Luxury Gold guests are accustomed to a certain level of comfort, but that doesn’t mean they like to scrimp on adventure. If you have a spirit that can’t be quelled and a bucket list that needs tending to in the next year, we have plenty of ideas for luxury adventure vacations that will capture your imagination.

We give each of our luxury adventure tours an activity level: leisurely, balanced or dynamic. And the level of activity is not necessarily equal to the level of adventure. For instance, on a leisurely (short distances, flat surfaces) luxury vacation in New Zealand, you’ll cover cities, caves, hot springs, waterfalls, and a treewalk made up of 28 suspension bridges, and on a dynamic luxury journey to Italy, the Cinque Terre is more intrepid than it looks (longer distances, trickier terrain). Here are six bucket list trips to get you thinking.

Look for the big five in Kruger National Park

Safaris tend to be quite high on everyone’s list of luxury adventure vacations – is it finally time? If your bucket list priority is to see lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo (the big five) in one trip, this epic national park offers a diverse range of terrain including mountains, rivers, savannah and tropical forests. On our Spectacular South Africa journey, the private open-air safaris are led by professional trackers over three days and there are plunge pools, starlit dinners and pampering treatments aplenty back at the Lion Sands Game Reserve in between drives. This journey also includes Table Mountain, wineries and more rare wildlife sightings at Boulders Beach.

Board the Rocky Mountaineer, Luxury Gold-style

Adventure travel and rail travel go hand in hand – there is nothing quite like watching the world from your window, particularly if you happen to be sitting in the glass-domed Goldleaf car of the Rocky Mountaineer, on a reclining seat, eating from the a la carte menu (with local wine pairings), with the option of wandering to an open-air viewing vestibule. On our Majesty of the Rockies journey, you’ll travel from Banff to Vancouver, via glaciers, canyons and lakes. Waking up aboard the train on the home-stretch and eating a gourmet breakfast beside some of the most dazzling scenery in the world completes a luxury journey like no other.

Explore the lesser traveled wildernesses of Japan

You may know (and long for) Japan’s cities, sushi, skyscrapers, shrines and cherry blossom sightings but there are breathtaking wonders further afield, too. Oirase Gorge – within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park on the main island – is an enchanting river valley that encompasses verdant forests, dramatic waterfalls and crystal clear streams. Experiencing an onsen in Tokyo is one thing, but taking a soothing soak in the forest is unforgettable. Our Majestic Japan journey is dynamic, which means four miles of walking on some days, with some steep hills. It includes views of Mount Fuji from a cable car, a tea ceremony and a meeting with a cherry blossom doctor, plus mind-expanding meals and some of the most extravagant and cozy hotels in the world.

Hike to get the best sunset views at Angkor Wat

Together, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam make for one of the most epic luxury adventure vacations you can have. There’s the lush greenery, floating markets and flower farms of the Mekong Delta, the Imperial Citadel of Hue, the sheer magic (and the pho) of Hoi An, the glittering emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, ethereal Luang Prabang (the whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage site) and vistas aplenty in between. Nothing beats the golden, glowing view of Angkor Wat, though, at least as good as everyone says it is, reflected in the water below. On our Inspiring Indochina journey, an archaeologist is on hand to guide you to the best spots.

Walk the steep, rugged coastline of the Cinque Terre

In northwest Italy, the Cinque Terre is made up of five pastel-coloured cliffside villages overlooking the Ligurian Sea, connected by narrow walking paths and a few incredibly precarious mountain roads. The Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site – described as a landscape of great scenic and cultural value. There are 120km of trails along this stretch of coastline, and the breathtaking views alone make it a bucket list walk. See this most rugged, enchanting coastline on our Ultimate Italy journey, which also covers Rome, Umbria, Florence and Venice – truly the luxury vacation to Italy you’ve been dreaming of.

Weave through the cloud forest to Machu Picchu

When one thinks of adventure travel, Machu Picchu comes quickly to mind. In the middle of a tropical mountain forest in Peru, 2,430m above sea level, the sprawling Inca citadel must be seen up close to be believed. On our Grand South America journey, you’ll board the panoramic Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, pausing for lunch above the Vilcanota River followed by a guided walk through the unfathomably lush and mesmerizing cloud forest. This luxury vacation also features wine in Casablanca Valley, Eva Peron’s balcony in Buenos Aires and cocktails on Copacabana Beach.

For those who have traveled with Luxury Gold, you’ll appreciate the amount of personal care, attention to detail and professionalism that goes into delivering that dream vacation. One past guest who can personally testify to the exceptional quality of a Luxury Gold journey is Sandy, who has traveled with us twice, with a third journey coming up.

She kindly agreed to talk to us about her experience of a Luxury Gold vacation, including her favorite destination to visit, and why she and her husband plan on taking more vacations with us in the future.

Hi Sandy. How did you first hear about Luxury Gold?

“We first heard about Luxury Gold via some friends we made on a river cruise. They sang the praises of Luxury Gold’s five-star hotels, Michelin-rated restaurants, expert guides, and brilliant Travel Concierges and drivers. The one thing they kept reiterating was the small number of people on each tour. It sounded like a dream vacation.”

Which journey did you end up booking?

“Right after Covid, we took our first Luxury Gold holiday: Spain and Portugal in Style. There were 17 of us. We had the most glorious time together, visiting Valencia and the orange blossom coast, the Alhambra Palace, Andalucia, Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon.

“Our tour director and driver were fantastically knowledgeable, and fluent Spanish speakers. Our tour director made lots of beautiful dinner reservations for us and booked various events along the way. She led us to pasteis de nata in Lisbon, found us Flamenco lessons in Seville and organized a horse and carriage ride, too. I fondly remember a Michelin star restaurant in Lisbon overlooking the city, and a fabulous former Portuguese convent with a winery. It was truly a dream vacation, and we were hooked.”

Did you follow Spain & Portugal with Italy with another journey?

“Yes. Our next trip was the Ultimate Italy journey. I loved Rome so much, and the Grand Hotel Quisisana in Capri was incredibly special – a real jewel. We took a cooking class in the hunting lodge of the Medici family in Tuscany and an art historian introduced us to Renaissance Florence. We saw the grottos and coves of the Capri coastline on a private cruise. Over the course of the journey, we traveled by water taxi, gondola, funicular, train and ferry. It felt like such an adventure.”

Two guests recline on Luxury Gold’s private boat tour of Capri

What is it about a Luxury Gold journey that keeps you coming back?

“We love that the opulence begins the moment you leave your house, and lasts until you get home. There’s so much one-on-one care, and everything is tailored to your needs – meals, events, concerts, tours, transport. You feel special, looked after, relaxed, which is the most important thing. In between the big moments, your tour guide will regale you with treats and stories from the region as you travel on your comfortable bus. You really get to sit back and relish it all.”

And do you have anything else booked?

“Our next tour will be Ultimate Southern France, ending in Paris. We look forward to it. It’s our dose of elegance. I feel like royalty when I travel with Luxury Gold.”

Want to experience the glamor of a Luxury Gold vacation for yourself? Explore our full catalogue of journeys here, or browse our luxury holidays in Spain.

Stunning landscapes, incredible variety, endless culture. The USA is the ultimate year-round destination. If you’re looking for some travel inspiration then look no further than the soul of the south – Nashville, Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana. A region with an incredible wealth of history, culture and nature, coupled with sensational cuisine and unbeatable music credentials, the Southern USA is the vacation of a lifetime.

In partnership with Visit the USA, we invite you discover the soul of the south and to travel with us on Southern Grace, a 9-day luxury journey from Nashville to New Orleans. To whet your appetite, we’ve picked out some of our favorite moments.

For travel inspiration: USA destination guide

Read more about our Southern Grace tour: High Notes: How Travel Concierge Ann Amplifies the Sounds of the South

Walk in the footsteps of legends in Nashville, Tennessee

A welcoming and vibrant destination for visitors, Nashville has long been at the heart of country music in America. ‘Music City’ as it is affectionally known, is also the birthplace of bluegrass, with a thriving rock and pop scene. A city packed with sensational eateries and exceptional hotels, your stay at the sophisticated Grand Hyatt on our Southern Grace small group journey places you in the center of luxury and the downtown action.

Nashville grew from a foundation based on music and, as the 1800s unfolded it became a national center for music publishing. Join us and discover the music like a VIP. At Studio B – Nashville’s oldest remaining record studio, take part in a private recording session under the guidance of a professional sound engineer. Let your inner songbird free and record a take-home tune just as legends Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton have done before you.

Later, at the Country Music Hall of Fame, as guests of Luxury Gold you’ll enjoy a private, behind-the-scenes look at the songwriting process with a local songwriter and singer. On your visit you’ll also see memorabilia from stars such as Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison, before topping the night off with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry.

You may also enjoy reading: For Your Ears Only: Experience the Privilege of Private Live Music

Discover U.S. history in Memphis, Tennessee

Home of ‘The King’, the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis is another musical pilgrimage hotspot. But over and above the music, this city holds an essential place in U.S. history, and its civil rights legacy lives on in many ways.

Nowhere is this history brought to life quite like the National Civil Rights Museum, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on Southern Grace. Immerse yourself on a guided tour through the interactive exhibits and poignant storytelling, the museum shares the story of key moments throughout the American Civil Rights Movement, from the history of enslaved people all the way through to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

Memphis, and indeed the whole of Southern USA, is also known for its delicious cuisine including cajun, creole and some of the finest BBQ. To experience traditional cooking at its most tasty, Luxury Gold guests get a backstage pass to Central BBQ – one of the city’s oldest and most iconic establishments. Sweep past the queues (which are usually around the block) for your VIP visit. Inside you will meet Clint Cantwell, a renowned grilling expert to learn how to make the most delicious pulled pork, brisket and ribs – a rare event usually only local insiders get to experience. Followed of course by a scrumptious meal.

Bookmark for later: How We’re Setting the Gold Standard for Sustainable Luxury Travel

Step back in time in Natchez, Mississippi

Stepping away from the hustle and bustle, Natchez is a charming retreat. The oldest city on the Mississippi and one of Southern USA’s hidden gems, more than 1,000 structures in Natchez are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With properties dating to the late 1700s, the South’s unique architecture and history comes to life in Natchez’s antebellum homes.

Your stay in the Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark built in 1818, gives you a timeless feel for the place. An early 19th-century antebellum mansion set in 26 acres of manicured gardens, world class service and historic surroundings combine for a decadent stay.

While in Natchez on Southern Grace, we invite you to personalize your day with a choice of two experiences. Either you can step back in time and take a private tour an 1850s Greek-Revival cottage, the beloved home of a local. Take your time to explore the interior and grounds and let your imagination run wild as you learn about its past. Alternatively you can choose to join a mixology class and learn all about famous Southern cocktails including the ‘Crown Julep’.

You may be interested to read: Our Favorite Classic Cocktails, and the Timeless Hotels To Try Them At

There’s nowhere quite like New Orleans, Louisiana

To cap off your Southern Grace tour the ‘Big Easy’ beckons. A city so steeped in history and culture and rich traditions there’s a tantalizing story around every corner. The Ritz Carlton is your majestic home for three nights and is a destination in itself. The building was built originally in 1908 and it became a luxury hotel in 2000 showcasing the best of American hospitality. Centrally located it means you are just a few steps from the area’s most popular attractions, including the famous Bourbon Street.

A city world renowned for its Mardi Gras celebrations, as part of your exploration of New Orleans we invite you to enjoy an all-access pass to the Mardi Gras World’s Blaine Kern Studios. This workshop has created sensational floats for Mardi Gras and other parades around the world since 1947. Learn how artists and architects build Mardi Gras floats from the ground up and view colorful costumes and props.

Read more about this extraordinary hotel: Why New Orleans’ Ritz Carlton Hotel is a cut above the rest

To enjoy the best of the USA with a luxurious visit to the sensational South, take a look at our Southern Gracesmall group journey.