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

Traveling through London can sometimes feel like a whirlwind, especially if you’re trying to hit all the famous sights without missing a beat. That’s where LE GRAND’s luxury bus tour offers a different approach—more comfort, style, and a touch of indulgence. This experience is designed for folks who want to see London’s top landmarks but prefer to do so from the comfort of a high-end, panoramic bus, with the bonus of gourmet treats and the option of a traditional afternoon tea.

What we especially like about this tour is the luxurious setting—the bus oozes class, and the opportunity to relax while a guide paints a picture of London’s history is quite appealing. The inclusion of gourmet food and drinks makes it stand out from more straightforward sightseeing tours, giving you a taste of British elegance.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s duration is just 1.5 hours, which means you’ll only scratch the surface of London’s vast tapestry of neighborhoods and history. If you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a leisurely, extensive exploration, this might not be the full experience you’re after. That said, for those wanting a luxury, compact overview combined with a bit of indulgence, this tour could be ideal.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate comfort and style, enjoy having a guide who can provide insightful commentary, and are curious about experiencing London with a taste of luxury. It’s particularly well-suited for those celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to elevate their sightseeing experience without sacrificing the essentials.

Key Points

• Luxury and Comfort: The tour takes place aboard a high-end, panoramic bus with a first-class lounge.
• Gourmet Bites: Onboard options include canapés, viennoiserie, desserts, and drinks, with additional options like champagne and whisky.
• Expert Commentary: A multilingual audioguide provides relevant insights into London’s landmarks.
• Prime London Sights: Key highlights include Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and more.
• Flexible Beverage Options: Choose from coffee, tea, soft drinks, champagne, prosecco, wine, whisky, or cognac.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups of up to 4 participants ensure a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

An Elegant Way to Discover London

We loved the idea of exploring London’s most famous sights from the comfort of a luxurious bus. The bus itself is described as “oozing class,” which sets a tone of sophistication from the get-go. The interior features a first-class lounge where you can settle in and enjoy your gourmet bites amid a refined atmosphere. It’s a different vibe compared to open-top buses, leaning more towards comfort and exclusivity.

While the tour lasts about 1.5 hours—check the availability for starting times—you’re whisked through the city, covering major landmarks in a relaxed manner. The onboard multilingual audioguide ensures you get some context about what you’re seeing, which is especially helpful if you’re not familiar with London’s geography or history.

The Itinerary: Highlights in a Compact Route

The tour begins at Green Park Station, a central spot that’s easy to access. From there, it takes you past some of the most iconic sites in Westminster, including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and 10 Downing Street. The route also cruises along the River Thames, offering picturesque views of Big Ben and Nelson’s Column along the way.

You’ll pass by the Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and the Victoria and Albert Museum—great for photo ops and to get a sense of London’s cultural richness. The sightseeing continues through the upscale districts of Kensington and Chelsea, with scenic views along the way.

One of the more interesting aspects is how the tour combines sightseeing with opportunities to relax, enjoy gourmet bites, and sip beverages of your choice. For example, you can indulge in canapés, mini pastries, or desserts by Robuchon, and sip on tea, coffee, or even a glass of champagne or whisky.

The Landmark Stops and Passing Views

Most of the stops are pass-by moments—meaning you’ll see the landmarks from the bus but won’t necessarily get off for detailed visits. For instance, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament are all viewed from the bus route, which is convenient but might feel a bit rushed if you’re expecting in-depth exploration.

Despite this, the views are quite scenic, especially as the bus cruises along the River Thames and through areas like Soho and Mayfair. Several reviewers have mentioned the “scenic views on the way” as a highlight, making this a good choice if you prefer seeing the city from a comfortable seat rather than walking around in the cold or rain.

More Great Tours Nearby

Food and Drink: A True Luxury Experience

One of the standout features is the gourmet bites and drinks served onboard. The menu includes a selection of canapés, viennoiserie, and desserts, created by Robuchon. You can also select your preferred beverages, from soft drinks and coffee to champagne, prosecco, wine, whisky, or cognac.

The special afternoon tea option is an indulgence, with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne, Azure Beluga Royale Caviar, canapés, mini pastries, and a unique blue tea. This elevates the experience, making it perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a refined outing.

It’s worth noting that these extras are available for purchase online or onboard, and pre-purchasing online might be more convenient. The included food and drink make the tour feel more like a culinary and cultural treat rather than just sightseeing.

Service and Group Size

The tour is designed for small groups—limited to 4 participants—which means more personalized attention. We read a review mentioning that the service and music added to the atmosphere, which can really enhance the overall vibe. One minor caveat from a review was that the person at the bus entrance wasn’t the friendliest, but such experiences can vary.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transportation and Timing

The bus departs from Green Park Station, a central and easily accessible location. Arriving at least 15 minutes early is advised to avoid missing the start since the bus departs promptly. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, so plan your schedule accordingly if you want to combine it with other activities.

Price and Value

At just under $54 per person, this tour offers a luxury experience in a compact time frame. While it’s not a cheap option, the inclusion of gourmet bites, drinks, and a comfortable setting justifies the cost for those seeking a more refined way to see London. It’s especially appealing if you’d rather skip the crowded open-top bus or if you’re celebrating something special.

Suitability for Travelers

This experience isn’t suitable for young children under 5, and there are restrictions on bringing large bags, strollers, or pets. The focus on luxury and comfort makes it less ideal for travelers who prefer active, on-foot exploration or have mobility concerns. But if you’re after a relaxed, stylish overview of Westminster’s highlights with a gourmet twist, this tour hits the spot.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys comfortable, stylish sightseeing with a bit of culinary flair, LE GRAND’s luxury bus tour is a solid choice. It’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion, impressing a visitor, or simply treating yourself to an elegant overview of London’s most iconic sights.

While it doesn’t replace a full-day exploration—especially if you’re eager to get off the bus and walk around—it offers a convenient, refined snapshot of the city’s highlights. The small group setting and the knowledgeable guides add a personal touch, making the experience feel exclusive without the hefty price tag of more private tours.

If you’re after an easy, no-fuss way to see Westminster and enjoy some quality food and drinks onboard, this might be just the ticket. But if you prefer a more thorough or active exploration, you might want to consider combining this with other London sightseeing options.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour isn’t recommended for children under 5 years old. It’s more geared toward adults who appreciate comfort, gourmet food, and a relaxed sightseeing pace.

Can I purchase drinks and food onboard?
Yes, you can select from a gourmet menu that includes canapés, desserts, and drinks like tea, coffee, or champagne. Some options, like the afternoon tea, are available for pre-purchase online.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Be sure to check availability for starting times to plan accordingly.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at Green Park Station, a convenient central location in London.

Is there a guide onboard?
Yes, a multilingual audioguide is available to provide relevant commentary about the landmarks you pass by.

What is the group size?
Groups are limited to 4 participants, allowing for a more intimate experience.

Do I need to reserve and pay now?
You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning your trip. Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

In all, this luxury sightseeing bus offers a memorable way to enjoy London’s top sights with a bit of indulgence. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the city in comfort and style, especially if they’re celebrating or just looking to treat themselves to a more refined way of sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here: