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old city of london walking tour

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St Paul's Cathedral in London

London Old City Free Walking Tour

Discover major London landmarks on this 3-hour London Old City Tour!

ABOUT THE London Old City Free Walking Tour

Learn about the original London, a mere one square mile beside the river Thames. This 2.5-hour walking tour includes must-see sites like the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge and much more.

The Old City Tour starts in Temple Station and finishes by the Tower of London.  We never cancel; tours run rain, hail or shine.

Small streets and river walkways

When you think of London, chances are you think of a bustling city, with tall buildings and busy roads, but on this London walking tour, your expert guide will remind you that that wasn’t always the case. As you explore a maze of small streets, church courtyards and river walkways, you’ll see London in an entirely different light.

The original London

With history stretching back almost 2,000 years, your guide will bring London’s historic center to life. From the 12th Century Church of the Knights Templar, to the RAF Church and the World War II blitz, you’ll soon discover that much of London’s most fascinating history is jam-packed into one square mile.

Some of London’s most important landmarks

You’ll want to keep your camera at the ready, as you’ll discover many of London’s top highlights around every corner on this walking tour. From London Bridge to Tower Bridge, from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Tower of London, you’ll also find Mansion House, the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange and the Monument.

Gratuity-based Free Tour concept

The gratuity-based model of the Free Tour allows guests to support and reward only the highest quality tours, and to ensure that the tour fits within their expectations, and within their budget.

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The London Old City Walking Tour starts at Temple Station

  • Photograph the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral
  • See two of London’s most important bridges, London Bridge and Tower Bridge
  • Marvel at the impressive Tower of London (entrance tickets available for purchase)
  • Discover the 12th Century Church of the Knights Templar
  • Hear about the dark days of the World War II blitz at the RAF church
  • Take in the sites of the Bank of England, Mansion House and more!

TOUR SCHEDULES

This tour doesn‘t run today

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Royal Courts of Justice in London

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Gratuities for the guide (optional)
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs

Tour start

Customer reviews

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GREAT TOUR!

Our tour guide (Charlotte from New Zealand) was a wonderful and informative tour guide. On my recent trip to Europe, I went on 11 tours through Sandeman, and THIS was by far my favorite. There were so many items I didn't know regarding "Old London" (the first beginning it is its own governing body) I was inspired to travel back to London just to spend more time in Old London. I'm not sure if our group was just slow walking or if we took more time in particular spots, but our tour ended up being around 3.5 hours, and Charlotte stuck it out to the end. Fantastic tour to see the old city, and get a better understanding of the history of how London came to raise.

A great walking tour with Jamie

Highly recommended walking tour through the old city of London (about 3 hrs). Our guide - Jamie - did a great job by giving us lots of interesting, funny and relevant facts about places we saw, as well as general recommendations to our visit. A great way to get familiar with London's main sites and history!

Old City London Tour

Had a great tour with Rob. He was very knowledgeable and had a huge amount of great info for us about all the stops along the way! Highly recommend!

Excellent tour of the City of London

Huge thanks to Jake for a very entertaining and knowledgeable tour of the Old City of London. Some interesting anecdotes - well worth the money.

Best Tour in London!!!

A friend and I went on the walking tour of the Old City of London yesterday with Ben and it was amazing! Ben was awesome; very knowledgeable and passionate about the city he is from! The 3 hours flew by! My husband and I are living in London for the next year and this is definitely a tour I will take our guests on! Definitely try to do tours with Ben!!

What is a gratuity-based Free Tour?

The gratuity-based Free Tour is the best introduction to London! A general overview tour including many of the highlights of the city, the Free Tour usually lasts around 3 hours and is provided by a local freelance guide in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, so tour content can vary depending on your guide’s particular area of interest and expertise.

The gratuity-based Free Tour is a walking tour with no need for public transport and is designed for independent travellers, not groups. You can book your spot in advance online or simply show up at the start point on the day. There is no payment necessary at the start of the tour but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end!

We believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of London's best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. They'll never pressure you to tip; we believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveller.

Why join the SANDEMANs FREE Tour?

  • The route covers many of London's major landmarks
  • The meeting point is centrally located in Covent Garden
  • The Free Tour is guaranteed to fit within your budget
  • The guides performing tips-based Free Tours are incentivized to perform every time

WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN LONDON

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Make the most out of your visit and discover London's main attractions with your private tour guide

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Enjoy a comprehensive overview of London's fascinating history and must-see sites with your private ...

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Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.

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Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

Visiting Edinburgh Old City during a SANDEMANs walking tour

Thank you! Your support means more to us than we can express in words. Chris Sandeman and the SANDEMANs Live Community

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City of London Tour

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  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Recommended for all ages
  • Wheelchair friendly
  • Guaranteed departure
  • No need for bus/tube tickets
  • Meeting point: Paternoster Square
  • We accept donations by card

Free Tour City of London

Do you want to uncover the secrets hidden within the City of London and explore its hidden alleys? Join our free walking tour through the old city of London. We’ll journey through almost two millennia of history, from the Roman invasion to the Great Fire . During this free tour, you’ll see important landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Guildhall , while discovering London ‘s ever-evolving history.

The reviews of those who participated in the tour

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Free Tour Itinerary and Highlights

Here is a preview of our itinerary:

  • we’ll start the tour at Paternoster Square , passing by the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • we’ll walk through Cheapside , where the important church of St Mary-le-Bow is located
  • we’ll arrive at Bank , with the Bank of England , Mansion House , and the Royal Exchange
  • we’ll explore the hidden alleys of the City
  • we’ll see one of London’s most beautiful markets, Leadenhall Market
  • we’ll end our tour at Monument, under the Monument to the Great Fire of London

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

When does your city of london tour run.

Our City of London Tour typically starts on various dates and at different times. Please check the calendar to find available dates and times

Where does your City of London tour start?

Our City of London tour starts under the Paternoster Square Column in Paternoster Square, EC1A 7BA, right next to St. Paul’s Cathedral

Where does this tour end?

This tour ends at the Monument to the Great Fire of London

How long is the tour expected to last?

The tour lasts for around 2 hours

How will I find your tour guide?

Look for the guide with our unique blue, red and white umbrella with our logo. You will receive more detailed instructions by email after your booking

What happens if it is raining?

