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 2023. 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: Elegance of the Nile
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 one of our most toe-tapping luxury travel experiences. 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
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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.
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