Expertly curated for the discerning traveler, our journeys offer an unparalleled travel experience, with every detail taken care of. Above and beyond iconic landmarks and sublime destinations, you may be wondering what exactly does a Luxury Gold journey include before you sign on the dotted line. To help you out, here’s everything you need to know.

You may be interested to read: How Luxury Gold Journeys Go Above and Beyond with Expert Karen Gower

Magnificent Stays

When we say luxurious accommodations, we’re not just meaning somewhere to rest your head. We’re talking about a carefully curated selection of boutique properties, historic gems and 5-star hotels in select locations that you will be talking about long after you return home.

A true immersion in each destination, enjoy superior service from partners like Belmond, JW Marriott, Intercontinental, and Red Carnation Hotels, along with a sensational array of one-of-a-kind boutique stays.

Guests enjoy the 5-star Marriot Mena House Hotel in Cairo, as featured on Elegance of the Nile.

At the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Peru, you’re invited into a storybook world. This exceptional retreat is set high in the Cloud Forest, in its own intimate Andean village. In the heart of Old Québec, Canada Fairmont Le Château Frontenac  is an iconic property that has been standing for over a century overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River. Sleep like a movie star at the exquisite  Hotel Quisisana on Italy’s glamorous Isle of Capri, a favorite of nobility and celebrities, while the 11th century Ashford Castle in Ireland once home to the Guinness family will leave you feeling like royalty.

In Ireland, the magnificent Ashford Castle stands proud on Loch Corrib, a featured stay on Ultimate Ireland.

Read more about one of our exceptional hotels Step inside Peru’s blissful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Exceptional Dining

A daily breakfast and many of your dinners are included on your Luxury Gold journey. Thoughtfully chosen, these culinary experiences are more than nourishment, they are highlights.

We integrate the best fine dining and local gastronomic tours into our itineraries, for the perfect blend of curated meals and foodie experiences, along with the freedom to also explore your palate as you choose.

Dinner is served at the Hotel D’Angleterre in Geneva, as featured on Majestic Switzerland.

Michelin Star and Acclaimed Restaurants – Skip the waiting lists and dine in Michelin-starred and acclaimed restaurants. Enjoy delicious menus from top rated chefs, some sensational locations and experience the pinnacle of sustainable dining.

Some of our favorite restaurants include the Michelin-starred L’Antic Moli in Spain, a hidden gem where Head Chef Vincent Guimerà places local produce at the center of his menus and Fotografiska in Stockholm, a bastion of Swedish cuisine that holds a Michelin Green Star for its focus on reducing waste. Showcasing Peruvian gastronomy at its finest, MAP Café in Cusco delights with a surprise filled menu, and in South Africa, dining on the freshest catch in Cape Town’s award-winning Salsify, alongside the Atlantic Ocean is something that you’ll be talking about long after you return home.

L’Antic Moli’s Head Chef puts finishing touched to plates, as featured on Spain & Portugal in Style. Image credit: @lanticmoli on Instagram

Gastronomic Variety – Variety is always on the menu, with local produce and traditional dishes always favored on our trips. Depending on which tour you choose, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn from local gourmands on foodie street tours, create delicious favorites with cookery masterclasses and indulge at winery picnics. These experiences often allow you to meet local characters with stories to tell, something you wouldn’t get when travelling alone.

In Room Breakfasts – On days with Relaxed Starts you can set your clock a little later and enjoy a continental breakfast in bed with complimentary room service.

Step inside a Michelin-starred restaurant: Meet Michelin-star chef Vicent Guimerà of Spain’s L’Antic Molí restaurant

Concierge Services

Included on every Luxury Gold journey, our concierge services ensure a flawless personal service, tailored to you and always enjoyed in a small group setting. Features include:

Your Personal Travel Concierge – Taking care of every detail and at your service 24/7, your Travel Concierge is an expert on your destination and your happiness. They’ll get to know you, and then know what you need before you need it. No ask too great, their little black book of contacts and recommendations is second to none, whether you’re looking for a Ferrari ride in the Tuscan hills or a private dining experience in the gastronomic city of Bordeaux. Included within the price of your journey, they also take care of tips for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

A Luxury Gold Travel Concierge welcomes guests to their hotel.

Private Door-to-Door Transfer Service – Relax right from the start with an uninterrupted, seamless journey to your departure airport. At the end of your vacation, on arrival at your chosen airport, you will be greeted inside the terminal for a smooth and comfortable journey directly back home. The private door-to-door transfer service is available for guests in the UK, US and Australia, within a 50-mile radius of major international airports.

Full-Service Porterage – For your ease and comfort, full-service in-room porterage is always included. Your luggage will seamlessly be delivered from the coach into your hotel room, and on departure days, the porters will call your room to personally assist with the transport of your bags, so you won’t need to worry about your suitcase’

Personal Service within a small group setting – Always enjoy a bespoke experience within an intimate setting of an average of 20 guests, meaning a personal one-to-one experience. With our small groups, you benefit from more personalized service from your Travel Concierge and gain access to people and places that are closed to larger groups.

Bookmark for later: The 7 secret skills of every Luxury Gold Travel Concierge

Curated Experiences

Curated travel with VIP access and unique luxury experiences at your fingertips – each itinerary is thoughtfully crafted with the discerning traveler in mind to include:

Extraordinary VIP experiences – Front-of-the-queue priority, behind-the-scenes access, before and after-hours visits. We invite you to enjoy rare insights into majestic landmarks, with personal anecdotes from those in the know. Egypt’s Temple of Luxor is lit up for you, after hours and in England, enjoy exclusive access to the Tower of London before witnessing the ancient Ceremony of the Keys. Dine with a former All Black rugby player in New Zealand and learn about life on one of the most successful teams in the world, while in Italy enjoy a VIP visit to the magnificent Doges Palace in Venice.

On Elegance of the Nile, experience the Temple of Luxor after-hours, without the crowds.

Personalize Your Days with a Choice of Inclusions – On many days you can enjoy a choice of included experiences to personalize your journey. Plus, your personal Travel Concierge combines insider knowledge with a flair for knowing what guests want, to further customize your trip during your free time at your destinations.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences – Our sustainable travel experiences are included on all of our Limited-edition Small Group Journeys. Enlighten your senses, support local communities and enjoy exclusive invitations behind the scenes. Each experience supports up to 2 of 11 specific United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals​ and leaves a positive impact as you travel.

On Treasures of the Incas, meet Peruvian artisans protecting heritage crafts for future generations.

You may also enjoy reading: After Hours: Travel Like a VIP With These Exclusive Experiences

The Gold Standard in Travel

Setting the gold standard for travel, we want you to feel like a VIP every day of your Luxury Gold tour. Our first-class coaches ensure you arrive at each destination refreshed and entertained – your Luxury Gold coach is specially customized for smaller groups, with double the legroom and personal space. Complimentary wi-fi on board means you can stay in touch as you travel.

Guests relax on a private cruise in Capri, a feature on Ultimate Italy.

You can relax throughout your Luxury Gold journey knowing that you have 24/7 Support, with our on-the-road and remote support team available round the clock to assist you. Alongside your expert Travel Concierge, you’ll also benefit from highly skilled coach drivers and best-in-class Local Experts bringing each destination to life. This support also includes any queries before you leave and once you return.

Does a Luxury Gold journey sound like the vacation you’ve been dreaming of? Take a look at our full collection of Limited-edition Small Group Tours and choose from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas for your next luxurious getaway.

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.

Imagine the luxury of having some of the world’s most iconic tourist hotspots all to yourself. To be able to take your time and enjoy them as you please. Well at Luxury Gold that’s how we believe travel should be and are proud offer our guests unique VIP access  to some truly amazing places. To tempt you further we’ve highlighted five benefits of visiting these magnificent landmarks out of hours.

You feel like a VIP

As you approach and the velvet rope is pulled back, with the doorman admitting only selected individuals to an iconic landmark, this is a truly VIP experience. This is Luxury Gold.

