Ever wondered about those special ingredients that go into creating a Luxury Gold tour? From selecting the most appealing destinations, finding exceptional hotels and exclusive experiences, to thinking of every moment that weaves your journey together, it takes a special person to make such a special journey. Combining expertise with passion and dedication, we spoke to tour planner Karen Gower, to find out more.

For travel inspiration take a look at our collection of small group journeys

First and Foremost, I Think Like a Guest

Karen joined Luxury Gold at its inception over ten years ago, initially as a Travel Concierge before taking on the role of Travel Experiences Manager Europe in 2024. “I fell in love with the product, and it’s been my life ever since,” she says with pride.

“I don’t think that there’s anybody in the company that has had the privilege to get to know as many Luxury Gold guests as I have personally. Eating with them, spending time with them and walking them through itineraries. So, I’m able to put myself in their shoes.

“I ensure this personal touch permeates throughout a Luxury Gold itinerary, a true understanding of who the guest is and what their expectations are. And it’s of course all cemented together by your Travel Concierge, the master of ceremonies at the helm of every journey.”

You may also be interested to read: The 7 secret skills of every Luxury Gold Travel Concierge

Tailoring Each Journey, Your Travel Concierge

“I encourage each Travel Concierge to carefully consider each guest as an individual,” says Karen, “making a note of their interests and what excites them. Through this they can look for how we can make their trip personal to them. It is the little extras that make the difference, small, noticeable touches can affect a guest’s time with us and make their trip extra special.

“The other thing that is so important to our guests is not to have to think while they are with us. We take care of everything they need and think of everything they haven’t even thought of. You leave your luggage for the porter, and it magically appears in your next hotel room. We take care of special diets, so guests don’t have to explain every time to a restaurant. It is a seamless way to travel, you are even picked up from home and taken to the airport.”

Meet one of our exceptional Travel Concierges: How Travel Concierge Elena Makes Italy Sparkle

Luxury Takes Many Forms

When creating new itineraries and experiences, Karen tells us she focuses on the unexpected. “I’m always looking for something that’s a bit different, something that guests wouldn’t do on their own,” she says.

“That’s the benefit of traveling with Luxury Gold. We show you things that you wouldn’t otherwise come across, such as that little local bakery behind the hotel that sells the most exquisite pastries, but nobody writes about because its local.”

“Authenticity is also a luxury. For example, it might not be appropriate to have a fine dining experience, if that’s not the local food. But the opportunity to dine on traditional local fare at a small local restaurant, tasting traditional recipes and the local wine is a truly exceptional experience.

Bookmark for later: 10 of the World’s Best Luxury Resorts to Stay at This Year

Connection and Passion are Key

“We hear a lot from guests about how much they love contact with local people,” Karen says. “Passionate local people with a story to tell. Maybe they’re preserving their cultural heritage or sharing their cooking skills. This is a luxury when you explore new places. Everyone can tick things off their bucket list, but you never forget that personal contact and that passion that somebody has shown for something that you might not have even known about.”

“The traditional Moll farm that we visit in Norway on Timeless Scandinavia is a great example,” she tells us of one of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, adding that nobody would ever go up there without us knowing about it. “We meet the owner whose family has been there for generations and are invited into her home. She sings to our guests, gives them the apple cake made from their apples by the local bakery makes and talks about the historic paintings that she’s got in the rooms of her house. She tells us the significance of her home and how she’s preserving a way of life. That is so important, and it is probably not mentioned in any of the guidebooks.”

Discover this on: Timeless Scandinavia

We’re The Envy of Other Travelers

“Luxury also means exclusivity, which I weave this into every Luxury Gold journey” explains Karen, citing the after-hours VIP visit to Doges Palace in Venice as an example, a highlight of our Ultimate Italy itinerary. “Like a film star, you cruise down the Grand Canal in a water taxi past the spectacular buildings. Its towards the end of the day so most tourists have gone home. We meet our Local Expert, Silvia in Saint Mark’s Square and make our way over to the old doors of the palace which swing open, just for us, which is incredible.

“Often there will be a few people in the square who will approach because they think the palace is opening, and we have to say “I’m really sorry, we’d love to help but we have a Luxury Gold private tour, and then we waltz into the palace!

“It’s an exclusive moment to the extent that in on massive room, you stop in one corner and jump slightly on the floor and, because all of Venice is floating, you can actually feel the floor moving, which is something you couldn’t do if it were open to the public. So that is an incredible experience.”

Of course, exclusivity and authenticity don’t mean that any big moments are missed. “On all of our journeys you will see the big experiences you would expect of the location,” says Karen. “We ride the Glacier Express on Majestic Switzerland and enjoy a VIP after-hours visit to the Tower of London on British Royale.

Discover this on: Majestic Switzerland and British Royale 

You may also be interested to read: After Hours: Travel Like a VIP With These Exclusive Experiences

Sustainability is at the Core of Every Journey

“For Luxury Gold, and all our sister brands at The Travel Corporation, responsible travel is a core base of our journeys,” Karen says. “The goal of our How We Tread Right sustainability strategy is to include a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on at least 50% of itineraries by 2025, but we’re proud to say we have already surpassed this. Every journey has at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, with some tours featuring many more.

“These experiences give something back and leave a positive impact on the places we visit. They also offer exclusive opportunities to meet some amazing people We also responsibly source all hotels and experiences, ensuring our impact is positive everywhere we go.”

Karen cites meeting Tracey from Tracey’s Farmhouse on Ultimate Ireland as a highlight for guests and in Perugia, Italy, “fourth generation weaver Marta who we meet on Ultimate Italy has an incredible story to tell about preserving her craft, and is an amazing person who our guests just fall in love with.”

Read more about our commitment to responsible travel: 100% Meaningful, 100% Memorable: Why Every Luxury Gold Journey Matters

Time to Enjoy, and Time to Personalize

“When planning a tour, it is very important to keep the pace of the tour in mind at all times,” Karen explains. “With Luxury Gold we’re aiming to cover everything, but make sure that the guests don’t feel rushed or indeed too tired. Afterall time is the ultimate luxury.

“Personalization and Luxury Gold go hand in hand, and true to that a key feature of our journeys is that guests have enough free time to be able to tailor their tours. Our expert Travel Concierge’s are on hand to assist with recommendations, be that for dining, excursions or just a special moment. It’s a more personal service because there are a maximum 24, average of 18 guests on our luxury small group tours. In their free time, guests might be looking to continue with sightseeing, or simply to rest and enjoy the amenities of our fabulous hotels. They may have a spa treatment booked by their Travel Concierge or wish to join them in a surprise little extra walk or talk.”

 You may also be interested to read: How Travel Concierge Shona Goes Above and Beyond

Our Collection of Luxury Gold Hotels

With these carefully selected properties a hallmark of Luxury Gold journeys, Karen tells us “We definitely favor two or three nights stays on our itineraries,” adding that exceptionally there are some one-night stays when it is a comfort stop in order to avoid an overly long or tiring travel day. “Each tour fits together like a puzzle. It’s a synergy – the sum of the whole greater than each of its parts and a crucial part of that puzzle are the hotels,” she says.

Ranging from heritage properties, boutique city stays to extravagant castles and rural properties with sensational views, Luxury Gold hotels are a destination in themselves. Karen explains that a great deal of thought and care goes into their selection, with each looking to “add something extra to every itinerary.”

“As a rule, our hotels are five-star when available, and always in a great location,” she says, explaining that if 5 star is not available, as in some more rural locations, a high-end four star will be sourced and usually with upgraded rooms. “For example, the Hotel Union overlooking Norway’s sensational Geirangerfjord is a 4-star hotel, with its fjord view rooms offering the most breathtaking views you won’t want to leave – pictures just don’t do it justice.”

“Each property is considered on a case-by-case basis, and from a personal view. Generally, a central location is preferable to somewhere on the outside of the city, but if the quality of the hotel warrants being slightly outside and doesn’t put our guests at any disadvantage, I would choose the better property. Guests also need to be able to go out and about easily. But superior quality is always front of mind.”

Learn more about this sensational hotel: How to Spend 48 Hours in One of Norway’s Most Scenic Hotels

Exceptional Dining Binds Each Journey

Who can talk about guided touring without talking about dining? Offering a chance to taste the flavors of a region, guests can learn about history through food, connecting with each other and the locals.

“These are the moments that bring everyone together,” says Karen. “Guests often underestimate the friendships they will make on a tour. I often hear from those who have decided to travel together in the future, or who visit each other when they return home. They most certainly start as strangers and finish as friends, and dining is a key part of that.”

Michelin Star and acclaimed restaurants of course lead the way. But more than sitting down for meals, join expert locals on foodie street tours, learn to cook, enjoy winery picnics and breakfast in bed.

“Our cooking classes are often underrated by guests, until they try one,” says Karen with a smile. “Especially those of our guests that don’t usually do a lot of cooking!”

“The class on Ultimate Italy takes place in an old hunting lodge of the Medici family, in the middle of the vineyards and Alessio is our chef is incredible. You’re looking out of these huge windows across rolling hillsides and vines as you’re making your pasta. I mean, there can’t be anything that’s more typically Italian yet so intimate.”

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy

Bookmark for later: 7 ways you’ll celebrate Tuscan food when you travel with Luxury Gold

One Eye Always on the Future

“There are so many pinch me moments in this job,” says Karen, adding that she is happily never really off duty. “Even when I’m on my own holiday I’m always looking for inspiration for our journeys. My daughters often travel with me but are wise to my motives – they often ask if I will be taking my guests there.”

“I’m always looking at roads to see if coaches can get down them, where they would stop and the impression new destinations would have on guests. If I walk into a fabulous restaurant my mind would be racing to see if I can design a new itinerary in order to go there!

“Designing a new itinerary is a little bit like going shopping. I am looking for a Michelin dinner, a series of 5-star hotels, a VIP experience, something cultural or part of the local heritage. I then put it all in my basket and make sure that it fits together in a comfortable, balanced and luxurious way, showcasing the best that destination has to offer.”

To experience just how special a Luxury Gold tour is for yourself, take a look at our worldwide collection of small group journeys

For wine lovers, tasting wine isn’t just about sipping and swallowing; it’s an art form that engages all your senses. Whether you’re a novice wine enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, understanding the fundamentals of how to taste wine can enrich your appreciation of this ancient libation. From holding the glass to swirling the wine, there’s something deeply engaging about the experience. So, if you’re ready to elevate your wine-tasting experience to the level of a sommelier, we’ve put together a guide to help you get started.

Discover more about Luxury Gold’s Exceptional Dining offering.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the intricacies of how to taste wine, it’s essential to grasp the basics. Wine tasting involves observing the wine’s appearance, assessing its aroma, savoring its flavor, and evaluating its finish. Each step provides valuable insights into the wine’s character and quality.

1. Visual Examination

Begin by pouring a small amount of wine into a clear glass. Take your glass by the stem and hold it against a white background. Observe the wine’s color, clarity and viscosity. White wines range from pale straw to golden yellow, while red wines can vary from light ruby to deep purple. Swirl the wine gently to release its aromas and observe any legs or tears that form on the glass.

2. Aromatic Assessment

Next, bring the wine in your glass to your nose and inhale deeply. Take note of the bouquet, the wine’s smell, which encompasses its various aromas. Swirl the wine again to intensify the aromas before smelling it once more. Pay attention to fruit, floral, herbal and spice notes, as well as any oak or earthy undertones. Wine aromoas can also provide clues about its grape varietal, age and winemaking techniques.

