See where Her Majesty the Queen lives and take a tour of Buckingham Palace. Booking your tour ahead of time and you’ll jump the queue - don’t waste time waiting in lines on vacation. Open for a limited time from August 01 to September 27, 2009, combine your tour with a typically English afternoon tea at either Fortnum&Mason or Grosvenor House.

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns since 1837. The palace hosts many official events and receptions held by the Queen and Members of the Royal Family. When The Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland, the Palace’s nineteen state rooms open for a limited time.

The State Rooms form the heart of the working palace. They are lavishly furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection adorned with paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer and Canaletto. You’ll see exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. Your free audio tour provides an introduction to centuries of royal history, including interviews with royal household staff.

Complete your royal experience and upgrade to afternoon tea. Quintessentially English, afternoon tea in London (4:30pm) is a must during your stay with two indulgent options to choose from:

• Afternoon Tea at Fortnum&Mason - St. James Restaurant is famous for its traditional afternoon tea, including mini cheese and potato tartlets, a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Somerset clotted cream and Fortnum & Mason strawberry preserve, two reception pastries, and tea
• Anna’s Afternoon Tea at Grosvenor House - A complete afternoon tea experience, including a selection of finger sandwiches, plain and raisin buttermilk scones with Devonshire clotted cream and Cornish strawberry jam, cream puffs and French pastries, and a choice of tea

Tour Information and Booking Options