Month: February 2024

Planning a trip to Argentina? You’re in for an amazing adventure. 

Luxury travel to Argentina gives you the perfect balance: the comfort and convenience you desire without having to sacrifice opportunities to indulge in the curiosity that brought you to South America in the first place. 

If you’re traveling with Luxury Gold on our 23-day Grand South America tour or simply planning a short getaway on the tip of the continent, we’re here to help you make this the trip of a lifetime. Use this guide, inspired by the activities and experiences on our luxury tour, to plan your trip to Argentina.

Argentina Quick Facts All Luxury Travelers Should Know

Know before you go: here are a few facts that should be common knowledge when planning any luxury Argentina tour.

• Language: Spanish
• Currency: Argentine Peso
• Capital City: Buenos Aires
• Popular Historical Site: San Ignacio Miní 
• Popular Natural Site: Iguazú Falls
• Cultural Hallmark: The Tango Dance
• Culinary Hallmark: The Asado  
• Don’t Arrive Without: Comfortable clothing, both for nightly dancing and daily siestas.
• Don’t Leave Without: Experiencing Argentine farm life like a gaucho

Uncork more: Award-winning Argentine wines you must try on your next trip

What to See and Do: Luxury Travel in Argentina

Allow us to provide essential destination inspiration. Better yet, join us and make these memories while we take care of the logistics. 

Raise the Steaks with Elevated Asado Dining 

Asado, the traditional Argentine method of barbecuing, is both the meal and the way it’s prepared. These grilling techniques are world renowned, as is the taste of Argentina’s best cuts of meat. Luxury Gold travelers are in for a treat: Fogón Asado in Buenos Aires will open exclusively for our tour, treating our travelers to a private dining experience with an Asado chef.

Tour the Belle Époque Teatro Colón Theater

With some of the best acoustics in the world, the Belle Époque Teatro Colón Theater is a historic opera house in Argentina’s capital. The world’s leading orchestras, dancers, singers, and artists have all graced this iconic stage. Luxury travel in Argentina means that Luxury Gold travelers will undoubtedly enjoy a guided tour of this prestigious venue.

Observe a Mesmerizing Tango Performance

Tango is the passionate soul of Argentina. This dance that pre-dates the 1900s emerged from the working class streets of Buenos Aires to become an element of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, according to UNESCO. Luxury Gold Travelers will settle in for dinner and an authentic tango show at Rojo Tango.

Visit a Traditional Estancias Ranch

Known as gauchos, the cowboys of South America still cling to their countryside culture. A farm stay is an excellent way to learn the ropes, so to speak, about life on the pampas. Luxury Gold travelers will visit an estancia, share a lunch, and take a guided horseback ride through the traditional ranch.

See the Unfathomable Iguassu Falls

There’s nothing quite like staring down the Devil’s Throat at Iguassu Falls. It’s just as difficult to take your eyes off of the cascading falls as it is to look away from the winding catwalk leading you around these rushing waters. You’ll also trek across the Brazilian border where you’ll reach the base of the falls and marvel at panoramic views of San Martin Island.

Destination inspiration: Our favorite legendary and lesser-known shopping streets

Where to stay: Luxury hotels in Argentina

Finding a place to stay is just as important as planning what to do on a luxury Argentina vacation. There are dozens of luxury hotels across Argentina that will spoil you with quiet serenity and lavish amenities. These two luxury hotels in Argentina will welcome Luxury Gold travelers to an unforgettable stay. 

Alvear Palace Hotel | Buenos Aires

Photo credit: @alvearpalace on Instagram

Alvear Palace Hotel is a luxury hotel in the heart of Buenos Aires. Known for its sophisticated luxury yet home-like suite comforts, Alvear Palace Hotel is an elegant fixture of the La Recoleta neighborhood. Six restaurants and bars fill the space, including a terrace sushi bar and rooftop watering hole. A spa, intimate wellness area, rooftop indoor pool offer hours of relaxation after an evening spent tangoing in a milongas.

Travelers on the Luxury Gold tour will stay in Palace Premier Rooms: cozy single and double use rooms that maximize comfort at every turn, Palace Premier Rooms flaunt a modern French aesthetic and feature botticino marble bathrooms with jacuzzis.

