Month: July 2023

An architectural icon, its iconic sail-like roofs rising proudly on the shores of Sydney Harbor, the Sydney Opera House this year commemorates its 50th anniversary. Enveloped by the shimmering harbor waters, the Sydney Opera House it is a symbol of cultural prestige and the city’s everlasting allure, showcasing world-class performances and exceptional dining.

A design winner

The Sydney Opera House is the result of a visionary collaboration between Danish architect Jørn Utzon and the Australian government. Utzon in fact won an international design competition in 1957 with his striking and unconventional concept. Construction commenced in 1959, and Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Opera House on October 20, 1973.

Discover this on: Inspiring Australia

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A unique architectural marvel

A masterpiece of modern architecture, the Sydney Opera House is characterized by its iconic sail-shaped shells. Seeming to float above the harbor, they comprise of over 1 million glazed ceramic tiles. These reflect the sunlight in a stunning interplay of colors. The design takes its inspiration from nature, demonstrated through its fusion of light, shadow and curves.

These shells form a series of concrete vaults, home to multiple performance venues. These include the Concert Hall, Opera Theatre, Drama Theatre, Playhouse and Utzon Room. Each is meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional acoustics.

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Unforgettable moments

A world-renowned performance venue, the Sydney Opera House has hosted some of the most famous artists on the globe. It serves as a revered venue for classical music and opera. Legendary sopranos Maria Callas, Renée Fleming and Angela Gheorghiu have all graced the stage for memorable performances. The venue is also home to the Sydney Film Festival and Sydney Writers festival.

Legendary Australian soprano Joan Sutherland graced the opera house with her sublime voice, performing in the inaugural concert in 1973. Also that year, the iconic Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti’s performed, solidified the Sydney Opera House’s reputation as a world-class opera venue. He also united with Plácido Domingo and José Carreras (The Three Tenors) in 1997 for a historic concert under the sails.

In 1990, Nelson Mandela, recently freed from prison after 27 years, spoke of forgiveness to a crowd of 40,000 on the Opera House’s Monumental Steps. And in 2014 the Rolling Stones, delivered a memorable performance, attracting music enthusiasts from across the globe.

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Sydney Opera House 50^th anniversary

This October everyone will be able to celebrate the Sydney Opera House anniversary at a month-long festival featuring top artists in music, dance, theatre and art. In keeping with its role as a cultural and artistic hub for both the city and the country, there will also be a host of free events for all the family. There will also be 50 consecutive days of rare and unseen recordings shown from the archive, spanning opera, classical, dance, theatre, contemporary music and documentaries. This offers a special opportunity to relive the spectacular performance history of this famous institution.

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Much more than performances

Beyond its renowned performances, the Sydney Opera House is a treasure trove of delights. Travel with Luxury Gold on  Inspiring Australia and spend two days around this amazing venue. On your first day in the city, join a lunch cruise for a decadent way to explore the city’s harbor. Sip a chardonnay as you pass iconic sights, including a first look at the Sydney Opera House sitting proudly on the water’s edge, and the magnificent Harbour Bridge.

The following day embark on a behind the scenes VIP guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, architecture aficionado or just a curious traveler, you’ll depart with a deeper appreciation for the building’s cultural significance and its status as an enduring symbol of Australia’s creative spirit.

Afterward, you can enjoy an unforgettable Celebration Dinner at creative chef Peter Gilmore’s Bennelong restaurant, set in the building’s iconic sails.

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Exceptional Dining

@bennelong_sydney

To dine under the sails at Bennelong is to experience the best of Australian fine dining. The acclaimed restaurant is nestled within the Sydney Opera House – a breathtaking setting to feast along with stunning views of Sydney Harbour.

Offering a culinary experience like no other, embracing both artistry and sustainability, Bennelong’s menu showcases an array of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Traditional Australian flavors are elevated with inventive techniques and presentations. Diners can savor exquisite dishes like Gilmore’s signature Snow Egg dessert, while enjoying impeccable service and an extensive wine selection.

Beyond its gastronomic delights, Bennelong embraces the arts, hosting performances at the adjacent Bennelong Lawn and providing a perfect synergy between food and culture.

Read more: Acclaimed Sydney restaurant Bennelong and its love affair with Australian food

An economic powerhouse

The Sydney Opera House has also played a pivotal role in the economic growth of the city. Attracting millions of visitors annually, both locals and international tourists, the venue contributes significantly to the country’s tourism industry. As well as establishing Sydney as a global cultural and artistic hub, the Opera House’s iconic status has made the city a must-visit destination, with its image gracing countless postcards, brochures and travel advertisements.

To experience the magic of the Sydney Opera House and the other delights that await in this beautiful country, take a look at our Inspiring Australia small group journey. Along with exceptional hotels and exquisite dining, prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

 The Travel Corporation (TTC) launched its 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy in September 2020 and has made some incredible progress in achieving its goals. We’re sharing all our progress in our 2022 Impact Report, including all the actions we’ve completed against our 11 goals in the past year. One of our major goals was to include at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on 50% of TTC itineraries by 2025. We’re proud to say we’ve already surpassed that goal with MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences now on 62% of TTC itineraries, and a total of 571 experiences across all TTC brands, including Luxury Gold. 

Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are important to us as they have been carefully chosen to leave a positive impact on the places and people we visit. They’re developed exclusively for TTC brands, are endorsed by industry experts, and support communities, environments and wildlife all over the world. 

We’re celebrating some of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that help you connect with the natural world. From helping save the Iberian Lynx in Portugal and the Kiwi bird in New Zealand to meeting the Cree Warrior Women in the Canadian Rockies and a wildlife ranger at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, here’s how you can connect with nature through our exclusive experiences. 

Read more: 2022 Impact Report

Meet the Cree Warrior Women in the Canadian Rockies

There are few better places to connect with nature than the Canadian Rockies, and you’ll get to the heart of this extraordinary region with this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ll meet the First Nations Cree Warrior Women from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. As we sit down to enjoy a fireside barbecue, you’ll have views of the stunning Pyramid Mountain on the shores of Trefoil Lake in Jasper. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with the women, including matriarchs Matricia and Mackenzie Brown. You’ll learn more about their Indigenous culture, spirituality and their passion and connection to their land and home. We’ll also enjoy music, drumming and storytelling, and learn some Cree songs and phrases to take home as a memento of this special experience. 

Discover it on: Majesty of the Rockies

Read more: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

Protect the Iberian Lynx in Portugal

Journey to beautiful southern Portugal to connect with nature and the Iberian Lynx on this unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. The Iberian Lynx is the world’s most endangered feline and the species was quickly disappearing due to hunting. In 2015, the region established conservation programs to protect and re-introduce this beautiful cat in its natural habitat, the Vale do Guadiana Nature Park. 

We’ll visit the gorgeous hilltop town of Serpa with its cobbled streets, red-sloped roofs, white facades and shady olive trees. Here we’ll meet with Local Experts to learn about the conservation programs in the nearby nature park. You’ll discover how the Iberian Lynx population has steadily increased to a total of 400, yet more needs to be done. Visits like ours will help continue the preservation of this beautiful cat and its stunning natural habitat.

Discover it on: Spain & Portugal in Style

Read more: 4 incredible MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences you can enjoy with Luxury Gold

Marvel at the waterfalls of Plitvice, Croatia

With its cascading waterfalls, emerald lakes and primaeval forests, Plitvice Lakes National Park ranks among nature’s most enchanting wonders. The park centers around a system of 16 lakes flowing into the next, ending with the spectacular Sastavci Waterfalls. Over millennia, the water has created limestone and chalk travertine barriers and natural dams, forming this dreamy series of cascades.

While it’s magical to simply gaze over the landscapes, we really connect with Plitvice on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ll meet a Local Expert and wander along the wooden footbridges while learning about the diverse plants and animals of the park. You’ll gain insights into the park’s critical research and conservation programs for its Indigenous species. You’ll also hear about the challenges the region faces including overdevelopment and the ensuing deterioration of water quality. 

Discover it on: Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

Read more: Reconnect with the great outdoors at these luxurious back-to-nature retreats

Help save the Kiwi in New Zealand

While the Kiwi bird is the iconic national emblem of New Zealand, it’s also an endangered species, with only around 70,000 left in the wild. The little Kiwi’s numbers are dwindling due to habitat loss and predators such as dogs and cats. We’ll get to know more about this special bird on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ll connect with nature as we wander through the magnificent Californian Coastal Redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua and visit the National Kiwi Hatchery. 

The hatchery is New Zealand’s leading institution for Kiwi conservation. You’ll meet the experts to learn more about their dedicated egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and chick rearing. You’ll even get to see some adorable, newly hatched Kiwi chicks. As we stroll through the towering redwoods, you can also spot other wildlife such as geckos and bellbirds. 

Discover it on: The Long White Cloud

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Join a local ranger at the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

Get to know one of the world’s most ancient natural landscapes at the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This spectacular natural phenomenon features around 40,000 hexagonal stones rising out of the Atlantic Ocean, remnants of a volcanic age about 60 million years ago. This nature reserve is also steeped in ancient lore. Legend says it was formed by an Irish giant, Finn McCool, who created a path of stepping-stones for a battle with a Scottish giant. 

Today, the Giant’s Causeway battles the challenges posed by overtourism, the pandemic, and climate change. However, a significant conservation plan is underway to protect this fascinating site. As part of the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll join a local wildlife ranger to learn about the Causeway’s ancient history, formation, and folklore. You’ll also learn about the region’s unique plants and wildlife and conservation efforts, with each visit contributing to the preservation of the site for future generations.

Discover it on: Ultimate Ireland

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Explore a bird paradise in, Iguazu, Brazil

@parquedasaves

If you love to connect with nature, you’ll be amazed when you step into this avian oasis at Parque das Aves. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience takes you to the world’s only institution dedicated to conserving Atlantic Rainforest bird species. As you wander through the stunning forest, you’ll spot colorful toucans, parrots, flamingos and hummingbirds. You might even see eagles, hawks, herons and owls. 

Loss of habitat is the greatest threat to the birds, with less than 10% of the original rainforest remaining. The sanctuary not only provides shelter and protection for these animals, but it also rescues many birds from mistreatment. They also run breeding programs to help rebuild population numbers. While this extraordinary sanctuary focuses on birds, you’ll also spot reptiles and butterflies from across South America. 

Discover it on: Classic South America

Read more: How your travels with Luxury Gold help conserve nature for future generations

Niagara’s cascading falls. Quintessential Quebec. Mouthwatering Indigenous cuisine. To learn more about the highlights that await on Indulgence in Eastern Canada, and how each aspect of your journey is made exceptional, we spoke with Travel Concierge Arsen.

Falling deeply in love with this vast and sophisticated land, Arsen made Canada his home seven years ago. His exceptional concierge skills were honed with the Four Seasons luxury hotel brand before he began leading Luxury Gold’s small group journeys.

Offering a flawless personal service tailored to you, your Travel Concierge is an expert in both your destination, and your tastes.

“I provide a personalized and anticipatory service. That’s the luxury part of our journeys,” he tells us. “I answer your questions before you ask them, as much as is possible.”

Discover this on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

Canada’s full splendor

“I think what makes Indulgence in Eastern Canada so special is that it shows you whole splendid package of Canada, nothing is left out,” says Arsen. “We explore the English-speaking part in Toronto and Ottowa. And we are also immersed in the deep Francophone culture in Quebec City and Montreal, which is a large part of Canada’s history.

“Canada’s Indigenous culture is also a huge part of this magnificent country’s story, which is told beautifully on this tour. We meet some fascinating people and enjoy Indigenous dining, all the while learning about both the history and present day lives of these communities.”

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A thundering start in Toronto

Your tour starts with the thundering cascades of Niagara Falls. One of the most thrilling things to do in Eastern Canada. An expertly narrated cruise allows you to experience the power of the falls up close, with the mist falling all around you. A five star stay at the St Regis Toronto, a VIP guided tour and wine tasting at Château des Charmes and a warm Canadian welcome provides a spectacular start to your luxury journey.

Exceptional dining every day

“We dine in some sensational restaurants. Sagamite in Quebec is particularly stand-out because it traces the path of indigenous gastronomy,” says Arsen. “Their menu features a BBQ of elk, deer and bison, which many people have never tried before. It’s a real treat for the palate.”

This charming restaurant in historic Old Quebec delights with both a gourmet feast and a cultural experience. As you feast on a Flaming Yatista BBQ prepared tableside, you’ll discover how important fire is to the First Nations and learn the staple meats they thrived on.

“Sagamite is the only Indigenous restaurant in Quebec City and it’s family owned,” says Arsen. “It’s a very intimate experience, you see the photos and murals of the family. The portions are huge and the food delicious.”

Spectacular hotels. Every night

@stregistoronto

Spectacular hotels bookend each day of Indulgence in Eastern Canada. Elegant and hand-selected, these magnificent stays provide a relaxing retreat as well as shining a lens on the country’s rich history.

“What sets this tour apart in terms of hotels is the variety. Each one is sensational. You enjoy the chic of an ultra-modern hotel, and the chance to stay in amazing historic properties,” says Arsen. “So, for every taste there is a luxurious delight, and each night is an experience in itself.

“We handle everything for you. When you arrive, your luggage is in your room waiting for you and your keys are ready.

From chic to chateau

@fairmontfrontenac

“Your hotel experience begins at The St Regis, Toronto. Its right in the center of the city,” Arsen tells us. “Ultra-modern, its pure luxury and everything has buttons.”

A dramatic feature of Toronto’s skyline, with its gleaming silver spire, the St. Regis Toronto is Canada’s tallest residential building. Sip champagne and bask in the heated saltwater, infinity-edged lap pool with spectacular views.

“Then for a real taste of history you have the Fairmont Hotels, which are exceptional,” says Arsen, of the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa. And the jewel of the crown, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City, an icon of Eastern Canada travel.

“The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world, and rightly so. It’s unbelievably beautiful,” Arsen enthuses. “Sitting regally on the top of a hill, wherever you go in the Old City of Quebec, it is guarding over you.

“We have local expert who gives us an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel. Gain access to areas not normally learn how Fairmont Le Château Frontenac’s history is intertwined with the inhabitants of Quebec City.”

Read more: The revered Quebec City hotel with an iconic movie star reputation

Personalize your Day – historic Montreal

On every Luxury Gold tour, you can enjoy the chance to personalize your day through carefully curated experiences. Thoughtfully chosen with the Luxury Gold guest in mind, your Travel Concierge will help you tailor your choices to get the most out of your day.  

“On Indulgence in Eastern Canada we have three opportunities to personalize your day. Once in Quebec, Ottawa and again in historic Montreal,” says Arsen. “We understand that guests like to explore in different ways so have curated experiences to cater for different tastes.”

Canadas second largest city and the world’s second largest francophone city after Paris, Montreal’s French colonial history dates back to the 16th century. A seductive blend of European charm and North American heritage, exquisite architecture and cobblestone streets blend harmoniously with modern hotels and fine dining.

“Here guests can explore the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal with a Local Expert, one of the great historical things to do in Eastern Canada. Or join a vibrant mural and street art tour to learn about the artists, works, and public art scene that is thriving in this city.” Arsen explains.

In addition to these curated experiences, your personal Travel Concierge also goes the extra mile to further customize your trip. Combining insider knowledge of each destination with the ultimate black book of contacts, they’ll feed your passions and inspire your curiosity during your free time. Whether its concerts or cuisine, exploration or relaxation, they’re always on hand with thoughtful suggestions.

Small groups means more focused attention

“If guests need specific information or have any questions, I’m always available,” Arsen tells us. “With these small group journeys, I have plenty of time to interact one on one with guests, which makes the tour very personal.

With an intimate setting of an average of 20 guests, guests can enjoy a bespoke and tailored service.

“I’m able to learn about each guest and what they like. I always like to understand what brings them here. For me it’s about treating guests as individuals rather than as a whole group.”

A special treat

“I love to leave guests with a special treat.,” says Arsen. “On my last tour I bought maple leaf pins for everyone. They were crafted in part from the original copper which covered the roofs of Canada’s Parliament buildings in Ottawa, from 1918 to 1996. This meant they were taking home a part of Canada.

“The pins are actually made by members of a charity, supporting equal opportunities for disabled people in the workplace, so you’re also supporting an important project. The guests loved it so much, they were deeply moved and touched.”

“It gives me great pleasure to ensure that, for each and every guest, their journey is unforgettable.”

To enjoy all this and more, take a look at our luxurious Indulgence in Eastern Canada tour.