When it comes to luxury travel, the difference is in the details. It’s the little things, like priority access, door-to-door transfers, special surprises, and personalized service that elevate your tour and give you the full royal treatment.

From unparalleled attention to detail from your Travel Concierge to exclusive curated experiences, here are all the ways we make your trip exceptional. 

Personalized service from your Travel Concierge

At the heart of every Luxury Gold tour is your dedicated Travel Concierge. As masters of anticipating your needs and identifying your preferences, they ensure you receive personalized attention throughout your journey. From making restaurant reservations to offering local recommendations and fulfilling special requests, the Travel Concierge goes the extra mile to tailor every detail to your individual preferences. 

Read more: Cape Expectations: How Travel Concierge Jameel Makes South Africa Sing

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Private door-to-door transfers

Forget frantic trips to the airport. The royal treatment starts as soon as you step out your door. Your bespoke Luxury Gold experience begins with private door-to-door transfers. You’ll enjoy a seamless transfer from your home to your local airport with a private car and driver. That also includes door-to-door porterage. We take care of your luggage with the utmost care and attention, with hassle-free transfers and convenient door-to-door porterage between every destination. 

Special surprises

While you can count on unwavering support and service on your Luxury Gold tour, you can expect the unexpected when we surprise you with special treats or experiences throughout your journey. It’s just one of the ways we add a touch of magic to your trip. 

Read more: 5 of the best Passport Moments you’ll enjoy with Luxury Gold

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Priority access

Avoid long queues and enjoy priority access and reserved seating at all the popular attractions and events you visit on your tour. 

Read more: Royalty & Noblemen: The fascinating people you’ll meet in Europe with Luxury Gold

Exclusive VIP experiences

The standout highlights of any Luxury Gold tour are the exclusive VIP experiences. These unique opportunities allow you to access venues or events that are typically off-limits to the general public. 

Tour castle gardens with a Duchess, meet an Austrian princess, or have lunch with an iconic Peruvian politician. Set off on a private tour of a renowned art gallery after hours, dine in a historic castle, or enjoy an exclusive wine tasting with a world-class sommelier. Our curated experiences take you beyond the velvet rope to create unforgettable moments and a truly royal treatment. 

Read more: Exclusive travel encounters: Founder’s Collection

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Exceptional dining experiences

Fine dining is a key part of the Luxury Gold experience and our team goes above and beyond to provide remarkable dining experiences. We take you to the impossible-to-get-into Michelin-star restaurants and arrange private culinary events where you can savor gourmet meals and local flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning tastes. 

Read more: What to expect when dining at a Michelin starred restaurant

Unique stays

An exceptional tour isn’t simply about luxury stays. We handpick each accommodation to ensure you experience not only luxurious comfort but also authentic and unique stays. From historic mansions and castles to opulent properties that are loved by royals themselves, you’ll explore some of the most extraordinary establishments in the world.

Read more: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

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Luxury transport

A truly remarkable trip understands that every stage of your journey needs to be outstanding – including your transport. From private transfers to first-class train carriages, we ensure your transport is just as enjoyable as the destination. Our spacious luxury coaches come with comforts like complimentary Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and refreshments and snacks on board.

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Small group journeys

Another one of the ways we make your trip extraordinary is by limiting our luxury small group tours to an average of 20 guests. This ensures an intimate and more personal travel experience. With fewer guests, you’ll have a more relaxed pace of travel, better access to attractions, and richer encounters with locals. 

Read more: 7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

Expert local guides

We partner with knowledgeable local guides who provide expert insights into each destination’s history and culture. These passionate guides share their personal stories and insider perspectives, bringing each location to life in the most unique way.

Explore our luxury tours and find out more about how we give you the royal treatment when you travel with Luxury Gold.

If you’re about to head off on a safari to Africa’s extraordinary destinations, you’re probably wondering what to wear and what to pack. From game drives to bush walks and sundowners, you’ll want to be prepared for everything on your safari. Our expert team know exactly what you do and don’t need on safari, from your luggage to your clothing and accessories. We’ve put together the ultimate packing guide so you can go on safari in style.

Experience it: Spectacular South Africa

Luggage

Before you start packing, you need to choose the right luggage. For a safari in Africa, a soft-sided suitcase or duffel bag is the best choice. Most luxury safari camps and lodges have strict luggage restrictions, particularly if you’re flying on small domestic flights between destinations. A lightweight, soft-sided bag can be easily stowed in small storage spaces.

