Imagine sitting down in one of Dublin’s most famous museums, yet small and intimate, to hear how the Guinness brewing empire came to be. Enjoy a glass of sparkling and lose yourself in a captivating historical tale of intrigue and innovation. Then imagine that this fascinating story was brought to life by author, historian and heir to the Guinness brewing empire, Patrick Guinness himself? Now that’s something truly unforgettable.

At Luxury Gold, we curate every step of your vacation to be exceptional, but choose to travel on a Chairman’s Collection departure and come away with an extra special memory. Mingle with legendary locals, European nobility and celebrated icons who heartily share their personal accounts of history, and enjoy the warmest of welcomes, fascinating stories, and of course, fun and laughter.

Both our Ultimate Ireland and Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tours feature a fascinating, private after-hours visit to Dublin’s famous Little Museum with its founder Trevor White and, on a Chairman’s Collection departure, you will also be joined by Patrick Guinness.

Come away enlightened and entertained as 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.

A Brief History of Guinness

Guinness Factory

Whatever your preferred beverage, everyone recognizes Guinness. Its iconic black and white image is known worldwide as a product of taste, style and patience, synonymous with Ireland and the Irish. The Guinness brewery was founded by Arthur Guinness in 1752 and, in 1759 he moved to Dublin and boldly signed a 9’000-year lease on a run-down brewery at St. James’s Gate. In 1799 Guinness began to produce a darker beer (Porter) and by 1830 the Guinness Brewery was the biggest and most successful in Ireland. In fact, by 1868 St. James’s Gate was so big it had its very own medical department and fire brigade. The company was floated on the stock market in 1886 and today is owned by Diageo, with the original Dublin plant continuing to produce some 18 million liters daily (that’s equivalent to over seven Olympic-size swimming pools!).

The Little Museum

Little Museum in Dublin

Your location for this exclusive meeting? Why none other than Dublin’s award-winning Little Museum. Here you will find history, humor and a warm Irish welcome from its founder Trevor White. He tells us, “We are really looking forward to welcoming Patrick to the Little Museum, along with Luxury Gold guests. He is a wonderful storyteller with a rich wealth of knowledge about the history of this great Irish family. There is nothing like hearing about this story from an actual family member. You will leave enchanted, educated and enthralled.”

Known as the “people’s museum of the capital” Trevor explains what makes the Little Museum so special: “Ordinary citizens are responsible for the success of the institution, because our collection was created by public donation.

“The Little Museum is Dublin, bottled. Our work is about building civic pride; documenting the past; making guests feel welcome; kindling memories, tears and laughter; and, ultimately, bringing people to a closer understanding of who they really are.

“We use small things to tell big stories, such as the shutter with a bullethole from the Easter Rising, or the letter from 20-year-old James Joyce, asking Lady Gregory for money. My favourite artefact at the moment is a collection of tennis balls discarded by the dogs of Dún Laoghaire.”

A Date with Dublin 

Renowned for its vibrant, friendly atmosphere, historical Dublin has something for everyone. Trevor tells us: “Dublin is Europe’s biggest village. And that intimacy is part of its charm.”

Half Penny Bridge

We at Luxury Gold certainly love this city and, on your luxury guided tour you will have plenty of time to get acquainted with Dublin’s unique charm. Your Travelling Concierge will take you on a magical tour to see O’Connell Street, the Custom House and St. Patrick’s Cathedral amongst other great sights. Visit the iconic Guinness Storehouse before it opens to the public and learn how to pull the perfect pint – no mean feat for sure! And no visit to Dublin is complete without a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to see to the fascinating 9th century Book of Kells. Combined with exceptional dining and a stay at the 5-star boutique Dylan Hotel your stay in Dublin will be truly unforgettable.

Keen to explore the Chairman’s Collection further?

Dine with one of Italy’s most fascinating noblemen, Marchese Mazzei, at his enchanting ancestral home. Discover the rich family heritage and indulge in a special lunch of Tuscan delights and a tasting of renowned Chianti wines (Ultimate Italy). In England, Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland, welcomes you for a private tour of her beloved Alnwick Castle Gardens to hear her personal story and indulge in a seasonal lunch (British Royale and Castles & Kingdoms).  In Austria, have a private reception with Princess Anita von Hohenberg, a descendent of the famous Hasburgs, at Artstetten Castle (Harmony of Central Europe).

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.

More information on Luxury Gold’s Chairman’s Collection is available here and you can browse all of our worldwide luxury guided tours in our new brochure for 2022 & 2023.

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.

As keen travelers we love to meet new people and experience other cultures, it is what travel is all about. Most cities around the world are welcoming to visitors, but some have earned an exceptional reputation for being incredibly friendly.

Here, at Luxury Gold, we’ve been doing some research and have highlighted some of the stand-out destinations on the friendliness scale – these cities are easy to navigate, offer amazing hospitality and a fun, jovial atmosphere. Now what could be considered more luxurious than a genuine warm welcome?

Dublin, Ireland

World renowned for its friendly people, Ireland is an enchanting country from its quaint villages and sublime landscapes to its vibrant towns and cities. To experience the very best of a warm Irish welcome, take a journey to its effervescent capital Dublin. A must for enthusiasts of history, literature, music and Guinness, Dublin is small but has it all. Experience the craic, a mixture of humor, intelligence, fun and entertainment for which Ireland is famous, and is guaranteed to make any visitor feel at home

The Custom House is a neoclassical 18th century building in Dublin, Ireland which houses the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Indulge in the very best of Dublin on our Ultimate Ireland and Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tours. Both spend two nights in Dublin, staying in the gorgeous boutique Dylan Hotel. Choose to travel on a Chairman’s Collection departure and experience the ultimate in friendly invitations, as Patrick Guinness, historian, author and one of the heirs to the Guinness business dynasty joins you, after hours, at the Little Museum. Savor a a glass of sparkling, along with museum founder Trevor White, enjoy warm conversation and learn about Irish history and the origins of the Guinness’ brewing empire.

Vancouver, Canada

Majestic mountains, glistening oceans, rainforests, beaches and beautiful foliage make Vancouver an unmissable destination on any nature-lovers bucket list.  This coastal, seaport city is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada, truly a city for everyone, and is known for its affable, approachable people. Enjoy extensive parks, theatres and galleries, and treat yourself with fantastic shopping.

Tourists in Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park, Vancouver.

Arrive in Vancouver in style on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury guided tour, aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train. Taking the sumptuous Gold Leaf Service, indulge in gourmet dining and glorious panoramic views from the glass domed coach as you travel from Jasper to Vancouver. With a full day to explore this friendly city, see the sights, soak up the views  and enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Salmon n’ Bannock, the only restaurant in the city owned and operated by members of Canada’s First Nations.

Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.

In the country music capital of the world, expect a host of good-natured southerners who will flash you a smile and tip their cowboy hats to say hello. Nashville is a city eternally tapping its feet to the rhythm of life, where you will find good manners, intoxicating music and the very best of barbeque cuisine.

Nashville Tennessee

For music lovers, a visit to Nashville on The Sumptuous Soul of America and Southern Grace luxury guided tours is a truly unmissable VIP Experience, taking you deep into the heart of “Music City”. Tour historic Studio B with a professional sound engineer and take part in a choir-style recording session – you can even take home a copy of the recording as a one-of-a-kind souvenir to impress your friends and family! Join an esteemed singer/songwriter for an in-depth tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Then to top off an unforgettable day, take in a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry, country’s most famous stage.

If you choose to travel on a The Sumptuous Soul of America and Southern Grace Chairman’s Collection departure, you will meet one of two music legends, either Country Hall of Fame musician Charlie McCoy or Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Brenda Lee, for a special introduction to the city’s impressive music history. Wow!

Tokyo, Japan

Japan is renowned as a friendly, welcoming country, with a culture that places great value on courteous and gracious behavior, and its magnificent capital, the huge metropolis of Tokyo, is no different. An intoxicating mix of the ultramodern and traditional, where neon-lit skyscrapers sit alongside historic temples, there a new surprise for visitors around every corner. Despite its size, the city is so clean it almost looks brand new and, if you ever find yourself a bit lost in all the bustle, even with the language barrier you are never short of a helpful local to show you the way.

Tokyo Sky Tree and cherry blossom during spring at Japan.

Explore this amazing city and country on our 11-Day Majestic Japan luxury guided tour, and get deep into the heart of the fascinating culture and delectable cuisine with the expert guidance of your Traveling Concierge. Stay at the 5-star Imperial Hotel which has welcomed royalty, heads of state and celebrities for over 120 years, and enjoy flawless Japanese hospitality and sumptuous rooms. For lovers of gastronomy, choose to join a cooking class and learn about the art of making sushi, using the highest quality fish. Test your artistic skills and discover why it takes ten years to become a Master Sushi Chef!

Copenhagen, Denmark

Home to some of the world’s happiest people, cutting-edge architecture and radiating a laid-back lifestyle, Copenhagen is a colorful, welcoming city. Compact and easy to navigate, the danish capital is picturesque and surrounded by sea, with a center largely given over to pedestrians. Cafes and exceptional museums rule by day, with a vibrant music scene taking over the night. Famous landmarks include the Little Mermaid, the Rosenborg Castle and the Renaissance Stock Exchange.

Nyhavn with colorful facades of old houses and old ships in the Old Town of Copenhagen, capital of Denmark

Our Timeless Scandinavia luxury guided tour takes you on a magical 12-day voyage through friendly Nordic lands, starting in Copenhagen and finishing in Oslo, Norway.  A Luxury Gold highlight in Copenhagen, above and beyond the standard sights, is Tivoli, an amusement park founded in 1843 and considered a national treasure. Enjoy beautifully manicured gardens, let your hair down with thrilling rides and revel in the entertainment and enchanting atmosphere – a guaranteed a fun night out.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a sight to behold, spread out either side of the mighty Danube River, everywhere you look there is beautiful architecture and, when lit up at night, it is a truly unforgettable experience. Everywhere you turn, friendly residents are very keen to show off their customs, traditions and warm hospitality – expect music, smiles and lot of entertainment.

View of Budapest and the Danube river

Spend a blissful two nights in Budapest on our 13-day Harmony of Central Europe luxury guided tour, which also takes in Prague, Vienna, Kraków and Warsaw. Visit the stunning, neo-Gothic Parliament Building and see the Holy Crown of Hungary. Admire St Stephen’s Basilica, explore the medieval Castle District and visit the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Indulge your senses at the Michelin-starred Borkonyha Winekitchen, with its innovative and creative gourmet cuisine that combines French bistro style and contemporary Hungarian influence.

Feeling Inspired by the friendliness?

Well, we hope you’re feeling warm and fuzzy from all this friendliness, and that it has got you thinking about where to travel next for your dream vacation.

Whenever you choose to travel, we invite you to make up for lost time and treat yourself with Luxury Gold. Enjoy 5-star hotels, exceptional dining and exclusive VIP experiences that will stay with you forever. From the moment you leave your home until you return, you don’t have to worry about a thing, with your Traveling Concierge and Well-Being Director ensuring a flawless and luxurious journey tailored for you.

For more information on the fabulous destinations and luxury guided tours mentioned here, and all the amazing destinations in our collection, take a look at our website and interactive brochure for 2022 & 2023.