Although Europe is an attractive destination any time of year, there are parts of it that truly come alive in summer. From ideal temperatures to dine outdoors amid the vines to enjoying the gentle ocean breeze as you watch a local shuck oysters by the Adriatic, the allure of these destinations is magnified by the season.

The time is ripe to get out and explore again. If you’re keen to enjoy more sustainable travel, then a guided luxury tour that takes in a combination of the best loved sights with lesser-known gems may be ideal. Luxury Gold is currently offering fantastic savings on last minute getaways for Summer 2021 so why not plan your next adventure?

France

Paris, France

The leafy boulevards of Paris and olive groves of Provence both benefit from the balmy summer sun. Join Luxury Gold for the French Vogue Tour and appreciate the fine wines, food and historic chateaux throughout this romantic land.

A VIP visit to Château De Vaux-Le-Vicomte, the largest privately owned château in the country, occurs on day two of your French journey. 40 hectares of elegantly-designed gardens are a pleasure to explore on a summer’s day. Patterned flowerbeds, sculpted statues and well-placed fountains provide fantastic photo opportunities, while those with an eye for design can admire the baroque architecture of the grand house.

One of the most enjoyable summer excursions in Paris is a foodie tour. Your Local Expert leads you to a variety of patisseries, boulangeries, chocolatiers, cafés and tiny cheese shops that are only known to Parisiens, so you can revel in the culinary delights of the city. Meet passionate bakers and chefs who share their enthusiasm for the gourmet and understand why Paris is famous for its food.

France is full of local and farmers markets, particularly in the smaller towns, such as St Remy de Provence. Stroll through the colorful stalls, soaking up the enticing aromas and perhaps picking up a freshly baked snack or a handmade souvenir?

Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles, where the artist painted over 200 masterpieces. See his inspiration in the sunbaked houses and pretty plant-lined streets. Van Gogh spent over 14 months in this Provencal city, seeking the warmth and color away from Paris. Your Local Expert will take you along the Rhône River and to the well-preserved Arles amphitheatre, once the site of great chariot spectacles.

When touring France in summer, one of the great highlights is catching a glimpse of the true blue hues of the Mediterranean. With Luxury Gold, you travel along the Moyenne Corniche road, where you can admire the sea from your seat.

Italy

Capri, Italy

Thoughts of Italy call to mind the rolling hills of Tuscany and sun-dappled piazzas with children enjoying gelato. On the Ultimate Italy tour with Luxury Gold, you can see both, as well as visiting some of the world’s most treasured landmarks.

Every corner in Rome unveils a piece of history, so it’s a wonderful city to wander in summer. After your visit to the Sistine Chapel before it opens to the public, take a walk through the peaceful Roman Forum, which offers incredible vistas across the city.

Pompeii is another historic site on your luxury travel adventure. Your Local Expert will conjure up images of life as it was in the ill-fated town, where you’ll see the remnants of bath houses and grand villas. Marvel at the extraordinary mosaics and architectural features that still remain almost 2,000 years on.

Arrive to the isle of Capri in style, with an open-top taxi taking you to your luxury hotel. Sip the local specialty, a lemon granita, as you admire a breathtaking sunset over the turquoise waters. Stroll to the landscaped gardens of Caesar Augustus where you can view the Faraglioni Rocks, jutting proudly from the sea.

Another fabulous summer activity to indulge in is foraging for truffles in Florence. An expert truffle dog guides you as you seek out this aromatic delicacy typical to the region. This fun activity is followed by dinner, where you’ll have the option of sampling another local treasure, Fiorentina, the mouthwatering grilled beefsteak dish.

Italy is famous for its cuisine. Uncover the secrets of its flavorful food in a Tuscan cooking class with a professional chef. Set in the former hunting lodge of the fabled Medici family, this class culminates in a splendid lunch with wine, dining on the creations cooked up during the morning.

Portugal

Douro Valley – Photo by Evan Verni on Unsplash

Famed for its golden sands and lively culture, Portugal offers a dazzling array of activities for travelers. Experience the history and charm of the country on Luxury Gold’s Spain & Portugal in Style, a 13-day luxury guided tour that brings you right to the heart of it.

On Day Eight of your tour, you cross the Alentejo Plateau, a region with undulating plains that is known for cork trees and olive groves. After reaching the capital city, Lisbon, you’ll be treated to a typical Portuguese dinner at a local Fado house, where the UNESCO-recognized singing is performed.

Spend a morning in the historic Belém Quarter, with its ancient fortress that sits on the riverbank. Visit the 500-year-old Jerónimos Monastery and cloisters to see its Manueline architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A drive along the coast takes you to the Atlantic coastal village of Cascais. This pretty cove is famous for its sandy beaches, so you can find a spot for sunbathing or take a dip in the sea. A number of good restaurants line the marina, so you can order some fresh seafood straight from the ocean, accompanied by Vinho Verde, the refreshing local wine.

You’ll also explore a local winery near Evora, a stunning city full of architectural splendor. Hear more about the wine making process and taste a selection of their finest tipple, surrounded by acres of vines.

If you’re staying on in Portugal, it’s definitely worth visiting Praia da Adraga in Sintra, just 12 kilometers from Lisbon. Here you’ll see one of the most spectacular sunsets from Azenhas do Mar, a restaurant that’s built right into the cliffs. It’s also a great place to catch some waves, if you’re an experienced surfer.

Switzerland

Lucerne, Switzerland

Although people think of alpine villages and snow sports in relation to Switzerland, it’s a delightful place to visit in summer. It offers an alternative to the hotspots along the Mediterranean, but it has plenty to offer the summer traveler.

The glamorous resort of St. Moritz gets the most days of sunshine per year in Switzerland. This makes it a wonderful place to take a swim in one of the pristine lakes nearby. Hiking is a popular pastime here, and when you take in the awe-inspiring panoramas of glaciers, mountains and meadows, you’ll understand why. There are plenty of easy hikes for visitors, including Fuorcla Surlej to Pontresina.

On the Luxury Gold tour, Majestic Switzerland, you can discover the local flora, fauna and wildlife with an experienced nature guide. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots, red deer and the golden eagle. The lush foliage and forestry of the country provides an idyll for many species.

After a vigorous day of hiking, you can unwind in the outdoor pool of the Mont Cervin Palace hotel, your home for two nights on the Luxury Gold tour. The beautiful lawn and pool have incredible views of the surrounding Zermatt mountains, while the spa also offers steam baths, a bio sauna and signature therapies to sooth your weary body.

Switzerland has some sublime lakes, two of which are visited on your Majestic Switzerland tour. On day six, you’ll check into the Hotel d’Angleterre, located right on the banks of Lake Geneva, the inspiration for the Early European Romantic movement. Two days later, after chocolate in Broc and cheese in Gruyères, you’ll reach lovely Lucerne. There, you’ll enjoy a romantic cruise on the lake, where you can admire the fairy tale buildings and abundant greenery beyond.

Croatia

Split, Croatia

Croatia is another European destination that has really raised its profile over the past decade. Its romantic port towns, towering fortresses and stunning national parks provide visitors with plenty to explore. It also basks in glorious sunshine, making it perfect for a summer vacation.

Embark on the Captivating Croatia and Montenegro tour with Luxury Gold to discover the sparkling seas and dramatic history of this stretch of land. On day two, you can enjoy a cruise to take in the Bay of Dubrovnik from a different perspective, admiring the city ramparts that are among the grandest in Europe.

Luxury Gold guests also enjoy exclusive tours on day six, with a boat ride to the floating oyster beds of Ston and a tour of Winery Frankovic. Savour a freshly shucked oyster straight from the sea with a chilled glass of wine. Then, on shore, see a traditional olive mill and walk amid the groves before a relaxing lunch.

