Maybe it’s a new destination, somewhere you have always wanted to see, or just time for an extra treat. Why not extend your Luxury Gold vacations and spend extra time in some superb locations?

You can  extend your stay at the start or end of your trip, on each of our limited-edition tours. Or make your journey even more spectacular by choosing one of our extended vacations.

Venice, Italy and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice, ‘La Serenissima’, is a divine location and a hard act to follow. A highlight of Italy, its winding canals, stunning architecture, and rich history make it one of the most romantic and enchanting destinations in the world. You’ll never tire of exploring the city’s hidden corners, charming back alleys and secluded squares. Sip coffee in the Piazza San Marco and marvel at the opulent Basilica di San Marco and the stunning Doge’s Palace. Float along the canals on a gondola, absorbing the sights and sounds from the water.

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

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For the ultimate treat and crescendo to your stay, treat yourself to a journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Continue basking in the timeless elegance of Venice on a luxurious journey to Paris, as an extension to Ultimate Italy, of our most popular Luxury Gold vacations. Opulent carriages, first class service and gastronomy courtesy of a Michelin-starred Chef, make this an unforgettable step back in time.

Read more: Meet the Michelin star chef putting his stamp on the Orient-Express menu

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy with Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Auckland, New Zealand

A stunning coastal city, Auckland offers luxury travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Whether you are strolling along the waterfront and enjoying views of Waitemata Harbor and the Hauraki Gulf, or exploring the city’s world-class museums and galleries, you’ll be longing for some extra time in this vibrant city.

Visit the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic views or take a helicopter ride. Explore the city’s underground lava caves and the stunning Waitakere Ranges rainforest. And pass the time enjoying fresh seafood and fine wine in the city’s many waterfront restaurants and bars.

Making your visit to Auckland even more memorable, travel with us and you’ll be treated to an exclusive dinner with one of the country’s famous former All Blacks rugby players. Just one of the exclusive moments that await on Luxury Gold vacations.

Read more: How to spend a decadent weekend in Auckland

Why not take a few extra days at the end of The Long White Cloud?

New Orleans, USA

The Big Easy. A city packed with history, music and exquisite cuisine – there is always one more experience to savor. New Orleans is known for its unique blend of African, French and American cultures. Here you can enjoy jazz, blues, Creole cuisine, unique architecture and festivals including Mardi Gras.

Founded by the French, New Orleans was ruled for 40 years by the Spanish before being bought by the United States in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, leaving behind a rich history full of fascinating tales. It’s no surprise it is one of the USA’s most popular travel destinations.

A big draw is the historic French Quarter, with its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street. Visit St. Louis Cathedral and the legendary Preservation Hall jazz club. The city is considered the birthplace of jazz, and famous musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton got their start playing in the city’s clubs and music halls. You can also enjoy the magic of Mardi Gras any time of year at the Mardi Gras World Museum.

Discover this on: Southern Grace

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

Alaska, USA

An Alaska cruise is a must for any discerning traveler seeking natural beauty and adventure. And it makes the perfect extension to Majesty of the Rockies, one of our limited edition Luxury Gold vacations. Once you have been exposed to the outstanding natural beauty of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, we guarantee you’ll be yearning for more.

Over 12 days, we invite you to bask in the incredible scenery of Alaska’s Inside Passage. In the company of marine biologists and expert naturalists, stop at villages, waterfalls, fjords and glaciers.

Quiet and luxurious, your boutique cruise ship combines comfort with the ultimate in environmental protection. And it is perfectly sized to enable access to islands and coves. Intimately observe wildlife from the overwater viewing platform and enjoy exquisite onboard dining, with a bounty of fresh local produce.    

Discover this on: Majesty of the Rockies with Alaska Cruise extension

You may also enjoy reading: Why journeying through the Rocky Mountains will stay with you for a lifetime

Prague, Czech Republic

With a rich history and Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, Prague excludes old world glamour and charm. Known as the ‘City of a Thousand Spires’, it’s one of Europe’s architectural gems.

Must-see sights include the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and Prague Castle. Take your time strolling along the Vltava River and enjoy views of the city’s skyline or explore the winding streets of the city’s historic Old Town. Prague is renowned as shopper’s paradise, and browsing its designer boutiques is the perfect way to indulge with some extra time in the city. Visit the luxury shopping district of Parizska Street for high-end brands such as Dior and Prada or explore the vintage shops in the Josefov neighborhood.

