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Europe with Kids: London & Paris

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Kelly Greer, Travel Agent in Pittsburgh, PA

Kelly Greer

Pittsburgh, PA Travel Agent
Super Agent

Kelly Greer

Pittsburgh, PA · 8 Years of Experience

Kelly Greer, Holiday Road Adventures, an independent agent with Holiday Road Adventures, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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We just got back from Portugal. Being honest it wasn't on my bucket list but my family and friends wanted to go so I agreed. What... Read More >
DESTINATIONS VISITED:England, France
PLACES VISITED:Cotswolds, London, Paris
SUGGESTED DURATION:8 Days
Are you dreaming of taking your kids to Europe? While the possibilities are endless, one of the most common itineraries that I book for families bringing kids to Europe for the first time is London and Paris. There are a few reasons for this: (1.) I think it is often less intimidating for people to visit another country when they speak the language so London, or anywhere in the United Kingdom, is a good place to start. (2.) London is super easy with kids - there is so much to see and do! Many museums are free admission and there is so much green space! (3.) The EuroStar is an easy way to move between the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. (4.) Both London & Paris offer familiar landmarks and history that many kids learn about in school, which may result in more curiosity & excitement about the destination. The itinerary below includes split time between these two iconic cities with kid-friendly activities and family-friendly locations.
Close All Days
DAY1
London
Close Day
Arrival Day & Getting Oriented
Enjoy your private transfer to your London Hotel. My favorite neighborhoods for families are Westminster, Covent Garden or the Trafalgar Square area. On your arrival day, I recommend doing a short activity such as a food tour or going for a walk to explore. This will help alleviate jetlag.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore the city
Food tour
DAY2
London
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Paris
Close Day
Arrival Day + a City Tour
On your first full day, enjoy a city tour with highlights such as Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, and more! I like a private tour for this because it can be customized to your interests. There are walking tours, or a Black Cab is a fun way to explore too!
HIGHLIGHTS:
City walking tour
London Eye
Big Ben
DAY3
London
Close Day
Harry Potter!
If your kids love the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, today is all about them! The Warner Bros. Studio Tour takes place in Leavesden, less than an hour from London. It features many of the original sets, interactive experiences, Butterbeer, and more! I recommend a guided tour that includes a stop in Oxford to see the inspiration for Hogwarts School. However, it's also possible to take the train! Alternatively, if you prefer to stay in the city, consider an Afternoon Tea Experience or a Harry Potter walking tour to see locations included in the iconic films! You can even stop at Platform 9 3/4 along the way!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Warner Bros Studio Tour
DAY4
Cotswolds
Close Day
Day Trip to the English Countryside
Take a break from city life and consider a day trip to the Cotswolds. I recommend a private tour for this experience so that it can be customized to your interests, but don't worry! I know how to set that up for you! Explore the charm of the Cotswolds with stops in some of the most iconic little villages and beautiful scenery along the way.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Cotswolds Tour
DAY5
Paris
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London
Close Day
EuroStar to Paris
Enjoy a private transfer to the St. Pancras international train station & board your EuroStar train to Paris. In less than 3 hours, you will be in the City of Lights. Then, your private transfer will take you to your Paris Hotel. In Paris, the best location depends on what is most important to you. For families, I like the 8th arrondissement for a central location or the 4th arrondissement for Parisian charm. For a quieter, more authentic neighborhood, consider the 16th arrondissement.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Arrival
DAY6
Paris
Close Day
Paris City Tour
Today, enjoy a city tour that includes highlights of this iconic city. A private tour allows you to customize the experience to your interests. Many tours allow the add-on of a Seine River cruise as well. I recommend going to see the Eiffel Tower as well, whether you go to the summit or enjoy the view from below!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Eiffel Tower
Louvre Museum
Notre Dame
DAY7
Paris
Close Day
Montmartre &/or Paris Catacombs
There is so much to do in Paris! Montmartre is a charming area of city, known for its artsy vibes and iconic carousel. Take a walking tour and enjoy the incredible views over the city, since the Sacre Couer is set at the highest point! Then, if you would like to do more exploring, consider a visit to the Paris Catacombs. While this may not be appropriate for younger children, the tour provides a fascinating insight into the city's history, including the French Revolution and the Resistance during World War II.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Montmartre
Paris Catacombs
DAY8
Paris
Close Day
Food Tour & Shopping!
One of the coolest neighborhoods in Paris, in my opinion, is Le Marais. Found in the 3rd & 4th arrondissements, there are so many shops, cafes, and bookshops to explore. I recommend a guided food tour and then enjoy this whole area. There are parks, iconic attractions such as Notre Dame, and Saint Chapelle, and plenty to enjoy as you explore this walkable area.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Le Marais
Shopping
Food Tour
FINAL THOUGHTS
This itinerary can be customized to meet your interests, including dining reservations & additional travel tips. I can also include day trips such as Versailles.