Dedicated to making your vacation exceptional, your Luxury Gold Travel Concierge has a huge bank of secret skills to draw from. Experts in their destinations, they ensure you have a highly personalized experience, whilst also taking care of all the details.

To give you a glimpse of the level of service you can expect, we asked John, Zsofia and Sharon to share some secrets skills of a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge.

Read more: Why a highly personalized travel experience has never been more important

John

John leads Luxury Gold guided tours in Britain and Ireland. His love affair with travel first began when he set off backpacking around the world in 2009. On his return he knew he wanted to share his passion with others and became a tour manager. Perfecting his trade over the last 11 years, he worked his way up in the industry to become a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge.  John shares with us two of his secret skills.

Read more: A day in the life of a Traveling Concierge

1. We know what our guests will enjoy

“With our destination knowledge we can make tailored suggestions for what our guests can do in their free time, that they may not know about otherwise. And it is the same with restaurants as well. Over and above what kind of food they like to eat, you get a feel for those guests who prefer to wander so you can suggest an area to explore. And you know which guests would like your help to have a specific booking made on your recommendation.”  

2. We anticipate what guests are going to ask

“Through observation and years of experience, we are adept at anticipating what our guests want to know about. This means I can offer information up front that will pique their interest. So, when we are driving, I don’t just talk on the mic stream of consciousness style. I read the group and the individuals and will tell them about something I know they will find interesting.”

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Zsofi

Zsofi is an expert in Scandinavia, and she leads our Timeless Scandinavia luxury tour. This 12-day journey through Scandinavia’s Fjords & Mountains takes in the great sights of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. From Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark, to the world-famous beauty of Norway’s pristine Geiranger Fjord. Enjoy a VIP after-hours reception at the Hollmenkollen Ski Jump Museum in Oslo, take a leisurely guided kayak adventure with your Luxury Gold Travel Concierge tailoring your vacation for you. She shares her secrets with us.

3. We have extensive personal experience

“I like building on my experience and sharing my personal recommendations about the locations, let it be restaurants, bars, a quirky detail, a must try or a sight.”

4. We learn guests’ likes and interests

“Through actively engaging with our guests I learn about their likes and interests. So I’m able to offer advice and recommendations before they even ask the question. Typically, this could be a local jewelry store, a gallery or in Scandinavia a specialty yarn store etc.”

5. We have a great relationship with Local experts and suppliers

“It helps to have a good relationship with the Local Experts and suppliers who can also assist with further tips and hidden gems.”

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Sharon

Originally from New Zealand, Sharon moved to Europe initially for two years, and still remains 27 years later. She leads tours in Eastern Europe and the Balkans and is an expert in Croatia, her favorite European destination. Two of her great secret skills are:

6. We know the seasons, the sunsets and the light

“Some of the most perfect moments don’t come by accident, they are very well planned.  We know when and where the sunsets are going to be perfect and often this shapes how we plan our days. We know the seasons and the best places to stay cool in summer and get warm and cozy in winter. And the best spots to find spring blooms and autumn colors.”

7. We share the best cultural tips

 “As experts in our location, we know the cultural tips. Such as how to order coffee, what the local delicacies are that you simply have to try. Knowing which coffees you should try. For example in Split you can actually go to a patisserie and buy a snack and then go to a cafe and have a coffee, which would be very unusual to do anywhere else in Europe.  And for great snacks, when in Croatia I always recommend the burek, which is a delicious stuffed pastry that is typically found all over the Balkans.”

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Why not join us for your next luxury vacation and experience the delights of a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge for yourself. Tailoring your journey for you and ensuring every moment is stress free, they provide all of your travel guide tips. If you love exquisite hotels, fine dining, VIP experiences and amazing destinations, take a look at our full collection of limited-edition luxury tours.

When it comes to exquisite hotels, you’ll be talking about the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Peru for a lifetime. Much more than culture and fabulous Inca ruins, Peru is a land of legends, wildlife and ancient vows. And at this Machu Picchu Hotel, you’re invited into a storybook world. Set high in the Cloud Forest, in its own intimate Andean village, with terraced hills and waterfalls, be prepared for the most incredible stay.

Discover this on: Treasures of the Incas

The mystical Cloud Forest

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The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is set in 12 acres of natural Cloud Forest beauty.  With their own unique ecosystems, Cloud Forests are both beautiful and bountiful. These tropical forests prominently feature a layer of dense fog at the canopy level. The result is a heavy mist around the treetops at all times, hence the name Cloud Forest.

