Family Adventure: Melbourne → Dubai → London → Paris → Iceland (20‑Day Itinerary)

Day 1: Arrival in Dubai & Exploration

Morning: Depart Melbourne on an overnight flight and arrive in Dubai. Transfer to your hotel and settle in with a quick snack.

Afternoon: Stroll around the Dubai Mall, marvel at the indoor aquarium, and let the kids enjoy the Ice Rink.

Evening: Watch the spectacular Dubai Fountain show and dine at a family‑friendly restaurant with views of the Burj Khalifa.

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Day 2: Dubai Highlights

Morning: Take the high‑speed elevator to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa for panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Experience a thrilling Desert Safari with dune bashing, camel rides, and a sand‑board lesson.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Emirati dinner at a desert camp followed by cultural performances.

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Day 3: Cultural Dubai

Morning: Visit the historic Al Fahidi Heritage District and explore the Dubai Museum.

Afternoon: Take an abra boat across Dubai Creek to the bustling Gold and Spice Souks for souvenir shopping.

Evening: Relax at the hotel pool and have a relaxed dinner at the hotel’s kids‑friendly buffet.

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Day 4: Modern Attractions

Morning: Spend the morning at Dubai Parks and Resorts, visiting Motiongate for movie‑themed rides.

Afternoon: Continue to Legoland Dubai where the younger kids can build and play.

Evening: Return to the city and stroll along Jumeirah Beach for a sunset walk.

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Day 5: Leisure & Departure to London

Morning: Relax with a leisurely brunch at the hotel and a quick dip in the pool.

Afternoon: Pack and enjoy a final stroll around the Dubai Marina promenade.

Evening: Fly to London; settle into your London hotel after the overnight journey.

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Day 6: Arrival in London & Orientation

Morning: Arrive at Heathrow, transfer to the hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Take a gentle walk along the South Bank, spotting the London Eye and street performers.

Evening: Dine at a family‑friendly pub near the Thames and enjoy a night view of the illuminated city.

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Day 7: Royal & Historical London

Morning: Tour the Tower of London, meet the Yeoman Warders and see the Crown Jewels.

Afternoon: Ride the Tower Bridge and explore the nearby Shakespeare’s Globe exhibition.

Evening: Attend a kid‑adapted show in the West End, such as “The Lion King”.

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Day 8: Museums & Parks

Morning: Visit the British Museum with a family activity trail focused on ancient Egypt.

Afternoon: Picnic in Hyde Park, rent a paddle boat on the Serpentine, and let the kids play at the Diana Memorial Playground.

Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner in Covent Garden, watching street entertainers.

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Day 9: Day Trip to Windsor

Morning: Take a short train ride to Windsor and explore Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favourite residence.

Afternoon: Walk through the charming town centre and have lunch by the River Thames.

Evening: Return to London; relax with a movie night at the hotel.

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Day 10: Science & Departure to Paris

Morning: Discover interactive exhibits at the Science Museum, perfect for curious kids.

Afternoon: Pack and take the Eurostar to Paris, arriving in the early evening.

Evening: Settle into your Paris hotel and enjoy a casual dinner near the Eiffel Tower.

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Day 11: Iconic Paris

Morning: Ascend the Eiffel Tower to the second floor for breathtaking city views.

Afternoon: Picnic on the Champ de Mars and let the kids run around the open lawns.

Evening: Cruise on the Seine River with a dinner package that includes commentary for the family.

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Day 12: Art & History

Morning: Explore the world‑renowned Louvre Museum, using a family audio guide to focus on the Mona Lisa and Egyptian antiquities.

Afternoon: Wander through the historic Île de la Cité to see Notre‑Dame Cathedral (exterior) and the nearby Sainte‑Chapelle.

Evening: Savor crepes at a sidewalk café in the Latin Quarter.

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Day 13: Montmartre & Culture

Morning: Climb to the top of Montmartre and visit the Sacré‑Coeur Basilica, enjoying city vistas.

Afternoon: Stroll through the artistic streets, stop at the Place du Tertre for live sketches, and enjoy a light lunch.

Evening: Attend a family‑friendly cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge (or a similar venue).

