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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.   

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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.

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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. 

Food is not just about great taste and nutrition. It can also tell a story of history and heritage in the most vibrant, flavorsome and captivating way. You’ll discover this and more when you dine at Salmon n’ Bannock, the only Indigenous-owned and operated restaurant in Vancouver.

Coming together at the gathering place created by proud Nuxalk Nation’s member Inez Cook, you’ll savor traditional and authentic Indigenous foods and flavors, passed down by elders. As the founder and owner of Salmon n’ Bannock, and the author of children’s book ” The Sixties Scoop”, Inez Cook is an incredible educator and an advocate for Indigenous people in Canada. This is her story…

Dine at Salmon n’ Bannock, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, on: Majesty of the Rockies

The story of Inez Cook

Inez Cook was born in Bella Coola B.C., a proud member of the Nuxalk Nation, one of the first Nations of Canada. When she was just one year old, she was forcibly taken from her mother by the Canadian Government and given to a white family to raise in Vancouver. 

Cook was one of an estimated 20,000 Indigenous children stolen under the Sixties Scoop, a government policy of cultural assimilation and systematic erasure beginning in the 1950s and lasting until the 1990s. There were also cases of child welfare services selling Indigenous children for tens of thousands of dollars to white adoptive parents across Canada. To this day, the true number of victims remains unknown as many forced adoption records were destroyed or disappeared. 

While Cook says she is one of the lucky ones who had a loving adoptive family, she said she always felt out of place and had no information about her biological family while growing up. She knew she was adopted but did not know she was born Nuxalk, or that she was stolen from her parents in Bella Coola. 

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The inspiration behind Salmon n’ Bannock

As Cook grew into adulthood, she felt a strong yearning to learn about her Indigenous heritage. Food became the major catalyst for her reconnection with the Nuxalk Nation. As she worked in different food industry jobs over the years, she realised there were no Indigenous restaurants in the whole of Vancouver, and dreamed of opening her own restaurant. 

One day, Cook drove past the sign of Indigenous-owned Kekuli Cafe in Kelowna that read “Don’t panic…We have bannock!” (traditional Indigenous bread). That sign inspired her to make the decision then and there to open a restaurant that would pay homage to her Indigneous heritage. 

Cook wanted to create a space that represents Indigenous foods, traditions, and culture with pride. She wanted to build a gathering place where people could come together to share food and stories. In 2010, Cook achieved this dream, opening her restaurant, Salmon n’ Bannock. 

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The Salmon n’ Bannock menu

After months of research and learning about First Nation cooking techniques and native ingredients, Cook built a remarkable menu. She wanted the restaurant to showcase traditional methods like smoking and preserving food. She also wanted to use Indigenous foods and dishes that First Nations people traditionally hunted and harvested. Her menu includes foods like bannock, bison, wild sockeye salmon, game meats, maple syrup, wild boar, and Ojibway wild rice. Cook would use seasonal and foraged ingredients and even bought wild huckleberries from a First Nations elder who carried a gun in case he needed to scare off bears while foraging.

Cook says she learns more about Indigenous dishes and foods every day at Salmon n’ Bannock and that the restaurant does not represent any one First Nation. Instead, it’s a thoughtful and authentic menu of Indigenous food. It’s also a celebration of Cook’s heritage and identity – a proud Native woman. 

A must read for food lovers: Mind the culture gap: The chefs who make worlds collide through food

Indigenous dishes with modern influences

Cook then took the traditional ingredients and dreamed up modern twists. Take pemmican, an important Indigenous food, traditionally made with dried meat and berries. Cook has revived this dish by making a delicious, rich Pemmican Mouse. It’s made with smoked and dried bison mixed with sage-blueberries and cream cheese, and paired with their perfectly toasted bannock.

She also transformed wild sockeye salmon into the Urban Salmon Burger, served with signature bannock, lemon aioli and house made pickles. Salmon is spiritually significant for many Indigenous people as it represents the Circle of Life in the way it is born in freshwater, lives in saltwater, then returns to freshwater to spawn and die. Cook marinades and smokes the fish using dry white sage, a sacred herb used in smudging practices in important ceremonies. Freshly baked bannock bread is then symbolically split in two to form the bun for the salmon. The breaking of the bannock shows that everyone is welcome at the table here. 

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The beauty of Bannock

Bannock, which plays a starring role in this aptly-named restaurant, is a traditional Indigenous food with a complex history entwined with colonialism. Scottish fur traders first introduced a version of bannock to Canada, however, Indigenous peoples adopted bannock and it’s made differently all over the country. Bannock plays an important role in Indigenous cultures and is an essential dish at potlatches, a traditional ceremony and feast for First Nations communities. 

