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. If you love meeting fascinating people, then look no further than our exclusive Chairman’s Collection.

Now imagine if you met a cosmonaut. What would you ask them about their journey into space? Or if you were to explore a palace with an Austrian Princess, what would you want to know about her heritage and her home?

Choose to travel with Luxury Gold on a Chairman’s Collection departure and connect with an eclectic and inspiring range of people, including legendary locals, European nobility and celebrated icons. Along with stunning destinations, VIP experiences, 5-star hotels and exceptional dining, here are the Chairman’s Collection delights that will await you on your luxury guided tour:

Discover the secrets of space with a cosmonaut in Russia

Remarkable Russia

For all of us travelers, no matter how adventurous, outer space remains a destination we are unlikely to ever see for ourselves. So, the next best thing is to meet someone who has been. Journey with us on a Chairman’s Collection departure and join retired cosmonaut Aleksander Laveykin for a personal guided tour of the Museum of Cosmonautics in Moscow. Aleksander spent 174 days in space so can answer all your burning questions about this most exclusive of exclusive destinations!

Meet an Austrian Princess

Harmony of Central Europe

When you step inside Artstetten Castle, for a private drinks reception with of Princess Anita von Hohenberg, you will be enchanted by both the setting and the company. A captivating storyteller, the Princess takes you back in time on a fascinating journey through her Habsburg heritage. A direct descendant of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose assassination in 1914 lead to the outbreak of World War I, Princess Anita has countless stories which she is delighted to share exclusively with Luxury Gold guests.

See India through the eyes of a renowned journalist and historian

Imperial Rajasthan, Grand India 

There really is no better way to discover the true heart of a destination than over a delicious dinner with a renowned local historian and journalist. Journey to India and in the vibrant capital Delhi you will meet with Rana Safvi and enjoy an intimate dinner at Sana-Di-Ge. Here Rana will teach you about her studies of Indian culture and how they relate to present day life in India. Dine on the finest seafood, share experiences and delve deep into the heart of this fascinating country.

Dine with Nobility in Italy

Ultimate Italy 

Imagine meandering through vineyards in the heart of Tuscany and learning about winemaking from a master. For 25 generations, the Mazzei family has been producing exceptional wines at the beautiful Castello di Fonterutoli, and the Marchese Mazzei himself will take you on a tour of his beloved ancestral home. Let your senses run wild over a lunch of Tuscan delights and taste some of the finest Chianti wines, the perfect way to toast this special occasion.

Discover the history of Peru

Treasures of the Incas, Grand South America

In Lima, meet with the fascinating Dr. Francisco Diez-Canseco Távara, as he invites you to lunch at his beautiful villa. As you dine you will learn all about his family’s long heritage in Peru, which includes former presidents of Peru and Spanish nobility. A tour of his ancestral home reveals many precious artifacts, including a framed telegram from President John F. Kennedy commending his ancestor as a “fighter for freedom, democracy and social justice.” We guarantee you will come away with a deep and personal insight into the history of this fascinating country, and with many warm memories of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Explore exquisite gardens with an English Duchess

British Royale, Castles & Kingdoms

For lovers of horticulture and aristocracy, this meeting is simply unforgettable. Meet with Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland, as she personally welcomes you for a private tour of her beloved Alnwick Castle Gardens. Join the Head Gardener for a tour of the 12 acre site and explore the serpent garden and ornate fountains, and the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard. Hear from The Duchess the fascinating and personal story of how she has restored this exquisite garden to its former 18th century glory over the last twenty years. You’ll also be able to indulge your taste buds over a delicious seasonal lunch and explore the magnificent 11th century castle, with the guidance of a local expert.

Meet music legends in Nashville, USA

Photo by Jon Tyson

Southern Grace, The Sumptuous Soul of America

What better way to discover Music City than alongside one of the stars who contributed to its legacy? Charlie McCoy, a Country Music Hall of Fame musician and Grammy-winning artist, has collaborated with famous musicians like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and Loretta Lynn.  Brenda Lee is the recipient of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to music, being the top-charting solo female vocalist of the 1960s. Only when traveling on a Luxury Gold Chairman’s Collection departure will you meet one of these legendary locals during your time in Nashville – a story you will be telling over and over and again.

Learn all about Guinness in Ireland

Ultimate Ireland, Castles & Kingdoms

In delightful Dublin, learn all about the history of the Guinness brewing empire from its heir, Patrick Guinness himself. Patrick, who has spent his life researching his family, teaches you about Irish history, the origins of his ancestor Arthur Guinness’ brewing empire, and what it took to succeed. You can read more about this exclusive get-together in our recent Luxury Gold blog here.

For more information on The Chairman’s Collection:

At Luxury Gold we believe that every aspect of travel should be truly exceptional, and we hope you have been inspired to join us one day on a Chairman’s Collection departure. These elite experiences were personally curated by our late Chairman, Mr. Stanley Tollman, calling upon his extensive connections and inspired by his life in travel.

For more information on Luxury Gold’s Chairman’s Collection and how to select departures click here. 

For information on all our worldwide luxury guided tours click here.

Are you passionate about history, architecture and beautiful destinations? Then we at Luxury Gold recommend that you make one of these enchanting walled cities part of your next vacation. For centuries, civilizations across the globe have protected their people with walls. Steeped in history and beautifully preserved for future generations, these charming, fortified cities and towns now offer travelers the chance to experience a bygone era.

Explore ramparts and battlements and enjoy amazing views. Meander through tiny streets, revel in historical tales and soak up the feudal atmosphere.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Regarded as the most picturesque city on the Dalmatian Coast, the moment you see Dubrovnik you understand why it is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik’s beautiful Old City is completely surrounded by magnificent defensive walls and forts, running nearly 1.25 miles around the Old City. To admire Dubrovnik in all its glory, take to the top of the walls where you can walk fully round and enjoy exceptional views of the city squares, palaces, narrow streets and intricate architecture, all flanked by the crystal blue Adriatic Sea. The city is also famed as the main filming location for Kings Landing, in the hugely popular television series Game of Thrones.

To see the beauty of Dubrovnik for yourself, along with the many wonders of Croatia, take a look at our Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast two-week luxury guided tour. Discover the stunning waterfalls of Plitvice National Park, savor oysters straight from the sea and soak up a stunning mix of medieval and modern architecture in the capital, Zagreb. Dubrovnik provides a spectacular ending to this magical journey, with plenty of time to discover the city and hike around the walls.

Avignon, France

Nestled in the heart of Southern France, Avignon was the seat of the Catholic Popes from 1309 to 1377 and is entirely enclosed by ancient walls. Construction was started by Pope Innocent IV in 1355 to protect against free bands of mercenaries, attracted by the papal wealth. Recognized for its architectural beauty and historic importance, the center of Avignon was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

You can visit Avignon on our Ultimate Southern France luxury guided tour, and explore the walls, visit the Palais des Papes, the world’s largest gothic edifice and dine at Michelin-starred La Vieille Fontaine. This 12-Day tour immerses you in the best of French cuisine, architecture and culture as you journey across the South Coasts of France and Monaco. Explore sights including the Aix-En-Provence Cathedral, Old Town Albi, which features monuments from the 10th Century, Monte Carlo and the charming streets of Old Nice.

San Gimignano, Italy

The small walled town of San Gimignano is one of the most recognizable and iconic destinations in all of Tuscany. Known as “Medieval Manhattan”, the town has an unforgettable skyline, due to the myriad of towers that rise up over the rooftops. Built by the noble families and upper middle-class merchants who controlled the town, the towers were symbols of their wealth and power – there were some 65 tower houses when the city was at its height, with 13 still surviving today.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano on our Ultimate Italy luxury guided tour – a 12-Day voyage that takes in the historical sights of Florence, Venice, Pompei and Rome. Visit the stunning 15th century wine domain of Guardastelle, with its spectacular views of San Gimignano’s magnificent towers and toast the view with a delicious glass of local wine.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is North America’s first permanent French settlement and the only walled city in Canada – in fact it is the only fortified city north of Mexico. The ramparts circle Old Quebec’s upper town and date back to the 17th Century and include four gates, three Martello towers and several cannons. Inside the walls sits the famous Château Frontenac, the Citadelle de Québec and the Dufferin Terrace, a 425 meter long wooden boardwalk.

