Luxury Gold journeys are unparalleled when it comes to experiencing the very best – from 5-star hotels to Michelin-rated dining – with our boutique collection of limited edition tours offering the chance to enjoy some exceptional destinations. However, did you know you can extend your travel wish list even further with our sister brand Insight Vacations? Offering over 100 itineraries to 48 worldwide destinations, you’ll hardly need to compromise on style or comfort, as Insight Vacations ‘Business Class’ tours all feature 4 and 5-star hotels, top-rated dining and custom ‘Business Class’ style coaches.

Take a look at the full Insight Vacations worldwide collection.

Premium Tours for the Curious Mind

A signature mark of each Insight Vacations trip are the Premium Experiences that shape your journey, each hand-picked by our expert Travel Experiences team. Designed to indulge your curiosity in each destination, on Insightful Encounters you’ll learn from best-in-class experts, specially chosen for their depth of knowledge and inspiring stories, and with Insider Access you’ll enjoy an up close and personal look at places and spaces before or after hours.

As with all The Travel Corporation brands, all Insight Vacations itineraries feature MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, enabling you to get deep under the skin of the places you visit and make a positive impact as you travel. Plus, you can add on from a range of carefully curated Optional Experiences if you still thirst for more.

So, What Exactly is ‘Business Class’ style?

4 and 5-star hand-picked hotels, seamless travel, an expert Travel Director and 24/7 support are all key components of Insight Vacations’ ‘Business Class’ tours. Along with comfortable coaches with extra legroom, porterage at every hotel and something.

Your premium experience starts with the flexibility to select your group size. Travel in a group averaging 20 travelers, with a maximum of 24, or choose a larger group averaging 33, capped at 40. Both options are smaller than those offered by mainstream tour companies.

Premium dining is also a defining stamp of every Insight Vacations trip. From dining in the homes of locals to immersive farm-to-table dining experiences, cooking demonstrations, top rated restaurants and the best of local fare, every included meal is thoughtfully sourced and thoroughly fabulous.

Always Included on Every Insight Vacations Tour

On every tour your premium essentials are included as standard. Stylish hotels perfectly located, all premium experiences, custom ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extra legroom and window span, all your breakfasts and half of your dinners. Also included are gratuities on all inclusions, airport transfers and complimentary Wi-Fi in hotels and on the coach.

When it comes to cuisine, some evenings are left free so that you have the freedom to travel and eat how you like and won’t feel restricted by a rigid schedule. Lunches normally aren’t set, so you have free time during the day in case you want to take a break or go explore on your own.

Choose Your Pace

Understanding that everyone has their preferred rhythm to travel, discover and explore, with Insight Vacations you can choose the pace that best suits you. Throughout the full collection of ‘Business Class’ tours you have the choice of Discovery Journeys which see multiple countries on one tour, such as the 16-Day , 8 country European Discovery and Regional Journeys which explore one region or country in depth, such as the 8-Day Boston, Cape Cod & The Islands. You can also choose a Country Roads tour, including the sublime Country Roads of Italy, where you go off the beaten track or Easy Pace tours for a more sedate vacation, staying at least three nights in one location such as Easy Pace Malta.

Try a Women-Only Tour

Created by women, for women, why not join one of our small group tours (max 20 persons) of like-minded females to travel the world? Insight Vacations’ Women-Only Tours offer 11 exclusive itineraries, that span the world from North Africa to South America.

Perhaps you’re after a long-overdue all-girls’ getaway, with all the details managed for you? Or maybe you’re a grandmother, mother or daughter looking to create unforgettable memories with the significant women in your life? Whatever your reason for wanting an all-female adventure, our small-group Women-Only Tours could be the perfect solution.

Travel in style on these tailored ‘Business Class’ tours, and along the way you’ll meet inspirational females and learn about the women who have shaped the places you visit. In Egypt, Explore Valley of the Queens, a burial ground for the wives, daughters and sons of Kings from 1550 to 1080 BC. In Morocco, delve into Moroccan gastronomy as Chef Najat Kaanache presents her tasting menu, blurring art and cuisine, and in bonny Scotland meet a Champion Sheep dog trainer in Scotland.

What Real Past Insight Vacations Guests are Saying

To paint more of a picture, here’s a selection of what real past guests of Insight Vacations, who have just returned from their travels are saying:

Kelly, said of Easy Pace Italy “There is so much you would miss out on if you didn’t do this tour and tried to do it unguided……All the extras Insight Vacations adds in are very special.”

Michael & Nettie were also impressed by this Italian tour, saying “The service and hospitality was amazing. Our tour guide, Brad, our bus driver Enrico, and the other tour guides that we met on land, were top notch…. Their knowledge of the places we visited was limitless and enjoyable.”