We go out rain or shine, so if it’s drizzling please remember to bring a rain jacket or an umbrella. Only in case of unbearably inclement weather, the tour will be rescheduled and you will be contacted as soon as we can

Can I show up without booking?

Yes you can, but we highly recommend to make a booking which is absolutely free and it takes less than one minute. This is because in case of a very large group, for health and safety reasons we would need to accept participants with booking only and unfortunately if you have no booking we will have to send you home. Please note that we can’t take groups of more than 8 people on our free tours, if this is the case please get in touch with us here to enquire about a private tour [email protected]

What does 'Pay what you can' mean?

Wonders of London works on a pay what you feel basis, we understand that many of you have travelled various distances to get here, some of you might be locals, some of you might be on holiday here and we know that it can be difficult to enjoy all of London’s best attractions without spending a fair penny. We want our tours to be accessible to anyone and everyone so we don’t charge a ticket price but just bear in mind that are guides are working guides so we ask that at the end of the tour just have a think about what the tour was worth to you and pay however much or small you feel

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Privacy overview.

A Lady in London

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s City of London Walking Tour and Map

It’s time for another of my London walks. This self-guided walk in the City of London will take you to see everything from the landmarks to the narrow passageways. If you want to experience the best of the area, read on for A Lady in London’s City of London walking tour. There’s a map, too.

City of London Walking Tour

City of London Walking Tour

The heart of historic London , the City has some of the richest architectural history and most important heritage buildings in the UK capital.

This London neighborhood has treasures around every corner, and lots of lanes and alleys to get lost down.

The City is also home to some of London’s newest buildings and most exciting contemporary architecture. You’ll see a great mix while discovering the area.

Bride Lane in the City of London

City of London Walking Tour Route

My self-guided City of London walking tour will take you on a trip through past and present, big squares and little courtyards, historic halls and modern skyscrapers.

From Roman times to today, it will leave you with a lasting impression of how many layers there are to this neighborhood.

The route passes by plenty of places to eat and drink, so you can stop for a meal, snack, tipple, or tea on the journey if you want to.

Fleet Street, London

Self-Guided London Walking Tour

This most historic of London walks starts at Blackfriars station. When you arrive, exit onto Queen Victoria Street on the north bank of the Thames and turn right to head into the City.

Walk up Queen Victoria Street and continue north on New Bridge Street. Don’t miss the beautiful facade of The Blackfriar pub as you transition from one street to the other.

The Blackfriar Pub, London

When you get to Bride Lane, turn left and follow it as it curves around to Fleet Street.

On your left you’ll see St Bride’s Church, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren (of St Paul’s Cathedral fame) in 1672. Legend has it that the church’s tiered spire was the inspiration for the traditional wedding cake.

St Bride's Church, London

Once on Fleet Street, walk down and take in the historic buildings as you go. Make sure to turn around for great views of St Paul’s Cathedral behind you, too.

There are great historic pubs like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese here, so you can stop for a drink or a peek inside if you want to.

When you get to Johnson’s Court, you can either turn right to go in, or if it’s a weekday and you feel like exploring the Temple area, you can continue down Fleet Street and turn left into Inner Temple Lane or Middle Temple Lane.

Temple is relatively small and self-contained, so it’s easy to walk around and take in the highlights.

Entrance to Temple, London

Whichever you choose, you can make your way to Johnson’s Court and continue your self-guided City of London walking tour when you arrive.

Walk up Johnson’s Court, a passageway leading to Dr Johnson’s House and the pretty courtyard of Gough Square in front of it.

The house was 18th-century writer Samuel Johnson’s home, and is now a museum. You can visit if you’d like to, or continue your walk by exiting Gough Square via Hind Court and Wine Office Court.

Gough Square, London

These alleys will take you out to Shoe Lane. Turn left on Shoe Lane, then right on St Bride Street. At the end, turn right on Farringdon Street, then take your first left on Ludgate Hill.

This street will lead you down to St Paul’s Cathedral with great views of it along the way.

St Paul's Cathedral

Once at the cathedral, you can go in to explore or just admire it from the outside. Either way, continue your self-guided City of London walking tour up Paternoster Row, through Paternoster Square, and up Queens Head Passage.

When you read Newgate Street, turn around and take in the view of St Paul’s Cathedral behind you.

St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London

After you’ve enjoyed the views, turn around and turn right on Newgate Street. Follow it as it becomes Cheapside, then continue on Cheapside as it becomes Poultry and Mansion House Street.

Eventually you’ll reach the intersection where Bank station is.

As you go, you’ll pass by St Mary-le-Bow church, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and whose bells define being Cockney (which is to say that if you were born within hearing distance of them, you’re a true Cockney).

When you reach Bank, you’ll be surrounded by historic buildings. In front of you is the Royal Exchange, to your left the Bank of England. The Royal Exchange has a beautiful interior and is worth popping into.

Royal Exchange in the City of London

When you’ve taken it all in, turn right and walk down Lombard Street, continuing as it becomes King William Street.

Follow it as it curves at Monument Station, then turn left on Monument Street to see the Monument to the Great Fire of London.

Another Wren creation, this towering column was built to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666 and celebrate the rebuilding of the City. It’s is a great one to climb for views over London .

Monument to the Great Fire of London

When you’re finished, walk north up Fish Hill Street, cross over Eastcheap, and continue up Gracechurch Street. Eventually you’ll reach Leadenhall Market, which stood in for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies.

Leadenhall Market

Take some time to explore Leadenhall Market, then continue your self-guided City of London walking tour by exiting onto Leadenhall Street.

Turn right, then take a left on St Mary Axe. This street will bring you to The Gherkin, one of London’s most beloved modern skyscrapers.

The Gherkin in the City of London

Take it in, then continue east down Bury Street and turn right on Creechurch Lane. It will take you back to Leadenhall Street. Turn left and continue along it to the end, then turn left on Aldgate High Street.

Take a right on Jewry Street, following it all the way down as it becomes Crutched Friars, Cooper’s Row, and Trinity Square.

At the end you’ll find yourself in an open space in front of the London Wall and the Tower of London. The Tower Hill tube station will be on your left. Your self-guided City of London walking tour ends here.

