One of the greatest highlights of any Luxury Gold tour is the VIP experiences. These exclusive, one-of-a-kind encounters allow you to travel like a VIP with private, after hours access to some of the world’s most iconic sites. Instead of waiting in line or jostling with crowds, you’ll go behind the scenes once the general public has gone home. Step beyond the velvet rope and meet Local Experts who will share fascinating insights on renowned landmarks. From Luxor Temple and the Tower of London to Doge’s Palace in Venice and the Rosengart Collection in Lucerne, here’s how to travel like a VIP with some of our most remarkable after hours experiences.

Read more: 5 benefits of visiting iconic tourist hotspots out of hours

Visit the Tower of London after hours for an exclusive Ceremony of the Keys

The Tower of London is impressive at any time, but it gets even more special when you visit after hours once the crowds have gone home. Luxury Gold guests will experience an exclusive, private tour of the Tower of London after dark. With the city lights glittering in the distance, a serving Yeoman Warder will greet you on arrival at this regal fortress. You’ll roam the grounds, hear the legends and stories of the iconic tower, and then witness the historic Ceremony of the Keys. This is the oldest practiced military ceremony in the world, carried out every night for the past 700 years, and you’ll have a front-row seat.

Discover it on: British Royale

Read more: Why Britain is an incredible destination for 2023

Travel like a VIP with after hours access to Luxor Temple in Egypt

The magnificent Luxor Temple is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in the world, so this after hours experience is extremely special. Luxury Gold guests enjoy exclusive VIP access to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you can explore this enormous temple in peace, without the crowds. This ancient site was one of the largest religious centers in ancient Egypt and even housed a village within its walls. You can marvel at the statues, obelisks, carvings and towering pillars, all at your own pace and without having to wait in line. It’s truly special to be able to soak up this ancient wonder of the world in such a private and intimate experience.

Discover this on: Elegance of the Nile

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

Explore Doge’s Palace in Venice after hours with a private tour

Venice is one of the most popular destinations in the world, drawing thousands of travelers each year. If you want to beat the crowds, you need to be a Luxury Gold guest. We’ll visit the breathtaking Doge’s Palace after hours with an exclusive tour with a local art historian. It’s a surreal feeling as you step behind the velvet ropes to marvel at the grand halls and Gold Staircase, with only a handful of your traveling companions for company. As a Gothic architectural masterpiece and an icon of Venice, this is an unforgettable experience. 

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy

Read more: Dine, Sleep, Do: How to spend a blissful 24 hours in Venice

Travel like a VIP with after hours access to Castle Howard in York

@castle_howard

If you’ve ever wanted exclusive access to an ancient castle, here’s your chance. When in York, we’ll get VIP access to explore Castle Howard after hours. Once the doors close to the general public, we’ll arrive for a guided tour of this 18th-century baroque mansion. You’ll have all the space and time to admire the spectacular architecture, including the Great Hall and ornate Chapel. There’s also an extensive collection of paintings, antiques, frescoes, and statues throughout the 145 rooms. The castle sits within 1,000 acres of lush parkland, woodlands, and manicured gardens. You might also like to roam through the beautiful lakes, fountains and monuments with one of the gardeners. 

Discover this on: Castles & Kingdoms

Read more: How Travel Concierge Michael Gives a Royal Welcome in the UK

Explore Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna with after hours access

The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace is one of Vienna’s most visited attractions, but you’ll have it all to yourself when you travel with Luxury Gold. We’ll get VIP after hours access to the palace for a private tour with an expert guide. Wander through the mirrored hall where Mozart made music as a six-year-old prodigy. Marvel at the ceiling frescoes, gilded stucco and crystal chandeliers of the Grand Gallery. Be sure to snap some fantastic photos without the crowds. You’ll also explore Melk Abbey, the impressive library, and the Paul Troger ceiling fresco, all while learning about the remarkable history. 

Discover this on: Harmony of Central Europe

Read more: The Luxury Gold guide to discovering statement art pieces on your travels

Admire the Rosengart Collection in Lucerne with a private viewing

If you’ve visited renowned art galleries, you know it gets tiring lining up to get a glimpse of iconic pieces. When you’re a Luxury Gold guest, you’ll be invited to an exclusive after hours viewing of the acclaimed Rosengart Collection in Lucerne. The collection features over 300 works by 23 artists including Monet, Matisse, Picasso, Cézanne and Klee. You can take your time viewing each piece, with no pressure to move on quickly. Originally the private art collection of art dealer Siegfried Rosengart and his daughter Angela, this is a priceless experience. 

Discover this on: Majestic Switzerland

Read more: Roger Federer, Trevor Noah and the timeless beauty of Switzerland

Get exclusive after hours access to the Museum of Apoxyomenos in Lošinj

@museumofapoxyomenos

Sail across the glittering Adriatic Sea to the Croatian island of Lošinj, and you’ll discover something quite extraordinary. Here the Museum of Apoxyomenos displays a beautifully-preserved, 2,000-year-old Greek bronze statue of an athlete. It was found on the nearby ocean floor and is now preserved and displayed in the museum. Luxury Gold guests get after hours access to view it with no one else around. You’ll hear the fascinating story of the statue and take your time soaking up all the other ancient treasures in the museum, in its tranquil after hours state. See this masterpiece firsthand on one of our luxury tours to Croatia.

Discover this on: Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

Read more: Sun, Sand and Sequins: Why Summer is the Best Time to Visit These Glamorous Coastal Cities

Are you ready to travel like a VIP? Learn more about our Curated Experiences, from our exclusive Founder’s Collection to our VIP luxury travel experiences.

Fulfilling the innate human desire for exploration and indulgence, there are some luxury travel experiences will never go out of style.

From exclusive encounters with people and wildlife, to spellbinding train journeys. A step into the wild or a step into history. Each leaves a lasting impression that enriches one’s perspective.

Our passport moments are the golden threads that make up our journeys. We invite you to take a look at some of our most timeless travel experiences.

A private stately castle visit

@castle_howard

Stepping into Castle Howard is like entering a time capsule, offering a glimpse into centuries of aristocratic life and a remarkable era in English history.

A magnificent stately home built in the 18th century, the stately home is renowned for its Baroque architecture, extensive gardens and impressive interior. This cultural treasure has been featured in films and TV shows – you’ll feel like a film star in a period drama as you step inside.

Travel with Luxury Gold and this grand estate is yours after-hours. Enjoy a traditional English high tea and a private tour of the house. Take a walk in the gardens designed by renowned landscaper Capability Brown. Ornate statues, fountains and a tranquil walled garden, make them a true horticultural delight.

Explore this treasure on: British Royale

You might also be interested in: A day in the life of a Travelling Concierge

A private concert from a renowned singer

The power of music and song to create a deep connection to your destination is unmatched. A private concert offers even more, a truly intimate connection between the artist and the audience. Allowing for a more personal experience and a deeper appreciation of the music it creates an unforgettable memory, cherished for years to come.

In Hue, Vietnam guests of Luxury Gold are invited for a private dinner and concert at the home of celebrated painter and singer, Camille Huyen. Share in a memorable meal and traditional song. Stroll around the traditional home she shares with her husband and hear about their fascinating lives, and the dream that brought them home.

Get inspired by: Sensational Vietnam & Laos, Vietnam Luxury Travel

You may also enjoy: Fine dining, dressed down: the cuisine of Vietnam and Cambodia

VIP Wine Tasting experience

@chateaudescharmes

Always a decadent experience, wine tasting offers an explosion of diverse flavors, aromas, and textures, tantalizing the senses with each sip. The opportunity to share in the art of wine production and appreciation is one of those unique travel experiences that ignites a passion for the finest things in life.

Nestled in the scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake region of Canada, Château des Charmes is a renowned winery producing some sublime vintages. On your VIP visit with Luxury Gold, you’re welcomed with a limited production rosé sparkling wine, followed by a tour and tasting of wines from St. David’s Bench Vineyard. Admire the charming French-inspired architecture and pair your sips with hand-made local ice cream, cheeses and chocolates.

Savor the vintages on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

You may also like: A look inside South Africa’s most beautiful – and exclusive – wineries

Sailing on a Felucca on the Nile

Exploring a destination from the water is a timeless travel experience. Embrace the beauty and tranquility of the open waters, escape from the bustling world and ignite a sense of freedom and adventure.

To see Egypt in style, we invite you to board a traditional wooden Felucca to explore parts of the sacred river Nile. Sustaining life and symbolizing the cradle of ancient civilizations, the Nile has served as a lifeline for its communities throughout the ages.

Ease around the botanical vistas of Kitchener’s Island and admire the greenery of the Island of Plants. Drift through the afternoon and relax with the soothing rhythm of the waves and the gentle breeze.

Sail the waters on: Elegance of the Nile

You may also enjoy reading: Riches of the Nile: Why Egypt’s icon is the grandest river in the world

A timeless train journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

@rockymountaineer

Evoking a sense of nostalgia and adventure, train travel embodies the romanticism of a bygone era, offering an unhurried and scenic journey through diverse landscapes. Combining elegance, comfort, and natural wonders, a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer Goldleaf Service is one of the truly exceptional timeless travel experiences.

Opulent train cars provide unobstructed views of stunning landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to lush valleys. Immersive storytelling enriches the voyage with captivating tales of the region’s history and culture. Combined with exceptional onboard service and gourmet dining, this is a luxurious train ride you will never forget.

Admire the vistas on: Majesty of the Rockies

You may also enjoy: Get to the Heart of Your Destination With These Boutique Train Journeys

A luxury safari

From the vast African savannahs to the national parks of India, a luxury safari offers a profound connection with the natural world. The sense of adventure and witnessing majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Combined with exclusive lodges, gourmet dining and personal guides, this is a luxurious journey into the untouched world of the past.

Join us for the safari of a lifetime in South Africa. Covering nearly two million hectares, Kruger National Park is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with iconic wildlife, including the Big Five. Join expert rangers for thrilling game drives and stay in exquisite accommodations, blending luxury with nature. Dine as the sunsets over the African plains, while the distant roar of lions echoes through the night.

Seek the Big 5 on: Spectacular South Africa

Exquisite Michelin-starred dining with spectacular views

@mammarestaurant

Michelin-starred dining on a stunning Italian island is one of the timeless travel experiences you must experience. Nestled in the Gulf of Naples, the Isle of Capri exudes glamour, elegance and Mediterranean charm. And its restaurants are exceptional.

On our Ultimate Italy tour, enjoy lunch at the Michelin-starred Mamma restaurant. Savor a delectable meal of Mediterranean flavors in perfect Caprese style, created with passion from fresh, local produce by chef Salvatore La Ragione. From its perch, you’ll enjoy mesmerizing views over the Gulf of Naples. A truly timeless way to dine.

Dine here on: Ultimate Italy

You may also like: The Isle of Dreams: How to Spend the Perfect Day in Capri

Timeless luxury travel experiences are at the heart of each of our small group journeys. Take a look at our worldwide collection of limited-edition tours.

 The Travel Corporation (TTC) launched its 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy in September 2020 and has made some incredible progress in achieving its goals. We’re sharing all our progress in our 2022 Impact Report, including all the actions we’ve completed against our 11 goals in the past year. One of our major goals was to include at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on 50% of TTC itineraries by 2025. We’re proud to say we’ve already surpassed that goal with MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences now on 62% of TTC itineraries, and a total of 571 experiences across all TTC brands, including Luxury Gold. 

Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are important to us as they have been carefully chosen to leave a positive impact on the places and people we visit. They’re developed exclusively for TTC brands, are endorsed by industry experts, and support communities, environments and wildlife all over the world. 

We’re celebrating some of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that help you connect with the natural world. From helping save the Iberian Lynx in Portugal and the Kiwi bird in New Zealand to meeting the Cree Warrior Women in the Canadian Rockies and a wildlife ranger at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, here’s how you can connect with nature through our exclusive experiences. 

Read more: 2022 Impact Report

Meet the Cree Warrior Women in the Canadian Rockies

There are few better places to connect with nature than the Canadian Rockies, and you’ll get to the heart of this extraordinary region with this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ll meet the First Nations Cree Warrior Women from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. As we sit down to enjoy a fireside barbecue, you’ll have views of the stunning Pyramid Mountain on the shores of Trefoil Lake in Jasper. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with the women, including matriarchs Matricia and Mackenzie Brown. You’ll learn more about their Indigenous culture, spirituality and their passion and connection to their land and home. We’ll also enjoy music, drumming and storytelling, and learn some Cree songs and phrases to take home as a memento of this special experience. 