Terry traveled on Best of Ireland & Scotland and said “Insight Vacations tours are a wonderful way to get an in depth experience in so many countries. They provide lots of historical information, show you the best sights and give you an opportunity to experience the local food and culture. …. this was our fifth tour, and I see more in our future.”

Zena said of Best of Germany, “Great itinerary. Covered all the interesting cities, castles, restaurants and historic [sites]. And yet enough time on your own to explore if you wanted.”

Vivi, Country Roads of France said “Exceptional service with overall experience received. Selected local restaurants are fantastic, hotel accommodations on great location (we preferred and enjoyed LOCAL hotels more than franchised….). Drivers and well-chosen local tour guides are amazing. Thank you!

You can browse the full Insight Vacations collection of ‘Business Class’ tours here.

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, located along the Adriatic Sea, is renowned as one of the most stunning coastlines you’ll have the pleasure to witness. Stretching from Zadar to Dubrovnik, it features crystal clear waters, a myriad of islands, ancient Roman ruins and vibrant local culture. To hear first-hand  what its like to cruise this coastal paradise, we had the pleasure to speak with Luxury Gold guest Sal who recently travelled with his wife on our Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast tour.

Discover the journey: Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

An Unexpected Delight

“It was phenomenal,” says California resident Sal when asked to sum up his journey along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, admitting to not knowing much about this Balkan paradise before he and his wife set off on this tour. “Usually, I do a lot of research before a vacation,” he tells us, explaining that this was a more a spur of the moment decision. Originally looking to spend a month in Italy, a country they love, Sal decided to mix it up a bit and chose Luxury Gold’s Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast journey, with its seven day cruise of the islands..

“It was the best decision I made,” he tells us. “We’ve been to Italy six times and it’s lovely, but Croatia was just like a real breath of fresh air. Everything was clean and bright, the people were friendly, and it felt very safe. And the country is just beautiful. I had wanted to be surprised, and we were pleasantly surprised throughout the whole trip.”

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Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast – The Tour

Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast is a 2-week luxury small group journey, starting in the capital Zagreb with a stay in the magnificent and storied Esplanade Hotel. With the first few days on land, you’ll experience Croatia’s extensive natural beauty at the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park and explore the country’s rich history with a visit to the ancient Pula Arena. You’ll also enjoy an exclusive introduction to Croatian cuisine as you try your hand at truffle hunting in Istria on this luxury vacation to Croatia.

Then, on Day 5 it’s time to take to the crystal waters for a seven-day cruise. Built to the highest specifications, the MV Markan Deluxe yacht-like cruiser provides you with an unforgettable sailing experience through the charming islands that adorn Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Geographically, the Dalmatian stretch of Croatia’s coast begins from the town of Zadar at the foot of the Northern Velebit Mountains, running south past major towns along the coast at Sibenik, Trogir, Split, down to Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’.

You may also enjoy reading: Travel Concierge Sharon, on the experience that awaits when you visit Croatia

A Thousand Islands, and More

Croatia is in fact and archipelago made up of 1,244 natural islands, of which 48 are inhabited. These range from glitzy party islands catering to the rich and famous, to islands hosting tiny communities and preserving a medieval way of life. From large to small, flat to hilly and forested to barren, there’s something for everyone, and together these islands form the centerpiece of Croatia’s charm. On Luxury Gold’s Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast journey, your cruise takes in the islands of Hvar, Sibenik, Sali, Mali Losinj, plus the coastal stops of Mali Ston, Zadar and Dubrovnik.

“As you sail, seemingly out of nowhere, there’s these little islands everywhere you look, hundreds of them,” says Sal. “Then as you get closer you see a development, whether it be a single house or a little community, an actual village or a bigger city. The architectural feats that they overcame to create these places I find amazing. Along with using rocks from the island, everything has to be brought by boat, every window, every brick.

“Each of the islands we stopped at had their own charm and their own individual character. The architecture is similar, as are the food and the people, but they all had different topography and were different in their own special way.”

See behind the velvet rope: After Hours: Travel Like a VIP With These Exclusive Experiences

Front Row Seats to Croatia 

Cruising the islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast with Luxury Gold is more than just sailing in VIP style. On the island of Lošinj you’ll enjoy a private tour of the Museum of Apoxyomenos, home to a famous 2000-year-old Greek bronze statue, which had been perfectly preserved in the nearby seabed. While in the quiet town of Mali Ston, you’ll stroll out to the floating oyster beds and savor fresh, briny oysters straight from the sea.

When asked his highlights, Sal tells us that though there were so many it is hard to pick, but for him ultimately it was life on the water. “It felt like it was like our own private yacht, you know the lifestyle of the rich and famous,” he says with a grin. “As you arrive you have front row seats. You pull in right at the heart of the harbor, where most of the life of the city revolves around, they tie up the boat, you walk off and you’re in the heart of everything.”

