December 2025 Europe & Middle East Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in London

Morning: Depart Calgary on AC850, enjoying in‑flight meals and a smooth transatlantic crossing. The flight settles over the Atlantic as you anticipate the sights ahead.

Afternoon: Land at London Heathrow and clear customs before a private transfer to your 4‑star hotel in central London. After checking in, take a brief walk to stretch your legs and soak up the city’s vibe.

Evening: Settle into your room, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant, and perhaps a relaxed stroll along the Thames to see the lights of the city.

Day 2: Classic London Landmarks

Morning: Begin at Buckingham Palace, watching the Changing of the Guard and exploring the surrounding St James's Park. A short walk brings you to the historic Westminster Abbey exterior.

Afternoon: Head to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, then cross Westminster Bridge to the iconic London Eye for panoramic city views. A quick lunch in the Southbank area adds local flavor.

Evening: Wander through Covent Garden, enjoying street performances, boutique shops, and a dinner at a bustling market hall.

Day 3: History and River Cruise

Morning: Visit the formidable Tower of London, viewing the Crown Jewels and learning about its medieval past. A short walk leads to the nearby Tower Bridge exhibition.

Afternoon: Board a Thames riverboat for a scenic cruise, passing landmarks such as the Shard and the Globe Theatre. Disembark at the Natural History Museum to explore its dinosaur halls.

Evening: Dine in South Kensington, perhaps at a classic British pub, before returning to your hotel.

Day 4: Magical Studios

Morning: Travel to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, immersing yourself in authentic sets, props, and behind‑the‑scenes secrets of the films.

Afternoon: Continue the studio experience, trying butterbeer and exploring the Great Hall replica. Return to central London in the late afternoon.

Evening: Enjoy a West End theatre show or a relaxed evening in a Soho restaurant, soaking up the vibrant nightlife.

Day 5: Leisure and Departure to Paris

Morning: Spend a relaxed morning strolling through Hyde Park or visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum for a cultural touch.

Afternoon: Check out of the hotel and take the Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris, departing at 08:01 and arriving at 11:22.

Evening: Check into your 4‑star Paris hotel, then enjoy a dinner near the Seine, perhaps with views of the illuminated Eiffel Tower.

Day 6: Paris City Highlights

Morning: Start at the Louvre Museum, admiring the Mona Lisa and classic masterpieces. A brief walk to the nearby Tuileries Garden offers a pleasant pause.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower, taking the elevator to the summit for sweeping vistas. Stroll along the Champs‑Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.

Evening: Dine in the Montmartre district, then ascend the Sacré‑Coeur Basilica for a night view of Paris.

Day 7: Disneyland Paris & Return to London

Morning: Enter Disneyland Paris early to experience flagship rides like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean before crowds build.

Afternoon: Continue exploring both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios, catching a parade and enjoying themed dining.

Evening: Board the Eurostar night train at 21:02, arriving in London at 22:30, and transfer to the Holiday Inn Gatwick for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Travel to Dubai

Morning: Relax at the Gatwick hotel, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and prepare for departure.

Afternoon: Flight EK012 departs Gatwick at 09:40, crossing continents with a comfortable Emirates service.

Evening: Arrive in Dubai at 20:30, clear immigration, and transfer to your 4‑star hotel for a welcome dinner and rest.

Day 9: Dubai Icons

Morning: Visit the towering Burj Khalifa, taking the high‑rise elevator to the observation deck for unrivaled city views.

Afternoon: Explore the adjacent Dubai Mall, including the Dubai Aquarium and a quick lunch at a waterfront café.

Evening: Experience a desert safari with dune bashing, camel rides, and a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars.

Day 10: Abu Dhabi Adventure

Morning: Travel to Abu Dhabi for a visit to the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, admiring its stunning architecture.

Afternoon: Enjoy the thrills at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, experiencing superhero rides and themed zones.

Evening: Return to Dubai and unwind with a relaxed dinner at the hotel.

Day 11: Atlantis & Aquaventure

Morning: Head to Atlantis, The Palm and spend the morning at Aquaventure Waterpark, sliding down record‑breaking water rides.

Afternoon: Explore the Lost Chambers Aquarium within Atlantis, then relax on the private beach.

Evening: Board a traditional dhow cruise along Dubai Creek, enjoying a dinner of Arabic specialties.

Day 12: Future and Fun

Morning: Discover cutting‑edge exhibits at the Museum of the Future, engaging with interactive tech installations.

Afternoon: Visit IMG Worlds of Adventure, the indoor theme park, for adrenaline‑pumping rides.

Evening: Dine in the vibrant Dubai Marina, taking in the glittering skyline.

Day 13: Legoland & Optional Balloon

Morning: Travel to LEGOLAND Dubai for family‑friendly attractions and creative builds.

Afternoon: Return to Dubai and consider a optional hot‑air balloon sunrise over the desert for a magical experience.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant, reflecting on the journey.

Day 14: Departure Home

Morning: Pack and check out of the hotel, with a final stroll along Jumeirah Beach.

Afternoon: Transfer to Dubai International Airport for the connecting flight via Toronto (AC057 / AC141) back to Calgary.

Evening: Arrive home, concluding an unforgettable 14‑day adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Buckingham Palace – 2 hrs – $30
• Big Ben & London Eye – 3 hrs – $45
• Covent Garden – 2 hrs – free
• Tower of London – 2 hrs – $35
• Thames Boat Ride – 1 hr – $25
• Natural History Museum – 2 hrs – free
• Harry Potter Studio – 5 hrs – $80
• Hyde Park – 2 hrs – free
• Louvre Museum – 3 hrs – $20
• Eiffel Tower – 2 hrs – $30
• Disneyland Paris – 8 hrs – $110
• Burj Khalifa – 2 hrs – $45
• Dubai Mall & Aquarium – 3 hrs – $35
• Desert Safari – 5 hrs – $70
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – 2 hrs – free
• Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi – 4 hrs – $85
• Atlantis Aquaventure – 5 hrs – $95
• Dhow Cruise – 2 hrs – $55
• Museum of the Future – 2 hrs – $40
• IMG Worlds of Adventure – 4 hrs – $70
• LEGOLAND Dubai – 5 hrs – $80
• Hot‑Air Balloon (optional) – 4 hrs – $210
• Eurostar London‑Paris – 2 hrs 21 min – $120
• Eurostar Paris‑London (night) – 1 hr 28 min – $120
• Emirates Flight EK012 – 10 hrs 50 min – $850
• Return Flights (incl. Toronto) – 14 hrs – $1,200
• Total Estimated Cost (excluding optional balloon): $4,712

Tips

To shorten the trip, consider dropping the Abu Dhabi day or the LEGOLAND visit, which will reduce travel time and costs by roughly $200‑$300. For a more relaxed pace, add an extra night in Dubai to enjoy additional spa time or a day‑trip to the Al Fujairah coast, and consider extending your stay in Paris by a day to explore the Musée d’Orsay and the Latin Quarter.