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas | Iguassu Falls

Photo credit: @alvearpalace on Instagram

The only luxury hotel hidden within Iguazu National Park, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas surrounds you with natural beauty. Relax beside the outdoor swimming pool at this jungle escape, listening to howler monkeys in the distance. A forest bathing experience at the spa feels right in such a serene place, though no one will fault you should you choose to rest up for a guided full moon or first light walk through the jungle.

Travelers partaking in a Luxury Gold tour will stay in a Superior Room on the Forest Wing. These rooms are as artsy as they are light and airy: each features traditional azulejos painted tiles and artwork commissioned by Brazilian painter Ludmilla de Montes.

Not only does the Grand South America tour include all of the above, but this Luxury Gold experience also includes sunbathing in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, exploring Chile’s wine country, and visiting Machu Picchu in Peru. 

Read next: 7 experiences to stir your soul in South America

Book your luxury Argentia tour today with Luxury Gold.

Lake Como holds celebrity status when it comes to Italy’s lakes. Famous folk have opulent villas along the lakeside, though Lake Como is far from an exclusive hangout. As one of the most popular destinations in Northern Italy, a visit to Lake Como’s towns top the list of countless tour itineraries. 

Varenna, Bellagio, and Como itself are among the well-trodden towns, though some of the best towns in Lake Como are the ones that have the smallest populations, narrowest streets, and dreamy vistas that you won’t see on a bus tour.  

From Lake Como hidden gems that are spoken with hushed breaths to the best towns around Lake Como that are hiding in plain sight, these charming towns deserve a closer look.

Experience the charms of Italy in luxury style on Ultimate Italy

Laglio

If Laglio’s name slightly rings a bell, you can thank George Clooney. The famous actor’s Villa Oleandra is in this postcard-like town. While the 18th century villa isn’t exactly Lake Como off the beaten path, the supporting cast of Laglio is. Hiking trails lead away from the paparazzi and into the hillside, granting you panoramic scenes of Lake Como that deserve their own feature on the silver screen. Add a little local flavor to your trek by picking up casoretto cheese to snack on while you watch hawks, falcons, and other local avians soar across Lake Como’s sky.

Lenno

Lenno gets plenty of attention for hosting the villas owned by Sir Richard Branson and George Lucas; Villa Balbianello is particularly notable, used as a filming location for Star Wars Episode II in 2002, and again for James Bond Casino Royale in 2006. However, don’t let that stop you from digging back further into the town’s traditions. Lenno’s origins date back to the first Roman Empire; the territory was colonized by Greek colonies, sent here by Julius Caesar at the time of the founding of Nuova Como, colonies which introduced the cultivation of vineyards and olive groves – there is a centuries-old mill, which can still be seen today, which was used for the production of a high-quality olive oil.

Read more: Luxury Gold’s guide to private wine tasting in Italy

Argegno

While other travelers have their sights set for the stars, Argegno, just ten minutes south of Lenno, is one of Lake Como’s hidden gems that deserves its own top-billing. Thin alleyways lead you through this quiet commune that’s slowly gaining popularity. You can gaze at Bellagio, one of the most beautiful towns in Lake Como, on a clear day, though even when the clouds roll in, Argegno delivers picturesque views of rolling hills and deep blue waters. Explore the 17th century mosaics in the Santissima Trinità church, admire the colorful houses, and take a steep cable car up to the calm, near-tourist-free village of Pigra.

Pre-trip research: The essential guide to Italy for foodies

Brienno

Brienno is balanced on the water’s edge of Lake Como, offering a laid-back spot for wanderers since pre-Roman times. Those keen to collect random factoids from history will enjoy learning about Brienno’s long life from the Middle Age churches to the preserved fortification and bunkers from World War I. The thin streets make tightropes look wide, but if you have the footing, a walk around this labyrinth of a village is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the larger Lake Como towns for a spell.

Nesso

Directly across the lake from Brienno, Nesso is easily one of the most beautiful towns in Lake Como. Like many of these Lake Como towns, Nesso dates back to ancient Roman times. And though it features colorful homes throughout its old town, the Orrido di Nesso is its alluring attraction. This gorge brings two creeks together, joining them in harmony as a cascading waterfall that flows beneath the Ponte della Civera arched bridge. 

Hungry for more? Visit the best gelato gelateria in San Gimignano

Colico

Colico is one of the larger towns, though its northern location makes it a bit of an off the beaten path destination in Lake Como. However you like to vacation, Colico encourages you to do it all outdoors. The Forte Montecchio Nord open-air museum offers guided tours about Lake Como’s presence in the Great War while events like the Water Music Festival and the World Cup of Kitesurfing draw audiences looking for alternative experiences. There’s a sunny spot on the beach for you to relax, unless you’d like to join the fun topside and rent try your hand at paddle boarding, kitesurfing, or one of the other aquatic activities available from various Lake Como tour groups.

Lecco

Sharing the name of the province, Lecco is an affordable alternative to the more expensive Como on the opposite prong. Lake Como and Lake Garlate are joined by the Adda River, giving Lecco’s coastline three unique viewpoints. Stroll the Garlate for dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. Let a chef row you out to Isola Viscontea for a risotto dinner on the Adda. Or simply grab a gelato and take in the medieval ruins from the Lungolago di Lecco promenade. 

Making it personal: How travel concierge Anna elevates your Italy experience

Gittana

Gittana is such a small hamlet on the eastern shore of Lake Como that it often goes unnoticed, despite being a 10-minute drive from Varenna train station. Its few dozen sand-colored roofs act like cobblestones leading up the hill from the man-made pebble beach to the clock tower of the sole church. Gittana’s village is brushed modestly upon Lake Como’s canvas, which is why it’s worth the visit. Climb to the top of the village for undisturbed views of the lake, take your time munching and mingling with the owners of the Semi di Grano ristorante, then rent a bicycle for a smooth shoreline ride to Bellano or Varenna.

Varenna

Found on Lake Como’s eastern shore and previously a small fishing village, Varenna is still full of rich history and well worth a visit. Amble through the botanical gardens such as Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi, or take a romantic stroll through Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Walk of Lovers), which begins at the pier of Varenna for a beautiful view of the lake. For an unparalleled view of the lake, visit the nearby Castello di Vezio. As with many Lake Como towns, you won’t want to skip visiting the church here in the central square, Piazza San Giorgio. The 14th century Church of San Giorgio is home to numerous paintings from the late 15th and 16th centuries. As you wander through this picturesque town, don’t forget to look down; the pavements are made from local black marble.

Gravedona ed Uniti

Located on the western shore of Lake Como, Gravedona ed Uniti is a calming, charming Lake Como town. History and art lovers will want to visit the Palazzo Gallio which sits high above the town, facing directly onto the lake; try and catch one of the concerts, exhibitions and workshops that take place here over the summer. On the water, soak up the town’s history in the marbled Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Tiglio while taking in the view of the lake. Meanwhile, the narrow streets to the harbour are the perfect spot for a walk with a gelato, or take your pick of one of the many exceptional restaurants serving fresh seafood and some of the finest Italian produce.

Are you ready to discover the most beautiful towns in Lake Como? Join Luxury Gold’s Ultimate Italy trip. This 12-day journey ends in Venice, a short train ride away from Lario, making it effortless to schedule Lake Como tours or travel to the many towns and villages at your own pace. Join us for an adventure that delivers countless memories between Cinque Terre and Capri then complete your Italian itinerary with a relaxing weekend at one of Lake Como’s towns.

The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic structures in the world but it’s only one of the nearly 100 great palaces in India. Each mahal has its own rich history that’s only rivaled by each of its unique architectural designs, lavish interior furnishings, and impossible preserved foundations that have outlasted invasions and seizures throughout a millennium. To visit an Indian palace is to get a glimpse into not only the royal lifestyle of India’s richest rulers, but to better understand how and why this country has endured centuries worth of turmoil. 

Join Luxury Gold’s Imperial Rajasthan tour and marvel at some of the most beautiful palaces in India. This extensive 13-day tour doesn’t shy away from palace peeking: New Delhi’s Presidential Palace, Muthamman Burj Palace, Palace of the Winds, Udaipur’s Leela Palace and City Palace complex are all yours to explore.