Bookmark for later: A Day in The Life of One of Croatia’s Top Truffle Hunters

The MV Markan

At 48 m long, the elegant MV Markan is spacious yet intimate. Modern amenities include air-conditioned cabins with private facilities and a large sundeck with a hot tub and chaise loungers. Your every need is attended to by a dedicated crew and the cuisine on board is delicious.

“Dining during the cruise was a nice combination,” Sal says. “When it was convenient, we would eat on the boat, including breakfasts, or when travelling overnight and we had a fabulous Captain’s Dinner. Alternatively we would eat at restaurants on our stops.

“I’m not a big seafood person and I don’t actually eat fish, which is not ideal when you’re in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea and every stop is a harbor town! But I was still able to enjoy myself and eat well – the on-board chef was very accommodating and talented.

“Even though it’s a small crew running the boat, the service is exceptional. We had two bartenders who were also waiters. They wore lots of hats but knew all our names from the first day and were at our beck and call, they treated us so well.”

Discover the passion behind every tour: How Luxury Gold Journeys Go Above and Beyond with Expert Karen Gower

Your Travel Concierge

At the helm of every Luxury Gold journey is your Travel Concierge. Fluent in the local language and experts in flawless service, they take care of all the details while you relax and enjoy yourself.

“Danielle our Travel Concierge was really great,” says Sal. “Very friendly and knowledgeable, happy to help with anything, and also very patient! It was great knowing that she was taking care of everything, and also on hand for all questions and recommendations.”

You may also enjoy reading: 100% Meaningful, 100% Memorable: Why Every Luxury Gold Journey Matters

Overall – Spectacular

“We’ve travelled with Insight Vacations before,” Sal tells us, talking of our sister brand at The Travel Corporation offering ‘Business Class’ style tours targeted at the curious mind, “and we heard about Luxury Gold being a bit of a step up. And it was. The hotels were spectacular, the small group size worked well for us, and the free time built into the itinerary.

“A lot of people think that guided tours are always going to be rushed but that was not the case. At almost every hotel we were there at least two nights, so we didn’t have to pack and unpack. Then on the cruise we were there for seven days, before a few more days on land. And when in Dubrovnik we just walked right out of the door of our hotel [the 5-star Hilton] and into the city. I really liked the pace of the tour, a perfect balance for us.

“Overall, it was just a spectacular trip. The beauty of Croatia combined with the lovely meals and restaurants, exceptional hotels and small group size made it the luxury vacation that we really deserved.”

Join us on Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast, a 15-Day luxury small group journey.

Serene surroundings adorned with elegant decor, soothing sounds of water, and the gentle aroma of essential oils – that can only be a luxury spa.  But how do you make the most of your visit? And what treatments do you try? To find out the spa secrets to make the most of your visit, we spoke to Joanna Moran, Director of Spa and Wellness at Ashford Castle.

Luxury Gold guests visit this sensational 5 star hotel on our Castles & Kingdoms, and Ultimate Ireland small group journeys. Not only home to one of Ireland’s most prestigious spas, the  castle features elegant rooms, fine dining, and a range of activities including falconry and golf.

Discover this on: Castles & Kingdoms and Ultimate Ireland

The Secret to a Great Luxury Spa

Joanna Moran, Director of Spa and Wellness at Ashford Castle has worked in the industry for over 20 years.

“A great luxury spa is a place where you can truly relax and rejuvenate, it’s a sanctuary, ”Joanna explains when asked her spa secrets. “It is somewhere you can immerse yourself in a transformative journey of well-being, whilst being nurtured and nourished by beautiful surroundings and high-quality treatments.”

“At the heart of a great luxury spa lies exceptional service, with highly trained staff ensuring a unique and tailored experience for every guest. Having a dining menu available that complements the spa’s wellness philosophy is also a great way for guests to finish of a day of pampering.”

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Four Hands are Better Than Two

“The most incredible spa treatment I ever had was in Ananda in The Himalayas where I experienced their exclusive Four-Handed Abhyanga Massage,” she tells us.

“This ancient Ayurvedic massage involves two therapists working in perfect harmony, using synchronized movements. The result is a deeply relaxing and profoundly rejuvenating experience. Even with all my experience in the wellness industry I was impressed, this is definitely a spa secret worth sharing!

“The massage comes with significant mental and emotional benefits too. The synchronized, rhythmic movements help to release accumulated stress and tension, giving a feeling of inner peace and rejuvenation.”

Bookmark for later: Ayurveda to Onsen: These Wellness Practices Have Stood the Test of Time

Try The Big Freeze

Whilst the main aim of a spa is of course relaxation, that doesn’t mean that you can’t step a little out of your comfort zone and try something new. The jacuzzi, sauna and steam room offer a familiar comfort, but there’s much more on the menu these days.

