Curated exclusively for you, our luxury travel experiences surprise and delight. We asked the Luxury Gold travel experiences team for their best-curated experiences for 2025. From meeting a Duchess to exclusive access to the sights, here are their recommendations.

Meet the Duchess of Northumberland at Alnwick Castle, England

In the pretty English town of Alnwick, Northumberland lies the most elegant castle, and even more exquisite gardens. Seat of the 12th Duke of Northumberland, the castle was built in the 11th Century following the Norman conquest.

Travel with Luxury Gold on a Founder’s Collection departure and enjoy a rare opportunity to meet Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland for a private tour of her beloved gardens. This exclusive experience is not available to the general public.

The spectacular grounds surrounding the castle were landscaped by Lancelot “Capability” Brown, renowned for creating some of England’s most beautiful landscapes. With passion and dedication, The Duchess has restored the garden to its 18th-century glory over the last 20 years. Enjoyed by thousands, only you as a Luxury Gold guest will meet the duchess and hear her personal story.

These 12 acres of meandering and magnificent gardens are home to the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard, a Grand Cascade comprising 120 water jets, and the world’s largest Treehouse Restaurant. You’ll meet the Head Gardener, who will lead you past a labyrinth, the serpent garden and ornate fountains. As you explore, you’ll listen to the fascinating story of restoration. Admire this masterpiece of passion and dedication, before indulging in a seasonal lunch. This experience is topped off with an in-depth exploration of the 11th-century castle, under the guidance of a Local Expert.

Our Founder’s Collection of luxury travel experiences enables you to mingle with the people who have shaped the history of the places you go. Curated by our founder, the late Stanley Tollman, these are his friendships from across the globe brought to you through exclusive meet and greets.

Discover this on: British Royale, Castles & Kingdoms

Read more: Royalty & Noblemen: the fascinating people you will meet in Europe with Luxury Gold

After-hours tour of The Luxor Temple, Egypt

A window into the ancient world, Egypt’s famous Luxor Temple strikingly sits in the heart of the modern town and will leave you captivated. Imagine gazing up at this magnificent structure with just a handful of your traveling companions for company.

As a Luxury Gold guest, enjoy exclusive VIP access as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site after-hours. Meaning you can roam the vast site in peace and tranquility. Founded in 1400 BC during the Golden Age of Thebes, this was the largest and most significant religious center in ancient Egypt. The temple once housed a village within its walls and features towering pillars, a myriad of statues and obelisks, and some of the finest carvings in ancient Egypt. A highlight of our luxury travel experiences, we invite you to explore this architectural wonder, exclusively and decadently yours.

Discover this on our Luxury Nile river cruise

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

Exclusive access and high tea in Jaipur City Palace, India

Elegant, enchanting and ornate, Jaipur City Palace takes pride of place inside Jaipur’s walled Pink City. Built between 1729 and 1732, this showcase of opulent beauty blends remarkable Rajput and Mughal architecture. On your tour of Jaipur City Palace, as guests of Luxury Gold, enjoy exclusive access to the private living room of the Maharaja, normally off-limits to visitors.

See how the royals lived up close and personal, and admire the architecture, latticework and ornately carved marble interiors. One of our most elegant luxury travel experiences, savor an Indian-inspired high tea on the regal terrace after viewing the spectacular handcrafted crystal table by René Lalique. The grounds surrounding the palace are no less exquisite, with numerous terraces, courtyards and gardens to explore.

Discover this on: Essence of India with Ranthanbore, Imperial Rajasthan

 Read more: From off-grid trips to nostalgic getaways: the top luxury holiday destinations for 2023

 Haast River Safari, New Zealand

There are few words that do justice to the landscapes of New Zealand. From the tip-to-toe of the North and South Islands, the country is simply blessed with natural wonder. We invite you, as a Luxury Gold guest, to delve deep into the heart of this beauty with a jet boat safari on the Haast River, located in the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area.

Famous for its dramatic landscapes Haast is situated on the western edge of the South Island’s Mount Aspiring National Park. A World Heritage Site, UNESCO has compared it to the Grand Canyon and Great Barrier Reef as a significant natural treasure.