City of London Walking Tour Details

Map of the first half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/kzfcJjdLrVXUtF237

Map of the second half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/e6q7vh6CCSvrQsk38

Further afield: Tower of London, St Katharine Docks , Spitalfields

Blackfriar Pub, City of London

More London Walking Tours

I’ve written tons more London walks and aggregated them in my London walking tours blog post.

There are other walks to explore in London’s Hidden Walks , too. You can get it here . There are additional ideas in my London walking books post as well.

I’ve also compiled all my central London walks into one convenient blog post. You can use it to find more walks near the City if you want to. Happy walking!

Find this post helpful? Buy me a coffee!

New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email .

One of the links in this blog post is an affiliate link. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on it and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.

9 Comments on Lady’s City of London Walking Tour and Map

LA PROXIMA SEMANA ESTOY EN LONDRES POR SEGUNDA VEZ, Y HARE ESTE RECORRIDO, AUNQ YA CONZCO VARIOS DE ESOS LUGARES,. FELICITACIONES POR LA GUIA!!!!

Hi, that’s a great article. You have covered the stuff in great detail. I was looking for walking tours in London but I think my friend and I can follow your article and do it on our own. Thanks!

You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear that.

What a charming city of London. I wish I could live there. Thanks Naeem

I hope you can someday!

Best way to see London: walk and walk and walk!

Well described, bravo 👋👋

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  • Destinations
  • Tours in London

Free London Landmarks Tour (East) inc. Tower of London & Tower Bridge

Free London Landmarks Tour (East) inc. Tower of London & Tower Bridge England — #1

Overview of the tour in London

Join this free walking tour of London and explore the original City of London with over 2000 years of incredible British history & culture. On this London walking tour you’ll discover St Paul’s Cathedral and relive the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, get incredible photos of the famous Tower Bridge and learn about Executions, Beefeaters and the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. You’ll stand in the centre of the financial industry at the Bank of England, get up close to the Royal Exchange and discover the home of the Lord Mayor at Mansion House. You'll also visit London's most beautiful market at Leadenhall Market and relive one of London's most devastating events at the Monument to the Great Fire of London. The City of London is the oldest and most historic part of London and no other free walking tour will make you more appreciative of London’s incredible culture and its fascinating history. PLUS! At the end of the tour receive an exclusive FREE digital London travel guide full of discounts, things to do, local tips & more! IMPORTANT – Please only book a ticket for the adults joining the tour. Children are welcome but please do not book a ticket for them.

This activity includes:

  • Bank of England
  • The Royal Exchange
  • Tower of London
  • HMS Belfast
  • Monument to the Great Fire of London
  • St. Paul's Cathedral
  • River Thames London
  • Tower Bridge
  • Leadenhall Market
  • London Bridge
  • Mansion House
  • The Leadenhall Building

Meeting point

St Paul's Cathedral

The tour starts at St Paul's Cathedral next to the two red telephone boxes opposite the main entrance of the Cathedral. The two red telephone boxes are located in front of the Five Guys restaurant. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour begins to check in with your guide. On arrival, please meet your tour guide, who is holding the yellow umbrella.

Things to note

This tour covers approximately 2-3 miles of walking. Due to uneven surfaces and unavoidable stairs, this tour is not suitable for those with wheelchairs, walking difficulties or large prams/buggys. IMPORTANT - It will not be possible to accept a group of 8 or more people (including children). Please do not try and book a group of 8 or more people across multiple bookings or using multiple names as these will be cancelled or turned away.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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Discover Timeless Wonders: Semi Private Old City of London Guided Walking Tou

Wander through centuries of history with expert guides in the heart of london's historic old city.

  • Babylon Tours London

From €49

Meeting Point

Discover more about the Old City of London

Join us for an intimate tour experience (no more than 12 guests per group) through the streets of what is now referred to as the City. As you admire the iconic London skyline, you’ll be amazed at how much history is packed into one square mile! One of our certified guides will take you on a journey through thousands of years of history, as you spot the original Roman walls that encircled the city, and revisit the Middle Ages at the Temple Church – once the headquarters of the Knights Templar. You’ll discuss the famous Fire of London while visiting the towering monument built in its memory, visit the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral, where Prince Charles and Princess Diana married in 1981, and discuss the infamous Tower of London’s long and bloody legacy. As you stroll along the Thames, you’ll hear all about the Millennium Bridge and its historic neighbor, London’s celebrated Tower Bridge. In a district brimming with history, our tour is a must for anyone seeking a comprehensive and engaging overview of the stories behind this buzzing capital.  

Highlights Generally Include (but not limited to):

The Great Fire of London, which swept through central London in 1666

Guild Hall, the ceremonial and administrative center of the City

St Paul’s Cathedral, where Prince Charles and Princess Diana were married

Fleet Street, the 16 th century printing and publishing hub of London

City-Of-London-Tour-London-Old-City-Guided

“Semi-Private” means group size is never more than 8 guests maximum.

“Private Tour” means tour guide exclusively for you.

Prices Vary Based on Group Size

  • Adult €49 18 years of age or older
  • Youth €49 Between 10 - 17 years of age
  • Child €49 Between 0 - 9 years of age

Latest Reviews

Guide was excellant! very interesting and well informed guide. Loved it!

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Old City of London Free Tour

  • 9.40 / 10 216 reviews | 5,870 travellers Rob was fantastic - we learned so much and the added visuals on the iPad helped us visualise how London looked like ages ago. We thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour and learning the rich history of old London ! Highly recommend. 10 Anonymous
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Delve deep into London's fascinating history on this free  walking   tour of the city's oldest streets and monuments . Discover the capital's Medieval roots!

Old City of London Free Tour

We'll meet at the indicated time not far from the River Thames in the City of London. The Old City has been home to some of the most significant events in British history - from the Plague and the Great Fire of London to the Blitz in World War II.

The tour will begin by walking to  St. Paul's Cathedral . You'll travel back in time as the  expert guide  breathes life into the weird and wonderful of the city's almost two thousand years of fascinating history . You'll explore the maze of narrow alleyways, church courtyards, and river walkways that make up the city's historic center, encountering a new and different slice of the past with every corner turned.