Add extra days at the start of: Harmony of Central Europe

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolis, is known as the city where innovation meets tradition.

Despite its size, it is considered one of the safest and friendliest cities in the world. And with so much to explore, this is the kind of city you can spend many more days in.

Tokyo’s rich history can be seen everywhere in its architecture, particularly in its ancient temples and shrines. The magnificent Sensoji Temple dates back to the 7th century. The city is also home to modern architectural marvels, such as the Tokyo Skytree, a 634-meter tower that is one of the tallest structures in the world.

Explore temples, see vendors and fishermen in action at the Tsukiji Fish Market. The Yanaka district, with its narrow streets and traditional houses, provides a glimpse into Tokyo’s past. Dine on sushi, ramen, tempura and other exquisite Japanese dishes at the city’s acclaimed restaurants or try the delicious street food.

Read more: Guardians of a national icon: meet the Japanese cherry blossom doctors

Spend extra time in Tokyo at the end of Majestic Japan

 Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is famous for luxurious lifestyles, high-end shopping, and decadent chocolate. Set alongside a shimmering lake and framed by the soaring Alps, the best of indoor and outdoor blend. It’s the perfect destination to spend some extra time, whether you’re looking for arts and culture, world-class dining or shopping and indulgence.

Zurich’ abundance of high-end boutiques and designer stores cater to the most discerning of shoppers. Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, with good reason. A mile long, it features luxury brands such as Chanel, Prada and Louis Vuitton, as well as exclusive boutiques and designer wear. After all that shopping, take the weight off your feet and dine by the lakeside.

Add some extra days before the start of Majestic Switzerland

Read more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a Travel Concierge

To make even more memories on Luxury Gold vacations, why not add extra days at the start or the end of your journey? To help you choose, take a look at our worldwide collection of limited-edition Luxury Gold tours.

Exclusive hotels offer more than accommodation. They are steeped in history, charm, and a sense of presence that has seen the world’s elite enter through their doors. From Heads of State to politicians and Hollywood stars, these prestigious establishments are adored by those who understand what luxury really means.

Grand Hotel Quisisana, Capri, Italy

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Located in the heart of jewel-like Capri, the iconic Grand Hotel Quisisana is synonymous with the glamour of the island. It has attracted an exclusive crowd since opening in 1860, hosting the brightest stars of the time, from Ernest Hemingway to Tom Cruise. The hotel is also a draw for yacht-loving European aristocrats.

Located in the heart of Anacapri, towards the west of the island, the hotel overlooks the glittering Gulf of Naples. Here you can sit back with a cocktail and soak up dramatic views of Mount Vesuvius and Sorrento. One of Italy’s most exclusive hotels, the interiors exude old-world charm with marble floors, ornate chandeliers and richly colored walls. Elegant and spacious rooms, fine dining and a sumptuous spa complete the celebrity lifestyle.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy

Related content: 5 of the best Passport Moments you’ll enjoy with Luxury Gold

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Quebec, Canada

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Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec is an iconic landmark that has been standing for over a century. Renowned as one of the best luxury hotels in the world, guests can enjoy stunning architecture, impeccable service and unparalleled views of the city.

A symbol of opulence and sophistication, the hotel has been visited by many prominent figures over the years. Hollywood stars and Heads of state have graced the hotel’s rooms, including Franklin Roosevelt, Queen Elizabeth II and Alfred Hitchcock.

Dining at Le Chateau Frontenac is to experience a masterpiece of French-inspired cuisine. Local ingredients elevate dishes and experts pair each with an extensive wine list. The opulent ambiance of the restaurant, with its grand chandeliers and rich decor, is matched only by the flawless service. It makes for a truly indulgent dining experience.

Discover this on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

 Read more: The revered Quebec City hotel with an iconic movie star reputation

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazzu Falls, Brazil

@belmondhoteldascataratas

Stretching across the border of Brazil and Argentina, the mighty falls of the Iguazzu River make up the largest waterfall system in the world. And guests of the 5-star Belmond Hotel Las Cateras, can enjoy sublime views of the mighty cascades.