Daytime clothing

If you want to safari in style, you’ve got to choose the right clothing. Here are our tips on how to dress comfortably and appropriately on safari:

• Wear long trousers and long-sleeve shirts to protect against the elements and insects. It’s appropriate to dress conservatively in many African countries, so bring clothing that can cover your shoulders, chest and midriff, even outside the national parks.
• Bring shorts, t-shirts, sun-dresses or casual wear for downtime around the lodge.
• Wear clothing options that are easy to layer up, as morning and evening game drives can be cold, while the daytime drives can be hot. You’ll need a warm jacket and a waterproof coat in case of rain.
• Choose moisture-wicking materials to stay comfortable and cut down on clothes washing in remote safari camps and lodges.
• Wear clothes in neutral colors such as brown, beige, khaki and dark green. This helps you blend in with the landscape and increases your chance of spotting wildlife. Avoid white and brightly colored clothing. You should also avoid military-style camouflage clothing as it’s illegal in many African countries such as Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda.
• Swimwear: Most luxury safari lodges have a pool so bring your swimwear.
• Sleepwear: Pack some comfortable sleepwear in breathable materials
• Underwear and socks: Go for moisture-wicking underwear and socks to help you stay comfortable all day.

Read more: Cape expectations: how Travel Concierge Jameel makes South Africa sing

Footwear

Bring comfortable walking shoes that have been worn-in, to avoid blisters. If you plan to do any hiking, you’ll need sturdy hiking boots.

You should also bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at the lodge or by the pool.

Evening wear

Depending on your safari and lodge, you may like to bring a more formal outfit for dinners or evening events. Check with your personal Travel Concierge to find out if you need to bring evening wear on your tour.

Accessories

Bring a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses to protect you from harsh UV rays.

You should also bring one or two lightweight scarves or bandanas. These come in handy for protecting your face from dust, shielding your neck from the sun, cleaning lenses on your camera or glasses, or wrapping around yourself on chilly mornings.

Read more: 5 of the best Passport Moments you’ll enjoy with Luxury Gold

Travel gear

Camera and accessories: Capture the incredible wildlife and landscapes with a good camera, protective cases, extra memory cards, and spare batteries or a portable charger. If you plan to take photos with your phone, bring a dustproof and waterproof case plus extra memory cards.

Binoculars: Good quality binoculars are highly recommended.

Torch or head flashlight: These are essential for navigating around the lodge at night or if you plan to go on night game drives. A solar-powered torch or flashlight is a great eco-friendly alternative.

Portable chargers and adaptors: Portable chargers are one of the handiest gadgets you can bring on safari. You’ll also need to check the plug type for your destination to determine which power adaptors you need. If you’re visiting multiple countries, a universal power adaptor might be the best option.

Waterproof bags: Bring waterproof bags for all your important equipment. If you plan to go kayaking or do water sports, bring a dry bag.

Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated and limit single-use plastic waste by bringing a reusable water bottle. You can refill it at your safari lodge or during game drives. You may also like to bring a water bottle with an in-built filtration system.

E-reader: If you love to relax with a good book in the afternoons when travelling, bring an e-reader such as a Kindle or Kobo with some good books preloaded. It’s easier than hauling around heavy books and you can download dozens of books at a time. Ask your personal Travel Concierge for recommended reading about your safari destination before you go.

Read more: The personal touch: our top 5 curated luxury travel experiences for 2023

Toiletries

• High-SPF sunscreen
• After sun cream
• Mosquito repellent
• Bite relief cream
• Lip balm
• Hand sanitizer
• Biodegradable wet wipes
• Eco-friendly toiletries such as solid shampoo, soap, deodorant, and toothpaste tabs.
• Basic first aid kit including band-aids, pain relievers, antihistamines, gastro relievers, and any personal medications. Check with your doctor about whether you need to bring malaria prophylactics.

Documents and essentials

Keep your passport, visas, travel insurance information, and any necessary vaccination certificates in a secure, waterproof document holder.

What not to bring

Plastic bags: These are banned in many African countries including Kenya and Rwanda. All visitors are required to discard any plastic bags before entering the country including ziplock bags and duty-free plastic bags. There are penalties for those found in possession of them, so be sure to use alternatives such as cotton totes or silicone bags.

Camouflage clothing: It’s illegal in many countries and unnecessary on safari.

Drones: These are illegal in East Africa.

If you want to know more about what to pack for your safari, be sure to speak to yourTravel Concierge. They are experts on your destination and are there to offer guidance and personal service every step of the way so you can safari in style.

Experts in your destination and there to tailor your journey, your Luxury Gold Travel Concierge offers the ultimate service. More than a guide they offer a flawless personal service, tailored to you. To learn how Ultimate Italy is made even more ultimate, we spoke with Travel Concierge Anna to find out more about how she personalizes your tour.

