Tour of London and Christmas Day Lunch Cruise

Tour of London and Christmas Day Lunch Cruise: A Festive Waterway Adventure

Imagine celebrating Christmas in a way that’s both traditional and uniquely London — cruising along the Thames, indulging in a hearty festive meal, all while enjoying the city’s famous landmarks. That’s exactly what the Tour of London and Christmas Day Lunch Cruise offers. This 7-hour experience combines a panoramic sightseeing tour, a leisurely river cruise, and a festive feast, making it an appealing choice for those wanting to blend holiday cheer with sightseeing.

What I find particularly appealing about this experience is the combination of land and water tours — the best way to see London’s most recognizable attractions while soaking up the holiday atmosphere. The luxury river cruiser, with its spacious, comfortable ambiance, promises a relaxed yet festive vibe. Plus, the professional guides are highlighted as knowledgeable, which is reassuring when navigating such a busy city at Christmas.

However, one point to consider is the price point of just over $270 per person. While the experience offers a lot — from guided bus tours to a three-hour Thames cruise and a traditional Christmas meal — it’s worth weighing whether the cost aligns with your expectations of value. Also, note that this activity is non-refundable, so planning ahead and being certain of your participation is wise.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to enjoy a festive, all-in-one Christmas experience in London — combining sightseeing, cultural traditions, and a special holiday meal. Families, couples, or groups celebrating the holiday season will find a lot to love here, especially if they’re keen on a relaxed, guided, and scenic day.

Key Points

• Combines sightseeing and a river cruise for a comprehensive London experience.
• Festive atmosphere with Christmas music, carols, and crackers enhances holiday cheer.
• Professional guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach.
• Luxury coach transportation ensures comfort throughout the day.
• Traditional Christmas lunch includes all the trimmings, with options to be selected in advance.
• Non-refundable booking requires careful planning and commitment.

What to Expect from the Christmas Day Tour in London

Our review begins with the itinerary setup, which is designed to give you a well-rounded festive day. Starting at the London Victoria Bus Station, the experience kicks off with a luxurious coach tour around London. This part is key to orienting yourself with the city’s most iconic sights — think of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, all seen from the comfort of a climate-controlled vehicle.

The guides on this tour are described as knowledgeable and friendly, ensuring you get insightful commentary on London’s landmarks. One reviewer mentioned that the guide was “so passionate about London,” which makes the sightseeing part more engaging. The coach also provides the convenience of transportation, so you can relax between stops rather than juggling multiple modes of travel.

Once the bus tour concludes, you’ll head to the luxury Thames river cruise — a highlight of the day. The boat is described as a luxury river cruiser, offering a spacious and comfortable environment to enjoy your meal and the views. You’ll cruise along the Thames for around 3 hours and 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to soak in London’s skyline, which looks especially magical during the holiday season.

The Christmas Lunch on the Thames

Here’s where this experience shines. The traditional Christmas lunch, served onboard, is described as hearty, festive, and complete with all the trimmings — think roast meats, vegetables, stuffing, and of course, Christmas pudding. The meal is accompanied by a welcome drink, and the atmosphere is lifted further by festive music and carols. Many reviews mention how the music adds a joyful, holiday spirit that fills the vessel.

One reviewer specifically appreciated the crackers on the table, noting how they added a fun, traditional touch. The view from the river makes the meal even more memorable — with sights like Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye passing by. This setting offers a unique vantage point that you simply can’t get from land-based sightseeing.

The Guide and Overall Experience

The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, which elevates the experience. They keep the journey lively with interesting stories and answer questions, making the cruise more engaging than just a meal. One reviewer highlighted that the “guide was so personable and made the whole day enjoyable,” emphasizing the added value of a professional guide.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Transportation: The entire day is organized around a luxury air-conditioned coach, making the journey comfortable. The meeting point is at Bulleid Way, Victoria, close to the Victoria underground station, making it easy to reach.
• Timing: The tour duration is roughly 7 hours, but check the specific starting times when booking.
• Menu Options: During booking or at least 72 hours in advance, guests need to select their meal preference, highlighting the importance of planning ahead.
• End Point: The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, so you won’t have to worry about additional transfers.

The Realities Based on Experience and Reviews

While the overall rating is 3.4 out of 5 based on 8 reviews, the reviews provide valuable insights. Several reviewers praised the knowledgeable guides, who made the sightseeing segments more enjoyable. One mentioned that the “guide was so passionate about London,” which shows how a good guide can transform a standard tour into a memorable experience.

However, the ratings also hint at potential downsides — some guests might find the price a bit steep, considering that entrances to attractions are not included and that the experience is non-refundable. Still, many felt that the combination of the luxury cruise, festive atmosphere, and guided tour provided good value for those seeking a special holiday outing.

One reviewer appreciated the relaxed pace of the cruise, emphasizing how it allowed them to enjoy the landmarks without feeling rushed. The festive music and Christmas crackers added a seasonal touch that truly enhanced the holiday spirit.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking for a festive, all-in-one Christmas experience in London, this tour offers a convenient way to see the city from the water while enjoying a traditional meal. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed, guided day with some holiday cheer, especially if they’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy scenic views and cultural traditions.

However, if you prefer independent sightseeing or don’t want to spend quite so much, this might feel a bit costly. Also, be aware that no attraction tickets are included, so if you plan to visit specific sights separately, you’ll need to organize those yourself.

Final Thoughts

The Tour of London and Christmas Day Lunch Cruise combines sightseeing, festive cheer, and a scenic river cruise into a single, celebratory package. It’s best suited for travelers who value guided commentary, scenic views, and a hearty holiday meal in a relaxed setting. While the price may seem high, the luxury cruise, knowledgeable guides, and seasonal atmosphere provide a memorable way to celebrate Christmas in London.

This experience would be particularly appealing for families, couples, or groups wanting a festive, all-inclusive holiday activity. The combination of land and water sightseeing makes it a comprehensive way to see London’s iconic sights while enjoying the special ambiance of the Christmas season.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup offered for this tour?
No, hotel pickup is not included unless otherwise specified. The meeting point is at Bulleid Way, Victoria.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, but check specific starting times when booking.

Are attraction tickets included?
No, entrance to attractions is not included, so you’ll see landmarks from the coach and river cruise.

Do I need to select my meal option in advance?
Yes, guests must choose their meal during booking or call 72 hours before the tour for options; otherwise, a standard meal will be served.

What is the rating of this experience?
It has a 3.4 out of 5 based on 8 reviews, with praise for guides but some comments on the price.

Is the Christmas lunch on the cruise traditional?
Yes, it features all the trimmings and is served onboard the luxury river cruiser, with festive music and Christmas crackers.

Is there a dress code for the cruise?
The tour details don’t specify a dress code, but smart casual is generally appropriate for a luxury cruise.

Can I bring my own drinks onboard?
The experience includes a welcome drink, but it’s not specified if additional drinks are allowed. Usually, cruises have their own bar.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is conducted in English.

In summary, this tour blends scenic views, a festive meal, and guided commentary into a memorable Christmas day outing. It’s a great choice for those who want to celebrate in style and see London from a new perspective — the Thames. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, the combination of comfort, atmosphere, and sightseeing offers a classic holiday experience for many travelers.