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Ethereal and mystical, the heavy fog both filters the sunlight and provides the underlying foliage with a source of moisture. This in turn creates an environment attractive to mosses and ferns and tends to be humid and boggy. In Peru especially, a staggering number of species thrive in cloud forests. This includes thousands of orchids, hummingbirds and a wealth of flora and fauna that has yet to be discovered.

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The grounds of the Inkaterra Hotel Machu Picchu are home to 214 bird species, including the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock. The forest is also home to the world’s largest native orchid collection, with 372 registered species.

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An exceptional hotel

Perfectly located for those heading to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an exquisite retreat. Step into another world in this rainforest, bursting with terraced hills, waterfalls and stone pathways. The complex features 83 whitewashed “adobe casitas” tucked away in the cloud forest, for an unreal setting you’ve likely never experienced before.

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Feel the outside inside

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Beautiful rooms and suites offer the perfect sanctuary for simple relaxation and here at the hotel, personalized comfort is assured. Decorated with local crafts and eucalyptus beams and a colonial style wardrobe, you will feel at one with your surroundings. Enjoy robes, Andean slippers crafted from recycled materials, plus environmentally friendly toiletries. If treating yourself to a suite you can also enjoy an outdoor shower, plunge pool, day bed and luxurious marble bathrooms.

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The incredible Unu Spa

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The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel’s sumptuous spa combines classic nurturing with a mystical Andean approach. Treatments use 100% natural products derived from local botanical extracts, such as mint, eucalyptus and of course the famous orchids. Providing a spiritual, sensual and soothing experience, Unu Spa means water in Quechua. Treat yourselves to a deep tissue exfoliation with sacred coca leaves or rejuvenate with facial hydration, hot stones and foot therapy. Guests can also relax and steam away any cares in the Andean sauna.

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Exceptional dining

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Situated between the Machu Picchu train tracks, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant Café Inkaterra serves delicious fare under a traditional Amazonian palm-thatched roof, surrounded by regional crafts. The restaurant and adjacent terraces were built as a large glass house with an exceptional view of the Vilcanota River and the surrounding green mountains. A creative menu blends Andean cuisine with a contemporary approach, creating innovative fusion-style fare. The perfect place to unwind, far from the crowds, and share the secrets of Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist.

The delights of Peruvian cuisine

A magnificent melody of flavors, Peruvian food is often referred to as Criolla or Creole food because of the blend of Spanish, Asian, Incan and other European cuisine influences which are integrated into the recipes. Ingredients are based heavily on potatoes, beans, rice, beef, eggs, lamb, fish, corn, chicken and especially the Aji, or chili. Perhaps most famous (and exquisite) is Peru’s national dish Ceviche. When in Peru we also recommend trying the Lomo Saltado (stir fried beef) and Papas a la Huancaina (potatoes in spicy cheese sauce).

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The perfect base from which to explore Machu Picchu

One of the most sought-after destinations on earth and one of the most mystical, Machu Picchu stands proudly at 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a lush tropical mountain forest. The Lost City of the Incas was rediscovered by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911 after being forgotten for centuries. Now a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, much of its history and purpose remains a mystery even to historians.

Within this sprawling ancient citadel are famous sites including the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Three Windows. Here you’ll also find the Temple of the Condor, the Sun Gate and the Intihuatana rock, believed to be an ancient sun clock. Easily accessed by train, your first-class seats and panoramic windows make for sublime views en route to Machu Picchu village. Arrive before the day trippers and join your expert guide for an exclusive and fascinating journey back in time.

Discover this on: Treasures of the Incas

 Read more: 7 experiences to stir your soul in Latin America

 To enjoy the delights of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel for yourself, take a look at our Treasures of the Incas luxury guided tour.

One of the best ways to embrace la dolce vita is indulging in Tuscan food. From truffles and hearty soups to gelato and Tuscan wine, there’s an abundance of Tuscan delicacies to savor on our Ultimate Italy tour. Get acquainted with the essential guide to Italy for foodies and dive into our seven favorite Tuscan culinary experiences. 

