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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

If you’ve ever wanted to take a luxury train journey, the Rocky Mountaineer is almost certainly on your list. From the plush carriages and iconic GoldLeaf service to the 360-degree views of the unparalleled beauty of the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer is a world-renowned rail journey. Here, we’ll delve into the history books to uncover how it became North America’s most luxurious train journey – and how you can experience the wonders of the Rocky Mountaineer.

Experience it: Majesty of the Rockies 

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Origins of the Rocky Mountaineer 

The Rocky Mountaineer made its maiden voyage in 1990, but its story goes back a little further than that. The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in the late 19th century connected the vast, largely unpopulated expanses of Canada and northern USA and paved the way for transcontinental passenger trains. In 1988, the Canadian government created VIA Rail and privatised all passenger rail services. 

However, the scenic routes through the Canadian Rockies were not included in VIA Rail’s portfolio. This presented an opportunity for entrepreneur Peter Armstrong, who envisioned a luxury rail service that would showcase the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and provide a unique experience for travellers from all over the world.

The inaugural Rocky Mountaineer journey took place in 1990. It was a two-day journey from Vancouver to Banff, taking in Western Canada and the Rockies. It was an immediate success, and the following year was named one of the “World’s 20 Best Rail Experiences” by The International Railway Traveler magazine.

Read more: 7 of the world’s most luxurious train journeys

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Full steam ahead

The Rocky Mountaineer continue to upgrade and expand its fleet and in 1995, introduced the luxurious GoldLeaf cars. They quickly became the most popular way to experience the Rocky Mountaineer thanks to its exclusive outdoor viewing platform and gourmet meals prepared on board.

In 1996, the Rocky Mountaineer started setting records, becoming the longest passenger train in Canadian history, with 37 cars. Just three years later, in 1999, it broke the record again with 41 cars. 

In 2002, it welcomed its 500,000th guest and six years later, its one-millionth. Since then the Rocky Mountaineer has carried over two million passengers. The Rocky Mountaineer celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2015, having grown to be the largest privately owned luxury train company in the world.

Read more: Embrace the Old-World Glamour of the Luxury Train Travel

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Global recognition

The accolades kept on coming over the years. The Rocky Mountaineer has won the prestigious “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” eight times at the World Travel Awards. Conde Nast Traveler listed it as one of the “Top 5 trains in the world”, and BBC named it as one of the “50 Things To Do Before You Die”. National Geographic named it one of the “World’s Greatest Trips” and one of the “Top 10 North American Train Trips”. They’ve been frequently honored as one of The International Railway Traveler’s “10 Best Rail Experiences in the World”.

The Rocky Mountaineer was also Lonely Planet’s Winner of Best Sustainable Train for 2021 and won Tourism British Columbia’s “Foresight Sustainability Award” for leadership and advocacy of sustainable tourism. In an effort to reduce its environmental impact, the Rocky Mountaineer uses locomotives powered by biodiesel fuel, a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional diesel fuel.

Read more: Christmas on the tracks: 7 of the world’s most beautiful, festive train journeys

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The Rocky Mountaineer experience 

The routes

You can still take the very first Rocky Mountaineer route today. Known as the First Passage to the West, it’s the most historic route, traversing along from Vancouver to Banff and Lake Louise. 

The Rocky Mountaineer has three other routes, including Journey Through the Clouds and Rainforest to Gold Rush, which takes you from Vancouver to Jasper through the UNESCO-listed Jasper National Park. From the beautiful mountain scenery to the remarkable wildlife, these are breathtaking journeys. For something a little different, you can also take the Rockies To The Red Rocks journey from Moab to Denver, with vast canyons, red sandstone, and enchanting deserts as your backdrop. 

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The views

They say it’s about the journey, not the destination, and this expression really comes to life on the Rocky Mountaineer. As you board the carriage each morning, you’re in no rush to reach your destination, because every passenger knows you’re about to witness something extraordinary. When you travel through the Rockies, you’ll see dazzling glaciers, snowy mountains, glittering lakes, and soaring canyons. 

You’ll pass through the iconic Spiral Tunnels, chug along the Kicking Horse River, and cross the Great Continental Divide. From Roger’s Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, Kamloops and Lake Louise, to Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was planted into the ground, this rail journey is nature and history entwined. 

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You can even spot the renowned wildlife of the Rockies in their natural habitats, such as bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, and eagles soaring overhead. The train’s onboard hosts will also call out and let you know when they spot any animals.

This is one journey where you don’t have to worry about taking in everything at high speed. The train regularly slows down to a rolling speed to ensure every guest can soak up every spectacular angle and snap some wonderful photos.

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The luxury carriages

The train’s custom-designed, bi-level, glass-domed observation cars offer passengers 360-degree views of the spectacular scenery. You’ll feel completely immersed in the majestic mountains, lush forests, and rushing rivers from the comfort of your seat.

The premium GoldLeaf Service offers passengers a luxurious travel experience, with bi-level railcars featuring dining rooms on the lower level and observation lounges on the upper level. For a more intimate experience, you can step outside on the large outdoor viewing platform, exclusive to GoldLeaf passengers. 

While inside, you’ll enjoy five-star comfort and style, with wide plush seats and impeccable service. The warm and welcoming hosts bring the train journey to life. They’re extremely knowledgeable and will share the history and stories about the region. The hosts are also happy to answer all your questions as you roll through the gorgeous landscapes. 

Read more: 5 celebrities who have experienced the timeless luxury of train travel

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The dining

The Rocky Mountaineer is truly a feast for the senses. If you can tear yourself away from the views, you’ll enjoy gourmet meals and menus created by award-winning chefs Jean Pierre Guerin and Frédéric Couton. GoldLeaf passengers dine in an exclusive lower-level room with sweeping views. 

The mouthwatering meals infuse fresh, local ingredients, such as Alberta beef short ribs, B.C. steelhead salmon fillets, Fraser Valley chicken, and Yukon Gold potatoes. Meals are complemented with local beer and wine including an Okanagan Valley Merlot. Your hosts will also serve complimentary snacks and beverages between meal times. You’ll even be pleasantly surprised throughout the trip with plates of freshly-baked cookies or glasses of wine. 

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The stops

The Rocky Mountaineer is unique in that it exclusively operates during daylight hours. This ensures passengers can fully appreciate the stunning landscapes along the route. Guests spend nights in luxury hotels at various stops along the journey and the exceptional service extends to these stops. As the train pulls into the station at the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel, with your luggage brought directly to your room.

How to experience the Rocky Mountaineer

Experience the wonders of the Rocky Mountaineer on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury tour. You’ll journey from Jasper to Vancouver aboard the remarkable Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service. Soak up the unobstructed views from your glass-domed windows and outdoor viewing platform. Hear the stories of the Rockies and enjoy gourmet meals with locally-sourced ingredients and paired wines. From the mountains and wildlife to the plush carriages and gourmet dining, you’ll find out why the Rocky Mountaineer is North America’s most iconic and luxurious train journey.