In British Columbia, bannock is known as the “Aboriginal staff of life” and cultural knowledge and stories are often shared over a basket of bannock. It’s a cultural tradition and a staple comfort food made in many different ways. At its most simple, it’s a mix of flour, water, baking powder and salt, and it can be fried, baked, or cooked on an open fire. It can be pillowy soft and deliciously crumbly. 

Cook has her own fond memories of bannock. She used to make it at summer camp as a child, cooked over the fire and drizzled in corn syrup. Today, Cook’s signature bannock embraces the diversity of this dish. She serves it scone-like with butter and berry jam and as crackers with salmon mousse. She whips it into a bun for a wild samon burger, and as bread topped with mushrooms, melted brie, sage-blueberries and bison gravy. Cook says that Indigenous people all made some kind of bread, pre-colonialism, and today she makes bannock to reclaim this Indigenous dish. She wants her food to be seen as a proud declaration of Indigenous food and culture.  

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How the restaurant helped Inez Cook find her family

First Nations totem poles stand tall in Vancouver’s Stanley Park

As more First Nations members began visiting the restaurant to try out the food for themselves, Cook was questioned by Nuxalk peoples on her authenticity. After sharing her biological mother’s name – Miriam – with a Nuxalk woman, Cook’s uncle soon showed up. He told Cook he’d been looking for her for a while and had promised her mother Miriam he would find her one day. 

Sadly, Cook’s mother had passed away before she could meet her, however, Cook’s uncle gave her restaurant a Nuxalk blessing and invited her to her community for an emotional three-day potlatch. There she reunited with her Nuxalk Nation and was able to meet hundreds of relatives. She also received her regalia and traditional Nuxalk name, Snitsmana, which means “protector of the sacred dance, and lively”. Through this experience, Cook was able to learn about the culture and traditions of the Nuxalk. She felt she could embrace her Indigenous roots, all while gaining a sense of belonging and new understanding about herself. 

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Educating through food

The Inukshuk statue in Vancouver’s English Bay. This symbol was used by the Inuit people to mark the location of essential resources, such as hunting grounds.

Over the last 12 years, Salmon n’ Bannock has remained Vancouver’s only Indigenous-owned and operated restaurant. It’s one of the best establishment’s on the city’s dining scene, and exclusively hires Indigenous and First Nations staff. Her team includes members of Nuxalk, Carrier Sekani, Cree, Haida, Long Plain, Muskoday, Ojibway, Pinaymootang, Squamish, Tsimshian, and  Quw’utsun Nations and Indigenous groups, along with a Maori employee from New Zealand.

Cook also uses the restaurant to educate and advocate through food. In 2018, she and Jason Eaglespeaker published “The Sixties Scoop”, a children’s book that shares the truth about Canada’s genocide. Cook says she never learned about this at school when she was growing up and believes the best way to educate future generations is by teaching children. 

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Indigenous food sovereignty

Cook says we still have a long way to go in fighting misinformation and achieving food sovereignty for Indigenous communities. She says that some foods, like wild game, still have to go through several strict regulations before they can be served. With over 600 Indigenous nations across Canada, she says it’s absurd that Indigenous people are not allowed to serve their traditional food. Cook says there needs to be commercially approved kitchens in all Indigenous communities so health inspectors will approve them of serving these foods. 

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Indigenous land acknowledgements

Cook also campaigns for airlines to include a proper land acknowledgement in their pre-touchdown announcements when arriving into Canada. She also wants the “Welcome to Vancouver” sign to include the recognition that the city is set on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They were the original inhabitants for 9,000 years before the Europeans landed here, and they never ceded or signed away their land. Cook says that land acknowledgement is a small but significant step towards showing respect for Indigenous people and righting past wrongs. 

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Breaking bannock – the spirit of Salmon n’ Bannock

Food is something that has always brought people from all cultures together. This is particularly true for Cook, for whom food has led her to reconnect with her family and culture. She dreams of the day that Indigenous restaurants are no longer a rarity in Canada and wants Indigenous food to become part of the common dialogue – as regular as going for burgers, sushi or tacos. She envisions her restaurant being a place where people can learn about Canada’s First Nations people, by sharing stories and traditions through food. 

So when people come to her restaurant to break bannock, they’re not only tucking into a beautiful meal – they’re helping to preserve and celebrate Indigenous cultures.