From the unconquerable bastions of Indian royalty to some of the oldest surviving forts in the country, these are some of the best palaces to visit in India. 

For travel inspiration: India destination guide

1. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

When it comes to luxury palaces in India that you’re welcome to stay in, Taj Lake Palace is unlike any other palace hotel you’ve ever visited. Floating on Lake Pichola, it was constructed in the 1740s by the 62nd custodian of the House of Mewar. Jag Niwas, as it was known, didn’t become a heritage hotel until the 1960s, but its grand marble suites are still as regal as centuries before. Private butler service, relaxing boat rides, and fine dining only feet from your room make this palace an unforgettable stay in the Venice of the East. And for any cinephiles visiting, be sure to order a martini, shaken not stirred, at the 24-hour Amrit Sagar bar: you’re standing in a shooting location for the James Bond film Octopussy.

Discover Udaipur on: Imperial Rajasthan 

2. Lal Bagh Palace, Indore

The Red Palace may have only been completed a century ago, but this grand palace in Indore is both a symbol of India’s turn of the century aesthetic and turn of the millennium struggles. Lal Bagh Palace took inspiration from Europe’s design trends inside and out. Its exterior finished in an Italian Renaissance Revival style, combined with Paladin, Mughal and Rajput elements. Euro-inspired interiors are found within this neoclassical building, but sadly, what once held one of the best garden palaces in the region suffered from neglect between the 1980s and the 2020s. It’s undergone restorations since 2021 and is open to the public as a museum.

You may also enjoy reading: Uncovering India’s cultural riches, with acclaimed historian Rana Safvi

3. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

One of the more contemporary Indian palaces, Umaid Bhawan Palace was built between the first and second World Wars for the Jodhpur royal family. Though still technically a private residence, you’ll be treated as close to royalty as possible now that the palace is also a 5-star heritage hotel. Views of the Blue City and Mehrangarh Fort await you in one of the last-constructed grand palaces of India. It’s only a 20 minute drive from Jodhpur Airport, so even if you aren’t staying the night, you should still make the short trip so you can tour the on-property museum dedicated to the family’s history and marvel at the same palm court marble that was used to build the Taj Mahal  

Discover more about our journeys: How Travel Concierge Viren Paints a Vivid Picture of India

4. Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur

Some of the most famous palaces in India were built by Maharaja Surajmal throughout the 1700s, including Lohagarh Fort. It took 60 years to build, and for good reason: this fort on an artificial island remained unconquered by invading British soldiers. Not to be confused with Lohagarh Fort Resort in Jaipur, the Iron Fort is surrounded by a moat which you’ll see, along with panoramic views of Bharatpur, from a protected archaeological section. It’s well worth a stroll and a visit to the on-site museum will show you the weaponry, armor, and other defense artifacts that successfully thwarted insurgence after insurgence.

You may also be interested to read: A Journey of Flavor: The Mastery of India’s Michelin Star Chefs

5. Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara, Gujarat

When it comes to India sightseeing, one of the most beautiful palaces you cannot miss is Laxmi Vilas Palace — the largest private residence on the planet. It’s quadruple the size of Buckingham Palace in the UK and just as ornately adorned inside and out. Laxmi Vilas Palace was constructed across 500 acres at the end of the 19th century and holds nearly 200 rooms, many of which feature artwork specially commissioned from Raja Ravi Verma. Thanks to Vadodara’s proximity to bus and train stations, a day trip to Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the most convenient — and regal — things to do in India. 

Bookmark for later: Step Inside the Most Unique Luxury Retreats in India

6. Malcha Mahal, New Delhi

For those looking to add an element of the recent paranormal past to their historical tour, Malcha Mahal deserves a glance. Despite its ‘mahal’ name, Malcha isn’t a royal palace in the traditional sense. It’s actually a 14th century hunting lodge built for the Sultan of Delhi, Feroz Shah Tughlaq. Almost hidden within the Central Ridge Forest, Malcha Mahal fell into the hands of the kingdom of Oudh before being annexed by the British. Its history takes a supernatural turn after the property was returned to the Shah’s descendants in the 1980s — at least two of whom met their deaths inside the lodge. Today, Malcha Mahal is far from a proper tourist attraction; one of the few ways to visit this abandoned, decaying structure is to trek into the forest on a ghost tour.  