Join us to explore Italy and in Venice you’ll step into the spectacular Doge’s Palace after-hours for an exclusive tour. Bask in the 14th-century Venetian Gothic details, stroll the halls and  the magnificent Gold Staircase in an intimate group. Formerly the Doge’s residence and the seat of Venetian government, the Palace is the symbol of Venice and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

From the moment you enter to the moment you leave, the joy of such a rare and special experience at one of the world’s iconic tourist hotspots will leave memories for a lifetime.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy

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

You have the place to yourselves

When we dream of seeing the world’s magnificent sights, we generally don’t account for the crowds. In our minds it is just ourselves, wonder and awe. But understandably, iconic tourist hotspots are also popular with other travelers which can have its drawbacks.

Now imagine gazing up at one of Egypt’s ancient structures with just a handful of your traveling companions for company. If it is serenity that you are after, travel with Luxury Gold and enjoy exclusive VIP access as you explore UNESCO World Heritage Site the Temple of Luxor after-hours. Founded in 1400 BC during the Golden Age of Thebes, this was the largest and most significant religious center in ancient Egypt.

Meander at your heart’s content without having to think of others. Choose your own route as you explore, stopping to view anything of interest to you, without waiting in line or jostling for space. Embrace the unique opportunity to really lose yourself in your location and appreciate the wonders of the world in such a decadent way.

Discover this on: Elegance of the Nile

Read more: Travel and Leisure names Mena House Hotel Cairo one of the world’s best

You can take as long as you want  

@museumrosengart

When presented with a Picasso or a Renoir, you want to savor the moment. And, with champagne in hand at a private viewing, you can take all the time in the world. Admire the subject and textures, the intricate details and contemplate the meaning of the masterpiece. With no pressure to move along, stay until your curiosity is sated.

At the acclaimed Rosengart Collection in Switzerland, we invite you to enjoy an exclusive VIP experience, with a private after-hours viewing. The collection exhibits over 300 works of art by 23 different artists of the so-called Classical Modernist Period, including Cézanne, Monet and Matisse. And is world renowned for housing two unique groups of work by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee. The Rosengart Collection was originally the private Art Collection of the art dealer Siegfried Rosengart (1894–1985) and his daughter Angela.

Whether you are an expert or just an admirer, and be it masterpieces or artefacts, having the opportunity to take your time is priceless.

Discover this on: Majestic Switzerland

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

You have more time to learn from your expert guide

The joy of exploring a magnificent palace is only enhanced with a historian at your side. Whether an aficionado or a newcomer, the amount you can learn from such an expert greatly enriches your experience. And when visiting iconic tourist hotspots after-hours you have the time and space to ask everything you want and more.

During an VIP visit to Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace after-hours you can use up every minute of your Local Expert’s time. At Luxury Gold we have selected the most knowledgeable and likeable experts to bring the iconic sights to life for you, and to truly personalize your visitor experience. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames, where Mozart performed as a child prodigy and ask anything you want. Whether you want to examine the opulent furnishings or the socio-political history of the time, there is no rush.

Discover this on: Harmony of Central Europe

Read more: Why a highly personalized travel experience has never been more important

Iconic landmarks have so much to offer, so many nooks and crannies and different aspects and angles. When you have access out of hours, you have the space and time to fully appreciate the finest details that you might otherwise miss.

Travel to England with luxury Gold and after the sun sets and London lights up, embark on a private tour of the Tower of London after-hours. Beneath the moonlight, a serving Yeoman Warder greets you and accompanies you through the grounds. While you walk they regale you with stories of this haunting site. Full of intriguing buildings and small historical details, enjoy the freedom to pick out the things that interest you most. With no one blocking your view or hurrying you along it is amazing what you can discover.

To round off a very special evening, you’re invited to to experience the ancient gate-closing ritual of the Ceremony of the Keys. This is the oldest practiced military ceremony in the world. Get an inside look at the history of the tradition and etiquette of handling the keys. This tradition has been carried out every night by the Yeoman Warder for the past 700 years.

Discover this on: British Royale

For inspiration: England destination guide

If you want to discover the world like a VIP and benefit from special access to iconic tourist hotspots, then take a look at our exclusive worldwide collection of luxury guided tours.