A pastel-pink jungle hideaway, the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas has played host to countless notable figures. Princess Diana, Prince Albert of Monaco, David Rockefeller, Eleonor Roosevelt, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Anthony Hopkins, Jackie Chan and Paul Simon are among the famous faces that have stayed there.

Relax in the pool and soak up the sounds of the jungle, stroll orchid gardens and sip caipirinhas as the sun goes down. And, as one of the best spa hotels you will find in Brazil, local, responsibly harvested ingredients form the base for sumptuous treatments, delivering the finest in Amazonian healing.

Discover this on: Classic South America

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

Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan

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From Charlie Chaplin to Marilyn Monroe to Keanu Reeves, the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo is the A-listers hotel of choice in the city. A luxurious five-star hotel establishment, this legendary Tokyo landmark it is one of the city’s oldest hotels and has welcomed royalty, heads of state, celebrities and international business leaders for over 115 years.

Opened in 1890 at the request of the Japanese aristocracy, the Imperial Hotel has been rebuilt several times over the decades. The Imperial, one of Tokyo’s most exclusive hotels, is renowned for providing discreet and exceptional service to discerning guests. Located in the heart of the city its, 13 selected gourmet restaurants offer delicious national and international cuisine. This highly sought after establishment combines all its amenities with impeccable Japanese hospitality, for a truly luxurious stay.

Discover this on: Majestic Japan

 Related content: A journey of a lifetime: Unearthing Majestic Japan with Luxury Gold

Hotel Schweizerhof, Luzern, Switzerland

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The moment you step inside the Hotel Schweizerhof in Luzern you’ll be struck by the hotel’s impressive grandeur. A true gem of Swiss hospitality, its crafted floors and marble columns exude elegance from every angle. Offering the highest standards of luxury accommodation, the rooms and suites are impressive. Enjoy plush furnishings, sumptuous bedding and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Luzern.

Spend a night at the Hotel Schweizerhof and  follow in the footsteps of kings, emperors, writers, politicians, musicians and actors. Each of its 101 rooms and suites tell a story about former guests. These include Leo Tolstoy, Karl Frey, Richard Wagner and Queen Elizabeth II.

The hotel’s gourmet restaurants, Gallerie and Pavillion, offer authentic Lucerne specialties  alongside exotic dishes from the rest of the world. Savor dishes such as Lobster Bisque with vanilla, kaffir lime and mango, Scottish smoked salmon, and honey parfait with black walnuts and pear.

Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland

@hotelbristolwarsaw

The Hotel Bristol in Warsaw is a true masterpiece of luxury and elegance, in the heart of Poland’s capital city. A landmark on the city skyline, its majestic neo-renaissance façade is surrounded by the UNESCO listed Old Town and the Royal Castle. Elegant Art Nouveau interiors house 206 rooms, described as the most luxurious in Poland.

The hotel has long played an integral role in Warsaw life, welcoming guests since 1901 and hosting leading figures from the worlds of politics, music and royalty. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II, the Emperor of Japan, Sofia Loren, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Woody Allen and Placido Domingo have all stayed here.

 Following an extensive renovation, the hotel offers Warsaw’s ‘Belle Époque’ charm combined with contemporary 5-star comforts and service. If you are a lover of exclusive hotels, then the Hotel Bristol will not disappoint. The perfect location from which to explore the city, or relax and enjoy the amenities, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable stay.

Discover this on: Harmony of Central Europe

Hotel Metropole, Venice, Italy

@hotelmetropolevenezia

Superbly located just a few steps from St. Mark’s square, Venice’s Hotel Metropole sits on the edge of the lagoon, with superb views out over the water. One of the city’s most exclusive hotels, this stunning showcase of Italian luxury and history dates back to the 16th century.

Once an orphanage and church, the hotel now has an acclaimed restaurant AND a series of art collections. It also features a historic chapel-turned-Oriental-tearoom. Here Antonio Vivaldi once gave music lessons to orphans in the 1700s.

The hotel offers an ‘intense and theatrical atmosphere’, packed with intricate tapestries, frescoes and Murano glass chandeliers. Music is the heart and soul of this hotel, with Lou Reed, Patty Smith Lenny Kravitz and Grace Jones all staying here over the years. Other amenities at the Hotel Metropole include a luxurious spa and private water taxi service, allowing you to explore Venice’s canals in style.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy           

 Related content: This little gelateria in San Gimignano may just serve the best gelato in all of Italy

Magnificent stays are at the heart of every Luxury Gold journey. To enjoy these exclusive hotels, and more as you travel, take a look at our exclusive collection of limited-edition luxury guided tours.

