Tag Archives: immersive travel

Culinary Travel, Cultural Travel, European travel, experiential travel, Experiential, Immersive Travel

City Experiences Introduces New Experiential Tours Across Europe and North  America

With City Experiences’ VIP access to Pena Palace in outside normal opening hours (before opening or after closing), visitors to Lisbon have the UNESCO World Heritage site all to themselves © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Expanding its diverse portfolio of tour experiences in global destinations including Barcelona, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London, and Washington, D.C., City Experiences delivers exclusive access to the world’s top attractions

NEW YORK – City Experiences has expanded its bespoke tours across major U.S. and European destinations through the brand’s award-winning international tour providers Walks and Devour Tours. With 13 new immersive experiences joining an already impressive portfolio of over 150 global tours, this year marks a significant milestone as the brand introduces inaugural adventures in Edinburgh and expands its exclusive, high-profile offerings in Lisbon, London, Barcelona, and Washington D.C. These expert-led and highly curated tours offer unique cultural perspectives, allowing guests to discover a city through special access to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and hidden local gems.

By the end of 2025, guests can expect more than 20 new tours in the below markets and additional cities including Madrid, Venice, New York, and more, further elevating City Experiences’ already renowned global roster. The group is additionally launching a selection of about 35 tours as private options, taking everything that sets Walks and Devour apart and bringing it to an even more intimate format.

“This expansion represents a significant milestone for City Experiences, as we introduce our inaugural tours in Edinburgh, an exciting new market for us, and continue to amplify our high-profile offerings,” said Mike Flaskey, CEO, Hornblower Group. “By forging exclusive partnerships with prestigious institutions and granting privileged access to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, we are crafting unparalleled cultural journeys and bringing our guests closer to the authentic essence of each extraordinary destination.”

New Walks & Devour tours being introduced by City Experiences include:

Edinburgh:

As City Experiences’ first ever tours in Edinburgh, these experiences introduce an exciting new way for visitors to explore the city’s rich history without the crowds.

  • VIP Private Early Access Edinburgh Castle Tour (Launching May 5): Step into history before the public arrives with this tour of Edinburgh Castle—the only one of its kind offering private early access. Perched on Castle Rock, this iconic fortress has shaped Scotland’s story for centuries. Guides will tour through the serene grounds and reveal the fascinating history and legends behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tour offers rare access to areas typically off-limits to guided tours, including the Royal Apartments and exhibitions like the Military Prisons. 
    • Edinburgh in a Day Tour with Private Early Access to Edinburgh Castle (Launching May 5): Discover the best of Edinburgh in one unforgettable day that begins with exclusive early access to Edinburgh Castle, where the group will get inside before the public arrives. From there, the guide will lead groups down the Royal Mile, uncovering its cobbled streets, secret closes, and towering tenements. Along the way, see St. Giles’ Cathedral, Canongate area, and Holyrood Palace. 
    • Edinburgh in a Day Tour with Castle, Royal Mile & Holyrood (Launching May 8): Immerse oneself in Edinburgh’s royal history with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, followed by a walk along the Royal Mile, stopping at Lawnmarket and St. Giles’ Cathedral, then explore the historic Canongate, rich in royal connections. End the day at Holyrood Palace to learn about Mary, Queen of Scots, and enjoy the picturesque gardens still used for state events.

Lisbon

  • Private Access Pena Palace & Express Sintra Tour from Lisbon (Launching April 2): Discover Sintra’s iconic Pena Palace in a way few travelers have—through exclusive, private early access before it opens. Step inside the palace’s colorful halls, winding corridors, and magnificent terraces with the small group, experiencing its beauty in the quiet of the early morning. With private transport from Lisbon and the freedom to explore Sintra’s charming town center at leisure, this half-day tour lets visitors experience Pena Palace at its best, without the usual crowds.
    • Sintra Day Trip with Exclusive Pre-Opening Pena Palace (Launching April 2): With VIP access to Pena Palace outside normal opening hours (before opening or after closing), visitors have the UNESCO World Heritage site all to themselves. The rest of the half-day itinerary has also been perfectly tailored to help make the most of the time, including a visit to magical Quinta da Regaleira and its stunning gardens, and time to explore Sintra’s old town.
    • Sintra & Cascais Day Trip with Private Early Access Pena Palace (Launching April 2): This tour starts with exclusive private access to Pena Palace to explore the stunning architecture and views before the general public arrives. From there the group will wander the historic streets of Sintra, capture breathtaking photos at Cabo da Roca’s dramatic cliffs, and discover the glamorous seaside town of Cascais. The tour comes complete with seamless transport and an expert guide throughout the whole experience.

London 

  • Taste of Brixton Food Tour with Caribbean, African, & Latin American Flavors (Launching April 1): On this tasty tour through Brixton, guests will experience mouthwatering dishes from the Caribbean to Africa, hear passionate stories, and discover the heart and soul of the community that calls this vibrant neighborhood home.
    • Kensington Palace & Royal London Tour with Guard Change & Afternoon Tea (Launching April 2): Dive into London’s royal history on this unforgettable half-day tour! Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace from the best vantage point, then stroll through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, discovering fascinating royal tales along the way. Indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea at Kensington Palace’s Orangery and explore the palace, home to generations of royalty. Soak in the beauty of the Sunken Garden—a tribute to Princess Diana. 

Barcelona

Barcelona will have one of the first new private group offerings mentioned above, offering an even smaller, more personalized experience.

  • Barcelona in a Day Tour with Skip-the-Line Sagrada, Park Guell, Old Town Walk & Transfers (Launching April 29): See and experience all of Barcelona’s must-see sights in one day. Explore the storied streets of the Gothic Quarter, glide over the city by cable car, and check two Gaudí icons off the bucket list all in one unforgettable day.
    • Private Large Group Barcelona Tapas Challenge (Launching April 29): Get ready to eat, drink, and play on the only tapas challenge in Barcelona! With a passionate local guide to lead the way, this immersive experience will have you competing in food-inspired challenges with friends or colleagues as you dive into the heart of Catalonia’s vibrant food culture. Sample must-try bites and drinks at authentic local spots as you uncover the stories behind each dish and indulge in a little friendly competition.

Washington, D.C.:

Ultimate Capitol Hill Tour: Inside the Supreme Court, Library of Congress & Capitol (Launching March 12): Experience Capitol Hill’s top sites—Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and Capitol Building—on a comprehensive tour with pre-arranged entry tickets. Dive into the narratives of justice, knowledge, and governance that shape the nation.

  • Old Town Alexandria in a Day with Round Trip Ferry Cruise(Launching March 8): Escape the hustle and bustle of D.C. and embark on a historic journey to Alexandria’s Old Town. Begin this adventure with a scenic boat ride along the Potomac River, taking in picturesque views on the way to one of America’s best-preserved colonial towns. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, explore landmarks such as Gadsby’s Tavern, where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson once dined, the elegant Carlyle House, a hub of social life in colonial times, and more.
    • Essential Smithsonian Tour with NMAAHC Timed Entry (Launching March 10): This Smithsonian highlights tour takes the hassle out of planning an itinerary at America’s most storied museums, so travelers can be sure to experience the most essential items across their broad collection. Enjoy guided visits of the Natural History and American History Museums before wrapping up at the National Museum of African American History & Culture, where guests will get in with pre-reserved timed entry to explore at leisure.

With a focus on premium, high-value experiences, Walks and Devour Tours partner with renowned museums, monuments and institutions to offer travelers intimate and enriching explorations.  These new tours are a welcome addition to the brand’s already existing roster of ultra-VIP tours including a Vatican Key Master Tour, Early Access Statue of Liberty Tour, VIP David and Duomo Tour, and more, all of which offer guests special admission to these world icons without the crowds. 

For a full list of offerings and to purchase tickets, visit www.CityExperiences.com.

City Experiences represents Hornblower Group’s expansive portfolio of water- and land-based experience companies and includes the following sub-brands: City Cruises, Walks, Devour Tours, and City Ferry. City Cruises companies operate dining, sightseeing and private events across 21 destinations in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, as well as service on behalf of the National Park Service and the Niagara Parks Commission. City Cruises currently holds service contracts to provide ferry service to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Alcatraz Island, and Niagara Falls. Through Walks and Devour Tours, City Experiences offers world-class travel experiences, including immersive walking tours, food tours, and VIP experiences at iconic landmarks. City Ferry companies offer specialized knowledge and expertise required to transport passengers, vehicles, and other cargo safely across inland and coastal waterways, serving as operator of NYC Ferry and Puerto Rico ferry system, among others. For more information visit cityexperiences.com.   

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Cultural Travel, international travel, Live Like a Local, Off-Beaten-Track Travel, Uncategorized

TRIPS by Culture Trip Launches New Immersive, Experiential Tours with Special Deals, Discounts

Experience rural life in Vietnam and cycle through rice fields to experience farm life first hand with TRIPS by Culture © Laini Miranda/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

TRIPS by Culture Trip launched in September to offer multi-day small-group adventures with itineraries that combine immersive activities and distinctive places to stay, and experiences for the young at heart, the off-the-beaten path enthusiast, the culturally curious and those with the belief that “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”.  Behind TRIPS by Culture Trip is Culture Trip itself – the travel website and app for booking hand-picked places to stay, unique travel experiences and now also small-group adventures.

To kick off the new year, Culture Trip is also offering special deals and discounts now through January 31, 2022 including a $100 Culture Trip voucher when you book with TRIPS by Culture Trip; a $50 Culture Trip voucher when you spend $200 on a hotel; and a $20 Culture Trip voucher when you spend $100 on an experience. T&Cs apply.

TRIPS by Culture Trip offers over 30 itineraries in some of the world’s most captivating and off-the-grid places across the world.  TRIPS range from four to 13 days, welcoming up to 18 travelers aged 25 and over who can join solo or with friends. With a focus beyond mass-market offerings, TRIPS itineraries often avoid areas of over tourism and aim to put local people at the center; the team is dedicated to avoiding unethical activities or wildlife interactions that aren’t in the best interest of the animals.

“With everyone looking for that vacation or escape in 2022, here are some trips that many will never experience in their lifetime because, well, they didn’t know they could.”  Check these out:

●      Stay with a Bedouin Family in Jordan & sleep under the stars in the Valley of the Moon

Wild camping under the stars and staying with a Bedouin family in the breathtaking Wadi Rum — also known as the Valley of the Moon and as filming location for Star Wars: the Rise of Skywalker — is an unforgettable experience. On this trip, travelers also learn how to make Arabic coffee, cook a traditional meal with local Bedouins, milk camels and help shepherds herd their goats in the sunrise. Treks through rust-colored mountains, street food tours in Amman, and visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra through a back door to avoid the crowds are also part of this itinerary. 9-day trip from $2,599*      per person

●      Explore Casablanca’s design with a local architect & stargaze with an astrologer

Before exploring the tangerine dunes of the Sahara’s Erg Chebbi, bedding down in a desert camp in a Berber-style tent with a canopy of twinkling stars above, and stargazing in the desert with local astrologer Astro Hamid, travelers get to explore Casablanca’s diverse and historically significant architecture together with a local architect. 13-day trip from $2,809*      per person

●  Experience rural life in Vietnam & cook with a gastronomy artisan

A trip to Mai Chau is unforgettable — a lush valley lined with rice paddies between forested mountains, inhabited by several ethnic groups in the Hoa Binh province. Here, the group will cycle through rice fields to a White Thai village to experience farm life first hand — including collecting food for buffalos and feeding them, while learning about the history and culture of the White Thai ethnic group, named after their white clothes. The trip also takes travelers to Hue where they will get to learn about the flavors and techniques behind the local cuisine through a market visit and cooking class with gastronomy artisan Ms. Huy. 12-day trip from $1,609* per person

●  Immerse yourself into Sri Lankan wildlife and culture & learn the ancient dances

This epic 12-day ‘Treasure Island’ adventure avoids the usual tourist areas for a glimpse of real Sri Lankan culture. Travelers get to visit a quieter, lesser-known side of Yala National Park — reducing the impact on the wildlife and environment. The park has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world with plenty of elephants, monkeys, and crocodiles. Equally memorable will be seeing herds of wild elephants in Minneriya National Park, visiting a rural village school to learn about Sri Lankan education, and attending a dancing school in Lankathilaka, where a generational dancing master will teach the ancient art of dance in his own backyard. 12-day trip from $2,039* per person

● Learn taiko drumming and aikido & witness sumo wrestling training in Japan

As part of the ‘Japan Rising’ 12-day journey through the land of the rising sun, travelers get to learn from a local aikido expert this Japanese martial art that involves breathing, stretching and self-defense techniques. They also can witness sumo wrestling training to learn about the centuries old history of this traditional sport, and test their rhythm over a taiko drum — played in traditional performing arts and festivals in Japan — with a local expert instructor. 12-day trip from $4,239* per person

Naturally, TRIPS by Culture Trip has an extremely flexible and generous cancellation plan in place should Covid restrictions change your plans      , including rebooking for free up to 48 hours before departure and if TRIPS by Culture Trip cannot change your booking dates, they will refund the booking.  

To learn more and book TRIPS by Culture Trip, visit culturetrip.com/trips or call 678-967-4965.  

* Prices include the Local Insider; activities; accommodation based on two people sharing, with single occupancy available with a supplement; transport throughout the trip and a range of meals

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Cultural Travel, international travel, Uncategorized

Black Friday Travel Sales Underway for EF Go Ahead Tours; Up to $600 Off 2022/23 Trips

Jokulsarlon Glacier, Iceland. Take advantage of EF Tours “Black Friday” travel deals to score $600 off a bucket-list trip to Iceland © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Black Friday travel deals are already underway at EF Go Ahead Tours. From October 26 to November 26,  EF Go Ahead Tours, a leading provider of immersive, small group travel, is launching four weeks of discounted departures to every corner of the world. With up to $600 off — and some itineraries discounted by 20% or more — now is the ideal time to book a tour, as current bookings indicate 2022 will be a gangbusters year for international travel.  The deals effectively mean 2022 and 2023 trips are available at discounted 2021 prices — the lowest they are likely to be — with experts who handle all the details and the complexities of traveling in the COVID-age taken care of for you. 

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS:

Each week will have a theme with up to $600 per traveler/$1,200 off per couple on select itineraries:

  • Week 1: Oct. 26 to Nov. 4 Get first dibs on great deals around the world. Sign up  to get Early Access to Black Friday deals with tours through 2023. In demand trips will sell out, so this is your chance to book early and save!
  • Week 2 Nov. 5-11: Save up to $600 per traveler/$1,200 per couple on Italy & Greece
  • Week 3: Nov. 12-18: Save up to $600/$1,200 per couple on UK & Ireland
  • Week 4: Nov. 19-25: Save up to $600/$1,200 per couple on Bucket List (Iceland, Egypt, Kenya, Costa Rica, Galapagos and more)  
  • Black Friday: Nov. 26: “Special Lightning Deals!” with the best of what’s left!Plus up to $600 off on worldwide tours plus a doorbuster on Black Friday day!

*Specific itineraries per week available upon request 

ALL MONTH LONG:

Each week EF will have a surprise “Lightning Deal” with an extra discount and incentive.

Solo within group travel is on the rise and EF Go Ahead Tours welcomes this travel style. Every week will include an extra $100 off for private rooms on top of the sales, which could equate to a free single room.

AN UNPARALLELED TRAVEL PARTNER:

Fully Refundable Trips with No Change Fees. Book & Rebook with Confidence.

  • Only $99 down secures a spot when you enroll in AutoPay. Interest-free payments aren’t due until 60 days after booking.  Book before November 30th and if you have to change plans, receive a refund of all money paid for that tour, including the deposit, through February 1, 2022. Change tour date or destination without a rebooking fee up until the Final Payment Date.

Let EF Go Ahead Travel Experts Navigate Health & Safety Guidelines:

  • EF offers COVID Care Promise, a comprehensive offering that supports travelers, at no additional expense through unforeseen on-tour quarantines or hospitalizations. 
  • EF’s 24/7 Safety and Incidence Team operates worldwide to inform country- and region-specific approaches to travel based on evolving CDC and WHO guidelines.

EF Go Ahead Tours offers 175 guided tours as well as can customize a private tour; if you bring a group, you travel for free.

EF Go Ahead Tours,  Cambridge, MA 02141, 800-590-1161, https://www.goaheadtours.com/

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Cultural Travel, experiential travel, international travel

Luxury Gold Introduces ‘Chairman’s Collection’ of Exclusive Encounters with European Nobility on Select 2018 Trips

Enjoying a private tour of the Doge’s Palace in Venice on the Ultimate Italy itinerary.

RYE, NY– Life-changing, exclusive experiences are the hallmark of Luxury Gold, whose collection of 42 exceptional small-group journeys offer guests the chance to visit extraordinary destinations, meet remarkable local people and have immersive adventures that are not available to the average traveler.

In 2018 Luxury Gold takes exclusivity to the next level with the launch of its new Chairman’s Collection, a curated selection of truly memorable encounters with European nobles in stunning locales that are available on only 12 Luxury Gold departures in France, Italy, England and Austria.

Inspired by the golden era of travel, Stanley Tollman, chairman of The Travel Corporation (Luxury Gold’s parent company), leveraged his extensive personal connections to give guests the opportunity to meet with counts, duchesses and princesses, and go behind the scenes at some of Europe’s most celebrated castles, estates and cafés.

Alnwick Castle in the UK is visited by 800,000 people every year, but only Luxury Gold guests on the brand-new British Royale itinerary get a private tour of the castle’s gardens from the lady of the manor herself. Over the last 20 years Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland has spearheaded the restoration of her beloved Alnwick Garden to its former 18th century glory, and personally committed her time and energy to upholding her family’s legacy. Guests also meet the head gardener, Trevor Jones, and learn about the various features of the garden such as the labyrinth, the serpent garden and the ornate fountains. Afterward guests enjoy a seasonal lunch and explore the 11th century castle, whose striking medieval architecture was featured in the Harry Potter films. Available on August 9 and September 13 departures.

Café Procope is the oldest continuously operating café in Paris. On select departures on Luxury Gold’s two exciting new journeys in France, French Vogue and French Impression, guests will dine at the 400-year-old café with Count Rémy de Scitivaux. Between bites of coq au vin and other classic French specialties, Scitivaux will regale guests with tales from Procope’s colorful history, explain why it’s one of his favorite eateries in the City of Light, and talk about his noble background and family estate outside Paris. Available on May 11 and September 14 departures for French Vogue, and May 5 and September 8 departures for French Impression.

Ultimate Italy and La Serenissima are Luxury Gold’s two spectacular Italian itineraries. On four departures only, guests partake in an exclusive lunch with Count Francesco Mazzei at his centuries-old family estate in the Chianti region of Tuscany. The property is home to the Castello di Fonterutoli winery, one of Italy’s oldest family-owned firms, dating back to the 1500s. Guests will feast on pasta and wild boar hunted on the estate while learning about the Count’s family history and his approach to winemaking, then take a tour of the property and taste some of the award-winning wines. Available on May 19 and September 22 departures for Ultimate Italy, and May 10 and September 20 departures for La Serenissima.

Austria’s Artstetten Castle has a long and storied history. It was used as a family residence by generations of Habsburgs, including Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1914 sparked the beginning of World War I. It was later seized by the Nazis during World War II, but was returned to the Archduke’s descendants in 1949. One of those descendants is Ferdinand’s great-granddaughter Princess Anita von Hohenberg, the current occupant of the castle. The Princess, who is also a direct descendant of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, shares Hapsburg family stories during a private reception with guests traveling on select departures of the Harmony of Central Europe itinerary. Afterwards guests visit the historical museum and see the crypt where the Archduke and his wife are buried. Available on May 14 and September 17 departures.

Luxury Gold’s Chairman’s Collection “is made possible through the Tollman family’s century-long heritage in the travel industry, and demonstrates their unwavering pledge to provide incredible, unforgettable experiences for guests.”

For more information about the Chairman’s Collection and Luxury Gold journeys, contact your travel agent, call Luxury Gold at 1-888-862-5952, or visit www.luxurygoldvacations.com.

 

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