When you first meet Princess Anita Von Hohenberg, you will be bowled over by her warmth and charm. With your exclusive Founder’s Collection invitation, you get to step inside the majestic yet welcoming Artstetten Castle, home to Princess Anita and her family. Once inside, get ready for an unforgettable royal rendezvous filled with personal insight into key moments of history.

One of the exclusive encounters as part of Luxury Gold’s Founder’s Collection, this is a meeting like no other. For the Princess’ great grandfather was Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, who was assassinated in Sarajevo in 1914, leading to the outbreak of World War I.

These exclusive travel experiences were personally curated by our founder Mr. Stanley Tollman, calling upon his extensive connections and inspired by his life in travel.

Discover this on: Harmony of Central Europe

 A warm welcome

She may be royalty, but Princess Anita will welcome you into her home, the beautiful Schloss Artstetten, as if you were family. With a love of talking to Luxury Gold guests about the past, the Princess also looks to the future with her ever growing family.

Refreshingly down to earth, Princess Anita comes from a long line of Habsburgs, one of Europe’s oldest sovereign families, dating back to the 15th century. She lives with her family in Schloss Artstetten the whole year round and running the estate is a real family affair.

There is a warm sense of home at Artstetten Castle, and Princess Anita Von Hohenberg likes to stress to guests that it is not only a castle but a family home. They have everything from official meetings to family feasts here and the Princess has a great love of gardening.

 For inspiration: Austria destination guide

 A regal setting

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An enchanting sight, Artstetten Castle is situated high above the Danube in a charming park and is flanked by seven characteristic towers. The former summer residence of the Imperial family, the castle today is open to the public and serves as the final resting place of the Heir to the Throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Este, whose assassination in 1914 set off a chain of events that led to World War I.

The first record of the name Artstetten was in the mid-13th century. Soon afterwards the medieval fortress became a castle that had a rapid succession of different owners, until Emperor Franz I. acquired it in 1823. Archduke Carl Ludwig (a brother of the Emperor Franz Joseph) extensively redesigned the house inside and outside from 1861 onward. Since 1913 Schloss Artstetten has presented itself as we know it today.

 The Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Este

@schloss_artstetten. Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his nephew Carl, 1913/Archiv Schloss Artstetten.

Once inside the castle, take your time to view the family portraits, past and present, that surround the regal Red Salon Room. It is in this magnificent, yet intimate setting, that the Princess first receives her guests. Such personal décor will urge you to ask more about Princess Anita’s intriguing, yet at times painful family history.

The historic event is one that not only changed world history but devastated the Hohenberg family. Princess Anita’s grandfather Maximilian and his brother Ernst were later deported to the concentration camp at Dachau after the annexation of 1938 and Artstetten was confiscated from the family until 1949.

Beyond political and historical considerations, Princess Anita Von Hohenberg also wants to help reveal another side of her ancestors. Today she is keen to talk about the more romantic side of her family history and the ‘scandalous’ love between her great grandfather and her great grandmother, Sophia Duchess of Hohenberg. Her eyes glistening, she will tell you how there was quite a fuss at the time.

There was drama with the fact Franz Ferdinand was from an imperial family and Sophie from a family of Counts. With the law at the time meaning royals could only marry other royals, Franz Ferdinand had to make an oath that his descendants would not be of royal blood. That’s why the family is now called Hohenberg and why the chief of the family is a Duke.

Related content: 7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

The Luxury Gold Chairman’s Collection

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Available on selected departures of our luxury guided tours, choose a Founder’s Collection departure of Harmony of Central Europe and have the privilege of meeting Princess Anita Von Hohenberg for yourself. One of the amazing people you can meet as part of our Chairman’s Collection, these exclusive encounters include Italian nobility, an English Duchess and a distinguished Peruvian politician.

Often one of the most rewarding aspects of travel is the people we meet. These cherished interactions forge an unforgettable connection with a destination and create lasting memories. And these exclusive meetings really set Luxury Gold apart.

Read more: Royalty & Noblemen: The fascinating people you’ll meet in Europe with Luxury Gold

 To see who you could be meeting on your travels, take a look at our exclusive Founder’s Collection and our Harmony of Central Europe luxury guided tour.

One of the bonuses of travel is discovering the culture of your destination, including statement art and local artisans. Investing in statement art pieces may pay off in years to come and is its own reward. It can also require thoughtful planning to attend art fairs, galleries and auction houses. Browsing online auction houses is one approach. However, art can pop up in both expected and unexpected places. Do your research ahead of time on events occurring in the cities you’re traveling to. Be sure to also let your Travel Concierge know that you’re in the market to buy art.

Why buy statement art pieces 

“Why buy art” you ask? Many people buy art as something to remember their travels by. That handmade mask or shawl will take you right back to the sights, sounds and smells of a local market. However, statement art pieces can also serve as conversation pieces. Your dinner guests will want to hear your travel stories when they admire that colorful tapestry or unique sculpture. Art is a great way to engage your guests in your adventures, with no slideshow required.

You might also like: Famous art galleries in the world you need to visit at least once

How to find local art pieces 

Statement art pieces don’t have to be expensive. Some of the most memorable pieces of art are found in unlikely spots. Local markets are great spots to uncover a unique piece of art. Shopping for art in local markets also gives you a focus on how to approach your experience and interact with the locals. You can’t see and do it all, so going into a market with a mission gives you a window into the culture. Be sure to look into the local customs around negotiating, too. Here are a few of our favorite experiences with artisans and markets: 

Local artisans and markets 

In Italy, discover classic Venetian crafts from elaborate carnival masks and marbleized paper to the ancient skill of glassblowing now practiced by a few masters. Why not pick up a one-of-a-kind piece to take home?