Seeking out the most expensive food in the world is a decadent way to travel. Fortunately, journeys with Luxury Gold can take you to far-flung corners of the globe where some of the most expensive food in the world originates, and sometimes, is found right on your plate. 

If you find yourself asking “What is the most expensive food in the world?” look no further. From wagyu beef to white truffles, here are some of our favorite foods and destinations to sample the world’s finest flavors and fare.  

The most expensive food in Italy  

You can find the expensive and sought-after white truffle in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. White truffles are harder to find compared to other truffles because they only grow near certain types of trees. But the discovery is well worth it for their powerful flavor and aroma. On our Ultimate Italy tour, you’ll embark on a foraging trip for these aromatic truffles guided by an expert truffle dog. 

Italy’s prized, and often high-priced, olive oil is yet another reason to live la dolce vita with us. In Umbria, sample specialties such as fresh truffle-infused cured meats and regional olive oils with the help of a local gourmand who’s eager to share the roots of Umbrian cuisine from the region’s lakes, deep forests and rich earth.  

Spain & Portugal 

Take your taste buds from the delicacies of Italy to the finest meats of Spain and Portugal. One of the most expensive foods in the world is Iberico ham, a type of cured meat from Spain and Portugal. The best quality Iberico ham comes from free-range Iberico pigs that eat a diet of acorns as they roam about oak forests in the final years of their lives. Some of the very best Iberico ham is labeled black label – look for pata negra in Spain or porco preto in Portugal. Explore Spain & Portugal in Style, or book a luxury trip to Spain with us, enjoying fine dining in restaurants such as Michelin-starred L’Antic Moli in search of this expensive meat.

Croatia 

To indulge in the bounty of the sea, journey to Croatia to savor one of the world’s most expensive and luxurious foods: oysters. In the quiet fishing village of Mali Ston, sample fresh, briny oysters just out of the water that thrive in this salt-rich channel.  

Japan by land…

Leave Europe behind and jet off to Japan with us to discover the country that boasts some of the most expensive food in the world. One of Japan’s most well-known and high-priced foods is the famed Kobe beef. This marbled, rich type of Wagyu beef comes from one type of cattle breed in the Hyogo Prefecture. The regulations around the authenticity of Kobe beef make it more difficult and expensive to find. So, why not seek it out on your travels?   

@kobe_beef_official

Beyond beef, Japan has many of the world’s most expensive foods such as Hokkaido’s rare black watermelon, which needs several months and plenty of space to grow. This fancy fruit can only be purchased at auctions and can fetch around $6,000. Japan has also become known for producing the rare, and increasingly harder-to-find, Matsutake Mushroom. 

And sea… 

The waters of Japan also produce some of the world’s most expensive foods. You may be familiar with Fugu, the most dangerous dish on the planet. Strictly controlled by Japanese law, Fugu is lethal if not prepared correctly. Chefs must have years of training before they can prepare it. Japan’s Bluefin tuna is also among the most expensive seafood in the world. Its high cost is due to intense marbling and finely balanced flavors. 

New Zealand  

From rich waters to bountiful earth, venture to The Land of the Long White Cloud for Manuka Honey. This sweet substance native to New Zealand comes from the Manuka Bush and is known for its healing properties. The honey’s antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits can cost around $500 per kilogram when purchasing the highest grade. Even if you’re unable to sample this sweet nectar, our New Zealand itineraries offer plenty of rich, nature-focused experiences to write home about. 

Madagascar 

For an extravagant sweet finish, we take you to Madagascar for another of the most expensive foods in the world: vanilla. This island off mainland Africa produces vanilla pods that can fetch up to $600 per pound. The high price is partly due to the intensive labor required. On the single day that vanilla blooms the pollination must be done by hand. Journey to Africa with us to discover more tastes and treasures. If you’re able to procure this prized vanilla, just imagine what pastries you could whip up! 

Whether you’re in search of Australia’s fine wine or farm-fresh, authentic fare in Ireland, there’s a Luxury Gold journey for every palate.