Would you like to experience Salmon n’ Bannock? You’ll visit this fantastic restaurant on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury guided tour on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where you’ll break bannock over a delicious Celebration Lunch made with traditional ingredients and flavours.

To dream of Iberia is to dream of passion, culture and exceptional cuisine. To elicit the true essence of Spain and Portugal, there’s no one quite like your Luxury Gold Travel Concierge.

More than a local expert, they live and breathe your destination. Offering a personal, tailored service, combined with a black book of contacts known only to locals, they make our limited-edition journeys exceptional.

Here, Travel Concierge Dom shares his passion for Iberia, what makes Spain and Portugal so unique and tells us how to savor the best of this exceptional region.

For travel inspiration read our destination guides: Spain and Portugal

Why Iberia has my heart

“My love of travel, and of Iberia, started young when I would travel to Spain on family holidays,” Dom tells us. “As a kid I loved the differences, the foreignness, the desire to explore another culture. And at that age it involved making friends with the local kids, joining in crab fishing on the beach, for example. Despite not understanding the language at the time, I found I had a natural ability to assimilate, and I developed a yearning to know and experience more.

“As I got older, I became addicted to seeing other cultures and comparing them to mine. Iberia was a natural gravitation. It’s sunny, the people are great. I’m really interested in the history and the culture, and I really enjoy sharing this love with others. My love of travel grew, ultimately leading me to become a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge.”

 Discover Iberia on: Spain & Portugal in Style

 An exquisitely crafted itinerary

“The Spain & Portugal in Style itinerary is so well curated,” says Dom. “You go from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, from Barcelona through Southern Spain and over to Lisbon. ‘You see the capital cities and all the big hitters, and there’s plenty of free time to appreciate what else each location has to offer as well.

“Harnessing the true passion of Iberia, a highlight for guests in Seville is a flamenco dance lesson and performance at the Christina Heeren Foundation. I’ve seen many flamenco shows but this is just another level of excellence. The dancing and the musicians, they are the top of their game, literally the best artists in the world.”

Read more about this exclusive flamenco experience: Discovering the Soul of Spain with Alexandra Hoffer in Seville

Spain and Portugal – alike yet unique

“The history of Spain and Portugal differs to the rest of Europe,” Dom explains. “These distinctive cultural influences, garnered from an eclectic peopling of Iberia, mean that today they have their own way of doing things. Both countries are very European, but at the same time there’s a unique look to their architecture, their food and so forth.

“Spain and Portugal then differ from each other, through influences from their respective explorations and empires. Portuguese also sounds very different to Spanish, and the people are often a bit more reserved, particularly compared to those in southern Spain.

“A key part of my role is to bring the history to life for guests, along with guiding them through the nuances and differences. I love sharing these stories as we travel between locations.

“As you cross the border and travel into Portugal, changes are subtle, such as seeing road signs in a different language. Then once you start to travel onwards through the countryside, the Atlantic influence reveals itself in the flora and fauna.”

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Iberian food culture – a perfect fit for small group travel

“On Spain & Portugal in Style we’ve got some outstanding restaurants, and many ways to enjoy food, from Michelin-starred dining to a cooking class,” Dom tells us. “Food in Iberia is such a big thing; the culture revolves around the cuisine and dining experience.

“I love how Luxury Gold guests really adopt the culinary culture of the places that we’re going to. Just like the Spanish and the Portuguese, we have long lunches and big sociable dinners.”

My foodie highlights – Spanish fine dining and local Portuguese fare

Credit: @lanticmoli on Instagram

“L’Antic Moli in southern Catalonia is definitely one of my highlights – Michelin-starred dining and a true Spanish cultural experience,” Dom says. “On my last tour we were there for three hours. Course after course of impeccable flavors and textures, and lots of talking; no one wanted to leave!

“In contrast, when we cross over into Portugal, we stop in a very small village called Serpa – the kind of place you wouldn’t know to go to. Here  as part of the itinerary, we experienced something very different in a local restaurant: Cante Alentejano polyphonic singing. The restaurant was rustic, with wooden tables and vegetables and meats brought out in big terracotta bowls, all accompanied by this wonderful authentic music. That is also one of my favorites and the contrasts just blow me away.”

Read more: Meet Michelin-star chef Vicent Guimerà of Spain’s L’Antic Molí restaurant

My favorite ingredients and dishes

“For me it’s all about the simple ingredients – the fresh Mediterranean salad for example is always a winner. I also recommend the tortilla (Spanish omelet) which I eat daily. In Spain you will find even the basic things are done in such a wonderful way. The Mediterranean diet is also of course very famous for its health benefits.

“My favorite Portuguese dish is a fish one, cod of course, the country’s specialty. There is a dish called ‘Bacalhau com natas’, a delicious combination of shredded cod with cream, sliced potatoes, onion and cheese, all baked in the oven, which is best washed down with vinho verde, green wine. And for dessert, the original, impeccable pastel de nata, custard tart. Yum!”

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Savor seafood in Barcelona

“Both Spain and Portugal have some of the most incredible seafood in the world,” says Dom, “and a great place to indulge is Barcelona.

“I used to live in Barcelona, so I know it well, and I recommend guests head out the seaside neighborhood of Barceloneta. This old fishing village is now home to multi-million dollar yachts and some outstanding eateries.

“The 7 Portes restaurant, which is 186 years old, is the ideal place for old school Barcelona food. It is famed for its rice dishes and paellas, tapas and traditional cannelloni.

“One of my favorite seafood restaurants is called Botafumeiro which is also not far from our hotel. The dishes here include warm spider crab pie, a Botafumeiro-style Spiny-lobster and grilled Palamós shrimps.”

For more Barcelona dining recommendations: For Fine Dining in Spain, This City Sets the Gold Standard

Indulge in Gaudi

Of course, Spain & Portugal in Style about more than food. Visiting all the top sights, the tour starts on a cultural high. “Whilst there we visit Gaudi’s iconic Barcelona masterpiece La Sagrada Familia with THE best local specialist,” says Dom. This unique modern temple has been under construction since 1882 and is not actually yet finished.

“All I can hear is guests saying, wow, wow and everyone has really sore necks because you always looking up in wonder! We also visit Park Güell up on the hill where Gaudi’s architecture meets his inspiration – nature.

“There are so many more outstanding buildings from Gaudi in Barcelona. So, with their spare time I often advise guests to visit these – the Casa Mila, the Casa Vicens and many others.

“Continuing on an art theme of recommendations for guests, Picasso grew up in Barcelona and lived very close to the previously mentioned 7 Portes Gates restaurant. The Picasso Museum houses an extensive collection and is well worth a visit.”

Luxury Gold guests can in fact rest their sore necks from admiring Gaudi and all these art works by booking a ‘Bath butler’ at the five-star Ohla Eixample where we stay whilst in Barcelona. Coming back after a long day and finding the perfect bath waiting for you: salts, candles, relaxing herbal tea or a bottle of cava. Just one of the exceptional hotels that are a hallmark of every Luxury Gold journey.

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My hotel highlight – Evora’s Convento do Espinheiro

“Each of the hotels is fabulous, and has their own style, but the one that always amazes me the Convento do Espinheiro in Evora, Portugal,” says Dom. The stunning 15th century building and gardens was once a convent, with rooms featuring antique or 1950s-inspired furnishings.

“The cloisters and the chapel are still there, it’s quite remarkable. We have dinner in the Cellars where they used to make the wine and the olive oil. As well as the exceptional service, the uniqueness of staying in what used to be a convent is really special. You’d never think really to stay in in such a place.

Discover more of our exceptional hotels: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

Personalize your day in Madrid

A key feature on all Luxury Gold tours are the opportunities for guests to personalize their day with a choice of two experiences. These offer contrasting ways to explore and experience your destination, each carefully curated with the Luxury Gold guest in mind,

In Madrid guests have the option to visit the Prado Museum with an art historian, or to take a walking tour through Madrid’s Old Town.

“For art lovers, or just those with an interest in Spain and its history this is the one to take,” says Dom. “In European terms Italy and France are famed for their museums but Spain often gets overlooked. The Prado is a world class gallery, and you can learn about the history and story of Spain from these masterpieces. There are the Royal portraits from artists such as Velazquez and Goya. There are also many international artists on display, Titian and Bosch, for example. There’s even a copy of Mona Lisa from DaVinci’s workshop. Not a lot of people know that.”

“Then those who want to be a bit more active and see kind of the backstreets of Old Madrid and some kind of little secret corners there, the way to go would be The Walking tour. This is also the perfect opportunity to get churros, a highlight of any day!”

“In fact, on this day, people can do both experiences in Madrid if they want,” Dom adds. “This is one of the many benefits of our Spain and Portugal itinerary, and of small group journeys – the flexibility to adapt to how our guests may be feeling on any given day.”

You may also be interested to read: Why Spain Sets the Gold Standard for Art Museums

Visit Spain and Portugal or the ultimate luxury vacation with exceptional hotels and exquisite cuisine, on Spain & Portugal in Style, or choose from our worldwide collection of small group journeys.