With a cultural scene tied up in royalty, historic landmarks and some of the world’s oldest and best hotels, London is a honeypot for luxury living. Guests on Luxury Gold’s 10-day British Royale journey will get 24 hours in the UK’s iconic capital – including some free time between the included experiences. For those who want to make the most of their time in London, or choose to arrive in the city a couple of days before their itinerary starts, this is the guide for you – the  very best London experiences to make you feel like the star of your own  

Take a helicopter ride along the River Thames

Seeing the London skyline from a hotel sky bar is one thing (Sky Lounge at The Shard has the best), but there’s nothing quite like soaring over the Thames, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard at sunset. The London Helicopter’s 35-minute flight follows the majestic river as it passes dozens of key landmarks. Why this flight? You’ll enjoy it with a chilled bottle of Champagne and glasses on hand for two. With 24 hours in London to spend as you please, this is how to do it – living the high life in the literal sense. 

Price: £750 for two

Enjoy an iconic afternoon tea at Claridges

Afternoon tea in is not just one of the best London experiences, it’s an essential one. But in a city with scores of afternoon teas, high teas, tea services on buses and as takeaway picnics, why Claridges? Well, because this Mayfair hotel is the crème de la crème – it’s where the Princess of Wales stayed over before marrying the future heir to the throne, it’s been a hotel since the 1850s, and it does a superior afternoon tea service. Think dainty finger sandwiches of cucumber and dill creme fraiche, smoked salmon with lemon and capers, plus exquisite cakes, served on the finest bone china. Add a glass of one of several premium champagnes to really do it like the royals.

Price: £100pp with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Héritage

Credit: Claridge’s

Dine aboard a luxury steam train from London Victoria

Harking back to the golden age of travel, London still operates gorgeous steam trains from its main terminals – take the Belmond British Pullman, which runs delightful round-trips into the countryside from London Victoria station. Book for a five-course lunch and you’ll board in your finest to a Champagne reception, with uniformed stewards and lavish Art Deco train interiors right out of an Agatha Christie novel. Chugging into the Kent countryside with steam streaming from the engine carriage, you’ll enjoy fine dining treats such as braised shorthorn beef with oxtail tart, or damson baba.

Price: From £540pp

Create your own bespoke perfume at Floris

Luxury fashion, beauty and fragrance houses have deep roots in London – for one, perfumer Floris was founded back in 1730 in London’s smart St James’s neighbourhood. It’s since received royal warrants and celebrity fans from Winston Churchill to Marilyn Monroe, but still operates an exclusive bespoke service today. Enter its historic boutique at 89 Jermyn Street, where you’ll be given a glass of Champagne as you peruse a selection of fragrance bases over a two-hour session, naming notes you love and trying different blends until you’re happy with your fragrance’s bouquet. You can then give it an original name, and even have the bottle engraved – not only one of the best London experiences, but one that will endure long after you return home.

Price: £750 for 100ml

Creating your own unique scent at one of London’s oldest perfume houses (Floris)

Put your foot down at an Aston Martin driving experience

You expect me to talk? No, Mr Bond, we expect you to drive. Like 007 himself, of course in a classic Aston Martin, made in Britain since 1913. Head to the Millbrook-based Aston Martin Clubhouse just outside the capital for a four-hour luxury driving experience, involving a four-hour drive with an instructor and guide, an overview of your chosen vehicle’s dynamics, a chauffeur-drive transfer from the nearest station and breakfast pastries, a hot lunch and other refreshments served at the Clubhouse. 

Price: From £1,800

Drive an Aston Martin while you’re in London (Unsplash/Andrew Pons)

Hire a personal shopping assistant at Liberty London

London’s stylish, original and carefully curated luxury shopping scene is best experienced at Liberty of London – the grand, mock-Tudor department store just off of Regent’s Street devoted to everything from botanical-print textiles to cult beauty products and homeware design. Book a personal shopper here for the most relaxed retail experience in town: based in a private suite on the second floor, you can arrange to put together next season’s wardrobe, reinvigorate your entire beauty regime or redecorate your home. Once you’ve selected your favourites, simply have them delivered. Not only is this one of the best London experiences, it’s also free. 

