A tour of two cities

(GETTY IMAGES/AFP)   

The grand cities of London and Paris have always held their place as the world’s favourite tourist destinations. But for busy executives experiencing the two cities in one trip is a tough call.

To help you get the best out of Europe’s two chicest cities we’ve sorted through the fluff and prepared a luxury itinerary you won’t find in any tourist guide.

London

09:00 RISE AND SHINE: BREAKFAST AT THE WOLSELEY

Start the day off at The Wolseley in St James. Housed inside 160 Picadilly, a listed building, enjoy a very English breakfast and morning pastries at this chic café-restaurant with the most beautiful interiors. Don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity or two. (www.thewolseley.com)

10:00 ARTISTIC INSPIRATION: THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS

Refreshed and raring to go, cross over the road to the Royal Academy of Arts and catch the latest exhibitions and events. Founded in 1768 and housed in Burlington House, the Academy hosts various high-profile art exhibitions through the year. (www.royalacademy.org.uk)

11:00 READY-TO-EAT LUXURY: FORTNUM & MASON

Just down the street from the Royal Academy of Arts is the 300-year-old Fortnum & Mason department store. Founded in 1707, the store is known for its upmarket food and stocks some of the world’s finest delicacies. Fortnum’s, as it is popularly referred to, was the official grocer to British royalty for many years. (www.fortnumandmason.com)

12:00 FINE SHIRTS: JERMYN STREET

Sir Isaac Newton might have lived here but ever since it was created in 1667, Jermyn Street has been known for its resident shirt makers. Today it is home to luxury brands such as Dunhill, John Lobb and Bates. Tramp, an exclusive members-only club and a favourite haunt of celebrities is also here. (www.jermynstreet.net)

13:00 ITALIAN IN LONDON: THEO RANDALL

Hop on to one of the red buses and head to No 1 Park Lane where you will find one of Britain’s up-and-coming chefs, Theo Randall, whose first restaurant is located at the InterContinental Hotel. The former head chef and partner at the renowned River Café has honed his interpretation of Italian cuisine and developed signature dishes for which he is now renowned. This informal and welcoming eatery serves exquisite food in a relaxed, inviting environment.

(www.theorandall.com)

14:00 EXPLORATION: BOND STREET

Considered more upmarket than neighbouring Oxford Street, this shopping heaven has been around since the 18th century. Featuring some of the world’s exclusive brands, this address in London’s West End is a landmark for all things sophisticated.

(www.bondstreetassociation.com)

16:00 PAMPER TIME: ELEMIS DAY SPA

Book yourself in at the flagship spa of leading luxury British spa brand Elemis. Situated in the heart of Mayfair, it is a sensory space for men and women looking to escape from the stress and pressures of everyday life, and in this case, shopping. (www.elemis.com)

17:00 PRE-THEATRE TREAT: J SHEEKEY OR THE IVY

Originally a small oyster bar, J Sheekey has grown in size and reputation since 1986, when it started supplying to royal families. Through the 50s and 60s, it attracted the discerning and fashionable diners of the day. Today, along with the equally famous establishment The Ivy, it is usually celebrity-filled.
(www.j-sheekey.co.uk)

19:00 EXTRAVANGAZA: WEST END THEATRE

From long-running shows such as Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera to new hit musicals such as Hairspray, Grease and Mary Poppins, London’s West End is the place to go to indulge in what many consider the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world. There is a huge choice of productions to choose from. (www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk)

22:00 MUSICAL NIGHT: RONNIE SCOTT’S JAZZ CLUB

There’s no other place we could think of than the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club as the ideal venue to end your day. Reserve a table and enjoy drinks while listening to some of the world’s best jazz musicians. Some of the  biggest names in music have performed here. (www.ronniescotts.co.uk)

HOW TO GET THERE

British Airways (britishairways.com), Emirates (emirates.com) and Silverjet (flysilverjet.com) have daily direct flights to London Heathrow from Dubai Airport.

WHERE TO STAY

Following a £76 million (Dh551m) refurbishment, the InterContinental London Park Lane recently unveiled 60 designer suites. The opulent 135sqm Royal Suite is fit for a king, featuring the best views over Hyde Park and Knightsbridge. With an open-plan living room, a generous dining area, office space and a beautiful marble guest bathroom, at £4000 + taxes per night, this one is what dreams are made of.

TRAVELLER TIP

The guys at Urban Gentry will show you London like you’ve never known. Specialising in tours for the savvy, style-aware visitor, this unique guide gives people an inside knowledge of the city’s exciting art, fashion, design and creative scenes. A team of artists, designers, journalists and trend spotters will lead you on a quest of discovery. (www.urbangentry.com)

Paris

09:00 BREAKFAST AT ANGELINA’S: TEA PARTY

There is no better way to start your day than at the legendary Angelina’s tearoom, one of the oldest in Paris and where apparently, the first hot chocolate was served in 1904. Everything about Angelina’s is over the top – from the décor to the waiters in tuxedos and chic Parisans in designer wear, it’s a perfect place to take in the atmosphere of the beautiful city you are about to explore.

10:00 PARIS TOUR ON A 2 CV CONVERTIBLE: TAKE A RIDE IN A CLASSIC CAR

This could most probably be the coolest thing you’ll get to do in Paris – because it’s as French as it can get.

A tour of the city in an antique Citroen car, which will take you to the most unique and unusual places that tourist guides don’t normally bother. From coffee shops where philosophers dreamed to secret celebrity’s haunts, the 2CV tour is a private chauffeur-driven tour of a city that will not cease to amaze you.
(www.4roues-sous-1parapluie.com)

13:00 LUNCH AT BRASSERIE PRINTEMPS: EAT AT A FASHIONABLE HAUNT

It’s time to head to Printemps! But before you let loose, head to the sixth floor of the massive store and stop in awe at this beautiful restaurant. With the luxury, refinement and tradition of the traditional French brasserie intact, the breathtaking dome, built in 1924, provides for a dining experience like you’ve never had before.

(www.printemps.com)

14:00 PRINTEMPS: SHOP, DROP AND SHOP SOME MORE

Pick a name, any designer name and it’s here at the Printemps. Three buildings, one department store and all the brands you can think of. What more  can you possibly want? This is where Middle Eastern royalty and celebrities from around the world come. Of course, when they do, entire sections are sealed off from the public. But you can request your own personal shopping advisor who will speak the language of your choice. And oh, if you like your personal space too much, there’s even a private salon for trying on your selected merchandise. (www.printemps.com)

16:00 GO CRUISING: ENJOY VIEWS OF PARIS FROM THE WATER

Those tired feet need some rest. How about renting a yatch for a cruise through Paris on the Seine. Start from the Port of Grenelle to the Grande Bibliothèque and go up and downstream as you take in the magnificent city and its monuments seen from the river. You can tailor the tour to your taste and also order your choice of food and beverages. And oh, feel no shame if you want to compose a song or two. It has been known to happen. (www.parisyacht1.com)

17:00 BE AN ARISTOCRAT FOR THE NIGHT: DINE THE FRENCH WAY

The concierges at the InterContinental Hotel Paris-Le Grand have a trick or two up their sleeves – and one of them is to arrange for a private dinner with a French aristocrat family. From a château on the outskirts to mansions in the corners of Paris, this is your chance to brush up on your French.

21:00 EAT CAKE: FILL UP ON MIDDLE EAST TREATS

Here’s how to eat pastries with a Middle Eastern twist at a very traditional French eatery. The Café de la Paix in the heart of the city offers a limited-edition pastry designed by Lebanese designer Elie Saab. Called “Podium”, which means catwalk to us, the creation is Saab’s celebration of his beloved profession. Take in the sights of the magnificently gilded Opera House and you will know why the Café de la Paix is so well loved. No better way to end your Paris evening. Parfait! (www.cafedelapaix.fr)

HOW TO GET THERE

Both Emirates and Air France (airfrance.ae) have direct flights between Dubai and Paris.

WHERE TO STAY

The InterContinental Paris Le Grand is a sumptuous “luxury liner” of 470 rooms, docked along the side façade of the Garnier Opera House, just steps away from some of the capital’s well known tourist attractions and the luxury boutiques of Place Vendome. Its history, rich in prestige, dates back to 1862. From Victor Hugo to Mata-Hari, and Marlene Dietrich to James Cameron, the list of prestigious guests is long. With its famous restaurant the Café de la Paix, InterContinental Paris Le Grand embodies a part of the history of the French capital. Visit www.ichotelsgroup.com.

TRAVELLER TIP

Come dusk every Saturday evening, the house and the gardens at Vaux le Vicomte are illuminated by 2,000 candles, recreating the atmosphere of the festivities held by Nicolas Fouquet on August 17, 1661, in honour of Louis XIV. Developed by Nicolas Fouquet in 1641, Vaux le Vicomte has been regarded throughout its history as the finest château and garden in France.

Take in the grandeur of old by booking for a romantic dinner of a lifetime. (www.vaux-le-vicomte.com)