As a luxury travel advisor, I'm always eager to discover new and exciting experiences that cater to families. Recently, I took my kids on a fabulous trip to London and Paris, flying Delta One and staying at some of the best hotels. Read on for a detailed account of our fantastic family adventure.
A Warm Welcome at Shangri-La Shard We began our journey with a comfortable flight on Delta One, enjoying the return of kids' meals and a delightful ice cream cart. Upon arrival in London, we checked in at the luxurious Shangri-La Shard, which offered an amazing view and thoughtful touches like a teddy bear for my youngest son and child-sized bathrobes.
Day 1: Thames Rocket River Cruise and Exploring London Our first day in London was action-packed, starting with a thrilling Thames Rocket river cruise. The hotel was conveniently located just 1.7 miles from the cruise departure point, and we enjoyed a leisurely walk past the London Eye and numerous street performers. The kids had a blast on the carousel, and we marveled at the Easter decorations throughout the city an hotel. That evening, we dined at Giraffe, a delightful restaurant perfect for the whole family.
Day 2: London Tower Tour, Swimming, and Harry Potter Magic The next day, we indulged in a complimentary brunch at our hotel, courtesy of Virtuoso rates. We then embarked on an amazing London Tower tour, where we saw Beefeaters, the Crown Jewels, and the iconic London Tower Bridge. Our tour guide even organized a scavenger hunt for the kids with a prize for completion! As it was Easter, the hotel had an activity of decorating eggs complete with juice, candy, an cookies. After swimming in the hotel's pool (the tallest in Western Europe), we headed to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, which featured interactive exhibits, special effects, and delicious Butterbeer ice cream.
Day 3: Tate Modern, Michelin Star Dining, and Iconic London Experiences On our third day, we visited the Tate Modern art museum and dined at the Michelin-starred restaurant, BRAT, ranked 81st in the world. The staff was incredibly accommodating, allowing my 4 and 7-year-old to join us for the meal. Afterward, we experienced London's iconic double-decker buses and the Tube, followed by a cocktail at the Shangri-La's top-floor bar. We walked towards the London Eye, stopping for photos on the Millennium Bridge and enjoying the stunning views from the Eye itself. Our day ended with a delicious traditional Greek meal at The Real Greek.
Day 4: Eurostar to Paris and Sightseeing Galore On the fourth day, we caught the Eurostar to Paris, where we visited the Eiffel Tower, enjoyed a lunch Seine River cruise and experienced the city on a Retro Tours sidecar motorcycle tour. Both kids rode in sidecars while I enjoyed the view from the back. We made stops for photos and gelato along the way. We indulged in a luxurious hot chocolate at Café George V on the Champs-Elysées and snapped pictures in front of the Arc de Triumph. Finally, we hopped in a taxi to the train station for our return journey on the Eurostar, enjoying the superior comfort of our upgraded seats and a delightful meal with unlimited wine.
Day 5: Local Explorations and a Farewell to London Back in London, we began our day with a leisurely breakfast before heading to a local park for some outdoor fun. We also stopped by the bustling Borough Market to sample fresh oysters and purchase some truffle oil. After one last swim in the hotel pool, we made our way to the airport, where we barely made our check-in due to my youngest son's separate reservation. Thankfully, we had time to visit the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, the most luxurious lounge I've ever experienced. Our server, Marina, was exceptional, and the kids enjoyed chicken burgers while I sipped champagne and savored truffle leek soup. Although we had to rush through the airport to catch our flight, the return trip on Delta One was comfortable and relaxing.
Conclusion Our luxury family adventure in London and Paris was filled with unforgettable experiences, from thrilling river cruises to Michelin-starred dining. If you're looking for an amazing trip that caters to families, I highly recommend following in our footsteps and exploring these iconic cities.