Price: Free

Book a private photography shoot

In town for a special occasion? Capture the magic effortlessly by engaging a private photographer for an afternoon – a two-hour shoot is typical, often at “golden hour”, the time before sunset. A local photographer can help you plot out a particularly scenic walking route along which to snap your sophisticated vacation photos, perhaps pausing by the Thames riverbank, in pastel-painted Notting Hill or the romantic, 1900s Apple Market in Covent Garden. Once framed at home, your 24 hours in London will last forever.

Price: £475 for two hours

Commission a tailored suit on Savile Row

London is famous for its tailoring, with the visionaries along the world-famous Savile Row stitching classic, timeless and more cutting-edge suits for generations. Having your next ensemble made to measure on this iconic Mayfair street is a worthwhile use of 24 hours in London; there are a handful of top boutiques to choose from, but Gieves and Hawkes has real pedigree. Since being founded in the late 1700s, it’s tailored suits to King Charles and the late Duke of Edinburgh, and they’ll run you through a comprehensive library of luxe (some exclusive) fabrics and textiles to work with, keeping your measurements and preferences on file for future purchases.

Price: From £5,000

See London in style on Luxury Gold’s 10-day British Royale tour.

Whoever you’re flying with, Business Class or Economy, chicken or fish, airplane food is somewhat of an acquired taste. Either way, those in flight meals are the punctuation marks of long-haul flights and there’s no denying that the little flourishes on your tray can make or break your experience. Here’s our rundown of the 8 best airlines for food, in reverse order.

8. Delta

Over the last few years, Delta has been upping the ante to become one of the best airlines for food. The focus is on local farmers and artisans, with a twist on Southern tradition. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q’s has designed some dishes for passengers flying out of Atlanta, USA: the short rib open-faced sandwich with sweet pickles and a side of cheddar and broccoli is not to be missed. Top it off with banana pudding for a true down-home affair. As far as luxury airplane food goes, the Biscoff and chocolate chip cookies are legendary – they come warm in a brown paper bag, making them the ultimate snack in the clouds for economy and first class passengers alike.

Credit: Mashama Bailey for Delta

7. Hawaiian Airlines

Fly from Los Angeles to Honolulu and you’ll get brunch, lunch and a late-night snack. Look out for international offerings like the coconut and lemongrass braised chicken with eggplant and Israeli couscous or the warm yuzu pound cake (by Honolulu-born executive chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka). But the island offerings are a thrill, too: there’s a Kalua pork hash on the menu, plus beers from Maui Brewing Company and custom cocktails from On the Rocks, including the celebratory Tropical Landing (gin with violet, guava, coconut and citrus).

We think you’ll like: 10 Best Airlines For Business Class

6. Singapore Airlines

A consistent favorite among frequent flyers, Singapore Airlines has an admirable number of options for all passengers. Premium economy dishes include garlic-roasted prawns with smoked aioli and patatas bravas, beef Bourguignon and Chor Mee (minced pork noodles). The airline has an air sommelier program, in which cabin crew can apply to become wine experts, which means they can offer passengers guidance on wine pairings.

Credit: Singapore Airlines

5. Korean Air

The bibimbap is one legendary in flight meal (and the same one is served in economy, business and first classes, just with different utensils); it’s a platter of beef, steamed rice, cucumber, mushrooms, beansprouts, spinach and pickled radish, ready to be tossed together with a tube of gochujang and a sachet of sesame oil (the pros ask for extra gochujang). On the side: pickled cucumber and seaweed soup. The snack service includes hot rice balls and cup ramen, brought to your seat with the hot water already added, and the seasoning sachet on the side.

Read next: Michelin-Star Dining at 30,000 Feet? This Airline is Making it Possible

4. All Nippon (ANA)

ANA works with various chefs to get their menus just right. Toru Okuda – a Michelin star master of kaiseki (multi-course meals) – takes care of Japanese food, while Ryuta Iizuka (who studied under Joel Robuchon) advises on French. Expect them to go all out if you’re in first or business class: Wagyu beef sirloin stew with a side of fragrant shiitake, maitake, and abalone mushrooms, sautéed in Échiré butter, for instance. But there are treats in store for the economy classes too: the likes of red rockfish teriyaki and oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl) will see passengers through, with proper miso and pickles.

 

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3. Emirates

Emirates is consistently at the top of the lists of best airlines for food, thanks to its ever-evolving menus, attention to detail and unlimited Dom Perignon for first class flyers. Every passenger gets a multi-course meal and there’s lots of choice and flexibility. Trays are jam-packed with dishes like paneer makhani, vegetable paella, sweetcorn salad and Russian salad plus alluring desserts like apple caramel mousse or chocolate truffle cake. The wines (all from Bordeaux) are excellent. In first class, there’s a movie snack menu which features boxes of popcorn and cheeseburger sliders.

Save for later: Airplane Etiquette: Your Ultimate Guide

2. Etihad

This UAE-based airline is driven by farm-to-table freshness, which means salad greens harvested hours before you eat them – a true revolution as far as airline meals are concerned. Business and first class food can be eaten whenever you’re hungry, and includes steak sandwiches and eggs prepared to order, plus elaborate brunches like shakshuka and ricotta pancakes. First class mains include a seafood assiette (scallop, salmon, lobster), chicken margooga, five spiced duck breast and paneer kofta. There is oh-so-much choice.

 

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1. Turkish Airlines

Aficionados of Turkish Airlines’ long-haul flights always order the sour cherry juice, and some claim it helps them to sleep. If it works for you, you can press a button on your screen to let cabin crew know you’d like to be woken for dinner. Beyond the juice, it’s all about the Turkish appetizers, grilled fish, Adana kebabs and sesame pittas. First and business class passengers enjoy the ultimate inflight amenity: flying chefs, who work alongside cabin crew. On flights of over eight hours, those passengers can opt to enjoy chef-cooked meals by candlelight.

Traveling is an exciting opportunity to explore new cultures, meet diverse people, and experience life from different perspectives. However, understanding travel etiquette is crucial to ensuring pleasant interactions and fostering positive relationships with locals and fellow passengers alike. Whether you’re boarding a long flight or sampling local delicacies, practicing travel etiquette can significantly enhance your journey. To help you out, we’ve put together a handy guide, and two of our expert Travel Concierges share their top travel etiquette tips.

Respect for Language and Culture

Before you head off on your journey, embracing a few key aspects of pre-trip etiquette means that once you arrive at your destination you’re already in tune with local culture and customs.

Learn a Few Key Phrases: Learning basic words and phrases in the local language, such as “hello,” “good morning,” “please,” and “thank you,” can greatly enhance your trip. This effort shows respect for the local culture and often fosters friendlier interactions. In many places, locals appreciate your attempt to communicate in their language, which can lead to more attentive and kind service from servers and others you encounter.

Research Local Customs: Each destination has its own unique customs and etiquette that can sometimes surprise travelers. For example, in Japan, tipping after a meal is often considered rude, while in many Asian countries, showing the soles of your feet is seen as disrespectful. In India and the Middle East, eating with your hands is customary, but using your left hand can be viewed as impolite.

Consider Local Religion and Sensibility When Packing: Clothing plays a vital role in demonstrating respect for local customs. In many regions, especially in Muslim-majority countries, it’s advisable to cover your arms and legs to ensure comfort for both yourself and the locals. Additionally, when visiting temples in Asia or churches in Italy, it’s important to make sure your shoulders are covered.

You may also enjoy reading: 100% Meaningful, 100% Memorable: Why Every Luxury Gold Journey Matters

Don’t Expect Things to be the Same as Home

When traveling, it’s essential to embrace the differences you’ll encounter rather than expecting things to mirror your home environment. Be open-minded and patient; understanding that others may have distinct ways of life will enrich your experience.

