CUSTOMIZED LONDON TOURS | Recommended by Time Out London & NY Times

CONTACTS/ABOUT US

For all bookings & enquiries e-mail: tours@yourlondontours.com
Business post: Your London Tours, PO Box 1860, Greater London CR9 6UL.
Phone: (existing bookings only) UK: 070 222 12345; outside the UK: +4470 222 12345.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT DO YOUR LONDON TOURS DO?
Your London Tours is an independent operator based in London offering private driving tours, private walking tours and private interior tours in London and the UK for families and small groups. Established in 2005, we endeavour to focus on an enjoyable tour experience, value for money and customer care.

HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT I AM DEALING WITH A GENUINE COMPANY?
Any company that operates a private tour service in London must be licensed by Transport for London and the Institute of Tourist Guiding. Conduct a TFL operator search (www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/businessandpartners/taxisandprivatehire/ph/licensing/default.asp). Enter our company name (Your London Tour Guide) or operator number (2114 - listed under the Driver Guides Association). Alternatively, use the search facility for 'Driver Guides' on the Institute of Tourist Guiding website (www.itg.org.uk/guidesearch).

WHY DON'T YOU OFFER THE SAME TOURS AS OTHER OPERATORS?
We do! But with a greater choice of options. What we try to avoid is the set tour menu offered by other operators. These are structured to suit large group service-tours: strict schedules, bus/coach routes and access, group facilities, etc. Under such limitations, visitors often end up seeing very little. Our tour formats are exclusively devised and researched by our specialist staff. We try to base our tours around a theme or localised area, allowing clients time to explore venues or attractions in a more interesting, yet relaxed and enjoyable way.

WHY ARE YOUR PRICES SO MUCH LOWER THAN OTHER OPERATORS?
You can book with us direct (via e-mail) and thus avoid paying unnecessary commission to tour agents or the usual 25% 'cut' to hotel concierges for passing on business. We maintain one simple price plan and publish prices and explanatory notes for ALL our services. We will also recommend another trusted operator if we cannot take your booking.

WHY AREN'T ENTRANCES INCLUDED ON YOUR TOURS?
On the service tours, you pay in advance for all entrances to the venues and attractions on the tour, whether you want to visit them or not. Also, access is only allowed as part of a group. On our tours, we let YOU choose which entrances to pay for on the day. This allows you a more flexible itinerary. Your guide will also try to take you to a fast-track entrance whenever possible. We do not seek a 'cut' on entrance fees and will take advantage of any discounts or special offers for entrances and pass them on to you.

WHAT ABOUT LUNCH?
An appropriate restaurant, traditional pub or a sandwich stop can be arranged by your guide for lunch. Alternatively, you may want to bring a pre-packed lunch. It's your tour, it's your choice. The guide will usually take a rest during the lunch period. Note: We only recommend tried and trusted lunch or refreshments options. We do not seek a 'cut' for taking clients into premises. Also, we promote gift or craft shops only on their merit. We do not seek a 'cut' for passing on your business.

GENUINE COMMENTS ON OUR TOURS SERVICE:
‘I would like to extend special thanks for the superior services of your exceptional guide. The city tour will never be forgotten.'
Captain Wells, US Airforce Netherlands Base - see full letter (PDF)

‘Best tour we've ever had. Very interesting and entertaining, even for the kids. Flexible, accommodating and good recommendations on what to see and do in the time we had.'
Jack & family, California

‘We were so impressed, many many thanks.' Jean & family, USA

‘We had an absolutely fantastic time, made all the more enjoyable and meaningful by our intrepid and very personable guide.' John & Ben, USA

‘Thank you very much for a really good time in London.' Sigitas & family, Lithuania

‘Thank you for a wonderful trip and great memories.' Alex & family, Greece

GENUINE COMMENTS ON OUR CORPORATE SERVICE:
‘Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the tour. I am still getting good feedback nearly a month later! I will certainly recommend you.’
Jane, PA/Office Manager, Gurney Consulting Engineers Ltd.

‘Huge thank you for the wonderful tour for our clients – they thought it was absolutely fantastic and raved about it!’ Janet, Secretary, Harman International Industries Ltd.

‘Thanks for the tour - very enjoyable. Our American guests found it especially interesting.’ Martin, Data Manager, BP Global Service Ltd.

‘Brilliant tour! Many thanks.’ Nicole, Account Manager, The Competitive Edge Ltd.

‘Excellent tour. Thank you so much.’
Carrie, Senior Event & Conference Consultant, Expotel Ltd.

GENUINE COMMENTS ON OUR GUIDED WALKS SERVICE:
'Super day out with a knowledgeable guide.' Jo, south London.

'Really good walk. Made me want to learn more.' Zoa, France.

'Fantastic! Really enjoyed the walk. It was well researched'. Wendy, London.

'Brilliant! Really enjoyable walk.' Margaret & friends, Ireland.

'Interesting and well-researched walk. A very good balance of information, explanation and fun. I really thought it was tremendous.' Sarah, north London.

INTRODUCING OUR CHIEF OPERATING GUIDE: KEVIN MOLLOY MA; MITG.

Kevin is a professional guide officially registered with the British Tourist Guide Institute. In 2006 he was awarded the coveted London Blue Badge. This is the highest professional qualification in the tourist sector making him part of an elite team exclusively permitted to guide in major London attractions and UK sites.

In 2007 he qualified as a City of London Guide allowing him exclusive access to places of interest in the heart of the capital. In 2009 he was awarded a Masters Degree in London History at the University of London. He is registered to conduct coach & walking tours and is an accredited guide for London Venues 2012. He holds a London taxi licence having passed 'The Knowledge', one of the most rigorous and gruelling tests of brain power in the world. Also admitted as a Freeman of the City of London, Kevin is the ONLY London guide to hold all these relevant qualifications.

Kevin was born and bred in south London, his school overlooking the city. He studied production at the London College of Printing, journalism at St Martin's College, guiding at Imperial College and City University, and history at the University of London. Other posts include: Geo-data analyst, magazine editor, stage manager, club DJ (appearing on tv) and medical organs storage supervisor (!)

Kevin's expertise stretches from history, art and literature (writing on these subjects as a qualified journalist), to music, pubs and football (he has worked within the professional game and is a member of the Football Writers' Association). He has lectured for the James Joyce Society in Dublin (as producer of the official soundtrack to Ulysses), the Institute of Tour Guides training programme, and in 2010 delivered a series of talks on the 'Swinging 60s' for the National Portrait Gallery in London. Kevin may be hired for lectures and talks. E-mail: tours@yourlondontours.com

Guide Vacancies
We have no current vacancies but we may be hiring Blue Badge guides in the future. The five top characteristics we seek are:
1) A trooper: professional, punctual, reliable come rain or shine.
2) Entertaining: helping clients to ENJOY themselves.
3) A people person: friendly with the most eclectic of mixes.
4) No prima-donnas: remembering it's the client's tour - not yours.
5) Grace under pressure: dealing with obstacles in a calm manner.

Prospective CVs may be e-mailed to: tours@yourlondontours.com.
For more information on Blue Badge guides and what it takes to become one, visit the Institute of Tourist Guides website.

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