ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½

The British royal family is a resounding symbol of England and this private, full-day tour offers a fascinating insight into their remarkable lives and homes. Explore the Queen's State Apartments, historic chambers and grand reception rooms as you wander with a professional guide who can fill you in on the political and domestic dramas, mystery, intrigue and responsibility that come with the royal crown.

Gain a deeper insight into the history of two royal palaces as well as the hidden lives that are enjoyed inside their hallowed walls before taking a brief trip to Runnymede where the foundations for Britain's fundamental principles of governance were established in 1215.

Your guide and driver meet you at your hotel for your day visiting two of the main royal residences of the Queen. Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the monarch since the mid-19th century when Queen Victoria became the first sovereign to live here. It’s now the austere but official home to the reigning Queen Elizabeth II and her family.

From the north gates, glimpse the Queen’s Guards in their red tunics and bearskin hats, and look up at the iconic central balcony area, used by the royal family for public appearances. Watch the historic Changing of Guards, a tradition that has been in operation since the 1660s and sees the arrival of a fresh detachment of the Queen's Foot Guards from St. James's Palace with much pomp and ceremony.

Buckingham Palace is only open to the public for several months of the year, and even then only a small number of rooms are accessible. If the palace is closed you'll be driven to Windsor Castle, the Queen’s weekend residence, located less than an hour away by car (depending on traffic).

The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle has been a popular residence for 39 monarchs over the last 900 years and remains the preferred family home of the reigning royal family today.

Although the private chambers of the Queen are off limits to the public, during your visit you can view the State Apartments, including the Waterloo Chamber, which commemorates the famous battle, and St George’s Hall, with its coats of arms and dramatic hammer-beam roof.

Many of the Semi-State rooms are also accessible, including the awe-inspiring Grand Reception Room, with its gilded decor and grand chandeliers.

En route back to your London hotel, your driver will divert via the green fields of Runnymede, where the historic Magna Carta, one of Britain's most significant historic documents, was sealed over 800 years ago.

During the day, there's time to stop and have lunch (not included), choosing from a number of places on the route. Depending on your preferences, we can recommend the best places to eat.