Best of Belgium: Contemporary Art & Gourmet Cuisine

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Belgium may be small, but it certainly packs a punch. The epicenter of European affairs and, indeed, a mainstay of the world stage, it’s set to impress. Here, you’ll not only find world leaders but rows upon rows of chocolatiers, classical architecture aplenty and a cutting-edge art and design scene that brings an effervescent contrast to it all. Whether circling the canals of Bruges and Ghent, setting trends in Antwerp or tracing history in Brussels, your time in Belgium will certainly be varied. Spend seven-nights sipping craft beers and sampling Belgium’s many culinary delights as you make your way between its charming cities, getting a behind the scenes glimpse at the worlds of art, chocolate and diamonds before bedding down in luxury each night.

Marcolini, Magritte & More

Your trip really couldn’t start anywhere other than Brussels and in this charming city, it has to be Hotel Amigo. Just around the corner from the Grand Place, drop your bags here for the first two nights of your trip as you settle into the plush rooms with their effortless Olga Polizzi flair. Get to know the city that afternoon on a privately guided walking tour that will see you tracing the centuries as you take in iconic sights such as the Old Market, Manneken Pis and Gallery Royal Saint Hubert. Along the way, we’ll be sure to stave off any hunger pangs as you enjoy tastings at some of the city’s best chocolatiers. Fancy yourself a true connoisseur? For an added flourish, we can arrange a private masterclass with the renowned chocolatier, Pierre Marcolini, whose handcrafted creations are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

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Switzerland & Italy: A Luxury Vacation in the Alps, Lakes and Coast

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Starting way back in the Golden Age of Travel, a luxury vacation in Europe has, over the years, become synonymous with luxury. Whilst everywhere has it’s own take on that trademark timeless elegance, for us, few do it as well as Switzerland and Italy. Packed full of romance and jaw-dropping vistas, on this twelve-night getaway through Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast you’ll go from helicoptering over the Matterhorn one minute to finding serendipity along the ethereal Path of the Gods the next. Home to chocolate-box villages, grand villas crawled in wisteria and precipitous roads and rails, luxury unfolds at every turn in this expertly-crafted getaway.

Peak Perfection

Your trip starts high up in the Swiss Alps in the picturesque town of Zermatt. Lying in the shadow of Europe’s iconic Matterhorn peak and strictly car-free, take a breath of fresh mountain air as you settle in at the intimate Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort. Rest up that evening with a relaxed dinner at Ferdinand before heading out to explore in the morning. Catching the cablecar up to the summit of Klein Matterhorn, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the 38 alpine peaks and 14 glaciers that speckle the Swiss, Italian and French Alps. For an altogether more intimate look though, we can arrange for you to take to the skies on a thrilling helicopter ride over the peaks before touching back down to the comfort of Cervo. With everything from hiking to paragliding on offer, we’ll ensure you see Zermatt from every angle.

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See It All in Israel: The Old, The New & The Unknown

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A place that’s stood the test of time and now looks to the future, Israel is an intricate story waiting to be told. From the deep history and sanctity of Jerusalem to the energetic pulse and changing landscape of Tel Aviv, spend eight nights traveling through Israel and discover all the influences that have come together to make the country what it is today. Along the way, you’ll be joined by expert guides and specialists in fields such as defence, cuisine and design to make sure you really get under the skin of the destination. Whether snorkelling through the ruins of Caesarea, rappelling down Ramon Crater or wandering the tunnels of the Kotor, you’ll unearth a side to Israel few others have seen. Dusted off with a few days out in the solitude of the Negev Desert, leave no stone unturned on this luxury vacation to Israel.

Ancient Jerusalem

Touching down in the ancient capital of Jerusalem, we’ll be on hand to whisk you off to the stylish Mamilla hotel for the next three nights. Right on the fringes of the Old City, take the rest of the day at a leisurely pace, perhaps enjoying the sunset from the rooftop lounge before setting off on your first discovery tomorrow. Join an expert guide as you take a deep dive into Jerusalem’s Old City and join the dots between Holy Sites revered by the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths. From the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, we’ll head to the Dome of the Rock where, if you let us know in advance, we’ll arrange for you to go up into the Dome itself. From there, we’re taking you subway to the 485metres of the Kotel that sit hidden from view from the surface. It’s an up-close look at one of Jerusalem’s most iconic sights – but from a whole new perspective.

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Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: A Cultural Week in Israel

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Israel is a feast for the mind and senses. Fulfilling all curiosities, this destination is teeming with rich culture, natural beauty and complex history. Bringing together Jerusalem’s ancient walls and luring markets with the golden beaches and pulsating entrepreneurial rhythm of Tel Aviv, delve into the stories that have shaped the Holy land on a compelling six-night journey through Israel’s past and present. Gain local insight with a visit to local communities, expert insight as you tour the Israel Museum with a Docent and historical insight with visits to old munitions factories and Holocaust memorials. Accompanied by some of the best guides in the business, you’ll leave no stone unturned in this culture-packed week in the Middle East.

WELCOME TO THE OLD CITY

Your Israeli narrative begins in Jerusalem. Landing at Ben Gurion Airport, you’ll be whisked off by private transfer to the luxury Mamilla Hotel where for three nights you’ll be perfectly based in the heart of the historic center. Relax and soak up the atmosphere from the comfort of Mamilla’s sun-trap rooftop lounge and witness the sweeping vistas over the Old City with a glass of wine in hand. Over the next two days, you’ll be diving deep into the hidden realms of ancient Israel. Start off uncovering the city’s sacred Jewish, Christian and Muslim sites with the expertise of your private guide, from the Kotel (Western Wall) and Church of the Holy Sepulchre to the heartbeat of ancient Jerusalem – the City of David. Lose yourself within its old passageways, hidden springs and subway tunnels that date back three-thousand years, where kings and prophets once wandered and where the original books of the Bible were written.

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Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar: An Adventure from Summit to Sea

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Challenge meets reward on this exhilarating private trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Experience 12 nights across two unique destinations as you hike Africa’s tallest mountain, then jet off to a tropical island paradise in Zanzibar. Our travel experts have pinpointed the ultimate off-the-beaten-track route, crossing diverse terrains along the Northern Circuit by day, and relaxing under the stars in a luxury private camp at night. By sidestepping the classic tourist route, you’ll be fully immersed in Tanzania’s untouched landscapes in almost total exclusivity. Once the hard work is over, we’ll whisk you across to Mnemba Island for some well-deserved relaxation by the Indian Ocean, as you soak up your achievement in style.

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EATER Journeys: Rome & Florence

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As luxury travel experts, we know a thing or two about getting around the world in style.

That’s why we’ve combined our round-the-world travel expertise with the culinary insight of Eater. This slice-by-slice tour of Italian food, and the landscapes which gave rise to it, is the result, making use of our approach to truly bespoke, experiential travel. Scroll down to read the full itinerary or click the button below to browse more food-focused Eater experiences.

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With a food scene liberally dunked in the olive oil of history, Italy serves up a truly incomparable eating experience. For Italians, cooking and wine are – well – their culture’s bread and butter, all of it farmed, grown and cultivated from the country’s alpine nose to its balmy tail. Tomatoes raised on rich volcanic soil; plump lemons pulled from the branches of Amalfi; focaccia freshly baked in the ovens of Florence. Good food is good culture. With the world-renowned culinary insight from our friends at Eater, we’ve brought together two of the most mouth-watering spots for you to tuck into; Rome and Florence.

WHEN IN ROME

Your gastronomic journey begins in the heart of Rome. On arrival, we will transport you deep within the city to Spalletti Trivelli, your base the next few nights. Set in a traditional Italian garden, this intimate hotel is the ideal spot for those who want to escape the bustle of the city without missing out on all the action. Once settled, tonight’s meal of classic cucina romana at Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto is sure to set the bar high. Here, you can check off most of your Roman food bucket list, from the rich cacio e pepe to tender lamb chops, washed down with a glass of classic Sangiovese. Or a few.

FROM BASIL TO BASILICA

Starting the day bright and early, your private guide will lead you out for a special tour of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. Beat the crowds with early access to the Vatican Museum to fully take in that grand beauty of the Sistine Chapel, followed by St. Peter’s Basilica, filled with renowned works of art. Finish the day at a Roman trattoria dedicated to la cucina povera, Italian peasant food. This restaurant boasts true Italian form, showcasing a simple use of local ingredients at their seasonal peak.

BEEN THERE, WINE THAT

The following morning, the stories of the Roman Empire come to life. With a day spent among the iconic ruins of this once mighty (and well-fed) empire, you’ll be served up everything from panoramic views on the historic Capitoline Hill to the eye-opening Colosseum. After a big slice of sightseeing, you’ll be ready for a well-deserved trip to Rome’s most traditional enoteche (wine bars) to savor the best wines Italy has to offer. The tasting tour, led by a professional sommelier, pours a delicious tutorial on the styles unique to the Italian peninsula. From there, it’s on to dinner to sample the soulful simplicity of Rome’s classics at Cicolini’s dining room, based in the Appio-Latino quarter. Chef Sarah Cicolini is one of the hottest young chefs in Rome today, serving up hearty plates of carbonara and a sumptuous trippa alla romana.

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Eater Journeys: Mexico City & Oaxaca

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As luxury travel experts, we know a thing or two about getting around the world in style.

That’s why we’ve combined our round-the-world travel expertise with the culinary insight of Eater. This slice-by-slice tour of Mexican food, and the landscapes which gave rise to it, is the result, making use of our approach to truly bespoke, experiential travel. Scroll down to read the full itinerary or click the button below to browse more food-focused Eater experiences.

MORE EATER JOURNEYS

Everyone wants to go to Mexico; where the guacamole is green, and the tortillas are plenty. This epic seven-night Mexico City and Oaxaca experience, inspired by EATER’s top dining recommendations, will serve up a culinary journey like no other. Stirring together hidden street-food spots, critically acclaimed restaurants, and enticing nightlife – this is all about the darkest mole, the freshest margaritas, and the most indulgent enchiladas. Hungry, yet?

TACO ‘BOUT GOOD FOOD

Welcome to great, bustling, heaving Mexico City. Roberto Bolano, the fiery literary prophet of this roaring country, summed it up in the simplest and most powerful way possible. “There are fourteen million people living in Mexico City.” And how can you begin to explain that? Well, via good food and drink. Kicking things off in the beautiful boutique of Las Alcobas hotel, in the vibrant Polanca district, you’ll get a crash course in Mexican cuisine with a mouth-watering walking tour. With a private guide in tow, you’ll satisfy your appetite in traditional food stores, beloved local eateries, and nestled away restaurants. 

MEXICO IS MEZCAL

The best way to understand Mexico City – or any city, for that matter – is to stroll where its locals hang out. Today’s culinary adventure takes you through local markets to learn about spices, produce, and the people who bring them for sale. Once the sun goes down it’s time for a private taco, beer, and mezcal tour around the streets of San Rafael, Anzures, and Condesa. Accompanied by a mezcal master, you’ll savor the smoky, sweet, and herbal flavors of Mexico’s beloved, trend-setting agave spirit. And sample the very best mezcal at La Botica, the city’s first mezcal bar.

A KAHLORIFIC EXPERIENCE

Next up is a tour of the city’s southern neighborhoods, with lunch at Xochimilco’s market. Your guide will whisk you away to the picturesque cobbled streets and brightly-coloured houses of San Angel to explore the artisanal market of Bazar del Sabado. From there, you’ll experience the cultural hub of Coyoacán, including a visit to the Blue House, Frida Kahlo’s lifelong home, followed by a fresh and flavorful market lunch at Mercado Coyoacán. Once refuelled, traverse the Aztec canals of Xochimilco by boat and marvel at the famous works of fine art by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo at the Museum of Dolores Olmedo’s. Wind down the day at Contramar, the groundbreaking, must-visit seafood restaurant from acclaimed chef and restaurateur Gabriela Cámara. Read More

Argentina, Chile & Antarctica: A Luxury Adventure to Patagonia and Beyond

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There are few landscapes on earth that can rival Patagonia. Grassy steppe that rolls into jagged peaks and intimidating glaciers that extend all the way down icy fjords – it’s arguably the world’s best adventure ground. But there is perhaps one place that could top it. A little further south, across the tempestuous waters of the Drake Passage, lies the frozen expanse of Antarctica. A place that only a lucky few have set foot on, it intrigues and mystifies in equal measure. Surrounded as it is by towering icebergs and cut through by plunging crevasses, the landscapes here make a worthy opponent for Patagonia. So why not put the two into perspective and spend two weeks working your way through two of the world’s most beguiling continents. From the tango-filled streets of Buenos Aires, through the majesty of Chile’s Torres del Paine and down to the islets, bays and caps of Antarctica, there’s not a sight to be missed.

Tango through Buenos Aires

Start your adventure in Argentina’s buzzing capital, Buenos Aires with an overnight base in the charming Palermo neighborhood at Legado Mitico. Get to know the city as you link up with one of our expert guides for an in-depth tour through the history of Plaza de Mayo, the vibrancy of La Boca and the cuisine of San Telmo before sitting down to a traditional bodegon lunch at La Brigada. As for the evening, that calls for another Argentine tradition – tango. Leaving your hotel in signature Black Tomato style, in a vintage car, you’ll arrive at the art-deco Faena Hotel for their famous Rojo Tango show. Full of kicks and flicks and signature sensual moves, you’ll want to take a few lessons yourself.

Patagonia & Perito Moreno

The next morning, you’ll leave the city behind as you fly south to El Calafate and make your way into Argentinian Patagonia. Embodying the true spirit of the area, from the area’s indigenous roots to the blend of style between Crillo settlers and modern-day travelers, drop your bags at Eolo before diving headfirst into the staggering landscapes that sit on your backdoor.

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Morocco: A Luxury Adventure in the Sahara Desert

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Versatile and full of intrigue, Morocco perfectly lends itself to all manner of luxury vacations. Extending from snow-capped mountain ranges to rocky hamada and the sweeping sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, there is a lot to explore here. The good news is that our travel experts have found the perfect way to do it. Get off the beaten track and discover a lesser-known side to Morocco as you venture out of Marrakech and into palm-fringed oases and sweeping deserts in this luxurious 10-night adventure. From the ancient kasbahs of Skoura to the history of Zagora, there is plenty to discover. But there’s also an opportunity to disconnect as you head out into the untouched dunes of Erg Chigaga for a night in the desert with only the stars above you for company. Away from the crowds and embedded deep within Moroccan culture, it’s an adventure worth taking.

24 hours in Marrakech

Flying into Marrakech, you’ll spend your first night amid the opulent surrounds of Villa des Orangers, getting to grips with the city on an afternoon private tour of the winding souks and atmospheric Jemaa el Fna square. In the morning, you’ll leave all of this behind as you are met by your private driver-guide who will be at your side for the next eight days of this adventure. Leaving the medina behind, you’ll travel through the heart of the Atlas Mountains, stopping off at the ancient Glaoui kasbah in Telouet, on through the Ounila Valley to the hilltop fortress of Ait Ben Haddou and on through Ouarzazate to the palm-fringed deserts of Skoura.

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Antrim, Donegal & Mayo: An Adventurous Family Vacation in Ireland

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For centuries, the Emerald Isle has been home to any number of myths and legends with Atlantic tides sweeping in to unveil the new and untold, before rolling back out again to leave you with secret discoveries. The perfect destination for a family vacation filled with adventure and intrigue, in Ireland, the outdoors becomes a classroom for curious minds to latch onto. Spend nine-days traveling through Ireland meeting local characters and personalities as you go, from a farmer and his sheepdog to a fossil hunter and real-life Leprechaun whisperer – there’s never a dull moment. Couple that with castles to rest up in at night and kayaks to explore Dublin in and you have the perfect action-packed family adventure.

Life on the River Liffey

Flying into Dublin, you’ll be swiftly whisked off to The Merrion hotel where a quick stroll around neighboring Merrion Square ought to do the trick to beat any post-flight fatigue. Just a hop away from many of Dublin’s best sights as well as a host of trendy stores and restaurants, The Merrion is the perfect launchpad into the city. Join a local historian to get your bearings on a private walking tour before taking to the water tomorrow and seeing the city from a whole new perspective.

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