Discover our Italy Luxury Tours and Vacation Packages

Meet Travel Concierge Anna

A specialist in Italy for over 15 years, Travel Concierge Anna knows this beautiful country inside-out. And, a key skill of a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge, she also knows people. “Tailoring the perfect Italy tour comes from our destination experience and understanding our guests. It is also about getting to know people quickly and identifying their wishes and desires.”

Through a combination of conversation and intuition, Anna gets to know guests’ needs right from the start. “I will spend time with them on the first night. As it is always a small group, it’s quite easy to get to know guests fairly quickly and offer a personal one-to-one service. I’ll ask if you have particular things that you’re interested in and would like do.”

But the personalization process doesn’t stop there. Throughout the tour Anna will continue to intuit guest’s likes and dislikes, tailoring the experience as she goes.

“As the trip goes on you learn more and more about people,” she says. “So, we also adapt to guests’ needs as we go. Through my expert knowledge of Italy, I have plenty great ideas up my sleeve to tailor your experience.”

Discover this on Ultimate Italy

Exceptional dining for every palate

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Exceptional dining is at the heart of every Luxury Gold journey, with some truly exquisite restaurants featured on our sublime Ultimate Italy tour. There are also opportunities for guests to choose how and where they dine. In a gastronomic haven such as Italy, Travel Concierge Anna’s local knowledge and expertise enables guests to tailor their culinary experience.

“In Capri, we dine at Michelin starred restaurant Mamma, where the food is exquisite and the views are jaw-dropping,” Anna tells us. “You approach through little narrow back alleys, through a tiny little door which then opens up to a panoramic view over the Mediterranean out towards Naples. It is an amazing dining experience.”

Related content: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

“When guest have a free evening, for example in Perugia or Florence, I will help choose where to dine. In each location I’ve hand-selected restaurants that serve delicious fare and are located near the hotel. Each areslightly different, for example one may be fine dining, one may be very atmospheric and local. Another might simply serve outstanding pizzas, we are in Italy of course!” she says with a smile.

“When it comes to gastronomy, every region is totally different. This is something I love to share with guests. Southern Italy is all about seafood and the views. When in Rome it’s all about finding that little backstreet trattoria that has traditional dishes served by Mom and Pop. And in Tuscany, Florentine steak takes pride of place on the menu.

“You may also have particular restaurants that you’ve heard of and wish to visit, in which case I will help with reservations where possible. It becomes apparent very quickly when guests are really into food so I love to help them out on that journey with all that Italy has to offer.”

Related content: Where to Find the Most Rare & Expensive Food in the World

Pick between exclusive experiences

With many exclusive experiences included on Luxury Gold tours, there are also times where guests can personalize their day, through a choice of two different experiences.

Carefully selected by your Travel Concierge, these thoughtful choices are curated with the Luxury Gold guest in mind. “The thing is with Italy, it has so much to offer,” Anna says. “It has art, history, architecture, beaches, mountains and vineyards. And of course, it has fabulous food and wine. It’s an incredible place.

“In the stunning hilltop town of Assisi in the heart of Umbria, knowing that art and culture appeal to our guests, we extend this offering with the opportunity to visit Saint Francis Basilica, to see stunning frescos dating back around 800 years.

“However, we also understand that guests might want something different, so they may prefer to join a local gourmand to taste delicious Umbrian specialities. That might be mushroom or truffle paste on crostini, interesting varieties of salamis or maybe the famous Umbrian pork, along with delicious olive oils.”

Elevating the everyday

“I’m always considering any opportunities to tailor a guest’s experience,” Anna explains. “I can show secret treasures that you might not otherwise find. If I know that someone is really into art, as we are walking through the streets of Rome I might quietly say ‘let’s just pop into this church because I happen to know there’s a Caravaggio in here.’ This is what happens when you are well experienced and know these hidden gems.”

Related content: The Luxury Gold guide to discovering statement art pieces on your travels

Special moments made exceptional

Wherever possible Anna assists with special requests, to make your journey extra special. “Sometimes guests are keen to trace their family history,” she says. “Guests from the United States often have family connections in Italy. If we are staying very close to where their family originates, I might help them make a visit. This can be a very emotional experience for everyone.”

“We also have guests celebrating big anniversaries, in which case I will help them make it extra special, to find a superb restaurant or location for a truly memorable occasion. There are lots of suggestions that we can make for special moments.”

Related content: 7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

The best of both worlds

“Whilst guests want their service to be personalized, they also love being in a group, to have fun and share experiences together,” says Anna. “This is the great joy of taking these tours, meeting people and making new friends. But for our guests, knowing that they can also tailor their experience is the best of both worlds.”

To enjoy the wealth of treasures the Italy has to offer, and benefit from the personal service of your Travel Concierge, take a look at our Ultimate Italy limited edition luxury .tour