20-Day Family-Friendly World Itinerary: Riyadh, Kuwait City, Baghdad, London, New York City, and Tokyo

A mid-budget, family-friendly journey across the Middle East, Europe, the USA, and Japan—packed with iconic sightseeing, hands-on food tours, boat rides, and local moments you’ll remember for years.
Stunning view of the Prophet
Photo by Konevi on Pexels

From desert horizons to neon skylines, this 20-day family-friendly itinerary links Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, London, New York City, and Tokyo. You’ll balance big-ticket sights—like the Tower of London, the Statue of Liberty, and Mt. Fuji—with local markets, coffee rituals, and neighborhood strolls.


History is never far away: browse Baghdad’s bookstalls on al-Mutanabbi, trace royal stories in Westminster Abbey, and meet the world’s tallest peak in Japan’s public imagination at Fuji-san. Food is your constant companion, from Saudi kabsa and dates to London’s curries, New York bagels, and Tokyo’s ramen and mochi.

Practical notes: Travel to Iraq can involve elevated risk; check current advisories and hire vetted local guides. Travel to South Pyongan (DPRK) is highly restricted; this plan omits it, but we can advise if you have authorized permits. Saudi Arabia observes conservative norms (modest dress; alcohol prohibited). Visas may be required for multiple countries; allow ample time.

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)

Riyadh blends deep heritage with a fast-evolving modern skyline. Walk the mud-brick lanes of UNESCO-listed Diriyah by day and the animated promenades of Boulevard City by night. The fabled “Edge of the World” makes an unforgettable family outing—vast cliffs, fossil-rich rocks, and a sky full of stars.

Days 1–4: Culture, desert adventure, and local flavors

  • Old & new Riyadh: Tour Diriyah (At-Turaif), the birthplace of the Saudi state; then see the city from the sky bridges of Kingdom Centre. Pop into the National Museum for an engaging, kid-friendly sweep of Arabian history.
  • Desert day trip—Edge of the World: Choose a guided trip for safety and ease (camel rides and dinner thrill kids).
  • Family eats & coffee: Try Najd Village for slow-cooked jareesh and kabsa in carpeted majlis rooms; Suhail for modern Saudi plates like date-glazed lamb; Al Nakheel for grilled meats with palm garden views. Coffee lovers: Elixir Bunn (signature “golden” pour-over), Camel Step (Saudi-roasted beans), and morning croissants at La Panadería.
  • Evening strolls: Families love Boulevard City for fountains and kid zones; U Walk for boutiques, dessert bars, and photo-friendly neon.

Where to stay (Riyadh): Splurge at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh; solid-value central at Ibis Riyadh Olaya Street; upscale business-friendly at Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter. Or browse apartments on VRBO Riyadh or hotels on Hotels.com Riyadh.

Getting there: Search global flights into Riyadh on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From RUH airport to central Riyadh, taxis/rideshares take ~35–50 minutes (budget $20–35).


Kuwait City (Kuwait)

Compact yet culture-rich, Kuwait City pairs bold modernism—like the Kuwait Towers—with traditional souqs and a lively coffee scene. Families enjoy the seafront corniche, museums, and park time in Al Shaheed Park.

Days 5–6: Towers, souqs, museums, and a foodie deep-dive

  • Signature sights: Ride the Kuwait Towers sphere for Gulf panoramas; step into the elegant Grand Mosque (modest dress required). Wander Souq Mubarakiya for spices, dates, and playful haggling; kids love nibbling fresh halva.
  • Guided city overview (great with kids):
  • Food & coffee: Mais Alghanim for mezze and mixed grills; Freej Swaileh for machboos and harees; casual fusion at Slider Station. Espresso stops: % Arabica (Al Hamra), Vol.1 for single-origin pour-overs. For a hands-on option, consider a local cooking session if available that day.

Where to stay (Kuwait City): Beachy family downtime at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa; downtown value at Ibis Sharq Kuwait; five-star comfort at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya. Explore more on Hotels.com Kuwait City or VRBO Kuwait City.

Travel to Kuwait City: Fly Riyadh→Kuwait City (~1h30–1h50; ~$90–$220 economy). Search on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Baghdad (Iraq)

For travelers who go, Baghdad offers profound history—bookshops along al-Mutanabbi Street, the Tigris riverfront, and the Iraq Museum’s peerless Mesopotamian collections. Conditions change; travel with current guidance, use reputable drivers/guides, and register with your embassy if applicable.