After admiring the Cathedral, we'll head over to the  Bank of England , then  Mansion House , the  Royal Exchange , and  Sky Garden . Of course, we'll walk along the river Thames and learn about the history of the Great Fire of London at the monument to this catastrophic event. We'll also pass by  Leadenhall Market , a bustling and classy market that boasts a charming collection of boutiques and shops.

Finally, after passing by  Tower Bridge and the Tower of London , our tour will come to an end after a total of 2-2.5 hours.

Please note that the order of the tour may vary depending on the time of the tour.

More Information

2 hours - 2 hours 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English–speaking guide

Not included

Admission tickets for the various sights

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

See The Sights Tours | London With A Local Limited Show more

Corporate name: See the Sights Tours Ltd

Corporate name: London with a Local Ltd

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Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

St. Paul's Cathedral next to the two red telephone boxes

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Self Guided City of London Tour | Things to See

old city of london walking tour

There are many things to see in the City of London. This self-guided tour will show you the highlights of Old London.

This can be a companion or prep guide for taking our City of London Tour  or you could take this tour anytime with our GPS-enabled audio tour app.

For a focus on the City of London's war-time history, make sure to book yourself onto London's only pay-what-you-like World War II Tour .

Start: Temple Underground Station Finish: The Tower of London Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours

Be sure to also check out our Guide to London on a Budget , where you can find our full selection of  self-guided London tours .

Begin (Stop A) – Temple Station

As soon as you step out of Temple Station, turn to the LEFT. Walk up the stairs here directly onto ARUNDEL STREET.

Walk up the street (up the hill) until you reach the traffic lights on your RIGHT. Cross over DIAGONALLY to the courtyard of the Church across the road with the three statues in front.

Click here for a larger interactive City of London Sights Map  or download this tour as a  PDF .

City of London Sights Map

(Stop B) – St. Clement Danes Church 

The church here was designed by master architect Sir Christopher Wren and was opened to the public in the 1680’s.

The curious name of the building is thought to come from the fact that this area of London had a large Danish population in the 9th century, or perhaps because King Harold I was buried here in 1040 and he had Danish heritage.

Originally, the church was just the neighbourhood site of worship for people living in this section of London, although today the church has a very different purpose.

Face the church and take the path to the LEFT. Jump up the ledge and stand just on the side of the building.

You can see quite clearly here that St. Clement Danes shows significant structural damage. All the craters and cracks you can see here are the result of the Blitz: the widespread bombing of London by the German forces during WWII.

During the Blitz, Clement Danes was destroyed inside by fire and the external damage that you can see dates from then.

Although the inside of the church has been totally refurbished, the outside was left as you can see it today to act as a memorial – and a reminder to all about the suffering of London during WWII.  

Because of the connection here to the armed forces and the air raids, the Royal Air Force has selected St. Clement Danes church as their principal site of worship.

Now continue on to the BACK of the church.

(Stop C) – Statue of Samuel Johnson 

The statue here is of Samuel Johnson, who attended services at St. Clement Danes church when he lived in London during the 18th century.

Johnson is best known as the first person to ever compile of a comprehensive English dictionary, although in the 1700’s he was known for being a literary critic and great public speaker, hence the fact that he is holding a book – and is talking!

Step down now onto the traffic island.

Things to see in the city of London

(Stop D) – Royal Courts of Justice 

This fantastic building across the road looks a lot like Hogwarts!

However, this building houses the Royal Courts of Justice: two dozen purpose built courtrooms that were erected here in the 1860’s in an architectural style known as ‘neo-gothic,’ very popular in the Victorian age.

The Royal Courts of Justice can be visited by the public – for free!

During the week the front door is open and guests can visit the large entrance hall, or even sit in the public galleries of the courtrooms.

Tours of the RCJ are available, but must be booked in advance at  https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/rcj-rolls-building/rcj/tours .

Now cross the street AWAY from the Royal Courts of Justice towards the TWININGS TEA SHOP. Facing TWINGINGS, with the ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE behind you, head LEFT down THE STRAND.

Stop outside the monument in the centre of the road with the dragon on top.

(Stop E) – Temple Bar 

This monument , topped with a Dragon, marks the boundaries into the City of London. So technically speaking, you are walking out of the City of Westminster, and entering the City of London.

The City of London is actually only 1 square mile – starting here and finishing near the Tower of London.

The City of London is separate from the rest of London in a number of different ways: the have their own police force, they have their own mayor (the Lord Mayor), and is considered the financial centre of the United Kingdom.

The City of London has been inhabited far longer than the City of Westminster – or any of the other areas that make up ‘the Greater London area.’

In fact, the City of London has existed here since the Roman settlement of England in the year 47!

This means you are exploring the oldest streets of London on this walk. TIP: If you're interested in learning more about the history of mythical symbols in this city, consider taking the City of Dragons walking tour as well!

Continue down THE STRAND (which is now called THE FLEET since you have entered the City). When you get to the brown and white Tudor building on your RIGHT, stop to see it.

Prince Henry’s Room

(Stop F) – Prince Henry’s Room 

This house dates from 1610 and was originally a pub. Today, it belongs to the office of the Lord Mayor and events are held inside, meaning there is no more public access.

It is worth stopping to see this building – known as Prince Henry’s Room – because it is very rare in the City of London for there to be a building as old as this.  

Prince Henry’s Room survived the Blitz – but also the Great Fire of London in 1666 (details on which later).

Continue in the same direction down THE FLEET until you cross over BOUVERIE STREET which is on your RIGHT. Just past this street are a set of traffic lights.

Turn LEFT and cross here. Walk up BOLT COURT (the small alley in between the McDonald’s and Starbucks). Continue up, bear to the right and then left – past the metal bicycle stands until you get to a group of benches and a statue of a cat.

"Here you are looking at Temple Church, a rare surviving building dating from the late 12th century.

Originally belonging to the Order of the Knights Templar, the Church has since been the location of theatre productions (including performances arranged by William Shakespeare himself) as well as featuring in both the book and film of The Davinci Code.

Packed with a myriad of historical facts (as well as a few legends) Temple Church is a real hidden gem in London.

Depending on the day and time that you are taking this tour, it may be possible for you to go inside. There is no fixed cost, but it is asked that you make a donation when you enter.

Inside you will see small parts of the original church, as well as pieces that have been heavily restored, after bomb damage the church sustained during World War Two.

For more information on Temple Church - check out our blog post:  http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/temple-church/

(Stop G) – Samuel Johnson’s House 

Samuel Johnson's House as seen from Gough Square. Image source: Wikimedia user Jim Linwood under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

The House standing at the end of the courtyard here – with the blue plaque on front – was lived in by Samuel Johnson, who you saw earlier outside St. Clement Danes Church.

Johnson did not own this house, he actually rented it, for the price of £30 a month! Also living with Johnson inside this house was his favourite cat, Hodge.

Hodge was a big black tom cat and Johnson is quoted as saying that Hodge was, “a very fine cat indeed.” You can see these words carved onto the side of the statue of Hodge amongst the wooden benches here.

The statue of Hodge was erected in 1997 and he is depicted here sitting on top of Johnson’s dictionary next to some oyster shells. It is common for Londoners to leave money in the oyster shells here – so that Hodge can buy oysters up in cat heaven!  

Johnson’s House is open to visit at scheduled times throughout the year.  http://www.drjohnsonshouse.org/

With JOHNSONS HOUSE and Hodge behind you, go RIGHT back down past the metallic bicycle stands. But instead of going back the way you came, go LEFT.

You will pass one pathway on the right then come to a dead end with another alleyway on the right.

(Stop H) – Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

You are now looking at one of the oldest pubs in London!   Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese has stood on this site in one form or another since the 1530’s.

Today it is a popular pub known for its history, but also for the well-known clientele the pub has hosted throughout the years: Mark Twain, Samuel Johnson, Samuel Pepys, Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, Oscar Wilde, Teddy Roosevelt, and Voltaire just to list a few!

The pub is kept very atmospherically inside and is a great example of a traditional, historical London pub. Open 6 days a week, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese also serves food and children are welcome. This is one of the best things to do in the City of London.

Walk now down the alley past YE OLDE CHESHIRE CHEESE. You will come back out on THE FLEET. Turn to your LEFT and walk until you get to the RED POST BOX showing the initials of Queen Victoria.

Here, carefully CROSS THE FLEET, then turn LEFT. You will walk over a road known as Salisbury Ct on your right and continue on before turning RIGHT into BRIDE’S COURT.

St. Bride’s Church London

(Stop I) – St. Bride’s Church 

This is another of Sir Christopher Wren’s churches. Built in the 1680’s it was known as a London landmark for decades.

Today, although it is somewhat lost in the modern buildings of the area, it is still a popular church which can be evidenced by the gleaming white spire on top of the building.

The spire here, the most notable aspect of the building, has recently undergone a £2 million restoration project and all the money was raised by donations!

St. Bride’s is considered a historical part of London’s history and is also known as the “Journalist’s Church” from the time when Fleet Street was dominated by newspapers, magazines, and the printing industry.

Facing the church, turn LEFT and walk down ST BRIDES AVE (the alleyway between the office buildings here and the Church.) At the bottom of the Ave, you will walk downstairs then turn LEFT onto BRIDE LANE.

When you come back to FLEET STREET turn RIGHT until you get to the large junction with NEW BRIDGE STREET. In the same direction, cross the street (past the Co-Op store) and continue up LUDGATE HILL. At the top of the hill is ST. PAULS CATHEDRAL.

St. Paul's Cathedral London Tour 1

(Stop J) – St. Paul’s Cathedral Part 1 -

You are now standing outside Christopher Wren’s masterpiece: St. Paul’s Cathedral. St. Paul’s has actually existed in one form or another for the last 1,000 years or so on this site.

The current church was completed by Wren and declared ‘officially’ open on Christmas Day in 1711.

The Church is used for numerous events and ceremonies and has seen the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Queen Victoria in 1897 and Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.

It also hosted the royal wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Charles, the Prince of Wales in 1981. Buried inside the church are notable figures such as the Duke of Wellington, Admiral Lord Nelson and Christopher Wren, himself!  

It is possible to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral by either purchasing a ticket and taking the audio guide, or on weekday evenings and Sundays throughout the day for FREE by attending a church service.  Read our complete blog post on St. Paul's Cathedral .

Standing between the statue of Queen Anne and ST PAULS itself, go to the RIGHT of the church and follow the pathway along the side of the Cathedral. Continue to walk right beside St. Paul’s until you get to the red phone box just beyond the back end of the church.

(Stop K) – St. Paul’s Cathedral Part 2 

St. Paul's Cathedral London Tour 2

From here you have a perfect view of the dome of St. Paul’s – which is the second largest church dome in the world, just behind St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

At the top of the dome is the Golden Gallery which guests are able to climb to once they have bought their entrance ticket to the Cathedral.  

Just behind St. Paul’s is the bell tower of another, smaller church: St. Augustine. St Augustine is another Christopher Wren church from the 1680’s, although it was nearly entirely demolished during the Blitz.

The back of the building, as you can see, is modern 1960’s style and now houses a school. But it is worth paying attention to just how close St. Augustine is to St. Pauls and to reflect on the fact that even though St. Paul’s survived the Blitz mostly unscathed, buildings literally inches away were totally destroyed.

With ST. PAULS behind you, walk past ST. AUGUSTINES on your left and continue down the pedestrian path here until you get to the road – NEW CHANGE. Cross the street and keep the modern office building on your LEFT.

You will walk past a tea shop – and JAMIE OLLIVERS BUTCHERS SHOP on your left. At the end of the building, outside BREAD STREET KITCHEN, turn left onto BREAD STREET.

Walk down until you have passed the restaurant BURGER & LOBSTER. Just to the side of the restaurant is an alleyway called JOHN MILTON PASSAGE. Go down the alleyway into the churchyard.

Statue of Captain John Smith

(Stop L) – St. Mary-le-Bow 

Here you are in the courtyard of another Christopher Wren church, St. Mary-le-Bow.

In the centre of the churchyard is the statue of Captain John Smith (popularly known from the Disney film Pocahontas).

On the side of Smith’s statue, you can see a piece of artwork depicting the coat of arms of the City of London.

You will see two dragons (just as on the top of Temple Bar) as well as the red cross of St. George and the red sword of St. Paul. This design is also on every road sign in the City of London – and most of the bins, too!

