Tag Archives: immersive travel experiences

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.   

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

Going Places @ longislandpress.com

www.longislandpress.com                                   

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near/

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

X: @TravelFeatures

Threads: @news_and_photo_features

Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social

Active Travel, Adventure Travel, bucket list travel, experiential travel, Nature & Wildlife

Immersive Experiences Permeate Journeysmiths 2023 Where to Go List

The Galapagos is pegged as one of Journeymasters destinations for 2023 where travelers can be thrilled by immersive experiences © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – Founded on a deep seeded belief that travel should inspire personal growth, expand horizons, and support conservation as well as the local communities, Journeysmiths’s 2023 ‘Where to Go list” is permeated with immersive experiences. Each guest itinerary is designed completely from scratch and always includes an opportunity to create a positive impact on the destinations they explore.

“From newly re-opened countries to the ideal first time family safari, we believe there is something for every activity level, in all corners of the globe on our list,” said Managing Director Laura Burdett-Munns of her team’s top picks for 2023.

BHUTAN – With its borders open once again, the happiest country on earth is ready to welcome visitors during Journeysmiths 13-day Bhutan itinerary. This “best of” immersive highlights tour of the Land of the Thunder Dragon explores Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha and Paro. Accompanied by a private English-speaking guide as well as driver for the duration of a journey, guests will hike to the magnificent Tigers Nest, explore Dzong and join monks for morning prayers at the Monastery. They can immerse themselves in the peace and beauty of the land with mountain bike tours, private hikes, and of course explore the Kingdoms famous monuments and fascinating cities. Prices start at $20,350 per person based on a group of four adults. 

COSTA RICA – From the pristine Caribbean beaches to the Pacific Ocean to the tropical rainforests, there are activities to delight the entire group during Journeysmiths 8-day Costa Rica holiday. This immersive, privately guided very active tour includes chartered internal flights, luxurious accommodations and all the land and sea activities one can dream up. From Scuba diving to horseback riding, kayaking, canyoning, exploring volcanoes, waterfall hiking, as well as tours of the bioluminescence bay and ziplining through the rainforest, guests will be one with Costa Rica’s abundant wildlife. Prices start at $37,500 per person based on a group of four adults. 

GALAPAGOS & QUITO – Explore this wildlife-haven during Journeysmiths 10-day city to sea safari which includes two nights exploring the beautiful city of Quito, Peru with a private guide. The best-preserved, historic city in Latin America, Quito has the largest old town in South America. From Quito, guests board the newly launched superyacht, Aqua Mare – the first superyacht to sail the Galapagos Archipelago – for seven nights. With only seven spacious and elegantly designed sea-facing suites, two expert naturalist guides and an exclusive one-to-one crew to guest ratio, a thoroughly personalized journey is ensured for all. Prices start from $11,400 per person based on two guests, double occupancy.

KENYA – Long celebrated for its incredibly diverse safari offerings, Kenya is the perfect experience for couples and friends but also families. During Journeysmiths 9-day Kenya itinerary, clients will spend the first part of this journey on the Masai Mara to immediately get their fix of Big Five game viewing. From there, guests hop a privately charted flight north to explore the Laikipia region. When traveling with school age children, they generally need more than just game drives to entertain them. So Journeysmiths includes stays at properties such as Loisaba Tented Camp and Ol Malo who encourage the whole family to explore together. Here guests can enjoy activities such as walking with camels, horseback riding, bush walks, kayaking and even Maasai warrior training. Prices start from $32,000 per person based on a family of four.

SOUTH AFRICA – From luxurious Big Five safari experiences to vibrant cities filled with culture, breathtaking coastlines to impressive mountain ranges and award-winning vineyards, it is easy to understand why South Africa is a perennial favorite. During Journeysmiths 10-day tour of South Africa, guests will explore forested reserves in search of lions and leopards, enjoy privately guided tours of Cape Town and the surrounding waterfront areas, take a marine safari from Hermanus and of course, sip and savor world class wines and dine at award-winning restaurants during a stay in the Cape Winelands. Prices start from $27,500 per person based on double occupancy.

