Whitehall is a major London artery known as an official address of sorts for the British Government. The Houses of Parliament sit at one end, along with the Palace of Westminster - home to the House of Commons and House of Lords.

This landmark London road got its name from the old Palace of Whitehall. For centuries, this palace was home to royalty and ministers until it was destroyed by fire in 1698. The only surviving part from the original palace is The Banqueting House, which still welcomes visitors today.

The 17th-century building is an outstanding example of Italian Renaissance architecture in London. It makes for an arresting view from the street. The interiors are just as remarkable and provide the setting for many official British functions up to this day.

Inside, you will view and enjoy dozens of notable period paintings, decorative items and furniture. During lunch, you can dine here and perhaps listen to some baroque music while you eat. Such concerts are regular affairs at the Banqueting House.

You should absolutely make a point of visiting the beautiful Whitehall Gardens. Among the lush flowers and greenery you will discover several memorial sculptures, including one of the famous Gordon of Khartoum. It is a pleasant oasis within bustling London. From here, you can still see parts of the destroyed Palace of Whitehall, including the wine cellars.

Further along Whitehall are The Admiralty, the Ministry of Defence Building - site of the Horse Guards Parade. It is a unique London experience seeing the Mounted Horse Guards in their full regalia complete with their plumed hats. When visiting in June, you will be able to see the ‘Trooping the Color’ ceremony that is held to commemorate the Queen’s Official Birthday.

Trafalgar Square merits a visit for more British style military regalia. Give a salute to the statue of Lord Nelson in the plaza built to honor his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. At least, you could if it were not on top of a column 53m (174 ft) high.

You can’t get up close to Lord Nelson, but you can still admire the four bronze lions at the base. Designed by the renowned Sir Edwin Landseer, these large base sculptures are considered as some of his best work. Unfortunately (in my opinion), the huge flocks of pigeons that used to feed from your hands in Trafalgar Square are no longer here.

But there are many other sights worth seeing, including the Cenotaph. The empty tomb was built too commemorate the fallen heroes of WWI. Every November, a touching Royal ceremony is held to honor them.

A relatively new addition along Whitehall is The Churchill Museum. This is housed in what used to be the famed statesman’s Cabinet War Rooms during WWII. It is a showcase of excellent restoration work. Step in and it is like a time-warp into the age of Churchill’s days as prime minister.

Visitors can see his private living quarters within the War Rooms. History buffs will be delighted by all the memorabilia. The £13.5 million ($24 million) Churchill Project has accurately depicted scenes the British leader and his aides would have seen and lived with during their time.

At its end, Whitehall becomes Parliament Street where London’s iconic Big Ben stands. If you make prior arrangements, you can enter the public galleries of the House of Commons or the House of Lords for a firsthand view of their debates. Tours are available for two months during the summer when Parliament is out of session - or ‘not sitting’, as the British say.

Whitehall is easy to reach via the Tube (the London Underground subway). Exit at Westminster.

Other tours and destinations in London.

• Medieval Banquet and Merriment by Torchlight in London

While in London why not visit the Medieval Banquet where you can eat, drink and be merry in historic surroundings. Dine on a four course traditional English meal with unlimited wine and beer as minstrels, troupers and players entertain you with stories and song.

• Xi’an Dumpling Banquet and Tang Dynasty Show

There is no better way to experience a different culture than to try out the local food, right? Enjoy a night in Xi’an feasting on a Dumpling Banquet, whilst sitting back an relaxing to a cultural Tang Dynasty Show filled with vibrant costumes, colorful dance and traditional music that have graced the region for centuries. This is a wonderful introduction to this ancient city.