With St. Mary-le-Bow to your right and the statue of John Smith behind you, turn RIGHT onto Cheapside. As you walk you will walk across Queen Street.

Keep going and when you get to the large junction with Mansion House Street turn taking the crossing near the right.

Immediately as you cross over you will see a small courtyard with a mansion on the left and the Magistrates Court on your right. This is Walbrook. Keep going forward until you reach Number 12.

(Stop M) - London Mithraeum Temple

Beneath this modern office building (the European headquarters of Bloomberg) sits the remains of a Roman Temple, dating from around AD240.

Uncovered originally as part of a bomb site during the Blitz, the temple has now been fully restored and placed near to what would have been its original site.

A white marble relief depicting a Mithras bull-slaying scene, located in the London Mithraeum Temple. Image Source: Wikimedia user Carole Raddato under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

The temple museum also houses an astonishing exhibition of Roman artifacts that have been discovered throughout the years in this part of London. 

The Temple here was dedicated to the Roman God Mithra originally - and was later dedicated to Bacchus, the god of wine, before being abandoned in the 4th century.

The location of this Temple was strategically planned as, in centuries gone by, two small offshoots of the River Thames flowed into this area which meant this was an easily accessible place for locals and visitors (who would travel from throughout the empire) to access.

It's open every day of the week except for Monday. It's open from 10:00 - 18:00 (Sunday it's open until 17:00). Every first Thursday of the month it is open until 20:00.

Entry is free, but in order to guarantee entry, you need to  order tickets in advance .  This implies that there may be a chance to walk-up and enter.

Retrace your steps back to the large traffic junction.

(Stop N) – Mansion House 

You are now standing outside the official home of the Lord Mayor of London. Different than the Mayor of London, the Lord Mayor is responsible for the day-to-day running of the City of London.

The job of Lord Mayor has existed for 800 years and they have been living here since this building was erected in 1752 by architect George Dance.  

We are currently on our 686th Lord Mayor (as of writing) and out of all of them, there have been only two female Lord Mayors. The job of Lord Mayor comes with a one year term – only!

So, Lord Mayors can be re-elected but there always has to be a one term gap in between their tenure.

From here you can either see the next two stops from where you are standing, or you can cross the road and stand beside the STATUE OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON.

Royal Exchange London

(Stop O) – The Royal Exchange and the Bank of England 

Now standing in the financial heart of London, you are right next to two buildings of large importance.  

The Royal Exchange is the building with the columns in front and the statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback outside. Originally, the Royal Exchange was founded in the 16th century by Queen Elizabeth I as a place for wealthy people to shop.

Many different merchants traded underneath a single roof here and all the buying, trading and selling that took place here eventually spawned the Royal Stock Exchange.

The Stock Exchange was moved to another building and today The Royal Exchange has been brought back to it’s origins: it is now again filled with luxury shops!

You can expect to find inside companies like Rolex, Tiffany and Hermes for example.

Now with the Royal Exchange behind you – facing the statue of the Duke of Wellington – the building on your RIGHT is the BANK OF ENGLAND.

Bank of England London Tour

The world’s second-oldest central bank, the Bank of England was founded in 1694 and has been located here ever since the mid 1700’s.

The Bank of England is currently holding in excess of £403,003,000,000 in 7 levels of vaults located underneath the ground!  

It is possible to visit the Museum of the Bank of England .  Entry is free.  Click the link for more information.

Now stand with both the Royal Exchange and the statue of the Duke of Wellington behind you. You will be facing Mansion House.

You want to cross the street that is to your LEFT and walk down LOMBARD STREET. At the bottom of Lombard Street is a large junction. Gown DOWN THE STAIRS to your left.

At the bottom of the stairs is the entrance to House of Fraser on your left and more stairs on your right. Go down the stairs on the RIGHT. Walk straight until you can turn LEFT.

There will then be stairs on your left and right, with an entrance to the Tube station ahead of you. Go up the stairs on your RIGHT. Once you get to the top of the stairs, keep walking in that direction until you can see THE MONUMENT on your left.

London Monument

(Stop P) – The Monument 

You are now looking at the tallest freestanding column in the entire world: The Monument to the Great Fire of London.

Burning over the course of 5 days in September 1666, the Great Fire demolished all of medieval London, devastating the city and rendering tens of thousands of people completely homeless.

As London was rebuilding after this disaster, King Charles II commissioned Christopher Wren to build a monument to commemorate the disaster.  

The resulting monument was opened to the public in 1671, making it one of the oldest tourist attractions in London. It is still possible to visit the monument and climb to the top!

But do get ready to work…it’s over 300 steps to the top! Read our blog post on the Monument . The reason the structure was built so tall is so that if you were to tip the monument onto its side, it would touch the spot where the Great Fire of 1666 is said to have begun!

With the Monument on your left, cross Monument Street and continue down KING WILLIAM STREET. Shortly after the bus stop on your right, before the road you are on crosses the river, you will see a set of stairs going down on the LEFT. Go down the stairs all the way.

(Stop Q) – London Bridge

You are now standing underneath London Bridge! One of the most famous bridges in the world, London Bridge has actually existed here for nearly 2,000 years.

During the Medieval era, the Bridge here was so large that it actually supported over 250 buildings on top!

Also displayed on top of the Bridge were 30 spikes displaying the severed heads of traitors against the crown… Although the name London Bridge is well-known the world over, many people confuse London Bridge with Tower Bridge.  

For more information, read our London Bridge post .

The London Shard Tour

With the stairs behind you, and the piece of the Bridge that is inscribed with ‘London Bridge’ in front of you, turn LEFT over the small wooden bridge.

Follow the path around the corner and you will then spot AHEAD of you TOWER BRIDGE.

As you follow the river path along you will pass THE SHARD on your right.

(Stop R) – The Shard

Officially opened in February 2013, as of writing, The Shard is the tallest building in the European Union at 309m (1,104ft).

There is a platform at the top that visitors can purchase tickets to, however they are at a price of £25.00. For a cheaper view it is possible to go to one of the bars located near the top of the building for a drink!

Now continue TOWARD TOWER BRIDGE along the river. Walk until you hit the curve of the wall, with OLD BILLINGSGATE FISH MARKET on your LEFT.

