“I do not believe there is another city on earth so beautiful as Paris in France, nor another people with such an appreciation of the beautiful as the French.” – Edward Hopper

Following the fantastic news that France has added both the United States and Canada to its green list, many travelers are eager to book their summer sojourn in Europe. Luxury guided travel in France is a popular choice among holidaymakers, providing peace of mind with the backing of an experienced travel company.

Famed for its culinary splendor, rich viticulture and art history, France offers so much for every type of visitor. For those who love urban excitement, Paris has it in abundance while those seeking history or art can find it in over 130 museums in the capital. There’s also plenty to discover in the countryside, from the fragrant olive groves to the many chateaux dotted about the landscape. Vineyard tours are plentiful in one of the world’s top wine-producing countries.

A Luxury Tour in France

If this sounds heavenly, then the French Vogue luxury tour is a great option for your summer getaway. Featuring off the beaten track experiences alongside the major sights, this 10-day adventure combines the best of city and country so you can appreciate France from both perspectives.

Your journey begins in Paris, the City of Light. After checking into your elegant hotel, just steps from the Eiffel Tower, there is time to explore the nearby vicinity including the magnificent Moorish style Trocadero. In the evening, you’ll gather with your fellow travelers for dinner right by the Seine River, to soak up to romance of this wonderful city.

On Day 2, you’ll be escorted to Château De Vaux-Le-Vicomte for a VIP Experience exclusive to Luxury Gold. Explore the beautifully-landscape grounds of the oldest château in France and hear more about how the design set a precedent in architectural styles.

One of the best ways to experience Paris is through a foodie tour with your Local Expert. Sample the freshly baked goods at a patisserie, and let your turophile loose in the tiny cheese shops. You’ll also visit chocolatiers and small cafés serving up the delightful gourmet fare that has made France famous. Lunch is served at the Eiffel Tower, where you can admire the panoramas of Paris over a glass of wine.

Roman Relics and Charming Markets

Head south to Avignon on board one of the fastest trains in the world, the TGV. After lunch, marvel at the well-preserved Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only example of a three-story aqueduct that is left standing, a testament to the thousand men who built it over a five-year period in the first century.

Your luxury accommodation for the next three nights will be at the Château de Fonscolombe, a historic building set amid the lush landscape of Provence. There is plenty of time to enjoy all the estate has to offer, perhaps you can ask the concierge to arrange a picnic in the colorful park that the estate sits on?

Wander the artisan stalls of the lively St Remy market before lunch at the Michelin-starred Maison Prévôt, an institution that celebrates the best of Provencal cuisine.

Begin Day 6 with a guided walk through Arles, following the footsteps of the great artist Van Gogh. He stayed in the town for 14 months, painting over 200 masterpieces of its features and surrounding countryside. Stop by the Arles Amphitheatre to hear the echoes of the chariot races that took place here 2,000 years ago. In the afternoon, stroll amid the olive groves of Moulin de Calanquet, where olive oil has been produced since the 19^th century. Hear more about the family who has owned the mill for generations and sample their oils, jams and spreads. You’ll continue on to the charming village of Les-Baux-de-Provence, perched in the Alpilles Mountains.

Provence Your Way to the Glamour of Monaco

After browsing the market in lovely Lourmarin, you have a choice with Provence Your Way. Follow a guided walk through the trees, spotting the many works of contemporary art or experience one of the most insightful wine tasting tours in cellars designed by Jean Nouvel. Sample award-winning wines produced using organic and biodynamic principles.

After a few wonderful days exploring rural France, the next stop on your journey is the glamorous Principality of Monaco. This jet set paradise has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13^th century and is host to the Formula 1 Gran Prix. Some of the most expensive real estate in the world can be found here, which is unsurprising when you discover that over 32% of its population are millionaires.

In Monaco, you’ll spend three nights in lavish accommodation overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Pass by the cathedral to see where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace are laid to rest, and admire the royal palace, which was built nearly 1,000 years ago.

Should you wish to explore Nice, it is just 30 minutes from Monaco. The city has some wonderful museums and a beautiful promenade walk along the French Riviera.

The Wonders of the French Riviera

After a Relaxed Start, embark on the late morning drive along the Moyenne Corniche Road to see some of the most staggering vistas of the Mediterranean. See the opulent villas built during the Belle Époque era on this winding road hewn from the rocky hillside.

Join a Local Expert to explore the fascinating Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, one of the most incredible buildings on the coast. Art lovers can admire the enormous collection of works from across the globe, while those with a preference for botany will find plenty to examine in the nine gardens that surround the villa.

You’ll bid goodbye to France with a celebration dinner on the French Riviera, savoring the extraordinary gourmet flavors of the country.

Elite Experiences on the Chairman’s Collection

Select departures on the French Vogue tour are Chairman’s Collection journeys, which offer experiences that have been personally curated by Stanley Tollman using his extensive connections from a life in travel.

This provides our guests the exclusive opportunity to dine with Count Richard de Warren at his family’s property, Hotel Alfred Sommier. Over an expertly-prepared Parisien meal, the Count will share stories about his family history and developing the mansion into an exquisite hotel.

Discover Why France is Top Trending Summer Destination

If you’re looking for a luxury small group tour to France, you’ll find exceptional comfort and space on our French Vogue tour this summer.  Your Travel Director and Well-Being Director will provide any support and assistance you require on your tour, so you can simply relax and enjoy your travels.

From the historic walled city of St-Malo to relishing the produce of farm-to-table vineyards in the Loire Valley, this tour will indulge all your senses.

You can now book your French Vogue tour with up to 15% off for journeys in summer 2021. Turn your travels into gold with a luxury summer escape to France.

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.