Enjoy a unique blend of thrilling speed and calm comfort as you travel by covered jet boat. Glide past untouched landscapes from mountains to the sea whilst hearing from a Local Expert. They will share the history, flora and fauna of the beautiful Haast River Valley. Admire forests and snow-capped mountains from the comfort of your fully enclosed cabin and let your mind wander as you listen to captivating tales of the wilderness communities of the valley.

Discover this on: Southern Drift

Related content: Our top 10 hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

Bossa Nova Experience with Cecelo in Rio De Janeiro

Overlooked by jutting mountains, Rio’s charming neighborhood of Ipanema boasts a stunning beach, great restaurants and a unique Brazilian vibe. It was also the birthplace of Bossa Nova in the 1950s. Here you will have the pleasure, and privilege to meet Cecelo, a local guitarist, music aficionado, and studio owner. Join him for a memorable walking tour, an experience created especially for Luxury Gold guests.

Bossa Nova can be described as a soft samba. It is based on traditional Brazilian music and rhythms, American jazz, and a new style of Portuguese lyrics. It originated on the beaches, with students, artists and musicians coming together to create a new sound.

As you explore, hear engaging stories about this famous music style on our toe-tapping luxury travel experiences in South America. Enjoy the sounds and sights of Ipanema, before heading back to your hotel where Cecelo will play you some Bossa Nova classics over a caipirinha cocktail.

Discover this on: Classic South America

Related content: How your travels with Luxury Gold help conserve nature for future generations

 To find out more about these and other memorable luxury travel experiences available on all of our trips, take a look at our worldwide collection of limited-edition tours.

With the world at our feet, travelers are spoiled for choice of luxury holiday destinations. Maybe you feel nostalgic for some old-world glamour, or are searching for something a bit different like a burst of culture or a more off-grid experience.

Whether you are a nature lover or a foodie, a sun-seeker or a history lover, there is a luxury vacation for you. To help you choose your next journey, we’ve highlighted some of the top luxury holiday destinations that you should have on your travel bucket list.

1. New Zealand

For the ultimate nature getaway, New Zealand has it all. Its magnificent landscapes behold a fairytale of majestic alps, glaciers, golden sand beaches, snow-capped mountains and views of the Pacific. From enticing cities to boutique wineries, this small but impressive country deservedly rates as one of the world’s best luxury destinations.

Discover this bucket list destination with Luxury Gold and rest and rejuvenate in exquisite wilderness retreats. In Rotorua you are invited to a Māori Hāngī feast, a delicious meal cooked unground with geothermal steam. And in the capital Auckland, be treated to an exclusive dinner with a former New Zealand All Black rugby player. A boutique wine tour of the Craggy Range winery followed by dinner and pairing, is just another delight that lies in store.

Discover this on: The Long White Cloud

Read more: The ultimate nature retreat: welcome to Milford Sound Lodge

2. Japan

Japan is a land of breathtaking beauty that fuses traditions with modern living. It is the perfect destination if you are looking to explore a different culture and a chance to get off the beaten path. Japan has recently opened its borders again to international travelers and is fast becoming one of the world’s top luxury holiday destinations.

From the cutting-edge metropolis of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Mount Fuji, seemingly suspended in time, Japan has something for everyone. Join us on Majestic Japan explore exquisite gardens and enjoy a performance by a Geisha in Kyoto. Learn the delicate art of sushi making with a Tokyo Masterchef and, in the stunning surroundings of Oirase Gorge, meet a Sake Brewmaster and discover the secrets of this sacred drink.

Discover this on: Majestic Japan

Read more: A Journey of a Lifetime: unearthing Majestic Japan, with Luxury Gold

3. France

For a nostalgic getaway, the romance and intrigue of France always delivers. Just picture the turquoise waters and glamorous French Riviera beach resorts of the Côte d’Azur and St. Tropez. Imagine the rich aromas and vivid colors of Provence, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Avignon, blended together with world-famous French gastronomy to make this one of the world’s best luxury holiday destinations.

Travel with us and, in Provence, slide into the passenger’s seat of a vintage car and be chauffeured through the countryside to an acclaimed winery for a private tour. In Avignon, indulge in a dinner at the Michelin-starred La Vieille Fontaine.

 Discover this on: Ultimate Southern France

 Read more: In 2022, why we do we crave the New Golden Era of Travel more than ever before

4. India

The Taj Mahal. Vibrant colors. Delicate spices and magnificent palaces. These are just some of the reasons India is an endlessly fascinating destination. India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The country’s intriguing culture, exceptional hospitality and exquisite cuisine see it emerging as a top luxury holiday destination.

Disocver Insia with Luxury Gold and enjoy a private tour of Jaipur City Palace, including the maharajah’s personal living room normally off-limits to visitors. In Ranthambore, search out the elusive tigers in their natural habitat. You will explore the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs, peppered with palatial ruins and traditional Chhatri.

Discover this on: Essence of India with Ranthambore

Read more: Meet the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw

5. Italy

Another truly nostalgic destination, Italy takes you on a timeless journey back to the Renaissance and the Roman Empire. Walk through the cobblestone alleyways and ruins of Pompeii and glide on a gondola through the canals of Venice. Admire masterpieces as you tour the Vatican Museums, including Michelangelo’s revered frescos in the Sistine Chapel.

Join us in Italy and sail to the sun-drenched island of Capri, sit down to a Michelin-starred Italian feast with sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples. In Venice, visit the Doge’s Palace exclusively after hours. And for the ultimate nostalgia trip, choose to extend your tour onboard the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to travel to Paris.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy

Read more: 7 ways you’ll celebrate Tuscan food when you travel with Luxury Gold

6. Dubai

More hotel inspiration: This New Zealand Forest Retreat Combines 5-Star Luxury with Sustainability

8. Lizard Island, Australia

Photo credit: @lizardisland on Instagram

A pristine and secluded location that offers peace, tranquility, and complete privacy. Some ‘off the beaten path’ hotels embody this concept to the extreme, being so remotely situated that they can only be accessed by plane, boat, or other unconventional means, but the journey is part of the allure. These range from breathtaking wilderness lodges to serene beachfront retreats.

Lizard Island is a true sanctuary from the outside world. Boasting 24 powdery-white beaches and 40 luxurious suites, it stands as the most northern resort in tropical Queensland, directly on the Great Barrier Reef within a 1,013-hectare National Park. This island is reserved for the fortunate few who seek an unforgettable vacation unlike any other. Guests can enjoy private picnics and sunset degustations on secluded beaches, savor five-star cuisine at the beautiful Salt Water restaurant, and indulge in luxurious spa treatments at the Essentia Day Spa.

You may also be interested to read: Experience Remote Luxury at These Extraordinary Hotels

9. The Maldives

The Maldives stands as an icon of ultimate luxury travel, offering an idyllic escape with its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and opulent overwater bungalows. Unlike the bustling urban luxury of Dubai, the Maldives captivates with its tranquil, natural beauty and seclusion. Each luxury resort is typically located on its own private island, providing exclusivity and intimacy.

Synonymous with extravagant experiences, guests in the Maldives can indulge in underwater dining at restaurants like Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, enjoy bespoke spa treatments in serene overwater pavilions, or take private yacht excursions to explore the coral reefs and marine life. The Maldives is also famous for its luxurious accommodations; overwater villas often come with private infinity pools, direct lagoon access and personal butler service.

Bookmark for later: Secret islands and snowy retreats: 5 hotspots loved by the British Royal family

10. Echo by White Desert, Antarctica

Echo Camp in Antarctica truly lives up to its reputation as the most remote luxury camp on Earth. Inspired by astronauts and the golden age of space exploration, Echo combines an ultra-luxury experience with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and offers exclusive access to the rarely seen interior of the White Continent.

Notable astronauts like Buzz have visited, comparing the infinite Antarctic landscape and its dramatic mountain ranges to those in space, saying their , beauty surpasses Venus and Mars. Guests are pampered by a team of experienced chefsYou can visit the nearby 28,000-strong Emperor Penguin colony or embarking on a bucket-list journey to the South Pole. Like all White Desert camps, Echo is designed to be dismantled, leaving no trace on the Antarctic landscape.