You may also enjoy reading: Walking with the King of the Big Cats in India’s Royal Hunting Grounds

7. Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad

Photo credit: @tajfalaknumaon Instagram

Perched 2,000 feet above the city, the opulent Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad offers breathtaking views and a regal experience. In fact it is home to the longest dining table in the world. Built in 1894 by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, the Prime Minister of Hyderabad, the palace was later owned by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The architecture is a blend of Italian and Tudor styles, with grand marble staircases, Venetian chandeliers and intricate frescoes. A stay here is like a step back in time. Guests are greeted with traditional Indian hospitality, and the palace’s 60 rooms and suites are adorned with antique furniture and rich fabrics. The palace also houses a fascinating library with rare manuscripts and a collection of jade.

Relaxing reading: Hidden Treasures: Exploring the Riches of Ancient Civilizations

8. Qila Mubarak, Patiala, Punjab

Palaces in India like Lohagarh Fort are impressive, but even such a large fortress is dwarfed by Qila Mubarak. Also called Bathinda Fort, Qila Mubarak dates back to the 1st century, making it India’s oldest surviving fort. Its formal written history tells tales of invasions and sieges from the 1000s through 1200s, when Razia Sultana, the first female commander of the fort, was killed. Qila Mubarak became desolate for centuries to come until the area was inhabited again in the 1700s. The gurdwara, created in the 1800s to commemorate Guru Gobind Singh’s visit to the site in the 1700s, will be a highlight of your visit inside.   

For further travel inspiration: These Safari Lodges are Putting Eco Sustainability First

9. Jaipur City Palace

Jaipur City Palace is a splendid complex in the heart of Rajasthan, India, showcasing a seamless blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles. Built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it served as the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace stands as a symbol of rich cultural heritage and regal opulence, with intricately designed courtyards, gardens, and buildings adorned with vibrant colors and ornate decorations. Its breathtaking beauty, historical significance, and well-preserved artifacts make it a must-visit destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and tourists seeking a glimpse into India’s royal past.

Guests of Luxury Gold’s Imperial Rajhastan tour enjoy a private access tour around Jaipur City Palace including the maharajah’s personal living room, normally off limits to visitors. Follwng this, you will savor an Indian inspired high tea on the regal terrace after viewing the spectacular handcrafted crystal table by René Lalique.

Bookmark for later: Meet the female riders of Jaipur’s Pink City Rickshaw Company

10. Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur

Photo credit:
@therajmahalpalace on Instagram

Rajmahal Palace, a jewel nestled in Jaipur’s architectural crown, beckons visitors with its exquisite fusion of Rajput elegance and contemporary luxury. This palace hotel was originally constructed in the 18th century, this opulent residence has witnessed generations of royal history, hosting esteemed guests from across the globe. The architecture marvels in its intricate detailing, from ornately carved pillars to delicate frescoes that narrate tales of bygone eras. What sets Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur  apart is not just its architectural grandeur but also the immersive experience it offers. Stepping into its hallowed corridors is like stepping back in time, enveloped in regal splendor and old-world charm. Guests are not just spectators but participants in a living legacy, where every nook echoes with whispers of a glorious past, making a visit to Rajmahal Palace an unforgettable journey through time.

The Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds is also an icon of architecture. This five-storey building in Jaipur, is the tallest building in the world that has been built without a foundation. Also worth a mention in the vicinity of Jaipur is the Samode Palace hotel which appears more or less unchanged over the course of its four-hundred-year life. A classic Indian royal fantasy, even the modern luxury hotel amenities of this former royal palace stick to the extravagant style of the original.

You’ll have the opportunity to visit many of the iconic Indian palaces when you join Luxury Gold’s Essence of India tour. This 8-day tour handpicks a number of remarkable palaces and things to do in India to ensure you get a comprehensive view of the country’s history and landscape. Your itinerary includes a stay at the Leela Palace, viewing the Presidential Palace, and stopping at Muthamman Burj Palace, Amber Palace, and Jai Mahal Palace.