“A huge part of cultural expression is seen through the cuisine of a destination. When you visit a new country part of the joy is embracing their food and ways to prepare it,” says Travel Concierge Dom, who specializes in Iberia. “In fact, it is these differences that bring the country alive through your taste buds.

“I have seen visitors become annoyed in Spain when butter is not served with bread, primarily in places south of Madrid, when in fact they are visiting the largest olive oil producing country in the world. With a product this tasty, my advice is to try the many varieties and find one that you love. Of course you can always bring your own butter! But whatever you do, be polite about it.”

You may also be interested to read: Sunshine on a plate: Travel Concierge Dom on his love of Iberia

Dining Etiquette

Eating food and sharing a meal is one of the best ways to learn about another culture and make friends with locals.

Learn the Local Ways: Dining etiquette varies significantly across cultures, so it’s wise to research local customs before you arrive. For example, burping during a Chinese dinner is a compliment, while doing so at a British Sunday roast would not be the case. In Egypt, requesting salt and pepper if it’s not on the table is seen as bad manners, whilst in Japan, slurping noodles or soup is acceptable, but in Brazil, eating with your hands—including hamburgers and fries—is considered unclean.

Try the local foods, gracefully: Trying local foods is a vital part of experiencing a culture. Embrace new flavors, textures, and culinary traditions with an open mind and positive attitude, even if they differ from your usual preferences. Avoid negative comments or grimacing at unfamiliar dishes, instead ask questions and expressing appreciation. This respectful approach fosters genuine connections and you may just surprise yourself with what you like.

If you love sensational dining, we recommend you read: 5 Michelin Star chefs celebrating local culture through food

Etiquette up in the Sky

Such a key part of many vacations, air travel requires close contact with others, whatever class you travel, and exhibiting proper etiquette is essential. Understanding the subtle rules of conduct can significantly enhance your journey and the experiences of those around you.

“Being considerate of your fellow travelers and respecting their personal space is very important,” says Karen Gower, who was a Travel Concierge for over 10 years before becoming Senior Travel Experiences Manager Europe at Luxury Gold. “Something that I have seen more in recent years that I find very frustrating is people watching movies without headphones and expecting the rest of the plane to participate in their in-flight entertainment. However, it is also disruptive when people keep their headphones in and therefore miss all the announcements from the flight attendants, such as telling them to sit down!

“My advice to travelers to ensure that flying remains an enjoyable journey rather than a burdensome task is to always read your information. Even knowing all your boarding info, such as whether to board at the front or the back, and knowing how to navigate the security line can greatly enhance the experience and leave everyone feeling fresh and relaxed.”

Hear more wisdom form Karen: How Luxury Gold Journeys Go Above and Beyond with Expert Karen Gower

Whose armrest is whose? A valuable travel etiquette tip regarding armrests is to recognize the seating hierarchy: the window seat enjoys the armrest closest to the window, the aisle seat claims the outer armrest, while the middle seat—often regarded as the least desirable—has a right to both center armrests. Acknowledging this simple guideline can help reduce discomfort and tension during crowded flights, making the journey more pleasant for everyone.

Seat etiquette: Avoid reclining your seat during meals, as it can encroach on the space of the person behind you.. and take care not to overly knock the seat in front. If you plan to get up often, consider reserving an aisle seat for easier access.

Personal Grooming and Scents While personal care routines are popular on flights, do pay attention to how it affects your fellow travelers. Strong perfumes and scented personal care items can be overwhelming in the confined space of an airplane. A subtle spritz may seem like a good idea, but actually not welcomed by your neighbor.

Bookmark for later: Flying First Class: The Luxury Gold First-Timer’s Guide

Of Course, There’s Always Your Luxury Gold Travel Concierge

There is nothing more awkward than arriving in a foreign country without being familiar with the customs, which is where your Travel Concierge comes in. At the helm of every Luxury Gold journey, they’re an expert in the local culture and language. Offering insights into appropriate behaviors, dining protocols and cultural nuances, they help you navigate unfamiliar environments with confidence, ensuring you have the best experience, as well as ensuring a seamless, flawless journey from start to finish.