Hi Alexis,
I could go on and on and on! It was amazing! The most packed four and a half days I have ever completed. We had the best weather, though, I know Londoners are aching for rain, 75 degrees and dry is perfect for we northeasteners!
It was just unbelievable what you planned for us and it went so smoothly, I have never felt so at ease. Right down to the airport chaperone which, I was wondering why I needed. But, when we got to our gate, my oldest son Jacob, said that was so easy, and I realized I was stress free even going through security.
Every guide we had was a perfect match for our family we felt like we had made a friend by the time the day was done. For sheer knowledge of English history with a Mary Poppins touch, Janice took the cake. She was with us through the Tower of London and our East End tour and would disappear and reappear with food like magic. It was incredible. Russel was pure entertainment and managed to get us to see nearly every major London landmark and get us to grab a photo in front of it. Mark was like having a fun member of the family along, who really understood that we did not need to see the entire 45 minute changing of the guard, but just the 2-3 minutes of the best part in the best viewing place. He orchestrated a truly family friendly tour of Westminster Abbey.
We had the most amazing driver for three of our excursion, Hashem, was his last name, and I would ask for him again if we travel to London again.
Highlights for the kids were the East End food tour, Tower of London, and Harry Potter. I was amazed they held up for the East End food tour after being at the Tower the entire morning, but they loved it. Having a personal guide was the right move for a family, because when we were starting to fall apart we could just ask for a gelato break, and no problem.
The hotel and hotel rooms were perfect. We ended up with our own end of the hall, with our two room and that made all the difference for comfort and sleeping. The Kensington was gracious and beautiful and the concierges were spot on when we had some free time. The breakfast was perfect and we had tea there on the first day.
We are itching to travel again, and London and England calls me, but it may be time to move on to something like Italy for next year, maybe June…
Thanks so much Alexis! It was PERFECT!