In Perugia, visit the Church of Saint Francis of the Women to get an inside look at the ancient loom-weaving techniques of Umbria from a fourth-generation weaver. Admire and be inspired by the classic decorative motifs that are also found in the works of Giotto, Ghirlandaio and da Vinci.

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On the other side of the globe, discover more amazing textiles and be inspired by traditional weaving techniques in Peru at the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco.  

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 The markets of India are great spots to pick up stunning souvenirs and art pieces. 

Peruse the fine silks, embroidery, leather, brassware, shawls, carved wooden boxes and intricate silver jewelry in the bazaar of the medieval trading city of Jaisalmer. In Jodhpur’s Sardar Market, browse the famous Bandhini, a traditional Rajasthani handcrafted cloth, and other embroidered leather items, lacquer handicrafts and puppets. And in Udaipur, Venice of the East, find the perfect piece of brassware, one of the famous Rajasthani puppets, Bandhani and Batik sarees or colorful handmade jutti shoes.   

Where to get inspired 

Needing a little inspiration for that perfect purchase? Our tours take you to some of the world’s most impressionable museums, many before or after opening hours to the public. From Hue, Vietnam’s intimate Tran Dinh Son Museum to the unique Itchiku Kubota Art Museum in the shadow of Mount Fuji and Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, you’ll have countless opportunities to be inspired by the works of masters—both little and well known.  

Back in Venice, Italy, enter the Doge’s Palace and ascend the gold staircase for an after-hours tour of the art, culture and history of the Venetian Republic. 

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In Austria, enjoy a VIP, after-hours visit to Vienna’s magnificent, Baroque Schönbrunn Palace. Admire the mirrored hall where Mozart made music as a six-year-old prodigy and the Grand Gallery decorated in golden stucco, ceiling frescoes and gold-plated chandeliers.   

Lastly in Melk Abbey, view the 16,000-volume collection in the main library and gaze up at the Paul Troger fresco on the hall ceiling as an Expert Guide talks you through its fascinating history.  

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Stumped on how to make a good investment?  

Like any investment, delving into the world of art investment requires research of the museums, galleries and auction houses you plan to visit, both on and offline. But when you’re traveling, it’s good to have a little help on where to explore. Like so many other aspects of your journey, your Travel Concierge can help with organizing where to go to check out local art and perhaps even advise on shipping. They’re here to help and enrich your journey from stunning sights to statement art.  

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Where will your search for statement art pieces take you?

Investing in luggage that lasts is necessary for any world traveler. But how do you choose luggage that fits your style and destination when your travels may range from epic safaris to multi-week South American tours and holidays in Europe? You want to invest in quality pieces that match your travel style and can adapt to your travel interests. A more active adventure one year can lead to a more relaxed journey the next—and you don’t want to have to reinvest each year. Here’s our tips on how to choose luggage bags to go the distance. 

RELATED CONTENT: What to pack for a trip to India  

 The best travel luggage for tours 

Joining us on one of our tours? We’re so glad to have you! An ideal piece of travel luggage will take you to a range of destinations and tours. For most Luxury Gold journeys from 7 to 22 days, a sturdy wheeled suitcase will go the distance and still be easy to move from between destinations. We love a collection of hardback wheeled suitcases to have at the ready. Grab the smallest size for long weekends. It also makes an excellent “traveling companion” for journeys longer than a week with cruise or train getaway.

Best luggage bag for getaways 

Speaking of getaways… When your tour includes one of our unique getaways by train, ship or even vintage car, you want the best luggage bag to keep you mobile, ready and stylish. A smart leather duffel ensures that you have room for overnight clothing and necessities—as well as room for a few souvenirs. A duffel bag is also easy to stash in train or ship compartments. Our Vietnam tours that include an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay are the perfect place to take a chic carry-on bag. 

RELATED CONTENT: Our favorite Calmest Cities in the World are all in Asia

Best luggage bag for trains 

Train journeys are one of the most exciting and intimate ways to immerse yourself in the landscape. What better way to take in the Scottish Highlands, Rocky Mountains or South African landscape than watching it just outside your window? A roomy duffel or large handled bag ensures you have everything you need, and nothing you don’t. 

RELATED CONTENT: 7 of the world’s most luxurious train journeys 

Best travel bag for day trips 

Should your travels take you on more active adventures, you’ll want the best travel bag for hands-free exploration. A chic yet adventure-ready back pack is the ideal choice for day trips. Whether you’re taking in the grand scenery of Banff National Park or venturing through a charming European town, a small pack has room for all the necessities. Pack your wallet, phone/camera, a layer or two and off you go. 

RELATED CONTENT: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: Step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve 

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Best travel bag for epic drives 

Drive in the country, anyone? A simple crossbody bag will take you from your luxury hotel to a picnic (rest assured your Travel Concierge has packed a lovely spread) to an acclaimed winery. We love the look of a crossbody bag as both a fashion accessory and travel bag. Our Ultimate France tour chauffeurs you through the countryside in a vintage Citroen 2CV to Domaine de la Citadelle. Our tour of Italy finds you arriving in style for your overnight stay in Capri by open-top taxi. 

Investing in luggage for a lifetime

Investing in luggage is a combination of style and necessity. You want to make a purchase that will last through your upcoming adventure and beyond. A bag that matches the destinations you want to explore as well as your personal style. A bag that is manageable and keeps you light on your feet. Your favorite piece of luggage is one aspect of your travels you can own, feel proud of and that will keep you stress-free. Because once you arrive, your Travel Concierge is on hand to cater to your needs. Just pack your bags and we’ll take care of the rest.  

RELATED CONTENT: 7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free 

Where will your luggage take you next?