Famed as the cradle of civilised drinking, the city of New Orleans has spent centuries perfecting the art of the cocktail. From historic bars like the Sazerac Bar, Carousel Bar, Antoine’s and Brennan’s, to home-grown cocktails like the Sazerac, the Hurricane, and the Ramos Gin Fizz, there are few other places in the world that compare to the Big Easy’s cocktail culture. You can even visit the Museum of the American Cocktail in this fun-loving city. To celebrate World Cocktail Day on 13 May, we’re embracing the motto of New Orleans – “Laissez les bon temps rouler” or “Let the good times roll” – and diving into 9 of the best cocktails in New Orleans and where to drink them.

Exclusive travel is about exclusive experiences, and often one of the most rewarding aspects of travel is the people we meet. These cherished interactions forge an unforgettable connection with a destination and create lasting memories. If you love meeting fascinating people, then look no further than Luxury Gold’s Founder’s Collection.

Choose to travel with us on a Founder’s Collection departure and go beyond your expectations. Connect with an eclectic and inspiring range of people, including legendary locals, European nobility and celebrated icons.

Meet an Austrian Princess

When you step inside Artstetten Castle, for a private drinks’ reception with Princess Anita von Hohenberg, you will be enchanted by both the setting and the company. A captivating storyteller, the Princess takes you back in time on a fascinating journey through her Habsburg heritage. A direct descendant of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose assassination in 1914 lead to the outbreak of World War I, Princess Anita has countless stories which she is delighted to share exclusively with Luxury Gold guests.

Discover this on: Harmony of Central Europe

Read more: A royal welcome: What to expect when you meet Princess Anita von Hohenberg

See India through the eyes of a renowned journalist and historian

There really is no better way to discover the true heart of a destination than over a delicious dinner with a renowned local historian and journalist. Journey to India and in the vibrant capital Delhi you will meet with Rana Safvi and enjoy an intimate dinner at Sana-Di-Ge. Here Rana will teach you about her studies of Indian culture and how they relate to present day life in India. Dine on the finest seafood, share experiences and delve deep into the heart of this fascinating country.

Discover this on: Imperial Rajasthan

Dine with Nobility in Italy

Imagine meandering through vineyards in the heart of Tuscany and learning about winemaking from a master. For 25 generations, the Mazzei family has been producing exceptional wines at the beautiful Castello di Fonterutoli, and the Marchese Mazzei himself will take you on a tour of his beloved ancestral home. On this exclusive travel experience, let your senses run wild over a lunch of Tuscan delights and taste some of the finest Chianti wines, the perfect way to toast this special occasion.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy 

Discover the history of Peru

In Lima, meet with the fascinating Dr. Francisco Diez-Canseco Távara, as he invites you to lunch at his beautiful villa. As you dine you will learn all about his family’s long heritage in Peru, which includes former presidents of Peru and Spanish nobility. A tour of his ancestral home reveals many precious artifacts, including a framed telegram from President John F. Kennedy commending his ancestor as a “fighter for freedom, democracy and social justice.” We guarantee you will come away with a deep and personal insight into the history of this fascinating country, and with many warm memories of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Discover this on: Treasures of the Incas, Grand South America

Explore exquisite gardens with an English Duchess

For lovers of horticulture and aristocracy, this meeting is simply unforgettable. Meet with Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland, as she personally welcomes you for a private tour of her beloved Alnwick Castle Gardens. Join the Head Gardener for a tour of the 12 acre site and explore the serpent garden and ornate fountains, and the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard. Hear from The Duchess the fascinating and personal story of how she has restored this exquisite garden to its former 18th century glory over the last twenty years. You’ll also be able to indulge your taste buds over a delicious seasonal lunch and explore the magnificent 11th century castle, with the guidance of a local expert.

Discover this on: British Royale, Castles & Kingdoms

Meet music legends in Nashville, USA

Photo by Jon Tyson

What better way to discover Music City than alongside one of the stars who contributed to its legacy? Charlie McCoy, a Country Music Hall of Fame musician and Grammy-winning artist, has collaborated with famous musicians like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and Loretta Lynn.  Brenda Lee is the recipient of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to music, being the top-charting solo female vocalist of the 1960s. Only when traveling on a Luxury Gold Founder’s Collection departure will you meet one of these legendary locals during your time in Nashville – an exclusive travel story you will be telling over and over and again.

Discover this on: Southern Grace, The Sumptuous Soul of America

Founder’s Collection

At Luxury Gold we believe that every aspect of travel should be truly exceptional, with personalized travel experiences at the heart of our journeys. Curated by our founder, the late Stanley Tollman, these are his friendships from across the globe brought to you through exclusive meet and greets and inspired by his life in travel.

Take a look at Luxury Gold’s Founder’s Collection and our worldwide collection of limited-edition journeys.

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?