We have two fabulous luxury guided tours that take you to Quebec City. The eight-day Indulgence in Eastern Canada explores the stunning area of Eastern Canada and combines the architecture of Quebec City and Ottawa with breathtaking natural beauty including Niagara Falls. Or take a look at our nine-day Vibrant Quebec & New England luxury guided tour, which leads you through stunning landscapes and architectural gems including the 19th Century Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, and Harvard University. Both tours spend time in Quebec City, where you can dive into the city’s rich history with a Local Expert, and see the Citadelle de Québec, Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, National Assembly and Place-Royale.

York, England

Step back in time in the medieval city of York with its cobbled streets and gothic buildings. Once an important center of Roman occupancy in England, the city is surrounded by a large stone wall, which was crucial for defense. Originally built around AD 71, substantial portions remain, having undergone transformations and repairs over the years. Visitors can walk along the walls and enjoy spectacular views of the River Ouse and the Old Town.

York is one of the fascinating stops on our three-week Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tour. The ultimate voyage for fans of history and architecture, take in the some of the most magnificent castles, stately homes, cities and gardens across the United Kingdom, Scotland and Ireland. The city is also one of the treasures on our ten-day British Royale luxury guided tour.  On both tours, explore York with the help of Local Experts, see the grand York Minster and enjoy after-hours VIP access at Castle Howard, one of Britain’s finest historic houses.

Londonderry

Londonderry is the only remaining intact walled city in Ireland, and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. The mile-long fortifications were built in the 17th Century and include gates, watchtowers, battlements, bastions and huge cannons. History is all around you here, from the famous murals to the story of the Armada – in 1971 divers from Londonderry found the wreak of the La Trinidad Valencera, and the artifacts recovered help to paint a vivid picture of the Armada and of the soldiers of the 16th Century.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this fascinating city on our Ultimate Ireland luxury guided tour. Join Ronan McNamara, the finest storyteller in Northern Ireland and leave informed, enthralled and entertained. With Ultimate Ireland you will also see the Titanic Shipyards in Belfast, Dublin’s Trinity College, the impressive Giant’s Causeway and uncover the stories of Blarney Castle. Londonderry is also a destination on our Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tour, mentioned above.

Keen to walk those walls?

If you’re already searching for your walking boots and planning your next vacation, why not make it extra special with Luxury Gold? Enjoy exclusive hotels, exceptional dining and VIP Experiences for a truly memorable experience, while your Traveling Concierge and Well-Being Director look after the logistics every step of the way.

For more information on these stunning destinations, and all of our luxury guided tours please visit our website.

If you love green fields and rolling hills, quaint villages and magnificent castles, and the warm welcome of a traditional country pub, then look no further than Great Britain and Ireland for your next dream vacation.

For those of you who are excited to travel again and keen to explore these luscious lands, Luxury Gold has three magical luxury guided tours that take in some of the prettiest villages, small towns and landscapes that Britain and Ireland have to offer. We’ve selected ten of the best, so take a read, and picture yourself there.

Unsurprisingly, many of the most beautiful spots in Britain and Ireland are also home to magnificent castles and elegant stately homes, exactly the kind of places Luxury Gold guests should frequent! On our regal Castles & Kingdoms three-week luxury guided tour, you will enjoy the most splendid settings, along with exceptional hotels, exquisite dining and VIP experiences. Here are five of the prettiest villages and small towns en route on this tour:

Alnwick, England

The cobbled market town of Alnwick is a fairytale jewel in the heart of Northumberland. Soak up true English traditional charm as you explore beautiful streets, quaint shops and great cafes. Presiding proudly over the town is the majestic 11th century Alnwick Castle, a true masterpiece of medieval architecture with magnificent interiors and spectacular gardens.

Travel on a Luxury Gold Chairman’s Collection departure and meet Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland for a private tour of her exquisite garden, lovingly restored to its former 18th century glory over the last twenty years.

Blarney, Ireland

Picture by 2sometravel

Tudor-style Blarney is a history-buff’s dream – one of its most impressive features being a superbly preserved village square, a focal point of village life. An essential for visitors is to see the famous Blarney Stone, a block of limestone built into the 15th century castle, said to give the “gift of the gab” to those who kiss it. Extensive parkland surrounding the castle features a network of trails and themed gardens – you can still tiptoe your way around Poison Garden to see trees like nightshade, rue, and poison hemlock peacefully coexisting.

Bowness-on-Windemere, England

Picture by Jonny Gios

In the heart of England’s exquisite Lake District, on the banks of heavenly Lake Windemere sits the sprawling small town of Bowness-on-Windemere. One of England’s most picturesque locations, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee, savor unrivalled views and enjoy the comings and goings of life on the water.  On our Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tour you will stay at the sophisticated Belsfield Hotel, featuring all the charisma and stylishness of a charming country house, from which this magnificent lake district scene is visible at every turn.

Penrith, England

Picture by Michael D Beckwith

This Lake District town of Penrith is surrounded by waters and hills so gorgeous they could be straight out of a romance novel. Surrounded by four castles and two henges, Penrith is beauty and history all rolled into one. Here we visit the Dalemain Mansion and Gardens and meet Jane Hasell-McCosh whose ancestors have been living at the manor since the 17th century. She’ll take you on a personal tour of the beautiful gardens and tell you all about the prestigious international Homemade Marmalade Award founded that she founded – yum!

What better way to see the magic and charm of the prettiest villages than on board the world-famous Royal Scotsman steam train? The ultimate in exclusive travel, our 16-Day British Royale luxury guided tour includes four nights aboard this luxury train. Live like a VIP as you snake through the most enchanting parts of Scotland – here are three of the most amazing spots you will stop at along the way:

• Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland

Picture by Sorin Tudorut

Kyle of Lochalsh, the land of castles, hills and lochs, is a gateway to the Isle of Skye, and the stunning north-west coast. An attractive collection of whitewashed houses sits on the banks of the lake, flanked by two of Scotland’s finest mountain ranges, providing amazing views.  The area’s most famous attraction is Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic sights, perched on the banks of Loch Duich.

• Plockton, Scotland

Picture by Lee Chalmers

Up the coast from Kyle of Lochalsh is Plockton, a pretty fishing village perched on the shores of a sheltered bay overlooking Loch Carron. The village is known as ‘the jewel of the Highlands’ for good reason – it is stunningly picturesque and has a range of outdoor activities, shops and local attractions. On our British Royale luxury guided tour, savor the views from the crystal clear west coast waters, as you take a boat ride to see a colony of wild seals.

• Carrbridge, Scotland

Picture perfect, with iconic sights including a famous 18th century packhorse bridge, and lying beneath the Monadhliath Mountains, the village of Carrbridge with its traditional cottages is an enchanting location. Part of the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, this is the perfect place to soak up the full charm of Scotland. It also serves as an ideal base for gentle walks and hikes in the nearby rolling hills, and from which to explore the nearby Balindalloch Castle.

Last but definitely not least, there are few places more beautiful than the villages and small towns of Ireland. Here are three of the prettiest, and you can visit them all on our 12-day Ultimate Ireland luxury guided tour.

Adare, Ireland

Picturesque Adare is one of Ireland’s prettiest villages and is designated as a heritage town by the Irish government. Its charming main street is lined with thatched cottages and medieval buildings, and the village is rich in archaeological remains dating back to 1200 AD. The River Maigue weaves through the middle, with the captivating ruins of Desmond Castle sitting on its banks. You will have the chance to explore the stunning architecture of the Trinitarian Monastery and Augustinian Abbey and savor the boutique ambiance as you enjoy the many cafes, shops and pubs.

Cong, Ireland

Situated among the serene Lakelands of Galway and Mayo, Cong is famous for being the location for the 1952 Oscar-winning movie The Quiet Man, staring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Quaint in size but grand in character, its 12th-century abbey in the town center is one of the finest examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in Ireland. Home to the magnificent five-star Ashford Castle, your exclusive hotel for two nights on our Ultimate Ireland luxury guided tour, this relaxing retreat boasts sumptuous rooms and unique historic features. On arrival you’ll walk across a bridge to the castle, behind a lone piper who is playing just for you. A truly spine-tingling experience!

Kilkenny, Ireland

Picture by Taylor Floyd Mews

No journey to Ireland is complete without a visit to beautiful Kilkenny. Known as the Marble City, the streets are paved with Kilkenny marble flagstones which glisten when wet, giving a magical glint to this small medieval town. Stroll the Medieval Mile, a scenic a trail that links Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral and enjoy this vibrant town, with its outdoor market, live music and colorful shops selling all manner of traditional crafts and souvenirs. Just outside the town is the Michelin-starred Lady Helen Restaurant, where you will enjoy a delicious meal prepared using locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re feeling inspired by these three luxury guided tours, take a look at our website.