Tour of London and Christmas Day Lunch Cruise

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

If you’re looking to celebrate Christmas in London in a way that combines sightseeing with a special holiday meal, this 7-hour experience offers a memorable way to do just that. Starting at Victoria, you’ll hop onto a luxury coach for a guided tour of London’s highlights before settling in for a traditional Christmas lunch aboard a luxury Thames river cruiser. For a holiday outing that mixes scenic views, festive music, and good food, this tour provides a relaxing and unique perspective on London’s most famous landmarks.

What we appreciate about this experience is the combination of land and water – you get the panoramic vistas from the coach, and then the tranquil, picturesque views of London from the river itself. Another highlight is the well-curated festive atmosphere, complete with Christmas crackers, music, and carols, making it feel truly special. That said, one potential consideration is the price point—at over $270 per person, it’s a splurge, but one that many find worth the memory.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy London’s Christmas spirit without the hustle of crowded city streets or who prefer a more relaxed, scenic setting for their holiday celebration. It’s especially fitting if you value guided commentary from friendly, knowledgeable guides and enjoy combining sightseeing with a good meal.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Unique holiday experience: Celebrate Christmas on the Thames, blending sightseeing with festive cheer.
• All-in-one package: Includes a panoramic bus tour, a traditional Christmas lunch, and a scenic river cruise.
• Expert guidance: A professional guide helps maximize your understanding and enjoyment.
• Comfort and convenience: Transportation in a luxury coach and a luxury cruiser make for a comfortable day.
• Authentic holiday atmosphere: Festive music, carols, and Christmas crackers add to the holiday spirit.
• Potential cost: The price reflects the combined experience, which many consider good value for the special occasion.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Initial Tour

The day begins at Bulleid Way in Victoria, a central and accessible location close to Victoria Station. This is a practical starting point, especially if you’re already staying in central London. From there, your guide, whose name isn’t specified but is described as knowledgeable, will escort you to a luxury air-conditioned coach. The 2.5 to 3-hour bus tour is a highlight in itself, giving you sweeping views of London’s most iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey.

What makes this part special is the guided commentary—the guide explains stories and facts you might not catch on your own, bringing the city’s history and architecture alive. Several reviews praise the guides for their expertise, describing them as “professional” and “friendly,” which adds a lot to the experience.

Transition to the Thames Cruise

After the bus tour, you’ll head to the luxury river cruiser for the main event—the Christmas lunch cruise. The boarding process is smooth, and from the moment you step aboard, you’re greeted with a welcome drink and the festive ambiance. The cruise lasts about 3 hours and 15 minutes, offering a leisurely way to see the city from a different vantage point.

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The Christmas Lunch

The meal itself is a traditional Christmas lunch, complete with all the trimmings and Christmas crackers. Many reviews mention that the food is hearty and well-prepared, though specific menu options aren’t listed, so you’ll need to select during booking or call ahead. The atmosphere on board is lively, with festive music and carols creating a warm, holiday mood.

One reviewer said, “We loved the way the music and the crackers made it feel like Christmas,” highlighting how the small touches enhance the experience. It’s a good balance of good food, holiday cheer, and scenic views, making the meal more than just fuel but part of the festive enjoyment.

The Thames Views and Landmarks

During the cruise, you’ll enjoy a relaxing float along the Thames, passing London’s famous landmarks like Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the South Bank. The large windows provide excellent photo opportunities, and the calm water offers a peaceful contrast to the busy city streets.

A reviewer noted, “The views from the boat were stunning, and it was nice to see everything from a different angle.” The cruise’s length is enough to take in the scenery without feeling rushed, and the festive music adds a celebratory touch.

End of the Tour

The activity concludes back at the initial meeting point in Victoria, making logistics straightforward, especially for those staying nearby. Since hotel pickups are not included, you’ll need to plan your own transportation to and from the starting location.

The Practicalities: What You’ll Need to Know

Transportation and Timing

• Meeting Point: London Victoria Bus Station, Bulleid Way (about a 7-minute walk from Victoria Station).
• Duration: Approximately 7 hours, including the bus tour, cruise, and meal.
• Starting Times: Vary; be sure to check availability.
• Transportation: Included in the package, but only between the meeting point, bus tour, and cruise—hotel transfers are not provided unless specified.
• Guides: Live English-speaking guides, with praise for their professionalism and friendliness.

Cost and Value

At around $272 per person, this experience is a significant investment, but it bundles together transport, a guided city tour, a scenic cruise, and a traditional meal—including drinks and festive entertainment. For those seeking a memorable, all-in-one Christmas celebration, many consider this good value.

Important Notes

• Menu Choice: Must be selected during booking or 72 hours in advance via email or phone.
• Non-refundable: The booking is non-refundable, so plan accordingly.
• Age Restrictions: Not specified, but the festive atmosphere and cruise are generally suitable for all ages.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is best suited for travellers who want a comprehensive, stress-free way to celebrate Christmas in London. It’s perfect for those who enjoy guided tours, scenic river views, and festive cheer in a relaxed setting. Families, couples, or small groups looking for a special holiday outing will find this particularly appealing.

However, if you’re seeking a more flexible, budget-friendly, or independently paced experience, this might feel a bit structured and pricey. Also, it’s worth noting that if you’re not comfortable with scheduled meal choices or non-refundable bookings, you should consider alternatives.

The Sum Up

The London Christmas Day Lunch Cruise offers a thoughtfully curated way to enjoy the city’s holiday magic. Combining a guided panoramic tour, a luxury river cruise, and a festive meal, it captures the spirit of Christmas on the Thames. The highlights are the professional guides, the beautiful river views, and the warm, joyful atmosphere onboard. While the price is on the higher side, many travelers find it justifiable for a special holiday experience in London.

If you’re after a relaxing, scenic, and festive celebration that combines sightseeing with holiday traditions, this tour provides a memorable way to spend Christmas Day. It’s especially well-suited for those who love guided insights, scenic views from the water, and a charming holiday setting.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and return are not included unless otherwise specified. You’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point at Victoria.

How long does the entire experience last?
The total duration is about 7 hours, including the bus tour, cruise, and lunch.

Can I choose my meal during booking?
Yes, you need to select your menu option during booking or call ahead at least 72 hours before the tour date. If not specified, a standard option will be provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the festive atmosphere and cruise are generally family-friendly, but check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

What landmarks will I see from the boat?
You can expect to see Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and other Thames landmarks, all from the comfort of the cruise.

Are there any attractions not included?
Yes, entrance fees to attractions are not included, and the tour does not cover additional sightseeing beyond what is described.

What is the price for this experience?
The cost is approximately $272.09 per person, which includes transportation, guided tour, the meal, drinks, and festive entertainment.

This experience offers a lovely way to celebrate Christmas in London, blending scenic views, guided insights, and holiday cheer in a relaxing and festive setting. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, it makes for a memorable holiday outing — just be sure to book early and be prepared for a joyful, full-day adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: