As keen travelers we love to meet new people and experience other cultures, it is what travel is all about. Most cities around the world are welcoming to visitors, but some have earned an exceptional reputation for being incredibly friendly.
Here, at Luxury Gold, we’ve been doing some research and have highlighted some of the stand-out destinations on the friendliness scale – these cities are easy to navigate, offer amazing hospitality and a fun, jovial atmosphere. Now what could be considered more luxurious than a genuine warm welcome?
Dublin, Ireland
World renowned for its friendly people, Ireland is an enchanting country from its quaint villages and sublime landscapes to its vibrant towns and cities. To experience the very best of a warm Irish welcome, take a journey to its effervescent capital Dublin. A must for enthusiasts of history, literature, music and Guinness, Dublin is small but has it all. Experience the craic, a mixture of humor, intelligence, fun and entertainment for which Ireland is famous, and is guaranteed to make any visitor feel at home
The Custom House is a neoclassical 18th century building in Dublin, Ireland which houses the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Indulge in the very best of Dublin on our Ultimate Ireland and Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tours. Both spend two nights in Dublin, staying in the gorgeous boutique Dylan Hotel. Choose to travel on a Chairman’s Collection departure and experience the ultimate in friendly invitations, as Patrick Guinness, historian, author and one of the heirs to the Guinness business dynasty joins you, after hours, at the Little Museum. Savor a a glass of sparkling, along with museum founder Trevor White, enjoy warm conversation and learn about Irish history and the origins of the Guinness’ brewing empire.
Vancouver, Canada
Majestic mountains, glistening oceans, rainforests, beaches and beautiful foliage make Vancouver an unmissable destination on any nature-lovers bucket list. This coastal, seaport city is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada, truly a city for everyone, and is known for its affable, approachable people. Enjoy extensive parks, theatres and galleries, and treat yourself with fantastic shopping.
Tourists in Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park, Vancouver.
Arrive in Vancouver in style on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury guided tour, aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train. Taking the sumptuous Gold Leaf Service, indulge in gourmet dining and glorious panoramic views from the glass domed coach as you travel from Jasper to Vancouver. With a full day to explore this friendly city, see the sights, soak up the views and enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Salmon n’ Bannock, the only restaurant in the city owned and operated by members of Canada’s First Nations.
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
In the country music capital of the world, expect a host of good-natured southerners who will flash you a smile and tip their cowboy hats to say hello. Nashville is a city eternally tapping its feet to the rhythm of life, where you will find good manners, intoxicating music and the very best of barbeque cuisine.
Nashville Tennessee
For music lovers, a visit to Nashville on The Sumptuous Soul of America and Southern Grace luxury guided tours is a truly unmissable VIP Experience, taking you deep into the heart of “Music City”. Tour historic Studio B with a professional sound engineer and take part in a choir-style recording session – you can even take home a copy of the recording as a one-of-a-kind souvenir to impress your friends and family! Join an esteemed singer/songwriter for an in-depth tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Then to top off an unforgettable day, take in a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry, country’s most famous stage.
If you choose to travel on a The Sumptuous Soul of America and Southern Grace Chairman’s Collection departure, you will meet one of two music legends, either Country Hall of Fame musician Charlie McCoy or Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Brenda Lee, for a special introduction to the city’s impressive music history. Wow!
Tokyo, Japan
Japan is renowned as a friendly, welcoming country, with a culture that places great value on courteous and gracious behavior, and its magnificent capital, the huge metropolis of Tokyo, is no different. An intoxicating mix of the ultramodern and traditional, where neon-lit skyscrapers sit alongside historic temples, there a new surprise for visitors around every corner. Despite its size, the city is so clean it almost looks brand new and, if you ever find yourself a bit lost in all the bustle, even with the language barrier you are never short of a helpful local to show you the way.
Tokyo Sky Tree and cherry blossom during spring at Japan.
Explore this amazing city and country on our 11-Day Majestic Japan luxury guided tour, and get deep into the heart of the fascinating culture and delectable cuisine with the expert guidance of your Traveling Concierge. Stay at the 5-star Imperial Hotel which has welcomed royalty, heads of state and celebrities for over 120 years, and enjoy flawless Japanese hospitality and sumptuous rooms. For lovers of gastronomy, choose to join a cooking class and learn about the art of making sushi, using the highest quality fish. Test your artistic skills and discover why it takes ten years to become a Master Sushi Chef!
Copenhagen, Denmark
Home to some of the world’s happiest people, cutting-edge architecture and radiating a laid-back lifestyle, Copenhagen is a colorful, welcoming city. Compact and easy to navigate, the danish capital is picturesque and surrounded by sea, with a center largely given over to pedestrians. Cafes and exceptional museums rule by day, with a vibrant music scene taking over the night. Famous landmarks include the Little Mermaid, the Rosenborg Castle and the Renaissance Stock Exchange.
Nyhavn with colorful facades of old houses and old ships in the Old Town of Copenhagen, capital of Denmark
Our Timeless Scandinavia luxury guided tour takes you on a magical 12-day voyage through friendly Nordic lands, starting in Copenhagen and finishing in Oslo, Norway. A Luxury Gold highlight in Copenhagen, above and beyond the standard sights, is Tivoli, an amusement park founded in 1843 and considered a national treasure. Enjoy beautifully manicured gardens, let your hair down with thrilling rides and revel in the entertainment and enchanting atmosphere – a guaranteed a fun night out.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a sight to behold, spread out either side of the mighty Danube River, everywhere you look there is beautiful architecture and, when lit up at night, it is a truly unforgettable experience. Everywhere you turn, friendly residents are very keen to show off their customs, traditions and warm hospitality – expect music, smiles and lot of entertainment.
View of Budapest and the Danube river
Spend a blissful two nights in Budapest on our 13-day Harmony of Central Europe luxury guided tour, which also takes in Prague, Vienna, Kraków and Warsaw. Visit the stunning, neo-Gothic Parliament Building and see the Holy Crown of Hungary. Admire St Stephen’s Basilica, explore the medieval Castle District and visit the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Indulge your senses at the Michelin-starred Borkonyha Winekitchen, with its innovative and creative gourmet cuisine that combines French bistro style and contemporary Hungarian influence.
Feeling Inspired by the friendliness?
Well, we hope you’re feeling warm and fuzzy from all this friendliness, and that it has got you thinking about where to travel next for your dream vacation.
Whenever you choose to travel, we invite you to make up for lost time and treat yourself with Luxury Gold. Enjoy 5-star hotels, exceptional dining and exclusive VIP experiences that will stay with you forever. From the moment you leave your home until you return, you don’t have to worry about a thing, with your Traveling Concierge and Well-Being Director ensuring a flawless and luxurious journey tailored for you.
For more information on the fabulous destinations and luxury guided tours mentioned here, and all the amazing destinations in our collection, take a look at our website and interactive brochure for 2022 & 2023.
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