The dazzling waters of Petrcane on the Dalmation coast are a great place to have an afternoon swim. Alternatively, guests can relax on the soft sands of the fishing village or stroll along the seafront as the sun splits the sky in pinks and orange.

The Sea Organ in Zadar is a fascinating architectural sound installation that looks like steps leading into the water, but creates music from the ocean as it laps the chambers beneath. No song is ever the same as the water moves around.

The country is just as stunning when you venture inland. Plitvice National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 16 interconnected lakes create a mesmerising prospect for visitors. Luxury Gold guests enjoy a guided tour by boat and on foot with a Local Expert to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Book a European Summer Vacation with Luxury Gold

Luxury Gold includes VIP Experiences on its tours that engage you more deeply with the destination. These are made possible by the wealth of experience behind us and the connections fostered over 100 years of travel. From meeting master jewellers in Croatia to a private tour of Doge’s Palace in Venice, your summer vacation will be enhanced by these once-in-a-lifetime events.

Travelers can currently take advantage of 15% off many of Luxury Gold’s tours for summer 2021, so now’s the time to see more of Europe.

Can you name the best hotel that you’ve ever stayed at? Choosing the best luxury hotels isn’t simply about seeking the place with the highest thread count, where you can choose your own pillow or even what scent you breath in. Supreme comfort is a given, but on a Luxury Gold tour you’ll stay in elegant accommodation that offers more than every other 5-star hotel. Luxury means different things to different people, but it all comes down to the most superb service you’ve ever experienced. These places are exemplary; carefully chosen as not just a comforting place to rest your head, but a truly immersive experience on its own.

In every place that you stay on the exclusive tours offered by Luxury Gold, you’ll experience the destination in another way. From appreciating the Best of British when you stay at The Rubens at the Palace Hotel on the Queen’s doorstep in London, to having a front row seat at the Pyramids in Egypt from your exceptional hotel in Cairo.

UNUSUAL AND DISTINCTIVE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

With Luxury Gold, our guest experience is at the heart of everything that we do. That’s at the forefront of our mind when organizing each place you stay. We want to ensure you feel truly welcome while providing you with extra special encounters and a VIP experience wherever you are.

Our accommodation doesn’t just include the most luxurious 5-star hotels either. One night you will find yourself spending the night on the Venice Simplon Orient Express, while another you may rest up on a historic Irish estate that stretches along the edge of a medieval city.

Luxury Gold has a special connection with Red Carnation Hotels, as it is owned by our co-founder, Beatrice Tollman. These exceptional hotels are found in some of the most incredible destinations on earth and are set apart by their wonderful character and outstanding levels of service. If there is a Red Carnation Hotel in a location we travel to, then we arrange for our guests to stay there and enjoy the attention to detail rarely found at other properties.

Read on to discover more about some of the incredible Hotel and Spa properties that have been carefully selected for Luxury Gold guests.

ASHFORD CASTLE, COUNTY MAYO, IRELAND

Set amid 350 acres of pristine County Mayo countryside, Ashford Castle is a 12th century property that has recently undergone an extensive renovation. Luxury Gold guests spend two nights in this sumptuous castle on the Ultimate Ireland tour.

Enter through the imposing gates where a lone piper awaits to escort you across the drawbridge. His haunting tune provides echoes of the historic battles that were fought across this land.

Every room at Ashford Castle is individually designed, offering you a stand-alone experience even from your fellow guests. Sumptuous fabrics adorn the room with historic furniture fitted seamlessly with the more modern features that enhance your stay.

There’s no need to leave the estate, with a range of activities from horse-riding to archery to partake in. Adventurous guests can try our zipline through our woods, or take in a film at our private cinema to wind down after a busy day.

Ashford Castle is former home of the Guinness family and is Ireland’s first (and only) Forbes Five Star Hotel. Guests have the opportunity to dine like royalty over their Celebration Dinner in the King V dining room, that was built especially for the King’s visit to the estate in 1905. The food is also superlative, with seasonal ingredients foraged from the estate and sourced locally.

