3 hours
10
Instant Confirmation
Overview
Enjoy a privately guided tour of London's Trafalgar Square and the magnificent National Gallery, a stunning museum housing a vast collection of celebrated masters from the Italian Renaissance through to the French Impressionists, situated at the top of Trafalgar Square in central London, gazing down Whitehall towards the Houses of Parliament. On your private tour of the National Gallery you will: Begin at the majestic Trafalgar Square, home of Nelson’s column and learn about the famous battle and Britain’s naval hero of the Napoleonic wars;Enter the magnificent dating back to 1824 and home to some 2300 masterpieces;Enjoy a fully guided tour of this beautiful neo-classical building, and admire the vast range of art ranging from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, the Romantics and Impressionists; See world-famous works by Botticelli, Da Vinci, Titian, Rubens, Vermeer, Caravaggio, Gainsborough and Reynolds, Turner, Van Gogh and Monet and many more.;Learn about the history of the National Gallery itself, as well as the lives of the artists and detailed explanations of their work and influences;Stop in front of Whistlejacket, the iconic horse by George Stubbs;End at the National Gallery to continue exploring at your own pace. The National Gallery was first opened to the public in 1824 and is a magnificent neo-classical building, designed originally by William Wilkins whose vision was to create a "Temple of the Arts". It certainly looks like that from the exterior, but it has been added to and extended several times since its’ opening. It is now home to over 2300 masterpieces dating from the mid-13th Century to 1900. On your private tour of its various wings, you will see some extraordinary works of art by some of the world's best-known and best-loved artists. Highlights include Da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks, the Rokeby Venus by Velazquez, and Mars and Venus by Botticelli. You’ll see works by Raphael and Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Titian. Rubens, Rembrandt, Holbein, Vermeer, and Van Dyck including the famous equestrian portrait of the ill-fated King Charles I, The Fighting Temeraire by Turner, and then of course the mesmerizing wing housing the Impressionists including Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Seurat and Monet. You’ll see works by Constable and of course the absolutely iconic portrait of the horse Whistlejacket by George Stubbs. When you’ve satiated on some of the best art in the Western world, enjoy a warming drink with your private guide – and feel free to continue exploring the Gallery and gift shop at your leisure after the tour has ended.
Operated by
Travel Curious
Location
Your guide will meet you outside the Nelson's Column at Trafalgar Square, A400 Trafalgar Square, London, United Kingdom
Duration
3 hours
Start Times
10:00, 14:00, 15:00
Address
23 Thornhaugh St, London WC1B 5EA, UK
Experience
Inclusions
- - A friendly, professional English-speaking tour guide for your own private group
- - Timed entrance to National Gallery
Exclusions
- Hotel pick up/drop off
- Food and drink
- Gratuities
Venues
- Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar where?Trafalgar Square is one of the most celebrated spots in London for its history and architectural beauty. Located in the centre of London near Charing Cross, this huge open space is one of the prettiest and most popular squares in town with loads to offer the curious tourist. The location of the Square is of symbolic importance as it was once the location of the Royal Mews (grand stables), and it is named after the British victory in the 1805 naval battle off the Cape of Trafalgar. In the centre of the plaza is a huge Corinthian column dedicated to Admiral Horatio Nelson, who was killed in the Battle’s victory, and topped with a statue of the man himself. It is surrounded by four lions made from the bronze cannons of the Spanish and French ships which were melted down after the battle. To either side of Nelson’s Column are two large and beautiful fountains which replaced smaller ones in 1937. The square is surrounded by many impressive buildings. The National Gallery is located on the north side, with the National Portrait Gallery just a stone’s throw further in St. Martin’s Place; the Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Church is situated in the east corner, and the Square is also home to South Africa House and Canada House. Heroic statureThe Square holds a number of other statues of important figures in British history, including four main plinths for the most important statues – those of King George IV, General Charles James Napier and Major-General Henry Havelock. The ‘Fourth Plinth’ is special as it remained empty for over 100 years until 1988; today, it is a coveted pedestal that displays commissioned works for 18-month stints. Its current resident is Hans Haacke’s skeletal Gift Horse, a wry comment on austerity and City excess. A bustling site where Londons old and new collide, Trafalgar Square is a vital stop for any visitor.
- The National Gallery, London
One of the most famous art museums in the world, it houses work spanning from the middle ages to the modern era.
- Turner's The Fighting Temeraire
The National Gallery houses several of Turner's larger than life paintings of seascapes and storms.
- Van Gogh's Sunflowers
One of the National Gallery's 30 Must See Paintings, Van Gogh's Sunflowers is only one of his numerous paintings on display.
- Bathers at La Grenouillere by Monet
Bathers at La Grenouillere, painted by French impressionist Claude Monet in 1869. Today the painting can be appreciated at the National Gallery, London
- Mars and Venus by Botticelli
In1485 Italian painter Sandro Botticelli created Mars and Venus, today found at the National Gallery in London.
- Nelson's Column
Nelson's Column commemorates Admiral Horatio Nelson at Trafalgar Square in Central London.
Cancellation Policy
No refund is possible if you cancel.