3. Palate Pleasure

Now it’s time to taste the wine. Take a small sip and let it coat your entire palate. Notice the wine’s texture, acidity, sweetness and tannins. Is it light-bodied or full-bodied? Crisp and refreshing or smooth and velvety? Identify the primary flavors and secondary characteristics, such as minerality or oak influence. Consider the wine’s balance, complexity and length on the palate

4. Evaluating the Finish

Finally, assess the wine’s finish, also known as its aftertaste. Paying attention to how long the flavor lingers on your palate, is it pleasant and lingering or abrupt and short-lived? A wine’s finish can reveal additional nuances and insights into its overall quality and aging potential.

In Chile, visit Kingston Family Winery, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines. on Classic South America.

For the ultimate wine tasting experience in Italy, ready about our Founder’s Collection: An exclusive invitation from La Famiglia Mazzei, a Tuscan wine dynasty

Developing Your Wine Palate

Becoming proficient at wine tasting takes time and practice. Key to the tasting experience is development of the pallette. For most people, chances are you’ve never really considered your palate. Our tongues hold up to 4,000 taste buds in five regions, but that is not the only place we taste. Here are some tips to help you hone your palate and refine your sensory skills:

Taste Widely: Explore a diverse range of wines from different regions, grape varieties, and styles. Experiment with both red and white wines to exoercise your tatse buds, as well as sparkling and dessert wines, to expand your tastepalate. Older wines often taste smoother and richer.

Take Notes: Keep a wine journal to record tasting notes of your experiences, including the wines you’ve tried, your observations and your preferences. Documenting your impressions can help you identify patterns and enhance your abilities of how to taste wine over time.

Seek Guidance: Attend wine tastings, classes, and workshops led by knowledgeable sommeliers and wine professionals. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from experts who can offer valuable insights and recommendations.

Trust Your Senses: While tasting wine like a sommelier involves analyzing its various components, it’s also important to trust your instincts and enjoy the experience.

In Tuscany, take a private tour of the Guardastelle estate with a wine expert to learn about the various grape varieties and visit the ancient cellars on Ultimate Italy, 

Bookmark for later: What to look for in a top-quality Pinot Noir, by wine expert Courtney Kingston

What to expect from some popular wines

Chardonnay is known for its versatility, offering a range of flavors from crisp green apple and citrus to creamy vanilla and buttery notes. Depending on the winemaking style, you may encounter oak influences such as toastiness and caramel. Coming from a cool climate wine region, expect a medium to full-bodied wine with moderate acidity.

A Cabernet Sauvignon typically features bold flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry and plum, complemented by hints of cedar and tobacco. It often has firm tannins and a full-bodied structure, with a long, satisfying finish. Look for wines with good acidity and aging potential.

Pinot Noir is renowned for its elegant and delicate profile, offering aromas of red fruits along with earthy and floral undertones. On the palate, expect a medium-bodied wine with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a smooth, lingering finish.

Last but not least, Sauvignon Blanc is known for its bright and zesty character, featuring aromas of citrus, green apple and tropical fruits like passion fruit and pineapple. It often exhibits herbal notes of grass, green bell pepper and gooseberry, with refreshing acidity and a crisp, clean finish.

Enjoy wine tastings with Luxury Gold in some of the world’s most iconic wine producing countries, including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Chile, South Africa and Australia, with our worldwide collection of small group journeys.

To whet the palate: Exceptional Dining with Luxury Gold

Where do truffles grow?

One reason truffles are so expensive is that they don’t grow in every part of the world. Historically speaking, truffles were largely only found naturally in European countries like Italy, France, Spain and Slovenia. In recent years, some other countries in North America, South America and Asia have successfully started growing their own.  

You may also enjoy reading: 7 ways you’ll celebrate Tuscan food when you travel with Luxury Gold

How do truffles grow?

Truffles grow beneath trees in a symbiotic relationship by attaching their spores to the tree roots. The transfer of nutrients enables them both to grow. Most truffles grow beneath specific tree species, including hazelnut and poplar, which influence their taste and scent. 

Why are truffles expensive?

Truffles are expensive because they’re so rare to harvest. Grown naturally only in a few European countries, truffle hunting is a centuries-old practice in which truffle hunters rarely share their hunting grounds with anyone else. The most expensive truffles are white truffles found in Italy’s Piedmont region. The International Alba White Truffle Fair is the preeminent truffle fair where you’ll find the largest, most expensive truffles for sale.

Bookmark for later: Where to find the most rare and expensive food in the world  

Where can I hunt for truffles with truffle hunters? 

Luxury Gold’s Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast tour is a two week itinerary filled with unforgettable activities, including hunting for truffles with a local farmer in Istria. You can also hunt for truffles on our Ultimate Italy tour in Florence. Keep in mind that the best time to harvest white truffles is typically between September and November, though peak season may alter based on the summer season’s temperatures, spring’s rainfall, and if the holes where the prior year’s truffles were found were filled properly. Black truffle harvest is between April and October in some areas like Slovenia, and their bounty is also impacted by seasonal climate fluctuations.

Read more about truffle hunting: A day in the life of one of Croatia’s top truffle hunters

Where can I taste a truffle?

Although only found in select countries, you can taste truffles at restaurants across the world. Casa di Langa, a hotel just outside of Alba, Italy, has a restaurant with a case of fresh truffles you can choose from. Restaurant Zigante in Livade, Croatia, is another fantastic dining destination where truffles are blended in delicious ways, including in truffle ice cream.

You may also enjoy: Indulge your inner gourmet with these luxury food experiences

Italy

Italy is the epicenter for truffles. When the most expensive truffles are up for auction, it’s likely that they were found in the Italian countryside. Truffle hunters stay silent about where they find these fungi in Le Marche, Tuscany, Piedmont, and Umbria, but the restaurants in these regions aren’t shy about featuring them in both fine and rustic dishes. 

Truffle hunting on the Ultimate Italy tour is the ultimate way to find and taste fresh Italian truffles.

Croatia

Italy may stay in the limelight for having the most expensive truffles, but Croatia’s Istria region has a bounty of its own worthy of your attention. The truffle capital of Croatia wasn’t lauded as such pre-1999, until a hunter and his dog dug up what became the largest white truffle in the world. Now, the Istrian Peninsula is regarded as a popular destination for truffle hunting and sampling.

Get off the beaten path and uncover gems like fresh truffles on the Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast tour.

Spain

The majority of Spain’s truffles are black truffles and its black winter truffles are especially popular, but that wasn’t always the case. In fact, it was until the mid-1900s that truffle hunters from France started seeking out the black diamond truffles they knew in the hills of Spain. When Spanish farmers realized how valuable these truffles were, they seized the opportunity and have since become the world’s largest producer of black winter truffles. 

Discover Iberia on: Spain & Portugal in Style

You may also enjoy: For Fine Dining in Spain, This City Sets the Gold Standard

France 

It should be no surprise that anything grown in French soil is delectable; that includes truffles. France produces nearly one-third of the world’s truffles. The “black diamond” is a popular truffle found in Provence and Southwest France. Also known as the Périgord truffle, black diamond truffles are known for their strong scent and distinctive taste.

Sample truffle-infused dishes as you explore the French countryside on our Ultimate Southern France tour.  

Bookmark for later: Sophisticated and Stylish: why Southern France is Unmissable

Slovenia

Slovenia shares a small piece of the Istrian Peninsula with Croatia. With Italy as its adjacent neighbor, one shouldn’t be shocked to learn that Slovenia is an underrated destination for truffle hunting and dining. One of the unique experiences you can have in Slovenia that you seldom can elsewhere is hunting for the rare spring white bianchetti truffle which is harvested around March each year. 

With Exceptional Dining a hallmark of every Luxury Gold journey, see how you can enjoy a truffle-infused vacation, or other gastronomical pleasures with our worldwide collection of luxury tours.