12 APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Credit: Booking.com

Imagine waking up in a UNESCO Cape Floral Region with spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean. This is just one of the reasons that 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa has been carefully selected for a Luxury Gold tour. Whether you prefer looking out on the dramatic Table Mountain, rising in the distance, or the soothing sea vistas, all 70 rooms and suites let you admire the scene.

Before you take off into safari territory on the Spectacular South Africa tour, you will explore Cape Town from this heavenly base for five days. The property is framed by Table Mountain National Park rising behind it, yet only a short drive to Cape Town to enjoy its many wonders.

Here, individual décor is the norm, inspired by the local African environment and a complement to the scenery. Warm, thoughtful service is provided by all the team. They create ‘tiny noticeable touches’ that really elevate their guest care, making your stay perfect in every possible way.

Dining at 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa is an indulgent treat, with some of Cape Town’s best restaurants on site. From sushi with your sundowners at the Leopard Bar to the signature Cape cuisine dishes served at Azure restaurant, guests will leave fully satisfied after memorable meals with staggering views.

LEELA PALACE, UDAIPUR, INDIA

Leela Palace Udaipur is a stunning hotel that sits on banks of Lake Pichola. Designed by famed architect Bill Bensley, the palace boasts Rajasthani crafts throughout and provides a royal experience for guests.

Luxury Gold guests arrive at this exceptional venue on day 11 of their Imperial Rajasthan tour, where you are welcomed with live music and a shower of rose petals.  The rooms evoke the grandeur of the Mewars, the oldest serving dynasty in the world. Admire the panoramas of Lake Pichola from graceful rooms, adorned with traditional artwork and motifs from the region.

Your stay at Leela Palace will be immersed in opulence from beginning to end. Discover cultural performances in the courtyard and enjoy romantic boat rides on the lake. Delve into the local culinary fare presented with great flair during your Celebration Dinner on the last night of your tour.

Luxury spa journeys are another highlight of Leela Palace. When you finish exploring the fascinating City Palace and bazaars of Udaipur, perhaps relax with an Indian head massage or some reflexology in the ESPA here.

VERMEJO PARK RANCH, NEW MEXICO, USA

When you truly want to lose yourself in nature, there’s nowhere on earth like Vermejo Park Ranch. Owned by founder of CNN turned environmentalist, Ted Turner, this private national park extends across 590,000 acres of extraordinary terrain.

Staying on Vermejo Park Ranch is wonderfully unique in the sense that every need is catered for, but you’re made to feel totally at home. Very few luxury tours are invited here, but when you choose the Resorts and Ranches of Colorado and New Mexico with Luxury Gold, you spend three nights soaking up the splendour of this precious reserve.

Step into refined accommodation that is a rich blend of Southwestern influences with the grandeur of the early 20th century. Every detail has been considered here with sumptuous furnishings and the finest fabrics to envelope you as you sleep.

Aside from the many activities offered at the ranch, from horse riding to fishing in one of the 19 lakes onsite, guests can simply explore and see the many elk, deer and bison that roam the reserve. Cocktail hour is a specialty at Casa Grande, where you can mingle with the guests and staff, hearing stories of the stars who have stayed here through the years.

REGENT PORTO MONTENEGRO, TIVAT, MONTENEGRO

Credit: Booking.com

Guests on the Luxury Gold tour Captivating Croatia and Montenegro will check into the most exclusive hotel in the country, Regent Porto Montenegro, on Day Three of their journey. Situated on the largest natural harbor on the eastern Mediterranean, Boka Bay, this award-winning hotel is designed to reflect Italian Palazzo style and is perfect for glamorous guests.

Nautical sophistication enhances each room and suite here. Guests can stretch their legs in spacious rooms that offer fabulous vistas of the lush mountains that rise behind the hotel or the elegant marina in front.

The staff give everyone a personal welcome, to make you feel at home from the moment you arrive. It is this personal service that has garnered awards from Conde Nast Traveler, the World Luxury Hotel Awards and Trip Advisor.

Dining is also a gourmand’s pleasure at Regent Porto Montenegro. From tasty bites in the sleek Riviera-style Pool Bar to the fine Adriatic cuisine served in the stylish Murano restaurant, each meal is packed with fresh local ingredients from the bountiful landscape around.

The Regent Spa has also collected honors, so it’s worth spending some time in the Finnish sauna or Turkish hammam during your stay. Experience the finest treatments that draw on spa wisdom from around the globe to give you a soothing morning or afternoon escape.

XIGERA SAFARI LODGE, OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

Deep in the Okavango Delta, you’ll find a hotel and spa quite unlike anything else in the region. This lodge blends into the papyrus wetlands that surround it, overhung by a verdant canopy and spread across two islands.

The Xigera Safari Lodge is not just remarkable for its location in nature, or views across the floodplains. It is a triumph of sustainability, running on 95% solar power, while celebrating the art, culture and creativity of Africa.

Step into one of the twelve beautifully appointed suites to discover your holiday retreat. Each one has a distinctive aesthetic, influenced by the flora and fauna of the environment. Indigenous elements can be found throughout, from hand carved furniture to custom made bedspreads and magnificent works of African art.

Wildlife encounters are part of the appeal of this safari lodge. Each suite has its own compendium of birds and mammals that inhabit the area, and guests can record their own sightings. Spot the local pride of lions, the resident leopards, giraffes and elephants who call Xigera home.

The team at Xigera Lodge are knowledgeable, hospitable and full of joy. They enrich each moment and are always on hand if a guest needs advice or help during their stay. Xigera Safari Lodge is a top venue in the Red Carnation hotel collection and as such, the service is simply outstanding.

LION SANDS GAME RESERVE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA

Stay in the heart of the African bush when you embark on safari with Luxury Gold. Day Six of the Spectacular South Africa tour sees you arrive at the Lion Sands Game Reserve, on the bank of the Sabie River.

Marvel at the animals feeding by the river from your private retreat, set above the water with interconnecting wooden walkways. Understated elegance is infused with natural features to reflect the splendor of the surroundings.

King-sized beds carefully draped with giant mosquito nets, al fresco showers to wake up with nature and expansive decks allow you total privacy while enjoying all that the reserve has to offer.

Sip on a fine South African wine while hearing stories around the fire. Savour a Celebration Dinner beneath the stars after seeking out the Big Five on your guided game drives. Impeccable service, enchanting suites and breath taking encounters with wildlife will all make your stay at Lion Sands one of the most memorable you’ve ever had.

Are you ready to go on a journey with us as we explain what sets Luxury Gold apart? Well dust off your virtual passport, sit back and let us whet your wanderlust. No need for luggage on this trip just a comfortable seat and some imagination.

At Luxury Gold, it is our pleasure to make your next journey extraordinary. We invite you to indulge your passions on immersive, small group VIP guided vacations. With never more than 40 guests and an average of just 28 you will be able to enjoy the perfect blend of guided and independent exploration with like-minded individuals. With smaller groups you benefit from less queuing whilst embarking and disembarking and more personal service from your Traveling Concierge and Well-Being Director , all while retaining a comfortable physical distance.

At Luxury Gold we are very proud of our Traveling Concierges, expertly trained our Traveling Concierges are with you during your entire vacation. Master planners they deepen your connection to a destination. Imagine the best five-star concierge you’ve ever met, the person that makes dreams a reality. Fluent in the local language, with an extensive list of contacts to enrich your trip. Your Traveling Concierge is there from the beginning, understanding your preferences and desires before your journey, as well as on hand throughout, to personalize details that make your vacation unforgettable.

Our Traveling Concierges are able to build your dream vacation around the magnificent luxury hotels you’ll stay in with Luxury Gold. Our guests stay at acclaimed properties that offer outstanding levels of service in fantastic locations. We understand the importance of comfort and as such beautifully appointed rooms with everything you might need, luxurious touches to elevate your stay and staff who make hospitality personal, are all elements of each hotel we choose for your journey.

On our Castles and Kingdoms tour you’ll stay at the truly spectacular Ashford Castle. Whilst there your traveling concierge can book spa treatments or a guided tour of the gardens. Of course we also have VIP experiences where you’re able to enjoy inclusions Your Way, choose between a unique falconry experience or a guided historical tour of the Castle.

Discover other unique VIP Experiences that are only available to Luxury Gold guests. A memorable part of each journey, VIP Experiences bring you joy, laughter and genuine awe, transforming the standard sights into moments of gold.

VIP AFTER-HOURS VISIT TO SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE

Harmony of Central Europe

Enjoy a private guided walk through the former summer home of the Habsburg dynasty. Appreciate the grandeur of one of the most important cultural assets of Austria on this tranquil tour with no other travelers around.

VIP AFTER-HOURS TOUR OF HERMITAGE MUSEUM

Remarkable Russia

The palace of the tsars opens just to you for a private, after-hours visit. Enjoy the regal ambience as you explore the treasures of the Hermitage Museum with an art historian.

At Luxury Gold we like to indulge in the exceptional and as such on some of our trips we offer Chairman’s Collection departures. These elite experiences have been personally curated by our Chairman, Mr. Stanley Tollman, and call upon his extensive connections and are inspired by his life in travel. Expect to mingle with legendary locals, including European nobility such as Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland, as she personally welcomes you for a private tour of her beloved Alnwick Castle Gardens on our British Royale tour. Or Country Hall of Fame musician Charlie McCoy for a special introduction to Nashville’s impressive music history on our Southern Grace vacation.

You might be asking yourself how we are able to offer such impressive inclusions? Our answer would be a simple one, it is the legacy of the Tollman family, our founders. With now over 100 years in hospitality the Tollman family have dedicated their lives to bringing their incomparable attention to detail to make guests feel truly welcome. To make every journey truly extraordinary – turning travel into gold.

The Tollman family are also strong believers in using travel as a force for good and Luxury Gold is a proud partner of The TreadRight Foundation. TreadRight has supported over 50 sustainable tourism projects worldwide, while also guiding our business on matters that reflect our sustainable values – from implementing a pioneering animal welfare policy to an industry leading ban on avoidable single-use plastics. How We Tread Right is TTC’s new five-year sustainability strategy, which sets the mandate on sustainability at Luxury Gold and our sister travel companies. Our strategy is based on 11 measurable goals, anchored to the United Nations’ Global Goals, and were developed to address Luxury Gold’s impact on People, the Planet and Wildlife.

Feeling inspired? Below you’ll find some of our most popular vacations to feed your wanderlust.

Elegance of the Nile

The father of African rivers the Nile has long been a reflection of Egypt’s history and destiny – an economic lifeline, a great highway to conquest and a source of inspiration throughout the centuries.

Majesty of the Rockies

Take in the majesty of the Rocky Mountains as you travel in luxurious comfort to the most dazzling national parks, glaciers and historic villages of Western Canada. Savor delicious local cuisine in trendy Vancouver and meet passionate Local Experts, as you discover Mother Nature’s bounties from the Rockies to the waters of Alaska.

Ultimate Italy

Step into the ancient world, as a Local Expert shows you the cobblestone alleyways of Pompeii, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in VIP style, and the gravity-defying Tower of Pisa.

British Royale

Uncover the very essence of Britain and go to significant destinations that were once frequented by the likes of Shakespeare and notorious kings.

Inspiring Australia

From the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Centre of the Outback, Australia boasts a plethora of extraordinary natural wonders. This immersive journey is a showcase of vast tropical rainforests, otherworldly rock formations and ancient indigenous culture. Listen to the sounds of the didgeridoo at a hosted starlit dinner in Uluṟu and take in the iconic sights of Sydney aboard a yacht.