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Day 14: Versailles Day Trip

Morning: Travel to the Palace of Versailles and tour the grand Hall of Mirrors.

Afternoon: Explore the expansive gardens, rent a rowboat on the Grand Canal, and let the kids discover the musical fountain.

Evening: Return to Paris; relax with a gelato in front of the hotel.

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Day 15: Leisure & Departure to Iceland

Morning: Free time for souvenir shopping on the Champs‑Élysées.

Afternoon: Pack and head to the airport for a flight to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Evening: Arrive in Reykjavik, transfer to the hotel, and enjoy a simple Icelandic dinner.

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Day 16: Reykjavik Exploration

Morning: Walk the colourful streets of Reykjavik, visiting Hallgrímskirkja church for a panoramic view.

Afternoon: Discover the interactive exhibits at the National Museum of Iceland and the Sun Voyager sculpture.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at a harbour restaurant and, if lucky, spot the Northern Lights.

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Day 17: Golden Circle Adventure

Morning: Begin the Golden Circle tour, first stop at Þingvellir National Park where continents meet.

Afternoon: Witness the power of Gullfoss Waterfall and the erupting geysers at Haukadalur (Strokkur).

Evening: Return to Reykjavik; unwind with a soak in a local geothermal pool.

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Day 18: South Coast Highlights

Morning: Travel along the Ring Road to the majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascade.

Afternoon: Visit the black‑sand beach of Reynisfjara and see the basalt columns.

Evening: Stay in a family‑friendly guesthouse near Vík and enjoy a hearty Icelandic stew.

**Day 19: Blue Lagoon & Relaxation**

Morning: Head to the world‑famous Blue Lagoon for a soothing geothermal soak; children under 13 enter free.

Afternoon: Indulge in a spa treatment for adults while the kids enjoy the lagoon’s water slides.

Evening: Return to Reykjavik for a farewell dinner featuring traditional lamb.

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Day 20: Departure Home

Morning: Pack souvenirs and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel.

Afternoon: Transfer to Keflavík Airport for the flight back to Melbourne.

Evening: Arrive home with wonderful memories of a multi‑city family adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

• Burj Khalifa – 2 hrs – $40 adult, $30 child (total $170)
• Dubai Mall & Aquarium – 3 hrs – $30 adult, $20 child (total $130)
• Desert Safari – 5 hrs – $80 adult, $60 child (total $340)
• Dubai Parks & Resorts – 6 hrs – $90 adult, $70 child (total $380)
• London Eye – 1 hr – $35 adult, $25 child (total $160)
• Tower of London – 2.5 hrs – $30 adult, $20 child (total $130)
• British Museum – 3 hrs – free (donations $15 total)
• West End Show – 2.5 hrs – $70 adult, $50 child (total $300)
• Eiffel Tower – 2 hrs – $45 adult, $20 child (total $170)
• Seine River Cruise – 1.5 hrs – $40 adult, $20 child (total $140)
• Louvre Museum – 3 hrs – $35 adult, $0 child (total $70)
• Versailles Palace & Gardens – 5 hrs – $45 adult, $30 child (total $210)
• Hallgrímskirkja & Reykjavik walk – 2 hrs – free (donations $10)
• Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir) – 6 hrs – $50 adult, $30 child (total $210)
• South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara) – 5 hrs – $40 adult, $25 child (total $170)
• Blue Lagoon – 3 hrs – $60 adult, free child (total $120)
• International Flights (Economy, Melbourne‑Dubai‑London‑Paris‑Reykjavik‑Melbourne) – 5 legs – approx. $1,200 per adult, $850 per child (total $5,950)
• Accommodations (20 nights, family rooms) – avg. $250/night – total $5,000
• Meals & Miscellaneous – avg. $150/day – total $3,000
• Total Estimated Cost: $19,275

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping either London or Paris and allocate those five days to Iceland, where nature offers multiple day‑trip options. To extend the adventure, add a day in Dubai for a visit to the Dubai Miracle Garden or a second night in Reykjavik for a whale‑watching excursion. Booking city passes in advance can save both time and money, and always carry a lightweight stroller for the youngest child to make long walks more comfortable.