up time. Your driver will collect you from the lobby.
- What time will I arrive in Southampton? We plan to arrive in Southampton by 13.30-14:00 on both transfer options (direct and via Stonehenge). On arrival in Southampton you will be dropped off at your cruise terminal and walk straight to the check in desk. Porters will take care of your luggage, ensuring it is delivered to your cabin. Please make sure you use the luggage label in your cruise pack to facilitate this.
We have three high quality London City Centre hotels available for you with this package, all on Bed & Breakfast basis:
4* Copthorne Tara - A contemporary stylish hotel by High Street Kensington. Perfectly located for the museums on Cromwell Road, Hyde Park and Kensington Palace.
4* Amba Victoria - An elegant, sophisticated hotel within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. Bed & breakfast basis.
5* Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge - Located in London’s historic core and close to a number of popular local attractions including the Tower of London, Borough Market, St.Katherine’s Dock and the HMS Belfast.