(Stop S) – Tower Bridge 

The Tower Bridge Tour

Tower Bridge is the bridge that most people think of when they think of ‘London Bridge.’

Although, if you look behind you now you can get a view of the real London Bridge and you will probably notice it is not nearly as beautiful as Tower Bridge!  

Tower Bridge was opened in 1894 and spans a length of 244m (801ft). Tower Bridge is actually a draw bridge and the centre span can be opened to allow river traffic through, which happens a lot!

In fact, they raise Tower Bridge around 1,000 times a year. It’s possible to check on their website for the next lifting, if you want to go down to take a look.

Crossing Tower Bridge is free and if you’d like to know more there is a Museum located in the northern most Tower that can be visited with the purchase of a ticket.  Check out our full blog post on Tower Bridge .

From where you are standing, looking at TOWER BRIDGE, you will notice on the right a long path along the river with a BLUE FENCE. Head along that path.

At the end, you will turn LEFT. Pass the building on your right then turn RIGHT at the end onto LOWER THAMES STREET. Follow that Street until the end, which brings you to the TOWER OF LONDON.

(Stop T) – Tower of London 

Tower of London Free Tour

You have now reached Her Majesty’s Fortress, the Tower of London .

The Tower of London was originally begin in 1071 when it was, indeed, just a single tower.

You can see that over the centuries, many monarchs expanded and added pieces and buildings to the Tower which means that, despite its name, it is a complex series of buildings including towers, but also turrets, walls, houses and courtyards.

Throughout its’ nearly 1,000-year existence, the Tower of London has been a royal palace, a fortress, the Royal Mint where money was manufactured, a menagerie where animals were kept, a prison, and a site of execution.

It is the reputation as a site for executions that most people associate most with the Tower of London. Although it is worth noting that until the 20th century, only 12 people were officially executed here.

The majority of executions took place in public, at a place called Tower Hill, just across the road from the Tower of London today.

Visitors to the Tower need a ticket but once inside can take part in audio guides, a tour led by the world famous Beefeaters ( read our Beefeaters post ), or are able to wander on their own.

On display are suits of armour belongings to Kings over the past centuries, the old royal Mint rooms, old prisoner cells, and the Crown Jewels .

Guests also can see the ravens of the Tower (it is said that should the ravens that live here ever leave…the monarchy would fall!

For this reason there is a full-time Raven Master who looks after the birds today), and the Beefeaters themselves.  You can also visit for free during the Ceremony of the Keys .

The Tower of London is where your walk ends and it’s advised by us, that you get yourself a ticket and head inside to enjoy one of the most ‘London’ experiences available.

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Nyc woman, 81, left concussed after heartless brute slugged her as she walked dog: disturbing video.

An elderly woman was knocked out and concussed when she was randomly attacked by a brute while walking her son’s dog on the Upper West Side Friday, the victim and authorities said.

The 81-year-old longtime New Yorker was walloped on the side of the face around 7 p.m. by a man who crept up behind her on the sidewalk near her apartment at West 66th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, video obtained by Fox 5 shows.

The victim said she doesn't remember much from the attack.

The suspect initially walked by the victim while she was with her son’s Goldendoodle. Moments later he turned around and carried out his heartless assault, the video shows.

The woman, identified as Geula Freeman, was laid out on the ground following the vicious sucker punch, the disturbing footage shows.

She suffered facial and head injuries and was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital for treatment, police said.

“I have amnesia, I don’t even remember what had happened,” she told The Post Tuesday. “Except that I have the face and body (bruises) to feel that.”

The suspect sucker-punched the 81-year-old woman.

“I was told I lost consciousness and that I had a concussion,” she continued.

The first thing she recalled following the attack was sitting in her sister’s apartment; the siblings live in the same building.

She said she didn’t think she was targeted by the perp, but wants the man to get help if he’s captured by police. As of Tuesday night, the suspect remained in the wind.

“I don’t take it personally, it was random, nobody really wanted to do it just to me. I don’t take it personally,” Freeman said.

The woman fell to the ground after the punch.

Freeman, who has lived on the Upper West Side since 2007 and frequents Lincoln Center, said days later the swelling on her face is going down and she’s thankful the injuries were not more serious.

While she’s intent on moving on from the attack, Freeman said she’s more vigilant when she goes outside now, and won’t be riding the subway in the near future to avoid being in tight spaces and near people who might be more disturbed.

The suspect has not been arrested as of Tuesday.

“It was such a surprise because it was described to me how it happened that I would not have been able to do anything,” she said of the attack.

“But at least I’m now looking to see who’s coming toward me and not to be too close to people and like in the last two days when I see people a little bit off, I just really make sure I’m a little bit far from them so I’m very vigilant.”

The victim said she doesn't remember much from the attack.

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China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi

13 days, chengdu to hanoi.

old city of london walking tour

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  • Tour details

Calling all adventure enthusiasts — this off-the-beaten-path, nearly two-week journey through China is the perfect way to dive into the heart of local life. Kick things off at the breathtaking Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang, then step back in time as you wander the thousand-year-old streets of Xizhou. Explore the hidden gems of Yunnan province, from Qing dynasty marvels near Jianshui to the jaw-dropping rice terraces of Yuanyang. Cross into Vietnam for a cultural deep dive with two immersive days in Sapa, before wrapping up your adventure in the buzzing streets of Hanoi. Two weeks, two countries, and endless unforgettable memories.

Chengdu to Hanoi

Is this tour for me, travel style: classic.

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 14

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Trees planted for this trip: 13

Map of the route for China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi

Places visited

Day 1 chengdu.

Welcome to China! Arrive at anytime and join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting. Then head out to visit the People's Park & Tianfu Square then opt to join your group for an optional dinner together.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 chengdu/lijiang.

Spend the morning free in Chengdu. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center, visit the Wenshu Monastery or Kuanzhai Alley. Take an afternoon flight from Chengdu to Lijiang.

Day 3 Lijiang

After a morning orientation walk of Lijiang, visit the the Black dragon Pool and the spectacular views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above the marble bridge. Upon finishing the tour, head to Lijiang Old town to and explore the must see spots like The Giant Water Wheel, Wangu Tower and Lion Hill. Then enjoy a free evening. Opt to visit the Mufu Museum or grab dinner with your group.

