London travel: How to get an insider’s view of one of the world’s great cities

Some cities are more than just a place to live – they shape the world and have for centuries. London is one of those exceptional cities. Since its founding in the early years of the first century A.D., it has risen to become one of the most powerful places on earth. For the visitor, any London travel experience is certain to impress, but the best way to really see it all is by exploring the city from an insider’s point of view – and when those travel experiences are a special London travel event, it’s even richer.

A London travel event includes a bit of help from the experts. While there is plenty to see on the average trip to the city, unique sights and experiences are often most accessible through a tour operator with exclusive connections within London. As an added benefit, when your accommodations, scheduling and more is included, all you need to do as a traveler is revel in the experience. And while the access offered is, in many cases, otherwise impossible to get, a London travel event like the one from Tauck can also offer cost savings of as much as 40 percent.

Your London travel experience can show you more than just what meets the eye. Experiences like these make your trip more meaningful, memorable and truly one-of-a-kind:

* In-depth sightseeing: Visiting a monument might give you a snapshot to remember, but private, guided tours of the most renowned sights in London will give you much, much more. From art-historian guided explorations of the fascinating Tate Modern museum to a private viewing of the crown jewels in the Tower of London, you’ll come away with a more thorough understanding of and appreciation for all that you see.

* Olympic insights: The whole world was riveted by the spectacle of the 2012 London games. Carrying off an event of that magnitude in such a dense urban environment was a definite marvel, and visitors on Tauck’s London travel event will get the inside story of how it all happened. During a private presentation, Ralph Luck, director of properties at the London Olympics, will share the behind-the-scenes happenings that the average viewer might never know about.

* Palace life: England’s monarchy is famed and well-loved around the globe, and with the right access, you’ll be able to look in on the rarified world in which they live. Hampton Court Palace, which has been inhabited by the British royal family since the 18th century, is a magnificent sight on its own, but being invited to a gala event within its storied walls is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Tauck travelers. Visitors are treated to cocktails, a tour of select rooms and a feast in the Great Hall.

* Living history: London’s streets are layered with history, but its residents’ ties to the past are equally impressive. Records of family lines stretch far back through the centuries, but some Londoners have connections with the most dramatic events of history. Celia Sandys, daughter of Sir Winston Churchill’s daughter, Diana, and cabinet minister Duncan Sandys, boasts exceptionally fascinating family history. She’s known in her own right as an author, journalist and television presenter, and during Tauck’s London event, she’ll be sharing stories of her family’s legacy in exclusive private talks.

In a place as complex and culturally rich as London, the chance to dig a bit deeper shouldn’t be missed by any traveler. For more information about London travel and special events, visit Tauck Online.