Discover it on: Majesty of the Rockies

Read more: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

Protect the Iberian Lynx in Portugal

Journey to beautiful southern Portugal to connect with nature and the Iberian Lynx on this unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. The Iberian Lynx is the world’s most endangered feline and the species was quickly disappearing due to hunting. In 2015, the region established conservation programs to protect and re-introduce this beautiful cat in its natural habitat, the Vale do Guadiana Nature Park. 

We’ll visit the gorgeous hilltop town of Serpa with its cobbled streets, red-sloped roofs, white facades and shady olive trees. Here we’ll meet with Local Experts to learn about the conservation programs in the nearby nature park. You’ll discover how the Iberian Lynx population has steadily increased to a total of 400, yet more needs to be done. Visits like ours will help continue the preservation of this beautiful cat and its stunning natural habitat.

Discover it on: Spain & Portugal in Style

Read more: 4 incredible MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences you can enjoy with Luxury Gold

Marvel at the waterfalls of Plitvice, Croatia

With its cascading waterfalls, emerald lakes and primaeval forests, Plitvice Lakes National Park ranks among nature’s most enchanting wonders. The park centers around a system of 16 lakes flowing into the next, ending with the spectacular Sastavci Waterfalls. Over millennia, the water has created limestone and chalk travertine barriers and natural dams, forming this dreamy series of cascades.

While it’s magical to simply gaze over the landscapes, we really connect with Plitvice on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ll meet a Local Expert and wander along the wooden footbridges while learning about the diverse plants and animals of the park. You’ll gain insights into the park’s critical research and conservation programs for its Indigenous species. You’ll also hear about the challenges the region faces including overdevelopment and the ensuing deterioration of water quality. 

Discover it on: Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

Read more: Reconnect with the great outdoors at these luxurious back-to-nature retreats

Help save the Kiwi in New Zealand

While the Kiwi bird is the iconic national emblem of New Zealand, it’s also an endangered species, with only around 70,000 left in the wild. The little Kiwi’s numbers are dwindling due to habitat loss and predators such as dogs and cats. We’ll get to know more about this special bird on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We’ll connect with nature as we wander through the magnificent Californian Coastal Redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua and visit the National Kiwi Hatchery. 

The hatchery is New Zealand’s leading institution for Kiwi conservation. You’ll meet the experts to learn more about their dedicated egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and chick rearing. You’ll even get to see some adorable, newly hatched Kiwi chicks. As we stroll through the towering redwoods, you can also spot other wildlife such as geckos and bellbirds. 

Discover it on: The Long White Cloud

Read more: 5 Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences to Have in New Zealand

Join a local ranger at the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

Get to know one of the world’s most ancient natural landscapes at the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This spectacular natural phenomenon features around 40,000 hexagonal stones rising out of the Atlantic Ocean, remnants of a volcanic age about 60 million years ago. This nature reserve is also steeped in ancient lore. Legend says it was formed by an Irish giant, Finn McCool, who created a path of stepping-stones for a battle with a Scottish giant. 

Today, the Giant’s Causeway battles the challenges posed by overtourism, the pandemic, and climate change. However, a significant conservation plan is underway to protect this fascinating site. As part of the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll join a local wildlife ranger to learn about the Causeway’s ancient history, formation, and folklore. You’ll also learn about the region’s unique plants and wildlife and conservation efforts, with each visit contributing to the preservation of the site for future generations.

Discover it on: Ultimate Ireland

Read more: Hives and honey: Meet Ashford Castle beekeeper, Steve Watson Oughterard

Explore a bird paradise in, Iguazu, Brazil

@parquedasaves

If you love to connect with nature, you’ll be amazed when you step into this avian oasis at Parque das Aves. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience takes you to the world’s only institution dedicated to conserving Atlantic Rainforest bird species. As you wander through the stunning forest, you’ll spot colorful toucans, parrots, flamingos and hummingbirds. You might even see eagles, hawks, herons and owls. 

Loss of habitat is the greatest threat to the birds, with less than 10% of the original rainforest remaining. The sanctuary not only provides shelter and protection for these animals, but it also rescues many birds from mistreatment. They also run breeding programs to help rebuild population numbers. While this extraordinary sanctuary focuses on birds, you’ll also spot reptiles and butterflies from across South America. 

Discover it on: Classic South America

Read more: How your travels with Luxury Gold help conserve nature for future generations