While the country is renowned world-wide for the historical riches of the Inca Empire, Peru’s more recent past is no less intriguing.

Journey with us to this fascinating country, and discover the true spirit of Peru with our exclusive Founder’s Collection invitation to meet Peruvian politician and philanthropist Dr. Francisco Diez-Canseco Távara.

Meeting Dr. Canseco in his ancestral family home, you’ll learn about Peru’s history through the personal lens of his family heritage, as he shares anecdotes and artefacts.

Discover this on: Treasures of the Incas

Meeting Dr. Canseco

In the vibrant Peruvian capital of Lima, you’ll have the privilege of joining Dr. Canseco for a private lunch at his charming villa. As you dine, Dr. Canseco shares stories of his family’s long heritage in Peru, which includes former presidents, politicians and Spanish nobility. You’ll also be treated to an intimate tour of his ancestral home, where many notable figures have set foot before you.

The first members of Dr. Canseco’s family arrived in Peru at the end of the 17th century. Since then, his family has acquired a large collection of paintings, sculptures and other works of art with great historical value—such as Venetian tables dating from the 19th Century and important paintings of the Cusco School.

You’ll also learn about his philanthropic activities, including projects in the highland of Peru that are supporting Indigenous farmers. An acclaimed lawyer, journalist, politician and philanthropist, you’ll come away with a deep and personal insight into the history of this fascinating country.

For travel inspiration: Peru destination guide

Peru’s rich history

Peru’s rich and complex history dates back thousands of years, with the earliest inhabitants arriving around about 15,000 years ago. The oldest civilization in the Americas, the Norte Chico, settled on Peru’s coast from around 3500 BCE to 1700 BCE. And, perhaps most famously, Peru was home to the 15th century Inca Empire. Under Spanish colonial rule from 1534, the country became an independent republic in 1824.

Peru’s Republican history is also a complex and fascinating tale. And, for guests of Luxury Gold, Dr. Canseco weaves a captivating narrative as he takes you on a personal tour of his home.

Related article: Mayta in Lima, Peru named one of the world’s top 50 restaurants

A home with a story to tell

To step inside Dr Canseco’s ancestral home is to step into a living museum. With the warmest of welcomes, explore room after room filled with fascinating mementos and historical treasures, each with a story to tell.

“I will show you a lot of artefacts that have been linked to the history of Peru. And specifically, to the republican history of Peru where my family has had an important role,” Dr Canseco explains.

One such item is a piece of fine chinaware. “In 1879 Peru was defeated by Chile in a war,” Dr. Canseco tells us. “At that time General Andrés Avelino Cáceres (who later became the president of Peru) started guerrilla warfare in the Andean region. His wife, Antonia Moreno Cáceres, whose initials are on this china, brought the ammunition and guns that Cáceres needed to fight the Chileans in the Andes to this very house. And then from here she took them to the Andean region.

“This is also a very beautiful telegram that was sent by John F. Kennedy to my mother, when my stepfather Mr Manuel Seoane, at that time the Ambassador for the Alliance of Progress, died in Washington. In this text Kennedy commends Seoane, as a fighter for freedom, democracy and social justice throughout Latin America.”

Related article: Exclusive travel encounters: Founder’s Collection

Treasures of the Incas

Meeting Dr Canseco is a highlight on Founder’s Collection departures of our Treasures of the Incas tour, but there is much more in store also.

Over 12 days explore 13 cities, with magnificent hotels and exceptional dining. See the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, arriving before it opens to the crowds of day-trippers. In Lima, take a VIP tour of artist Victor Delfin’s home. Indulge in Pachamanca feasts in the Sacred Valley. Dine in Cusco at the city’s preeminent MAP restaurant and rest in luxury accommodations such as the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel—an enchanting Andean village resort, set amongst 12 acres of unspoiled cloud forests, with winding rivers, and misty waterfalls.

Read more: Step inside Peru’s blissful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel

With our Founders Collection, we take you even further beyond your expectations. This is our exclusive collection of intimate invitations to meet European nobility, legendary locals and celebrated icons. Available on selected Luxury Gold departures, spend time with the people who have shaped the history of the places you are visiting.

Snow-capped peaks; shimmering lakes; glamorous cities; decadent cuisine. This is just part of what makes Switzerland one of our favorite destinations. Through our exclusive connections and partnerships, we offer a luxurious Switzerland experience that captures the timeless elegance of this country.

And now, through our partnership with Switzerland Tourism, Luxury Gold is supporting the launch of a new film starring Swiss icon, Roger Federer. As one of history’s most successful athletes, the tennis legend is the perfect ambassador for a country of exceptional heights.

Alongside Roger Federer, the new film also features Swiss-South African comedian Trevor Noah, as the duo attempt to navigate their way through Switzerland’s majestic landscapes by train. There are plenty of hilarious moments, and even more sublime scenery. You can watch the film here:

To find out more about the film, and what Switzerland has to offer for Luxury Gold guests, we spoke with Simon Bosshart, Chief Markets Officer East for Switzerland Tourism, and Gavin Tollman, CEO of The Travel Corporation. As long-time Switzerland residents, both know Switzerland better than most.

Simon, tell us a bit about the most recent film release with Roger Federer and Trevor Noah; and why Luxury Gold was the only choice to be your join launch partner?

Simon: “After an incomparable tennis career, Roger Federer retired from top-level tennis last year. However, he is and remains a brand ambassador for Switzerland Tourism. That makes sense, because Roger Federer was, is and will remain not only the greatest Swiss sportsman, but also the best ambassador for the country.

 “A look at the past two years, in which he has set new standards for national tourism advertising together with Switzerland Tourism, is the best proof of this. After Robert De Niro – and Anne Hathaway in 2022 – stood by his side in front of the camera in 2021, the Switzerland Tourism brand ambassador will again receive acting support this year.

“The co-star of the 2023 campaign is Trevor Noah, comedian, presenter and actor, and like Roger Federer, half Swiss, half South African. The film positions Switzerland as an attractive travel destination and focuses on rail travel. We are very happy and proud to further leverage our partnership with TTC Tour brands to promote our country and to share our campaign content with Luxury Gold subscribers.

Gavin, why is this launch partnership so important to Luxury Gold?

Gavin: “I could not be prouder of the long-standing partnership and friendship between TTC Tour Brands and Switzerland Tourism. Being born in South Africa and having now lived in Switzerland for over 14 years, I am still overwhelmed by the magnificent beauty of the landscapes and the extraordinary Swiss way of life, coupled with the mixing pot of cultures that bring a unique soul to the place.

“For this reason I am humbled that TTC Tour Brands and Switzerland Tourism have been working together for so many years to promote Switzerland. And the new Switzerland Tourism campaign featuring Roger Federer and Trevor Noah showcases in the unparalleled reasons for travelers to choose Switzerland as their next place to visit.”

Simon, Gavin – as two Swiss locals who get to experience the magic of Switzerland every day, why in your own words should travellers choose Switzerland as their next place to travel?

Simon: “There are so many things that I love about Switzerland, but I believe the one I appreciate the most is the variety of things to experience here – from different cultures and languages to incredible landscapes and traditions – in such a small geographical area.

“Moreover, with Switzerland being small, getting around the country is both fast and efficient with beautiful mountains, glaciers, rivers and lakes wherever you go.

“If you fancy travelling by train, you should try out the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. A beautiful scenic rail journey of some 1,280 kilometers. The panoramic views are stunning and there is no set direction or duration. You can hop on and off wherever you please. Whether in Zermatt or St. Moritz, in the Canton of Ticino or the Lavaux, at the Rhine Falls or Lake Lucerne.”

Gavin: “I’m a passionate traveller, and I wake up each day and see that Switzerland is a place truly like no other. Looking out at 4000m plus peaks, swimming in the pristine lakes, eating local cheese in small villages where it’s made by hand by locals or the history and culture of the cities like Geneva where I live – it’s truly unique.

“I love to share this with others, whether it is summer, winter, fall or spring – the country offers travellers an unparalleled holiday destination. And if that isn’t enough, Switzerland is leading the way for sustainable travel, coining a new deserving term ‘Swisstainable’. Switzerland has always cared for its nature, leaving it untouched so it can truly touch us, always ensuring a perfect balance between ecology.

If you had to sum up Switzerland in one word – what would it be?

 Simon: “Excellence”

Gavin: “Soul-stirring”

Although Roger and Trevor find themselves getting lost travelling through Switzerland, Luxury Gold guests needn’t worry. We make sure you’re looked after every step of the way, as we explore this beautiful country on our Majestic Switzerland tour. See the famous cities of St. Moritz, Geneva. Admire sublime vistas on the Swiss Riviera, one of Europe’s most exclusive enclaves. Journey aboard the Glacier Express, rest in magnificent hotels and savor Michelin-starred dining.

For more information, visit our website.