Tag Archives: Luxury Gold Vacations

Gift of Travel, luxury travel

Give the Gift of Travel this Valentine’s Day: Luxury Gold Proposes Top 7 Chairman’s Collection Experiences

Join Princess Anita von Hohenberg at Artstetten Castle

Luxury Gold is inviting travelers to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the meaningful gift of travel and journeys beyond the ordinary by presenting its expanded 2019 Chairman’s Collection of VIP travel experiences personally curated by The Travel Corporation (TTC)’s Chairman Stanley Tollman.

The collection offers travelers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet the world’s Legendary Locals such as Princess Anita von Hohenberg at her Artstetten castle and Count Francesco Mazzei at his Tuscan estate. Guests will be transported into an elite world of regal lunches, noble dinners and cocktails with aristocracy and they will also meet other exceptional local characters.

Here are the Top 7 Chairman’s Collection experiences with only a handful of select departures offering opportunities to meet these Legendary Locals:

1. Learn the Art of Wine Making with Marchese Francesco Mazzei at his Centuries Old Tuscan Estate
Wine lovers and guests can join the 12-day Ultimate Italy journey on the May 19th and May 22nd departures to meet Count Francesco Mazzei whose family has perfected the art of winemaking for over 24 generations. For the past 600 years, the Mazzei family has been pioneers and champions of Chianti wines since the very beginning. Travelers will meet a member of the Mazzei family at their vineyard estate, Castello di Fonterutoli for a private tour, including a delicious Tuscan lunch using fresh seasonal ingredients and wine tasting.

2. Enjoy a Private Cocktail Reception with Princess Anita von Hohenberg at Her Home in Artstetten Castle
Austria History buffs and travelers can join the 13-day Harmony of Central Europe luxury journey on the May 14th and May 20th 2019 departures to meet Princess Anita. She is a proud descendant of the Habsburgs which includes prominent historical figures such as Empress Maria Theresa and Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Guests will join the princess for a private sparkling wine reception and hear personal stories about her family heritage.

3. Join Lady Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland for a Private Tour at Alnwick Castle’s Award-Winning Gardens
Gardening lovers and guests can book the 9 or 10-day British Royale escorted journey on the April 19th and August 9th, 2019 departures. The Duchess takes immense pride in her family home, the majestic 11th century Alnwick Castle which is considered one of Britain’s most iconic castles and was featured in the Harry Potter film series. Thanks to her visionary planning, fundraising and care, the adjoining castle gardens have been meticulously restored beyond their former grandeur. While over 800,000 people visit each year, only Luxury Gold guests will join Lady Percy for a private tour of her award-winning gardens.

4. Indulge in a Memorable Dinner with Count Remy de Scitivaux at Paris’ Oldest Restaurant Francophiles and travelers can join Count Remy at the legendary Le Procope, Paris’ oldest restaurant in continuous operation since 1686 on the 10-day French Vogue journey on May 11th and September 14th, 2019 departures. Count Remy will recount stories of Paris’ greatest intellects and artists who frequented this restaurant. Guests will enjoy an exceptional dining experience located in the equally iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district and sample the famous coq au vin and homemade millefeuille.

5. Sample Local Wines with Canadian Olympic athlete and legendary alpine skier, Rob Boyd in Whistler
Sports fans and guests can join an exclusive reception to meet Canadian Olympic athlete, Rob Boyd in the scenic mountain village of Whistler while exchanging insightful stories and sampling local wine on the 22-day Majesty of the Rockies journey on June 2nd, July 14th and August 11th, 2019 departures.

6. Enjoy Locally Distilled Drinks with Grammy Award winner and Country Hall of Fame Musician, Charlie McCoy in Nashville 
Music aficionados who adore jazz, blues, rock and country music can join the lively 14-day Sumptuous Soul of America journey, departing on the May 12th and September 8th, 2019. Guests will meet Charlie McCoy who performed with musical legends, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash and will recount his epic stories over locally distilled bourbon.

7. Exclusive Celebration Dinner with Cultural Ambassador, Kainoa Hocajo in Maui
Foodies and guests can meet Cultural Ambassador, Kainoa Hocajo and enjoy an exclusive celebration dinner created by world famous chef, Michael Lofaro on the 12-day Luxurious Hawaiian Escape journey, on the April 7th and September 15th, 2019 departures. Kainoa is an emerging leader in the field of cultural tourism and will share impactful stories about his native Hawaiian values and culture. He has studied under the guidance of highly respected kupuna (elders) and to help honour the traditions of his ancestors.

Travelers can view the complete Chairman’s Collection experiences: https://www.luxurygoldvacations.com/us/vacation-types/the-chairmans-collection.

Contact your travel advisor, or Luxury Gold at 888-862-5952, www.luxurygoldvacations.com

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European travel, luxury travel, Romantic travel

Luxury Gold Curates Romantic Travel to Europe’s Breathtaking Destinations, Heart-Fluttering Experiences

Luxury Gold guests take a hands-on cooking class at Villa Dianella

A trip to breathtaking destinations in Europe is a recipe for romance. The continent’s historic cities, charming cafes and quaint vistas will steal your heart whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just want to get away with your loved one from the distractions of day-to-day life.

Luxury Gold can take you to some of the most romantic places in Europe in comfort and exquisite style. You’ll stay in elegant hotels at the heart of the destination, enjoy immersive cultural activities á deux, and know that all the details are taken care of by an expert Traveling Concierge.

Here are some heart-fluttering experiences in Europe with Luxury Gold:

Escape into a world of timeless glamour: With a stunning champagne bar, sumptuous upholstery and antique fixtures, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express epitomizes the allure and elegance of the Golden Era of travel. On two Luxury Gold itineraries, guests are transported back in time for a day and a night as they journey from Venice to Paris in elegant cabins dressed in fine fabrics, wood paneling, soft lighting and crisp sheets. In the exquisite dining cars, feast on a leisurely, four-course dinner cooked by skilled French chefs, such as lobsters from Brittany, salt marsh lamb from Mont St. Michel and local and seasonal produce that’s brought on board at stops along the route. After enjoying the elegant atmosphere and timeless indulgence of the train, guests disembark in Paris where they spend another day and night exploring the incomparable City of Light. Luxury Gold guests can experience all the romance of this fabled train on both the “Ultimate Italy” and “La Serenissima” itineraries, which also includes visits to Florence, Rome, Capri, Naples, Rome and Perugia. A poetic itinerary on the La Serenissima journey includes a romantic tour of Verona that’s home to Shakespeare’s famous star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Stroll past the well-preserved Roman arena and through a maze of elegant squares to stand beneath the balcony said to have belonged to the Capulet family.

Fall in love on a journey to the past: The elegant and artistic Artstetten Castle is a place where royal history still pulsates with life on Luxury Gold’s “Harmony of Central Europe” itinerary. Part of  Stanley Tollman’s unique and exquisite Chairman’s Collection, guests will step into a romantic fairytale while in Vienna to attend a private reception with legendary local Princess Anita von Hohenberg, who is a descendant of the famous Habsburgs. They’ll hear all about her life, heritage and the fascinating personalities of the Habsburg monarchy. Guests can walk hand-in hand on the cobblestone streets of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic and gaze their eyes on the marvelous Renaissance and baroque architecture of a 13th century castle, known as one of the most important historic sites in Central Europe. Couples can share an intimate dinner at the elegant Gundel restaurant in Budapest, Hungary’s most renowned restaurant , to feast on delightful local dishes with a backdrop of traditional folk music. For an after-dinner treat, couples can look up at the stars with a glass of sparkling wine while aboard a private cruise along the glimmering Danube River.

Get infatuated with Ireland: An old Irish proverb says that “your feet will bring you to where your heart is.” On Luxury Gold’s “Ultimate Ireland” itinerary, couples can charm each other while learning Irish dancing during a dance class with the Gaelic Roots in Blarney. In Dublin, guests can admire the beautiful, architectural buildings on O’Connell Street, tour the city’s beloved 18th-century Custom House and the marvelous medieval stones of Dublin Castle. Later share an exceptional, Michelin-starred dinner at L’Ecrivain, famous for its fine-dining and delectable, classic French cuisine. Indulge on rich sweets during a truffle tasting in the enchanting, medieval town of Kilkenny with a delectable visit to the local farmers market. While traveling to the beautiful village of Cong in County Mayo, couples can stay in the most elegant place in Ireland–Ashford Castle . The timeless castle is set upon a picturesque 350-acre estate with historical features at every turn, making it a dreamy location for a relaxing, romantic getaway. Guests can will dine à la carte at the treasured George V Dining Room, with delicacies including Ossetra Caviar and Skeaghanore Duck.

Luxury Gold offers a collection of award-winning journeys, guided by a Traveling Concierge, where guests enjoy exclusive VIP Experiences, savor exceptional dining and relax in luxury hotels on every curated itinerary.

The TreadRight Foundation, created as a joint initiative of The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands, is a not-for-profit that works to help ensure the environment and communities visited remain vibrant for generations to come. Founded by Brett Tollman, Chief Executive, TTC, to date TreadRight has supported more than 40 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. To learn more about past and current work at TreadRight, visit TreadRight.org.

Contact your travel advisor, or Luxury Gold at 888-862-5952, www.luxurygoldvacations.com

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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.

 

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