ABOUT JOURNEYSMITHS In 1990, in Northampton, England, John Burdett and Warwick Hoffman – the original Journeysmiths – set out to provide completely customized African holidays for clients whose passion for immersive adventure was rivaled only by their own. Today, the next generation of Journeysmiths, helmed by John’s daughter Laura Burdett-Munns, has expanded its offerings to include 25 countries across five continents, holding steadfast to their founder’s deep-seated belief that travel should inspire personal growth and expand horizons while supporting conservation initiatives and local communities. A specialized team of seasoned Journeysmiths’ handcraft holidays that are as exceptional as they are personal, providing travelers exquisite, cultural and wildlife expeditions while mindfully engendering a positive impact on the destinations they explore. In addition to local philanthropic efforts within Northampton, Journeysmiths proudly supports, TUSK and Ripple Effect, (formally known as ‘Send a Cow’) and are members of African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) and the luxury travel designer network, Serandipians. For more information, please visit www.Journeysmiths.com or call 1-866-871-3829. 

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

Going Places @ theisland360.com

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near/

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

international travel

Luxury Gold Provides Entrée to Largest Privately-Owned Chateau in France, 8 More New VIP Experiences

Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte in France

RYE, NY – When traveling, the best way to get to know a destination is by immersing oneself in the local culture, whether it be through a unique encounter with local people, dining on authentic regional cuisine, or seeing an iconic monument in a new way.

On Luxury Gold’s nine new itineraries, immersive VIP experiences are built into each trip. Guests learn about the people, places and history of each destination in ways that aren’t available to the average traveler, while moving from city to city on luxury coaches with extra legroom, staying in five-star hotels in stunning locations, and enjoying the personal attention of an expertly trained Traveling Concierge.

Here are just a few examples of the revealing experiences guests can have on Luxury Gold’s nine new itineraries in Japan, Croatia and Montenegro, Scandinavia, the UK, France, New Zealand, Costa Rica and South Africa:

  1. Majestic Japan: As part of this 11-day journey guests journey north via the luxurious shinkansen bullet train to Sendai, the City of Trees. This is a truly locals-only region, off the beaten path and away from the tourist crowds. Guests spend some time exploring Aoba Castle, and see a thrilling exclusive performance by a samurai warrior . Afterwards guests meet with the samurai, who also happens to be a member of one of Sendai’s most influential families. This is one of three VIP experiences on the itinerary, which also includes a meeting with a survivor of the 1945 atomic bomb in Hiroshima, and a private musical performance of Tsugaru Shamisen and Taiko in Tsugaru han Neputa Village.
  2. Captivating Croatia and Montenegro: This extraordinary 12-day journey showcases the warm hospitality, unique cuisine and ancient cultures of Croatia and Montenegro. In Dubrovnik guests have a VIP meeting with Matija and Giorgio Vierda, master jewelry craftsmen whose family’s work can be found amongs the treasured possessions at the Ethnographic Museum. They’ll demonstrate ancient goldsmithing techniques and show off some of their handiwork. Also on this itinerary guests join Tomislav, an oyster farmer, for a boat ride to the floating oyster beds of the Adriatic near the village of Stön. They’ll watch as he brings in the ropes and shucks oysters right on board. Guests then savor a mouthful straight from the sea, served with freshly squeezed lemon and a chilled glass of local wine. Later they return to the shore for a family-style, sea-to-table lunch at the captain’s very own restaurant.
  3. Timeless Scandinavia: Nautical grandeur, extraordinary natural wonders and man-made marvels are front and center on this 12-day journey to Denmark, Sweden and Norway. In Oslo, guests are treated to a VIP after-hours visit to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump Museum, where they learn about 4,000 years of skiing history. Afterwards, they’ll drink a toast at the top of the famous ski jump – which was the site of the 1952 winter Olympic ski jumping events – and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
  4. British Royale: The pomp and pageantry of Britain’s royal heritage is the focus of this incredible nine-day journey, which includes a special after-hours visit to the Tower of London, one of the city’s most infamous monuments. In the evening, once the crowds have gone home, guests take a private tour with a serving Yeoman Warder then watch him perform the Ceremony of the Keys, an ancient gate-closing ritual carried out every night for the past 700 years. On this itinerary guests also get after-hours, VIP entry to York’s majestic Harlow Carr Gardens, a member of the Royal Horticultural Society, where they learn about indigenous plant species from a senior gardener before enjoying an exclusive twilight picnic.
  5. French Vogue: On this magnificent 11-day journey guests step into the 17th century during an exclusive VIP visit to the largest privately-owned chateau in France, Vaux-Le-Vicomte . Designed in 1653 by the King’s principal architect, the chateau is the embodiment of revolutionary design and set the tone for the classical era of French architecture. The estate’s gardens are equally impressive, comprising 100 acres of treasures, decorated fountains, patterned flower beds and timeless statues. Guests join the estate’s lead gardener for a guided walk through the gardens, or alternatively, learn about the subtleties of high society during a dining etiquette class hosted by a professional butler.
  6. French Impression: On this epic 27-day odyssey through France guests enjoy not only a VIP visit to Vaux-le-Vicomte as described above, but they also have the most quintessential of French experiences: a small-group gourmet foodie walk through the streets of Paris. They’ll join a Local Expert and food connoisseur and discover why Paris is so famous for its cuisine while they visit a variety of boutique shops, patisseries, boulangeries, chocolatiers, baguette cafes and tiny fromageries. Guests meet passionate foodies along the way, and give their palate an insider taste of the City of Light.
  7. Inspiring New Zealand: This exhilirating 10-day journey showcases New Zealand’s natural splendor, culinary flair and fascinating indigenous culture. Guests are invited for a VIP visit to the home of retired champion horse jockey Lance O’Sullivan and his wife, Bridgette. During a private lunch at O’Sullivan’s Red Barn, which overlooks Lake Karapiro, they’ll hear his racing tales as they feast on New Zealand specialties such as lamb and kiwi fruit and enjoy stunning 360-degree views of his 500-acre dairy farm. This itinerary also includes VIP entry to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand in Wellington, before it opens to the public. Guests take a guided walk through compelling exhibits and learn about the people, places and ideas that shaped New Zealand and the Pacific.
  8. Indulgence in Costa Rica: On this spectacular seven-day journey into the heart of central America guests not only see Arenal volcano, they also meet with a volcanologist from the National University of Costa Rica’s Volcanological and Seismological Observatory. They’ll learn about his research and hear how the area has been transformed by volcanic activity. Guests are also treated to an exclusive marimba show in Guanacaste on this itinerary, showcasing the beautiful sounds of one of the most popular instruments in Central America.
  9. Spectacular South Africa: This life-changing nine-day journey showcases the beautiful wilderness, eclectic cultures and complex historical heritage of South Africa. In cosmopolitan Cape Town guests enjoy a private lunch at the V&A Waterfront with Manfred Jacobs, a former warden at the Victor Verster prison where Nelson Mandela spent the last 14 months of his 27-year-long imprisonment. Jacobs tells fascinating stories about Mandela , one of history’s most heroic figures, and describes what life was like under the apartheid regime. While in Cape Town guests also enjoy a private VIP ride to the summit of Table Mountain on the famous revolving cable car, which offers 360-degree views of the Mother City. At the top, guests enjoy a drink and marvel at the African sunset.

For reservations, contact your travel agent,
call 1-888-862-5952, or visit www.luxurygoldvacations.com.

Luxury Gold is one of the family of brands of The Travel Corporation which created The Treadright Foundation, a not-for-profit working to help ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has supported some 50 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The Foundation’s guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities. Foundation priorities are set by the Steering Committee, which includes sustainability leaders Céline Cousteau and Costas Christ. Past project partners include WWF, Conservation International, Wildaid, The Travel Foundation and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include supporting various women’s social enterprises through the Artisan Alliance, the recently announced Wildlife Conservation Society’s Big Cat fund, WE.org and inspiring nature advocates like Céline Cousteau and Terri Irwin. To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight,  visit us at treadright.org.

 

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

instagram.com/krubin0830/

instagram.com/famtravltr/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures