Best of London by LE GRAND – London’s Luxury Bus Tour

Best of London by LE GRAND – London’s Luxury Bus Tour

If you’re visiting London and craving a blend of comfort, style, and authentic sightseeing, the Best of London by LE GRAND promises just that. For around $54 per person, you get a 1.5-hour journey through some of the most iconic sights in Westminster and beyond, all aboard London’s most luxurious panoramic bus. What sets this experience apart is not only the chance to see the city’s top landmarks but also the option to indulge in gourmet food and drinks, including a traditional afternoon tea.

Two standout features truly catch our eye: first, the luxurious setting—the bus oozes class with its first-class lounge ambiance, complemented by a sophisticated onboard audioguide available in multiple languages. Second, the culinary options—from canapés and Viennoiserie to a special afternoon tea with champagne or whisky—this is an experience that appeals to both the eyes and the palate.

One potential consideration is that the tour is limited to small groups of just four travelers, which is ideal for intimacy but might mean less flexibility with timing or larger parties. It’s best suited for those who appreciate a more refined, relaxed sightseeing experience, and who enjoy the finer things in life, like gourmet bites or a leisurely ride through Westminster.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Luxurious Transport: A first-class, panoramic bus that combines comfort with style.
• Expert Commentary: Multilingual audioguide offers relevant historical insights.
• Prime Sights: Includes Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, and more.
• Gourmet Experience: Canapés, desserts, and drinks including champagne or whisky.
• Intimate Group: Small group size of just four people enhances comfort and personalized service.
• Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Book now, pay later, with full refund options up to 24 hours in advance.

Introducing the Experience: What to Expect

Imagine slipping into a luxurious, comfortably appointed panoramic bus that feels more like a private lounge than a typical tour vehicle. For around 1.5 hours, you’ll cruise through some of London’s most famous neighborhoods, with the added bonus of top-notch food and drinks available throughout. This isn’t your typical hop-on-hop-off sightseeing—it’s a curated, refined experience meant to blend sightseeing with indulgence.

Starting at Green Park Station, the tour takes you past major landmarks like Wellington Arch, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens, before gliding past the Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial. While you’re enjoying the scenery, you’ll also be treated to gourmet bites—think canapés, viennoiserie, and mini pastries—and a choice of drinks from soft drinks to champagne, prosecco, or even whisky.

The tour continues with a relaxed drive past cultural icons like the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Harrods. You’ll see luxury districts such as Kensington and Chelsea, along with the glitz of Knightsbridge and Mayfair. Highlights include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and a scenic passage along the River Thames with Big Ben looming in the background.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of sightseeing and culinary delight. The onboard afternoon tea, featuring Ruinart Champagne, Beluga Royale Caviar, and a selection of canapés and mini pastries, offers a distinctly British yet luxurious touch. For those interested, there’s the option to pre-select appetizers and drinks online or purchase them onboard, adding a gourmet dimension to the sightseeing.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Landmarks

Starting Point: Green Park Station

The journey begins at Green Park Station, a central and convenient location. Arriving 15 minutes early ensures smooth boarding and allows you to settle into the luxurious environment of the bus.

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Scenic Passages and Iconic Sights

From the start, you’ll make your way past Wellington Arch, which offers a quick photo opportunity. The route then takes you along Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, areas that exude London’s royal and aristocratic history. While these are pass-by sights, they set the tone for the grandeur ahead.

Cultural Landmarks

As the bus moves along, you’ll glide past key cultural institutions like the Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum, with their distinctive architecture visible from the bus. Harrods, the world-famous department store, is also on the route, offering a glimpse into London’s luxury shopping scene.

Royal and Political Highlights

A highlight is the passage by Buckingham Palace, where, depending on timing, you might catch the changing of the guard. From there, the tour heads to Westminster Abbey, the seat of British royal ceremonies, and the Houses of Parliament, with Big Ben’s iconic clock tower looming overhead.

The Heart of Political Power and Royalty

Stops or pass-bys include 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence, and Whitehall, the governmental heart of London. The tour also skirts Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column, perfect for taking in London’s political and historic core.

Scenic & Cultural Districts

Passing through Soho and Piccadilly introduces you to London’s lively entertainment and shopping districts. The route ends back at Green Park Station, completing the circle of London’s most celebrated sights.

Food and Drinks: The Gourmet Touch

One of the most unique features of this experience is the onboard culinary service. You can enjoy canapés, desserts, and beverages in a relaxed, elegant setting. The menu features options by Robuchon, including Viennoiserie and desserts, making this feel more like a fine dining experience than a typical tour.

For those opting for the Special Afternoon Tea, you’ll indulge in half a bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne, Azure Beluga Royale Caviar, and a selection of mini patisseries and blue tea. It’s a decadent way to experience London’s tradition of afternoon tea, but with a luxe, modern twist.

Drinks Selection

The drinks menu is extensive, offering tea, coffee, soft drinks, and luxury options like champagne, prosecco, whisky, or cognac. Note that these premium drinks must be pre-purchased online, which adds a layer of planning but ensures availability.

Authentic Experiences and Real Passenger Feedback

Our review of the tour is reinforced by genuine traveler comments. One traveler remarked, “the bus oozed class,” appreciating the luxurious atmosphere. However, another mentioned that “the person who received us at the bus entrance was not too nice,” highlighting that service quality can vary.

The onboard music and service received praise, with one traveler noting they enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and professionalism of the staff. Since the group size is limited to just four participants, the experience feels private and attentive—ideal for those who value a personalized touch.

Pricing and Value

At $53.88 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to see London, but the combination of luxury transport, gourmet food, and expert commentary offers significant value. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to enjoy the city’s iconic sights in a more refined, comfortable setting. The inclusion of gourmet bites and drinks elevates the experience beyond a standard sightseeing tour.

Keep in mind, gourmet bites and drinks are not included in the base price but can be purchased online or onboard, allowing flexibility based on your preferences and budget.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who appreciate comfort and luxury while sightseeing, such as couples celebrating an anniversary or travelers with a taste for fine dining. It’s also well-suited for visitors who want a more intimate, relaxed overview of London’s landmarks, rather than a hurried, crowded bus tour.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more energetic, on-your-feet type of exploration, you might want to consider other options like open-top hop-on-hop-off buses or walking tours.

The Sum Up

The Best of London by LE GRAND offers a highly refined way to see the city’s most famous sights. The luxurious bus, combined with personalized service and the chance to indulge in gourmet food and drinks, makes this experience stand out for those looking for a special, memorable way to enjoy London.

It’s an experience that balances relaxation with sightseeing, making it ideal for travelers wanting to enjoy the city’s highlights without feeling rushed. The small group size ensures attentive service, and the multilingual audioguide enriches the understanding of London’s landmarks.

If you value comfort, style, and a touch of indulgence, this tour is well worth considering. It’s a great fit for those who want to relax and savor London’s grandeur while enjoying some of the best culinary offerings the city has to offer.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 5 years old, mainly due to the luxury environment and small group setting.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are available for the audioguide?
The tour offers multilingual guidance, including Russian, German, French, English, Chinese, and Spanish.

How long does the tour last?
The ride lasts approximately 1.5 hours, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The starting point is Green Park Station, at Bus Stop H.

Are the gourmet bites included?
No, they are available for purchase online or onboard; they are not included in the base price.

Can I order drinks onboard?
Yes, with pre-purchase, you can enjoy champagne, prosecco, whisky, cognac, and other beverages.

Is the tour daily, and what are the timings?
Check availability directly for starting times as they vary; the tour generally runs multiple times a day.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided information does not specify accessibility, so you may want to contact the provider directly.

What is the group size?
Limited to 4 participants, making it a very intimate experience.

This tour combines the best of London’s sights with a dash of elegance. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply want a classy way to see the city, LE GRAND’s luxury bus tour offers a memorable and indulgent experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: