Windsor Castle Half Day Trip from London

My sister and I did this trip with Evan Evans. We paid 94.00 each for the "tour"(188.00). But it turned out to be just transportation and admission to the castle (approx USD 42.00 each). While enroute to the castle (about an hours drive) I expected the guest services assistant to give the history of the castle, sights we were passing, interesting info on England etc.. but she just got in the bus and said nothing. Then when she arrived, she just made sure we knew where to pick up the bus after our visit and gave us the entrance ticket. She didn't explain how the castle grounds were laid out, best way to explore, what was there to see. They did get us there and get us back but that was it - definitely could have taken the train/bus for less money. The guest services assistant was nice just not helpful related to the tour, and had nothing interesting to share about anything. We sat in the front seat going back and talked to the driver - he was very interesting - explaining building architecture, old window tax, etc.. but he was just talking to us and only because we asked. She should have been doing this or something to make the extra money worth the price.

I had the impression this would be a guided tour. Our escort literally dumped us at the entrance of Windsor Castle with no help or instruction, he just ghosted us. The driver & escort seemed disconnected & disinterested. I expected more for $78! It was just an expensive bus ride. Also no heads-up that St. George Chapel was not open on Sundays so we could not see it.

We were late, leaving our meeting point. They rushed us getting back on the bus. We feel we did not get our moneys worth on this tour. We fully expected some commentating and history on the hour plus drive.,but received none of that. It was quite disappointing that we felt so rushed going through the castle that we weren’t able to soak it all in. We were supposed to meet back up at 5 o’clock for our commute back to London, however, they made us meet at 4:30 because they were running behind. Total disappointment.

We booked the Half-Day excursion to Windsor Castle for the same reason everyone does. Its nearly 1,000-year history is etched into the lives and history of nearly every nation on the planet. We realize when doing these excursions, much is up to the traveler and not the tour company. However, I have been booking with Viator for a number of years now, and this is the first time that what was delivered did not measure up to what I have come to expect from the brand. One of the things that has always impressed me has been the level of the Guides used by the company. We did not expect a guided tour of Windsor as we knew from the description that it was not. That would have been mentioned in the excursion's description. However, I did not expect that the Guide would not interact with us AT ALL! When the guide arrived at the pickup spot (approximately 15 minutes late (we do understand London traffic, but the bus was there), he was extremely reserved. No greeting, no "How are you?" no "Glad to have you!" No apology for the delay. Just, "Name?" I was also a little disappointed by his appearance in that his shoes needed a shine (or at least a wiping off) and his pants were visibly in need of a cleaning. I wasn't expecting a pressed and polished uniform, just not . . . that. As for the ride to Windsor, beyond the chatter amongst the other passengers, it was completed in near total silence . Again, I realize this was not to be a guided tour, but I did at least think that on the drive up, the guide might share "a little?" on the background on the castle, maybe a few recommendations about the "Must see" spots or points of interest. Even some of his favorite spots or points of interest. I guess we are a bit spoiled because that has been our experience on literally EVERY excursion we've taken with Viator. Instead, other than the time to return to the meet-up spot and the time to be there, the bus ride was one of total silence (except those that I had with my wife sitting next to me.) Once we arrived at Windsor, although he did look back at the group here and there, we did not get the sense that he was as atuned to who was in his group. I didn't expect him to remember WHO was there, just to be a bit more attentive. The drive back was equally silent. While that is typically the norm after any long tour, or one that called for a lot of walking (and this one counts), again, there was not a peep from the Guide. I'm willing to assume that he might be relatively new, not as familiar with the sites, etc. However, your customers do have expectations of whomever it tasked with taking them to new locations and points of interest. Honestly, we felt that the coach driver was more personable. I was a docent for many years some time ago at the New York City Transit Museum. While I realize he was not an actual docent, he would benefit (as would your guests) from him investing in developing his knowledge base of the places to which he is escorting your guests as they do have SOME expectations in this area, even if it is only a half-day trip. I should add that we had just taken the half-day tour of Stonehenge with Trish and Chris, and Windsor Castle experience did not come close to what we got from that. I'm not trying to get him into trouble, but I would be remiss if I didn't pass this on to you as I'm sure you'd rather hear about opportunities for improvement instead of the client simply bashing you on the internet, or to their friends. In closing, let me be clear. He was NOT in the least bit rude or unprofessional. He was just . . . there.

Coach is not up to the standard. Seat trays are broken no bottle holder. Clock in the bus runs one hour late. We have to wait for the coach to come to the stop. Primarily the reception staff at the office is very rude

It was. Great experience. We got there quickly and left quickly. We could have used a little more time in Windsor.

The tour was a success in that we were driven in a comfy transport from the meeting location to the destination. The castle was great and the surrondong town was super cute with lots of shops and restaurants. There were a few hiccups though. The transport did not use AC going to the destination which led a lot of guests to feeling quite hot on the way. There was much communication from the accompanying guide which led to some confusion. We would just stop and wonder what was going on. The staff at the castle were great though and they gave you a great audio tour via headset.

Our guide never said a thing until we got to Windsor Castle. Then he told us where to meet him at the end. He asked whether we could hear him, and I said no. He continued to talk in the same voice, so we couldn’t hear him. He didn’t have any kind of flag, and it was really hard to follow him. I really wasn’t impressed .

Tour started late, tour guide didn’t introduce himself in fact didn’t speak to the group on the way. He provided vague instructions on meeting the group st the end of the tour. Then he disappeared. Not a tour guide. Wasn’t impressed.

Essentially no information given by your operator. There was a young chap who sat in the front of the motor coach who watched videos on his computer. I’d expect he would have at least delivered some information about the castle or the neighboring village on the ride in. Otherwise, the coach was air conditioned and timely. The check in person at Evan Evans was very friendly and helpful and the waiting area was comfortable including toilets and a water cooler .