A Spanish history fact we cannot dispute: some of Spain’s best artwork is located outside of the famous Spanish museums and galleries. Just visit the Santo Tome church in Toledo and you’ll find El Greco’s renowned painting, “The Burial of Count Orgaz”.

But other iconic pieces by Picasso, Dali, and Velazquez? You can only gaze at them from the safe confines of Spanish museums. We always recommend that art lovers and casual admirers view a sampling of a country’s artwork in as many contexts as possible. You’ll no doubt be wowed at the sculptures on display in city squares, just as you’ll stare in awe at the priceless works that can only be found in Spanish museums. 

During your next luxury vacation in Spain, we recommend each of these Spanish Museums find a place on your itinerary. 

Learn more: Hiding in Plain Sight: Incredible Artworks You Can Discover at Luxury Gold Hotels

Museo Nacional del Prado | Madrid

The Prado Museum, as it’s more commonly known, rarely needs an introduction. Travelers from all corners of the world come to Madrid to see iconic works like “Las Meninas” by Diego Velazquez, “The Third of May 1808” by Francisco Goya, and “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch. Rembrandt, El Greco, Raphael, and Peter Paul Rubens are also showcased, making Prado an unmissable stop.

Museo del Greco | Toledo

Photo credit: @museo_del_greco on Instagram

Over a century old, the El Greco Museum celebrates one of the famous artists of the Spanish Golden Age. A 16th-century home houses an extensive collection of El Greco’s work, particularly his later works. You can also find art from other 17th-century painters at this museum in Toledo’s Jewish Quarter. Sadly, most of El Greco’s finest works are not on display here, though his “The Tears of Saint Peter” and the rest of El Greco’s Apostolate series make it well-worth the visit. 

Museu Frederic Marès | Barcelona

Paintings are splendid, but for those who prefer the intricate, unbelievable detail that only sculptures can showcase, the Museum Frederic Marès in Barcelona is one of the best Spanish museums dedicated entirely to sculptures. The uniqueness of this museum is that the beloved local sculptor’s work sits side-by-side pre-Roman and Spanish medieval works. He amassed this collection over the course of his lifetime, and in doing so, created a one-of-a-kind shrine to the history of sculpting unlike any other. 

Read more: These artisanal jobs hark back to an older time

Picasso Museum | Malaga

Of the many iconic Spanish museums, the Picasso Museum in the painter’s hometown of Malaga is one of the best. Priceless paintings adorn this Spanish museum, including “Bust of a Woman with Arms Crossed behind Her Head”, “Portrait of a Bearded Man”, and “Still Life with Minotaur and Palette”. It goes without saying that the Picasso Museum in Malaga is often considered Malaga’s most important Spanish museum.

Guggenheim Museum | Bilbao

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is an extraordinary sight, even before you step inside. The giant spider sculpture, “Maman” by Louise Bourgeois, hints at the larger-than-life quality of the artwork inside. Some of the masterpieces in this extensive collection include Mark Rothko’s “Untitled”, Willem de Kooning’s “Villa Borghese”, and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Man from Naples”.

Save for later: Budding landscape artists will find endless inspiration with Luxury Gold

Museum of Fine Arts | Seville

Photo creditL: @museobellasartessevilla on Instagram

The Museum of Fine Arts in Seville was created by Royal Decree in the 1800s and it still remains a regal site for viewing masterful works of art. Stroll through the exhibition halls to view examples of Seville’s renowned Baroque artists, including the “The Crucifixion of the Scuola di San Rocco” by Juan de Roelas and Francisco de Zurbaran’s “Fuente de Cantos”.

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía | Madrid

Photo credit: @museoreinasofia on Instagram

Madrid has so many wonderful Spanish museums that you can plan an entire vacation admiring the works throughout the city, including in the famous Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. From “La Guernica” by Pablo Picasso to “Lola” by Antonio Saura, the Reina Sofia museum is one of the very best in Spain.

Read next: Why Spain sets the gold standard for art museums

Though Spanish museums are among the best in the world, there is far more art to appreciate outside of these galleries. We invite you to join the Luxury Gold Spain & Portugal in Style tour to see for yourself. 

This 13-day tour is primarily set in Spain and includes visits to Seville’s Fine Arts Museum and Madrid’s Prado Museum. Journey through Córdoba, Granada, and other Spanish cities, discovering paintings, sculptures, and exceptional artistry throughout.

There’s no better way to see Switzerland than by train.

From the shores of Lake Lucerne to the Top of Europe, the best train rides in Switzerland are innumerable. Even a simple commuter train from Interlaken to Grindelwald offers jaw-dropping views that are breathtaking. Luxury train rides in Switzerland only enhance the view with fine dining, a host of convenient in-carriage amenities, and the opportunity to see Switzerland’s mountain peaks, gorges, forests, and valleys in a way no other mode of transportation can.

From quick day trips to towns you’ve never heard of to day-long excursions that allow you to sit back and spend your vacation in a state of bliss, at least one of these luxury train rides in Switzerland should be on your bucket list.

Swiss connection: Roger Federer, Trevor Noah and the timeless beauty of Switzerland

Transalpin Express

Route: Zurich, Switzerland to Graz Austria 

Europe’s extensive rail network means you can explore countless landscapes in a matter of hours. The Transalpin Express may not limit itself to Switzerland, but this nine-hour journey through three countries gives you a glimpse into how the Swiss Alps compare to the Austrian Alps. It has a panorama carriage for maximum views, and unlike some other luxury train rides in Switzerland, the Transalpin Express is all about the Alps. Plus, you’ll ride through Sargans, Buchs, and then over the River Rhine, granting even well-ridden Swiss travelers a view that they likely haven’t yet seen.

Experience it: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a Traveling Concierge

The Vigezzina – Centovalli Railway

Route: Locarno, Switzerland, to Domodossola, Italy

Not all of the best train rides in Switzerland take you beyond the border, but the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway does. Also known as the Centovalli Express, this route was designed for nature lovers. The narrow-gauge railroad powers along through thick forests, rugged cliffs, dark green slopes, and cascading waterfalls. Best of all, it’s only a two-hour adventure, making it an effortless day trip for those who want a spectacular train ride and to add a little Italian stopover to their Swiss vacation schedule. 

Gotthard Panorama Express

Photo credit: @gotthardpanoramaexpress on Instagram

Route: Lucerne to Lugano

Envision the Gotthard Panorama Express as an attempt to window-shop Switzerland. This popular rail line puts two of Switzerland’s prettiest places front and center: the Italian Ticino and Central Switzerland. It’s a route that operates daily, including with standard commuter trains, so it’s accessible even for those with tight itineraries. Traveling through the 19th century Gotthard Tunnel is especially exciting, but perhaps the element of this near-six-hour excursion that really pushes it into icon territory is the included boat ride between Lucerne and Flüelen. As you can imagine,theGotthard Panorama Express route would be quite chilly in the winter, so while it does cease operations when the temperatures drop, you can still tackle the Gotthard panorama route via the Treno Gottardo in the winter months.

Read next: 7 reasons to visit Le Montreux Palace in Switzerland

Jungfrau Railway 

Route: Kleine Scheidegg to the Top of Europe

When it comes to the best train rides in Switzerland, the Jungfrau Railway is never left out of the conversation. The completion of the railway itself was a remarkable feat; the fact that you can reach 3,454m above sea level in a matter of minutes is just as unbelievable. Riding through the Eiger and Monch mountains via tunnel is unforgettable, as are the views from the Top of Europe and Eismeer station. The Jungfrau Railway operates all year round, and with so much to experience including exhibits, restaurants, and shops, it’s worth devoting a full day to this excursion. 

The Glacier Express

Route: Zermatt to St. Mortiz

Switzerland knows how to do slow travel the right way and the Glacier Express proves it. This eight-hour journey may only traverse three cantons but this popular luxury train in Switzerland still delivers an equal measure of quality and quantity. From Zermatt to the holiday resorts of St. Moritz, you’ll leisurely look out of your carriage window and see sights like the Rhine Gorge, the Matterhorn, the Oberalp Pass, and the Landwasser and Solis spiral tunnels and viaducts. The Glacier Express shuts down between October and December, but since you get book tickets three-month in advance, it allows you to plan your Swiss vacation around this century-old railway experience. 

Destination inspiration: 5 incredible photographs to take from Switzerland’s Glacier Express

The GoldenPass Express

Photo credit: @goldenpassexpress on Instagram

Route: Interlaken and Montreux

The GoldenPass between Central Switzerland and Lake Geneva has long been regarded as one of the best train rides in Switzerland, thanks in equal parts to its beauty and its inclusion in the Eurail Pass. In 2023, this luxury train through Switzerland got a lavish facelift via a new “Prestige” class. The panoramic views this route was known for can now be experienced from a more private carriage with elevated, heated leather seats that can rotate 180-degrees. Champagne and caviar are also exclusively served to Prestige class passengers, adding one more undeniable reason why this grand train tour of Switzerland is always one of the best. 

No visit to Switzerland is complete without a train ride through the country’s magical landscape. That’s why Luxury Gold delivers not one but two unique train journeys on Luxury Gold’s Majestic Switzerland tour. Over the course of 10 days, you’ll experience Swiss culture, history, and cuisine, including a ride across the country on the Glacier Express, snapping photos you’ll cherish for decades. You’ll also board Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel train to Gornergrat Summit where you’ll spy the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa in the distance. 

Switzerland is one European country that’s worth every penny spent.

You’ll never regret immersing yourself in the finer elements of this country’s heritage, culture, and diverse community. From inspired dining that regularly earns Gault-Millau points to luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps that have their own private mountain railways, to experience a five-star stay in Switzerland is to embrace an experience as elevated and highly-regarded as the country’s renowned exports. 

Spoil yourself with a stay at one of these luxury resorts in Switzerland.

Ambassador Hotel | Zurich

Photo credit: @ambassadorhotelzurich on Instagram

A neo-baroque facade opens up into a Belle Époque interior delicately appointed with lavish furnishings. From the rooftop terrace views of Zurich’s lake and downtown to the smooth Milk Punches served in the Silk Bar, the Ambassador Hotel may be one of the smaller luxury hotels in Switzerland, but not a single splendid detail falling below your expectations. You need to only look at the Ambassador Suite for proof of such pure luxury: a stop at the complimentary minibar followed by a seat on the private balcony overlooking the Zurich Opera House will introduce you to rich Swiss accommodation.

Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski | Saint Moritz

Photo credit: @kempinskistmoritz on Instagram

Of the many luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski both tempts you to spend hours indoors while also enticing you to explore the mountains to your heart’s content. Before you even set foot in the lobby, you can take the cable car directly to hiking and skiing trails. Just do remember that this 19th century building is worth wandering in its own right. The Alpine Spa is as inviting as the landscape: a menu of pristine pampering including a Swiss skincare program using anti-aging-trans-dermal technology, facials incorporating organic seaweed science, and restorative rituals that even children can enjoy.

Read next: The timeless beauty of Switzerland with Trevor Noah and Roger Federer.

Mont Cervin Palace | Zermatt

Photo credit: @montcervinpalace on Instagram

A cozy chalet with full view of Switzerland’s four-thousanders. One would think such a place is only found deep within the Alps, not in the center of Zermatt. Mont Cervin Palace has both chalet style and alpine style suites that warmly welcome you to cuddle up beside the fire and gaze out at the Matterhorn. As one of the luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps that cater to families, you can make memories with your little ones by renting ice skates and not miss a minute of Mont Cervin Palace’s luxe amenities thanks to babysitting services. While the kids play with their new Swiss mascot friend, Wolli, you’ll savor every Gault-Millau point served at the hotel’s six bars and restaurants. 

Hotel d’Angleterre | Geneva

Photo credit: @hoteldangleterre on Instagram

As elegant as the Lake Geneva shoreline it sits on, Hotel d’Angleterre was designed to reflect Geneva’s beauty. Sumptuous suites with marble-lined bathrooms invite you to wake up or wind down in supreme comfort. You’ll need the rest and relaxation after partaking in one of the hotel’s extraordinary experiences such as taking a night market tour with the hotel’s Executive Chef or spending the afternoon in a watchmaking workshop. Should you need a pre-slumber break, the plush smoke-free cigar lounge has a seat for you. But if you were born to be on your feet, follow the lively music to the Leopard Bar.

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern | Lucerne

Photo credit: @schweizerhof_luzern on Instagram

So many famous faces have laid their heads in Hotel Schweizerhof’s beds since 1845 that you shouldn’t be surprised if you spot a celeb. Like B.B. King and Mark Twain, you can walk into this luxury resort in Switzerland and feel like a guest of honor. Luxury suites with lake views and plenty of room for guests are your retreat after eating your way through the exotic dishes at Galerie and Pavillion, only a short elevator ride away.  

Explore each of these luxury hotels in Switzerland when you join Luxury Gold’s Majestic Switzerland tour. This 10-day journey treats you to a VIP sparkling wine experience, an after-hours tour of the Rosengart Museum, and a ride on the Glacier Express.

Destination inspiration: 5 incredible photos to take from the Glacier Express.

After spending 9 days with Luxury Gold, consider extending your stay at one of Switzerland’s best hotels.

Hotel Bellevue Palace | Bern

Photo credit: @bellevuepalace on Instagram

A Grand Hotel that evokes a Bern long before the hotel became the official hotel of the Swiss administration, Hotel Bellevue Palace is an intersection for the government and the gourmands. A Finnish sauna, imaginative cocktail list, and a regal Presidential Suite with Bernese Alps views make this one of the top luxury resorts in Switzerland. 

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa | Interlaken

Photo credit: @victoriajungfrau on Instagram

Luxury resorts in Switzerland like Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa will make you wonder why you didn’t spend your entire vacation soaking up the Bernese Oberland scenery. An expansive spa, fine dining featuring both authentic Swiss and Italian dishes, and world-class champagnes await your arrival. 

Learn more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a Traveling Concierge.

Hotel Les Trois Rois | Basel

Photo credit: @grandhotellestroisrois on Instagram

Hotel Les Trois Rois sits on a spot in Basel’s city center that’s been a hub of history since the Middle Ages. Write your own chapter in the River Suite Napoleon, a space adorned with frescos reminiscent of the Napoleonic era. And to top off its timeless charm, the hotel’s afternoon tea service is one that the Dutch of Bedford would approve of. 

Villa Principe Leopoldo | Lugano

Phot credit: @villaprincipeleopoldo on Instagram

As if it were dreamt up in a fairytale, the Villa Principe Leopoldo will leave you with a sense of whimsy the moment you lay eyes on this luxury resort in Switzerland. The Princess Garden Suite is an appropriate haven that includes a private jacuzzi and view overlooking Lake Lugano.

Save for later: Seven Reasons to Visit Le Montreux Palace in Switzerland.

Tschuggen Grand Hotel | Davos

Photo credit: @tschuggengrandhotel on Instagram

Tschuggen Grand Hotel is a luxury hotel in Switzerland that has no qualms sending you up to its luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps. Mountain lofts retain all of the five-star amenities and white-glove service of the hotel while offering a quiet escape 1,800 meters above sea level. Their list of curated experiences is impressive in itself, but if you’re merely looking for R&R, use the private mountain railway takes you directly to the pistes and trails.

Indulge in a refined Switzerland vacation tailored to discerning travelers. Find travel tips, destination inspiration, and more information about Switzerland’s best resorts when you book an unforgettable journey with Luxury Gold.