“I highly recommend ice baths, I’ve tried them and they’re transformational,” says Joanna, “with so many benefits, both physical and mental, they are the best spa secret if you’ve not yet tried one. The cold temperature can help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. They also help to flush out metabolic waste from the muscles and boost the immune system.

“What I love about though are the mental and emotional benefits. The experience of enduring cold water stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones, which make you feel fantastic.”

If you like wellbeing you may also enjoy reading: 100% Meaningful, 100% Memorable: Why Every Luxury Gold Journey Matters

Reach for the Hot Cups

“Hot cupping is another therapy that I really love and encourage everyone to try,” says Joanna, explaining that hot cupping is an ancient therapy with roots in traditional Chinese medicine.

“It’s been used for thousands of years to promote healing and balance in the body. The process involves placing heated cups on the skin to create a vacuum, which draws the skin and underlying tissues upward into the cup. It’s believed to stimulate the flow of energy, or “qi,” and aid in overall wellness.

“One of the primary benefits that I have experiences is its ability to relieve pain and relax muscles. The suction and heat from the cups help to increase blood flow to the affected areas. It really is very effective especially when used in conjunction with acupuncture and massage therapy.”

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My Bucket List Spa

Guests at Six Senses take part in a Cacao ceremony: Photo credit: @sixsenses.ibiza on Instagram

“The Spa at Six Senses Ibiza is certainly one that stands out on my bucket list,” says Joanna, sharing more spa secrets. “It offers a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on mind, body and spirit, and it is renowned for its combination of cutting-edge therapies and traditional healing practices. This comprehensive approach to well-being is something I find incredibly appealing and beneficial for achieving overall balance and rejuvenation.”

Located on the picturesque northern tip of Ibiza, Six Senses offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea – the idyllic setting alone makes it a desirable destination.

“This spa offers a level of exclusivity and personalized attention that sets it apart,” she continues. “With a limited number of guests at any time, they ensure that each visitor receives individualized care and bespoke treatments. This personalized approach is something I deeply appreciate, as it enhances the overall spa experience.”

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A Day at Ashford Castle Spa

Photo credit: @ashfordcastle on Instagram

A highlight of your stay at the magnificent Ashford Castle, under Joanna’s careful eye the Spa and Wellness Centre offers an experience second to none. Located in County Mayo, Ireland, this 13th-century castle was once the ancestral home of the Guinness family and has been meticulously restored to offer an opulent retreat. Surrounded by 350 acres of lush grounds, guests can explore extensive gardens, woodlands and Lough Corrib.

“If you were to spend a day with us at Ashford Castle spa I would advise you to begin by indulging in our luxurious Ashford Castle Ritual,” says Joanna. “This is our signature spa treatment and combines a soothing back massage with warm aromatherapy oils, a relaxing foot massage, and a mini spa facial for an instant glow.

“Then you can spend time in our lavish steam room, to detoxify and relax your muscles, and open your pores. Follow this with a refreshing dip in our heated indoor pool with stunning views of the castle grounds, then, after your treatment, retreat to our Relaxation Room to enjoy fresh, healthy nibbles and soak up the ambiance of the spa and the beautiful Ashford Castle estate. We’d love for you to come an experience true relaxation and rejuvenation with us.”

You may also be interested to read: How Luxury Gold Journeys Go Above and Beyond with Expert Karen Gower

Joanna’s Top Tips to Make the Most of Your Luxury Spa Experience:

Photo credit: @ashfordcastle on Instagram

Before your visit: choose treatments which best suit your needs and preferences. Booking in advance is always a good idea so that you can get your preferred time and treatment.

Arrive on time: Arriving at least 30 minutes before your appointment allows you to check in, change into your robe and slippers, and start unwinding in the pool or thermal relaxation areas. This sets a calm tone for your entire visit.

Share your preferences with staff: Whether it’s the pressure of a massage, the temperature of the room, or any allergies, clear communication ensures a personalized and comfortable experience.

Turn off your phone: or leave it in a locker to fully immerse yourself in the serene environment. Disconnecting from technology helps you to relax and be present in the moment.

Drink plenty of water before and after your treatments to stay hydrated, especially if you plan to use saunas or steam rooms. Many spas offer healthy snacks and beverages, so take advantage of these to keep your energy levels up.

Don’t rush through your spa day. Allow yourself to linger in the relaxation lounges, enjoy the amenities like relaxation pool and steam room and savor the experience fully.

Post-treatment care is crucial for maximizing the benefits of your spa treatments. Follow any aftercare instructions provided by your therapist, such as avoiding direct sunlight after a facial or staying hydrated after a massage.

Remember to reflect on your experience. Enjoy a cup of herbal tea, sit quietly in the relaxation lounge, and let the feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation sink in before you return to the outside world.

To experience the luxury of Ashford Castle for yourself take a look at our Castles & Kingdoms and Ultimate Ireland small group journeys.