Buckingham Palace

We were able to book a private tour of the State Rooms through the Royal Collection website. This is offered a few days during August and September (the last one being Sept. 5, when we took it.) Although it was expensive, it was well worth it as we were able to tour the State Rooms with a private guide provided by the Palace, and 28 other people. We saw a few rooms that the public is not allowed to see, and the whole experiece was wonderful. Even if you don't get to take the private tour, Buckingham Palace is worth seeing. We have nothing in the U.S. that comes close to it.

I've seen Versailles, and other castles in Europe, but Buckingham Palace was by far the most impressive. The rooms were stunning, and the Palace Ballroom that was set up for a State Banquet, was amazing! We didn't get to see the Mews or the Queen's Gallery during our London visit, but no matter, as Buckingham was the highlight of our trip with Windsor Castle coming in a close 2nd.

Because South Africa was once one of the Dominions of the United Kingdom, the English Royal Family and it's history is still of much importance in our country.

Of course, the facade of Buckingham Palace is one known to literally every South African, but to actually be at the Palace, and indeed, inside of such building, is awe-inspiring.

"Magnificent" is the only word to describe the interior of the building which is very well maintained - and particularly impressive of the tour is the fact that unlike other tourist attractions, you are not being rushed on from one room to the next - one can spend as much time as one likes in considering the breathtaking decor and magnificent furniture/art.

This was the highlight of my tour to Europe - even the Palace of Versailles, in my opinion, has little rating in comparison to that of Buckingham Palace.

Every time I now see a picture of the palace, I can justifiably boast that "I've BEEN there!"

MAURICE SHADIACK, QUEENSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA