London Art Tours - for the visitor to London who wishes to view and experience the incomparable art and architecture of the city, its galleries and exhibitions.

2. TATE BRITAIN - RIVER CRUISE - TATE MODERN In the year 2000, the London collections of the Tate were divided between two galleries. This tour gives you the opportunity to "re-unite" them by visiting both. And it is hard to imagine two more different galleries. The original Tate Gallery was opened in 1897, the generous gift of Sir Henry Tate who made his fortune in the sugar business and wished to leave his collection to the British people. That gallery today is Tate Britain (see Highlights Tours) dedicated to the display of British art throughout the ages. We will then board the distinctive catamaran which plies the river between the two Tates. Named "Tate to Tate", the vessel has been decorated to designs by Damien Hirst and affords one of the most luxurious means of river travel in London. From Millbank we travel downriver past the London home of the Archbishop of Canterbury to a truly spectacular view of the river frontage of the Palace of Westminster - usually referred to as the Houses of Parliament, with its famous clocktower - Big Ben. A brief stop at the London Eye and we sail on past the South Bank to dock at Bankside, close to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and immediately next to it the stunning silhouette of Tate Modern. After refreshment stop in the café our tour ends with highlights of the collections of Tate Modern, Western European and American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. There is always something thought-provoking, even provocative in the displays and you might want to spend more time here relaxing with a drink and the superb river views that can be seen from the upper levels. Tate Britain (see Highlights Tours) Palace of Westminster Couny Hall London Eye (Millenium Wheel) South Bank Somerset House Shakespeare's Globee Tate Modern (see Highlights Tours)