Day 4 Lijiang/Shaxi

Drive to Shaxi Old Town first thing this morning and head out for a walking tour of this ancient, medieval town full of Buddhist culture. Visit the iconic spots of the town like the Old Market Square, the Old Theater, and Yujin Bridge. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this beautiful town. Opt to visit the Xingjiao Temple or the Ouyang Courtyard.

Day 5 Shaxi/Dali

We head to the next town this morning, the thousand year old village of Xizhou Old Town. Explore the well preserved architecture with a tour led by your CEO. Then after a bit of free time in Xizhou, drive to Dali. Head out for an orientation walk and to Dali Old Town. Join your group and CEO for dinner together at a local restaurant. On the way back to the hotel, admire the lanterns that light up this beautiful town at night.

Meals included:

This beautiful lakeside town is yours to do as you wish today! Opt to explore the Old Town, cycle around Dali town or Lake Erhai. Maybe visit the National Geological park of Cangshan Mountain on a hike or on the cable car. A local favorite is the Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple or you could learn the art of traditional Tie-Dying by the local Bai people. With so many options, the choice is yours!

Day 7 Dali/Kunming

Together we'll catch a morning train to Kunming, known as one of China's best natural phenomenons with all its waterfalls, lakes and karst formations. After an orientation walk of the town, opt to head to lunch to try the famous local rice noodle dish. This afternoon, visit the jaw dropping Kunming Flower Market, the largest flower market in all of Asia. Then head to the Green Lake (Cuihu) Park where not only will you see your first glimpse of this karst mountain, lake filled town, but you'll also witness locals dancing, singing and playing instruments during their leisure time.

Day 8 Kunming/Jianshui

China explorations await and its off to Jianshui. After an orientation walk, take an tour of the city. Visit the Xianghui Bridge, the Xianghui old train station, the Double Dragon Bridge, the Chaoyan Tower and the Zhu's Family Garden. Then enjoy a free evening.

Day 9 Jianshui/Yuanyang

Start the day with a tofu workshop and watch how the locals make this popular dish. Afterwards, drive toward Yuanyang to visit the impressive Yuanyang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see the sunshine reflect off the carved out mountainside. We'll spend the day exploring this huge rice terrace from different viewpoints and do some gentle hiking through the greenery. This place is special to visit. In a country often associated with bustling, crowded and noisy cities, this picturesque and peaceful landscape will transport you to a whole new side of China.

Day 10 Yuanyang

Opt to rise early, and we recommend you do, to see the sun rise over the beautiful and peaceful Duoyishu Scenic Area. Take a short hike to the Pugao Old Village and see the local way of living. In the afternoon, we'll head to the main scenic area of the rice terrace with a chance to catch an epic sunset scene and meet some locals living in the field. Walk through Quan Fuzhuang to Bada platform and admire the incredible view.

Day 11 Yuanyang/Sa Pá

Say goodbye to China this morning and drive to Hekou Border to cross into Vietnam. Your Chinese CEO will help you get to immigration but will stay in China. You'll meet your new Vietnamese CEO once you cross through customs. After arrival into Vietnam drive to the beautiful mountain region of Sapa. The first stop is at the Muong Hoa Batik House for a painting experience with the local indigenous group, the Hmong people. Then we'll sit down together for an authentic and rustic hotpot dinner, a specialty of the Sapa regional cuisine.

Day 12 Sa Pá

With mountainside covered in lush green rice terraces, picturesque villages tucked away in the hills and a rich culture unique to this region, Sapa is a must visit, off the beaten path part of Vietnam. Today, spend the whole day trekking some of the best trails of the country. Hike through local villages, rice terraces and tea plantation. We'll stop part way on the trek to eat lunch at a local restaurant. After finishing the trek, head back to your hotel for the evening.

Day 13 Sa Pá/Hanoi

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll depart from Sapa this morning and drive to the bustling city of Hanoi. After a long drive, we'll leave our bags at the hotel. Then it's time to explore Hanoi and what better way than on the front of a cyclo. Have a seat as you zoom through Hanoi's lively Old Quarter. Your tour ends upon return to the hotel where your bags are being stored.

What's Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Hands-On Moment: Hmong Batik Workshop, Mương Hòa Ho
  • People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu
  • Lijiang Old Town Visit
  • Black Dragon Pool Park
  • Shaxi Walking Tour
  • Dali Old Town
  • , Dali Xizhou Old Town walking tour
  • Jianshui City Tour
  • Tofu Workshop
  • Gentle Hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces
  • Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour
  • Hanoi Cyclo Tour
  • Transport to and from included activities

Accommodations

Hotel (12 nts)

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners Allow USD345-450 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private Vehicle, local train, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

IMAGES

  1. Old City of London Walking Tour

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  2. Semi Private Old City of London Walking Tour

    old city of london walking tour

  3. The Old City of London Guided Walking Tour

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  4. Old City of London Tour

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  5. Old City of London Tour

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  6. 2023 The Old City of London

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VIDEO

  1. 🍁 London's Sunny Autumn Walk

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  3. London Ramadan Walk

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COMMENTS

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    MAP | CITY OF LONDON WALK. Use our map to navigate this self-guided walking tour of the City of London. We recommend starting at Holborn tube station and finishing at Tower Bridge tube station. However, you could also do this walk in reverse. The walk is 4.5 miles (7.25 kilometres) and, if you walk without stopping, it would take just over 2 hours.

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    Discover London's historical origins on the site of its earliest settlements in the square mile known as the City. This walking tour will trace the City's roots to Romans settled here two millennia ago and discuss hidden historical marvels from that time.

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  25. China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh

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  27. China & Vietnam: Beijing to Sapa Adventure in China, Asia

    Forbidden City Visit, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour, Lunch with local family in Xi'an, Giant Panda Breeding Center, People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu, Lijiang Old Town Visit, Black Dragon Pool Park, Shaxi Walking Tour. Dali Old Town, Gentle hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour.

  28. China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi in China, Asia

    People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu, Lijiang Old Town Visit, Black Dragon Pool Park, Shaxi Walking Tour, Xizhou Old Town walking tour, Jianshui City Tour, Tofu Workshop, Gentle Hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour, Hanoi Cyclo Tour.