Days 7–8: Books, riverfront, and heritage (with caution)

  • Core experiences: Morning at the Iraq Museum for Assyrian reliefs and Sumerian treasures; stroll al-Mutanabbi Street for poetry, prints, and Shabandar Café tea. At sunset, walk the Tigris Corniche; ask your hotel about safe family-friendly boat rides operating that week.
  • Local eats: Try Baghdad’s signature masgouf (butterflied carp) along Abu Nawas; hearty grills at Saj al-Reef; sweets from neighborhood patisseries for a low-key evening treat.

Where to stay (Baghdad): Riverside resort-style Babylon Rotana Hotel; business-friendly Coral Baghdad Hotel; check availability at Rimal Hotel. Confirm current operating status and security measures.


Travel to Baghdad: Fly Kuwait City→Baghdad (~1h30–2h; ~$140–$300). Search on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

London (England, United Kingdom)

London is a masterpiece of layers—Roman walls beneath glass towers, royal pageantry beside markets that feed the city’s creative energy. For families, it’s a treasure trove: world-class museums with free entry, royal parks with pelicans and playgrounds, and theatre that lights up young imaginations.

Days 9–12: Royal icons, river cruising, and hands-on history

Where to stay (London): Family-friendly pool and big rooms at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London or Premier Inn London County Hall; budget-savvy hubs at Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras; splurge at The Savoy. See more on Hotels.com London or VRBO London.

Travel to London: Fly Baghdad→London (often 1 stop; ~8–11h total; ~$400–$700). Search flights to Europe on Omio Flights.

New York City (United States)

NYC is a living postcard: skyscrapers, parks, museums, bagel shops, and ferry horns on the harbor. With kids, mix structured tours with free playtime in Central Park, and let the skyline reveal itself from the water.


Days 13–15: Skyline views, harbor breezes, and neighborhood bites

Where to stay (NYC): Value and great Midtown location at Pod 51 Hotel; family-sized rooms with kitchens at Residence Inn by Marriott Times Square; heritage splurges at The Plaza Hotel or The St. Regis New York. Browse more on Hotels.com New York City or VRBO NYC.

Travel to NYC: Fly London→NYC (nonstop ~7–8h; ~$350–$800). Search transatlantic fares on Omio Flights.

Tokyo (Japan)

Tokyo thrills kids and adults alike—shrines and skyscrapers, ramen steam and anime arcades, tranquil gardens a stop away from neon crossroads. It’s also a superb base for a Mt. Fuji day trip and hands-on food experiences.

Days 16–20: Shrines, neighborhoods, Fuji, and food fun

Where to stay (Tokyo): Family convenience for Disney at Hilton Tokyo Bay; central Shinjuku value at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku or Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku; suites and views at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo. Browse more on Hotels.com Tokyo or VRBO Tokyo.

Travel to Tokyo: Fly NYC→Tokyo (nonstop ~13–14h; ~$700–$1,200). Search on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Around Tokyo, use JR/local trains—plan rail legs in Europe/UK with Omio Trains if continuing travel.


Intercity flight plan and time/cost guide

  • Home → Riyadh: see Trip.com Flights / Kiwi.com
  • Riyadh → Kuwait City: ~1h30–1h50; ~$90–$220 economy
  • Kuwait City → Baghdad: ~1h30–2h; ~$140–$300 economy
  • Baghdad → London: usually 1 stop; ~8–11h; ~$400–$700 via Omio Flights
  • London → New York City: nonstop ~7–8h; ~$350–$800 via Omio Flights
  • New York City → Tokyo: nonstop ~13–14h; ~$700–$1,200 via Trip.com or Kiwi.com

Suggested 20-Day Flow (multi-day blocks)

  • Days 1–4: Riyadh — city highlights, Edge of the World, dunes, and Saudi cuisine.
  • Days 5–6: Kuwait City — towers, souq, museums, and a guided city tour.
  • Days 7–8: Baghdad — Iraq Museum, al-Mutanabbi Street, Tigris at sunset (safety first).
  • Days 9–12: London — hop-on hop-off loop, Thames cruise, Tower of London, studio tour.
  • Days 13–15: NYC — guided overview, harbor cruise, observatory, neighborhood eats.
  • Days 16–20: Tokyo — city tour, Mt. Fuji day trip, Tsukiji, Shinjuku food tour, parks.

Note on DPRK (South Pyongan): Due to significant travel restrictions and advisories as of March 2025, this plan omits South Pyongan. If you hold the required authorizations, we can create a compliant, safety-forward add-on or suggest culturally similar experiences elsewhere in the region.

In twenty days, you’ll cross deserts and oceans, walk royal halls and neon lanes, and share meals that kids will talk about years later. This family-friendly route balances marquee sights with simple pleasures: park picnics, boat rides, and cafés where the day slows just enough to savor the moment.

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