Meet Marchese Mazzei for a private lunch and wine tasting 

Should you travel on a Founder’s Collection of our Ultimate Italy tour, you’re treated to an exclusive lunch and wine tasting with Marchese Mazzei at his centuries-old Tuscan estate, Fonterutoli Winery. Revered for its Chianti Classico, the winery’s Mazzei family has been evolving its winemaking through tradition and innovations to support a low environmental impact since 1435. Begin with a tour of the estate highlighting the history of the Chianti Classico appellation and a visit to the underground Author’s Cellar. You’ll then sit down to sip their complex wine and enjoy a light lunch while you gaze out upon the villa and homes dating back to the 1500s.  

Francesco Mazzei and Fonterutoli Winery

Visit Guardastelle winery for a wine tasting and lunch 

Delve into Tuscan wine on a private tour of the 15th century Guardastelle estate. Your personal oenophile will guide you through the ancient cellars and share their insights on their grape varieties and family-owned estate. Tenuta Guardastelle is one of the smallest wineries in San Gimignano and is the ideal place to sample Tuscan wine. Paired with a lunch of Tuscan specialties, your lunch among rolling green hills and vineyards makes for an idyllic dining experience. 

Related Content: Wines of the world 

Taste award-winning ice cream in San Gimignano   

What better way to embrace Tuscan delicacies than by tasting gelato with World Champion Gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli? Tucked within winding alleyways is the world-renowned artisan ice cream parlor, Gelateria Dondoli. Within this small shop filled with tempting tastes you’ll hear master Dondoli’s story of developing his craft since 1984. All his ice creams feature highly selected, top-quality ingredients of local regions. For example, the saffron and hazelnut have protected designations.

Dondoli also won the prestigious MAM (Master of Art and Craft) award in 2016, the Italian equivalent of the “Living National Treasure” Japanese Prize and the French “Maître d’Art” Award. Only 75 Artistic Masters were awarded this honor in Italy and Sergio is the only Gelato Master to have received this important award. Some of his notable flavors include Crema di Santa Fina® (cream with saffron and pine nuts), Champelmo® (pink grapefruit and sparkling wine), Dolceamaro® (cream with aromatic herbs) and Vernaccia Sorbet. 

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 Forage for aromatic truffles guided by an expert truffle dog 

Known as the “golden mushroom,” the truffle captures the elegance and sumptuous flavors of Tuscan food. Truffles in Tuscany grow around the roots of oak, hazelnut and pine trees across the hilly landscape. Your tour will take you on a fascinating foraging trip through these very regions guided by an expert truffle dog. After your excursion, use a truffle (or gift it along) as soon as you can. Truffles lose both their aroma and weight as time passes. White truffles pair well with simple ingredients such as fresh egg pasta or polenta. Or, dishes with butter, eggs, potatoes or cheese.  

Explore Florence on a culinary walk with a local foodie 

Visit the lively Mercato Centrale to learn about Florentine specialties with a local foodie. This market opened in 2014 in a historic cast iron and glass structure dating back to 1874. The aim was to make local artisans and their produce the heart of the food scene. Sample Florence’s culinary delights in the tucked away market shops offering a selection of gourmet highlights. Try local bread and baked goods, fresh fish, vegetarian and vegan dishes, meat and charcuterie, buffalo mozzarella, cheese, chocolate, gelato, fresh pasta, wine, lampredotto and truffles. 

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Enjoy dinner in an elegant Florentine villa 

A highlight of your Tuscan culinary journey will surely be dinner in Florence feasting on regional dishes, including the famous local specialty ‘bistecca fiorentina.’ This traditional dish is a Tuscan steak made from the region’s Chianina breed of cattle which are prized for their tenderness and flavor. This simple recipe seasons the steak with little more than olive oil, rosemary and salt. It is then grilled it to perfection to highlight the rich flavor of the meat. Savor every bite over this authentic dining experience.    

Tuscan Lunch and Cooking Class with Italian Chef 

What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of Tuscan food than with a hands-on cooking class? We’ll take you inside the former hunting lodge built in the 1200s by the Medici family. Begin by taking a stroll through the olive groves, vineyards and villas before sourcing fresh ingredients from the garden. Then partner with a professional Italian chef to learn how to roll your own fresh tagliatelle and pappardelle pasta.  

With so many decadent and authentic culinary experiences in Tuscany alone, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to fill your plate with Tuscan food and enrich your travels. 

Where will your taste buds take you?