31 Mar 2025
This tour was definitely worth the early morning meeting time. You start out before the Tower opens to anyone else and enter in time to see the ceremony of the keys with your small group. Then first entrance to see the Crown Jewels, avoiding the soon to arrive massive crowds. We were literally the first people in the Jewel room that morning.
Our guide Toby was well informed and told us so much about the long and at times bloody history of the Tower. He also told us what to look for in each building. His expertise was invaluable.
The Tower is massive and there are a LOT of narrow stairs if you want to see everything. Wear your walking shoes. Be aware that once the public comes in, there are many many school kids and you have to navigate around them. Choosing this tour allows you to avoid the worst of the lines, but you will not be alone.
The river cruise is on your own schedule but you can only go one way. We had lunch then took the train to Greenwich and then rode the boat back to the City. It's chilly on the top of the boat so dress warmly.