You may also enjoy reading: Step inside Peru’s blissful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

If you are searching for your next luxury holiday destination, take a look at our collection of limited-edition luxury guided tours. Each journey is specially curated, with exquisite hotels and exceptional cuisine at each destination.

Let me introduce you to Pink City Rickshaw. Rajasthan’s capital of Jaipur lives up to its nickname of The Pink City. Upon arrival, you can see the distinctive salmon hue across the city’s skyline. But beyond appearance, it’s also a place that is steeped in heritage. Traditional folk song and dance, textile markets, handmade designer shopping and local cuisine are all part of Jaipur’s rich culture. 

Newer additions are the bright pink, custom-designed and eco-friendly Jaipur rickshaws driven by local women. What better way to see the city sights? It’s more than just a fun way to explore Jaipur. Pink City Rickshaw employs female rickshaw drivers and offers a unique opportunity to help support more than 200 local women from low-income households. 

Employing and empowering women who often have no work opportunities prior to guiding Jaipur tours, Pink City Rickshaw equips its employees with professional training and opportunities for economic empowerment among their communities. 

Does that sound like your kind of ride? Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on our Essence of India with Ranthambore luxury guided tour to meet these women for yourself and learn all about the initiative. Hop in, share stories and see the magnificent sights of Jaipur. 

“Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are a beautiful exchange of values between our guests and the people that we meet,” explains Lucie Dalila, Sustainability Manager, Travel Experiences at Luxury Gold “This is a two-way experience – a sharing of stories, ideas and knowledge that shines a whole new light on your destination. We all leave feeling empowered, inspired and keen to contribute even more.” 

Empowering local women 

Puja Gour, Vice President of ACCESS Development Services, a nonprofit organization based in Jaipur, that partners with Pink City Rickshaw tells us: “Empowering women is our main initiative but creating an engaging and curated experience on our sightseeing tours is a top priority as well. Tourism meets philanthropy as you are guided through the medieval mystique of the walled city, seeing the local culture and sites through the eyes of the smart, enthusiastic and knowledgeable women who navigate Jaipur’s streets.” 

A modern icon since the 1880s 

“The presence of rickshaws in India has played an important role, from the electric cities to the smaller towns of rural regions,” explains Puja. “Growing up in Patna in Bihar, we didn’t have a public transportation system. Hopping on a rickshaw (usually hired by a family or friend) for weekly outings with other neighborhood children continues to hold a warm place in my heart.  While the city’s rickshaw industry has traditionally been dominated by men, the societal backdrop is adapting to the transition of new drivers — giving women the power to gain professional experience and income, while also giving you a fuller experience compared to the standard point A-to-B taxi service.” 

Soaking up the sites 

Sites like the 16th-century Amber Palace and UNESCO world heritage site Jantar Mantar observatory are part of what draw so many visitors to the magic of Jaipur. Stroll Amber Palace’s cobbled paths and take in views of Maota Lake. The magnificent City Palace is home to Mughal and Rajput architecture. It is also the present residence to the last ruling royal family who live in a private section of the palace. 

You’ll also get lost in some more off-the-beaten path destinations. Explore the partially hidden lower level of Mansagar, a beautiful place of solitude often overlooked by the masses.  When you take a tour with the women of Jaipur, you’re making a personal impact on the local community and contributing to a cleaner environment. You’re also experiencing the magic of one of India’s most dynamic cities. 

Feeling inspired to rickshaw around Jaipur? 

Jaipur is a featured destination on our Essence of India with Ranthambore and Spirit of North & South India luxury guided tours. 

Travel to Jaipur with us and enjoy the opulent rooms of the 5-star Jai Mahal Palace.  Discover the 18 acres of Mughal style gardens in this magnificent hotel showcasing Rajasthan’s stunning heritage. 

Sample the best of the city’s exquisite food. Dine at the sumptuous 1135 AD, with its royal interior, traditional music and breathtaking sunset views. And, celebrate the final night of your voyage at the Cinnamon Restaurant in Jai Mahal Palace. Here the chef expertly blends traditional and contemporary cuisine from the four princely states of India. It’s an unforgettable feast. 

Visit our website for more information on all our luxury guided tours to India. Download our interactive brochure for 2022 & 2023 Worldwide tours. And learn more about our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences.