London Vintage Bus Tour Including River Thames Cruise with Optional Lunch

If you’re planning to tick off London’s top sights without feeling overwhelmed, a combined vintage bus tour and river cruise might catch your eye. We’ve looked into this experience offered by Premium Tours, and while it’s not perfect, it offers a genuine, enjoyable way to get a good overview of the city’s highlights. Whether you’re new to London or just want a relaxed approach to sightseeing, this trip covers a lot, with some notable perks and a few things to keep in mind.

What we particularly like about this tour is the chance to see London from two perspectives—the elevated views from a classic double-decker and the scenic float down the Thames. Plus, the optional fish and chips lunch gives you a taste of British tradition in a lively pub setting. On the downside, some reviews point out that traffic can slow things down, and commentary isn’t always as engaging as it could be, which might impact your overall experience.

This tour is best suited for those who want a balanced, no-fuss way to cover a lot of ground in a limited time. It’s also great if you prefer guided explanations without the hassle of navigating yourself. However, if you’re after deep dives into history or highly personalized experiences, you might want to consider alternative options. Still, for a broad taste of London’s iconic sights, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Two-in-one experience: Combines vintage bus sightseeing with a Thames river cruise.
• Great views: Offers unique perspectives on landmarks like Big Ben, Tower of London, and the London Eye.
• Optional food upgrade: Includes traditional fish and chips at a central pub, adding a tasty local touch.
• Group size & accessibility: Operates with a maximum of 40 travelers, with some review notes about traffic delays.
• Guide quality varies: Multiple reviews praise knowledgeable guides; some mention minimal commentary or issues with sound.
• Weather considerations: It’s an open-top bus, so prepare for rain or other weather surprises.

The Experience: What It’s Like

This tour kicks off in the heart of London at Victoria Coach Station. Once you meet your guide and hop onto a vintage red double-decker bus, you’re in for a treat. These buses, dating back to the 1960s, lend an authentic, nostalgic feel to the journey. As you sit back and start cruising through central London, you’ll get a panoramic view of some of the most famous buildings and streets.

The guided narration covers landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. One of the highlights mentioned by past travelers is how guides bring the city’s story to life, sharing anecdotes and interesting tidbits. For example, you’ll learn about Westminster Abbey’s long history as a site for royal ceremonies and its connection to royal weddings and coronations.

Some reviews note that the commentary can be minimal or hard to hear, especially when traffic congestion slows the bus down. If you’re hoping for in-depth storytelling, you might find the commentary a bit lacking at times. However, as one reviewer pointed out, they appreciated the knowledgeable guides and friendly atmosphere, which helped fill in some gaps.

Stops and Sights

Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard

Your tour includes a stop at Buckingham Palace, where, depending on the day, you might catch the Changing of the Guard. While tickets aren’t included, it’s a great photo opportunity and sets the tone for your royal London experience. Some travelers appreciate the chance to snap pics of the iconic facade and watch the ceremonial guards in their ceremony.

Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square

You’ll get a quick photo stop outside Westminster Abbey—perfect for catching that classic shot of the gothic church. The same goes for Parliament Square, where the big clock of Big Ben looms overhead. These stops are brief, but they give you a solid visual impression of London’s political and religious landmarks with minimal hassle.

Tower of London & Thames River Cruise

One of the tour’s standouts is the cruise along the Thames. After a short walk to Tower Pier, you’ll board a glass-enclosed boat or sit on the open deck to glide past the Tower of London, one of the city’s most historic sites. The boat ride lasts about 30 minutes and features lively audio commentary celebrating London’s river history and architecture.

Past travelers have praised the fantastic views of the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and Tower Bridge from the river. Some mention that the cruise is a highlight, offering a relaxing break from bus travel and a different perspective on the city’s skyline. However, a few reviews note that the commentary on the boat could be more engaging or detailed.

Iconic London Landmarks

Driving through Trafalgar Square, seeing Nelson’s Column, and passing by St. Paul’s Cathedral are also part of the journey, giving you more visual cues to remember later. The tour also passes by London Bridge and the famous London Eye, which can be great photo ops.

Is the Price Worth It?

At $85.57 per person, this tour offers good value if you want an overview of London without doing much planning yourself. You’re paying for convenience, the guided commentary, and the scenic boat cruise. The option to upgrade for a fish and chips meal adds a fun, authentic London experience, although it’s an optional extra.

Considering the duration—about four hours—this isn’t an exhaustive deep dive, but it’s a comprehensive snapshot. The guided narration and scenic routes help justify the price, especially since the boat cruise and lunch are included if you choose the upgrade. Still, some reviews point out that the traffic can lead to long waits, which might cut into your sightseeing time.

The Pros and Cons

Pros

• Nostalgic, vintage bus adds charm and authenticity
• Combines two popular sightseeing methods—the bus and river cruise
• Great views of major landmarks from different angles
• Guides are generally knowledgeable and friendly
• Optional traditional fish and chips lunch adds a local flavor

Cons

• Traffic congestion can cause delays and reduce sightseeing time
• Commentary can be minimal or hard to hear at times
• The bus is open-top, so weather can impact comfort
• Stops are brief; you won’t get deep historical insights at every site
• Some travelers found the boat commentary lacking

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for visitors who want a relaxed, guided overview of London’s top sights without the hassle of navigating public transport or booking multiple tickets. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic views from the water and classic double-decker buses. If weather isn’t a concern or you’re prepared with rain gear, the open-top bus adds to the fun.

While not designed for those seeking in-depth historical narratives or a personalized experience, it works well for first-timers wanting a broad sense of the city’s layout and key sites in a manageable, enjoyable format.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this vintage bus and Thames cruise combo offers a delightful, accessible way to see London’s most famous sights. The nostalgia of the vintage bus paired with a relaxing boat trip makes for a memorable day, especially if you’re short on time or prefer guided adventures. The optional fish and chips lunch adds a tasty, traditional touch, rounding out the experience.

However, keep in mind the limitations—traffic delays, brief stops, and occasionally subdued commentary can affect your enjoyment. If you’re okay with that, you’ll find this tour provides a good balance of sightseeing, comfort, and local flavor.

This experience would suit travelers who appreciate a guided, scenic overview and aren’t looking for a deeply detailed historical tour. It’s also a good pick for those wanting to combine sightseeing with a taste of British cuisine, all wrapped in a friendly, easy-to-understand format.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? While not specifically marketed as family-focused, children who enjoy sightseeing and boat rides often find it engaging. Keep in mind that some reviews mention the tour may not be particularly kid-friendly, especially if noise or traffic delays occur.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience runs approximately four hours, including the bus ride, river cruise, and optional lunch.

What’s included in the price? You get a vintage double-decker bus tour, a Thames river cruise, and, if chosen, a fish and chips meal. Drinks are extra if you opt for them at the pub.

Can I cancel my booking? Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour.

Where do I meet the tour? The starting point is Victoria Coach Station at 164 Buckingham Palace Rd, London.

Is the bus open-top? Yes, the bus is open-top, so dress appropriately for the weather, and be prepared for rain.

What if it rains? The open-top bus may be replaced with a closed-top one on rare occasions, but generally, you should have rain gear just in case.

Are the guides knowledgeable? Most reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and knowledge, though some mention commentary can be minimal or hard to hear during traffic jams.

What about the boat cruise? The cruise offers fantastic views of the city’s riverside landmarks, with lively commentary on the boat. Some found the narration lacking in detail, but most appreciated the scenic break.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic intro to London that combines classic transportation with a bit of local flavor, this tour could be just what you need. Keep your weather gear handy, and enjoy the views—London’s skyline is quite the sight from both land and water.