The Ribera del Duero region is renowned for its exceptional wine production, and it’s easy to see why. The rich, fertile soil and temperate climate provide the perfect environment for cultivating the finest grapes, resulting in a wine that is truly exquisite.
Each bottle of Ribera del Duero wine is a masterpiece, crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. The wine’s deep, dark color is a testament to its intensity, while its aroma is a heady blend of black fruit, vanilla, and spice.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and complex, with a bold, robust flavor that lingers long after the last sip. The tannins are firm yet silky, providing a satisfying texture that perfectly complements the wine’s rich flavor profile.
From its luxurious appearance to its indulgent taste, Ribera del Duero wine is truly a work of art. So sit back, relax, and savor the exquisite flavors of this world-class wine – you won’t be disappointed.
One can’t argue about the elegance and beauty of France, and best of all, it’s home to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. From the countryside of Provence to the bright lights of central Paris and the iconic Eiffel Tower, France will take your breath away with its many wonders.
As you explore this exquisite country, don’t miss out on a stay at one of its luxurious hotels – enjoy fine wines and explore all its amazing culture. Comfort and style meet for what is sure to be an unforgettable experience whenever you choose to rest your head in one of France’s best luxury accommodations!
If you’re looking for a luxury French getaway, then you won’t find many locations better than staying in one of the numerous boutique hotels in France. Sinking into your luxury hotel room after a day of exploring the breathtaking scenery and taking a break from your travels will make you feel as if you’ve stepped straight into a movie.
Not to mention that the romantic atmosphere adds an emotional level which creates the perfect conditions for deep conversations. And of course, depending on which luxury hotel you pick, you may also be able to enjoy their fabulous room service with traditional local specialities that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Whether it’s one of the luxury hotels in Paris or smaller hidden gems in other parts of the country there’s something quite magical about this country that has attracted visitors for centuries and booking one of these boutique hotel experiences is just another way to experience it yourself.
When it comes to exclusive France luxury tours, the quality of your accommodation can make all the difference in having an unforgettable experience. Staying in an exclusive hotel goes beyond enjoying comfortable beds and all the amenities that come with high-end establishments. It allows you to immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere. Luxury hotels also provide high-quality linens for a deep sleep, so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to explore!
Moreover, exclusive hotels are usually located near popular attractions and eateries, adding even more flavour to your trip. Choosing the right hotel can enhance any vacation, allowing you to get the most out of your travels with added comfort and convenience.
Check out the most fitting hotel for you by visiting the hotel website or consulting with our Intriq team.
From lavish city getaways in Paris to 5-star hideouts nestled between rolling hillsides, we have rounded up all of the incredible hotels that are too good not to mention. Ready your travelling feet because here are all the luxurious hotels you should book on your next French escape.
La Bourdonnais boutique hotel is the perfect choice for those searching for an iconic Art of Living experience in the heart of Paris. Beyond the fantastic location, La Bourdonnais provides its visitors with unbeatable services that truly ensures a timeless stay. From attentive hotel staff to attentive hotel amenities, everything about this hotel oozes excellence. The ultimate Art of Living experience awaits you at La Bourdonnais boutique hotel!
The Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel is the perfect place to explore all that the city of Bordeaux has to offer. Located just a few steps away from the trendy district of “The Old Docks”, guests can enjoy the vibrant culture and atmosphere of the city. It is also conveniently located within the historical epicentre, with attractions such as “Cité du Vin†and “Bassins des Lumières†within easy reach.
The hotel offers free breakfast and stylish accommodation in 149 oversized rooms that boast modern amenities, plenty of natural light, and stunning views over the city. Guests can relax in their indoor pool, followed by authentic Italian cuisine at Gina Restaurant.
Renaissance Bordeaux ensures a one-of-a-kind stay for whatever your reason for visiting. Their friendly staff are on hand to provide you with a luxurious stay during your time in this beautiful French city.
The Pont-Levis Hôtel is a stunning 4-star hotel that brings the history of Carcassonne’s Historic Fortified City to life. Situated just 50 metres from the main entrance, you can take in the breathtaking views of this mediaeval walled city by day and night with ease.
Built in the 18th century, this beautiful building has been carefully renovated and modernised to provide guests with deluxe rooms and a luxurious stay for a romantic getaway. The north face of the original construction has been clad with unique weathering steel, adding a contemporary touch to its facade. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool so you can soak up some sun during your stay, as well as a fitness centre if you’re looking to stay active.
Cheval Blanc Paris is a luxury hotel experience that combines contemporary design and exceptional hospitality with the classic beauty of French Art Déco heritage. With 72 rooms and suites, guests can enjoy breathtaking views from the hotel’s winter garden or savor freshly baked treats handmade in-house. Each room is designed by renowned architect Peter Marino, who has crafted an exquisite atmosphere that reflects the charm of Paris.
The Grand Hotel du Midi Montpellier – Opera Comedie is a timeless classic, located in the historical Place de la Comedie in Montpellier. With its elegant Haussmann-style building, built by the Carlier family in 1890 and renovated by Julie Gauthron in 2015, this hotel provides a unique experience with spacious suites. Perfectly situated at the foot of the Fontaine des Trois Graces, visitors are within walking distance to local attractions and shows.
Grand Hotel de Bordeaux is an iconic 200-year-old luxury hotel that serves as the perfect gateway to Bordeaux city. Enjoy stylish rooms featuring air conditioning and stunning views of the Gironde capital.
With its convenient location, luxurious amenities and excellent service, Grand Hotel de Bordeaux is the perfect stop for travellers embarking on a Europe Luxury Tour. Superior levels of comfort and luxurious details at this iconic village make it the ideal destination for an unforgettable stay in one of France’s most beautiful cities. It is also home to the 2 Michelin-starred Le Pressoir d’Argent Gordon Ramsay.
A private visit to the Egyptian Museum is absolutely breathtaking. Seeing all of the artifacts and tombs devoid of crowds gives visitors a rare glimpse back into an ancient world. From King Tut’s golden mask, to the sculptures and hieroglyphs that adorn each wall, you will be transported back to history.
While it can be easy to get overwhelmed with so much to see, having a private visit in the museums allows extra time to take it all in at your own pace without the crowd – an experience uniquely yours.
Ascending the majestic Mont Rochelle is a luxurious and exhilarating experience, where the beauty of nature is displayed in its full glory. As you begin your journey, you will be greeted with picturesque landscapes that will leave you awestruck.
The crisp mountain air is refreshing and invigorating as you make your way up the winding paths, surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers. The sound of birdsong fills the air, creating a symphony of nature that is both soothing and enchanting.
As you climb higher, the views become more breathtaking, offering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The sun shines down on you, casting a golden glow over the landscape, adding to the already serene and peaceful ambiance. The summit of Mont Rochelle is a sight to behold, with its towering peak and panoramic views that seem to go on forever. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with reaching the top is unparalleled, making the journey all the more worthwhile.
In all, hiking Mont Rochelle is a luxurious adventure that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. It is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime, leaving you with memories that you will treasure forever.
Svalbard is one of the most popular starting points for exploring the Arctic Ocean basin. With its rich history and authentic culture, the island chain has been a popular destination for arctic adventures and expeditions. The archipelago offers more than just an ideal base for exploring the majestic Arctic ocean; it also provides an insightful glimpse into the history of whaling and mining in Svalbard.
Spitsbergen is the archipelago’s largest and only populated island. The island is well-known for its coal mining industry; while whaling was formerly a major source of income for the locals, it is no longer widely practiced. Yet, since the impact of whaling on Norwegian culture and economy remains apparent, Spitsbergen is an excellent place to learn more about this historic trade and its influence on the local culture.
As you can see, the Arctic can be a perfect place for a cultural trip as well. Check out Intriq’s 12/11-day Spitsbergen plan for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to learn more about the whaling and mining industries and to enjoy the unique nature of the Arctic.
Frankfurt’s Christmas Markets are a festive and magical attraction located in the heart of Frankfurt, Germany. Each year, from late November to late December, the city comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season.
The markets feature over 200 vendors selling a wide range of holiday-themed goods, including handcrafted ornaments, toys, and decorations. Visitors can also enjoy traditional German treats such as gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine, known locally as Glühwein.
One of the most popular Christmas Markets in Frankfurt is located in the historic Römerberg square, where vendors are surrounded by stunning mediaeval architecture. Other markets are located throughout the city, including the Mainkai waterfront, the Kaiserdom Cathedral, and the Friedrich-Stoltze-Square.
The markets are known for their festive atmosphere, with live music and entertainment adding to the holiday spirit. The Frankfurt Christmas Markets are a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the magic of the holiday season in Germany.
Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “the smoke that thunders,” is a true wonder of nature. Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this magnificent waterfall is a breathtaking sight to behold.
The Falls span over 1.7 kilometers wide and drop 108 meters into the gorge below, creating a misty spray that rises high into the air, visible from miles away. The sound of the falling water is so powerful that it can be heard from a distance of 40 kilometers.
Visitors can take in the stunning views of Victoria Falls from various vantage points, including the Knife Edge Bridge, Devil’s Pool, and the Boiling Pot. The sheer scale and beauty of the falls are awe-inspiring, making it a must-see destination for any traveler.
As well as admiring the natural wonder of Victoria Falls, visitors can also enjoy a range of activities in the surrounding area, such as bungee jumping, helicopter rides, and wildlife safaris. With its luxurious accommodations and breathtaking natural beauty, Victoria Falls is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
The Emperor Penguins colony at Atka Bay is a breathtakingly beautiful sight to behold. It is as if nature itself has created a living masterpiece for us to admire. The penguins, with their striking black and white plumage, march across the snow-covered landscape with grace and elegance, each step a testament to their remarkable endurance and resilience.
As they gather in their large colony, the air is filled with the sound of their calls, a symphony of honks, brays, and trumpets that echoes across the icy landscape. Their playful and curious nature is evident as they waddle and slide across the ice, seemingly unaware of the frigid temperatures that surround them.
The Emperor Penguins’ colony at Atka Bay is a reminder of the incredible diversity and adaptability of life on our planet. It is a place where the natural world is at its most magnificent, where we can witness the beauty and power of nature in all its glory. It is truly a sight to behold, and one that will stay with you long after you have left.
Hiking the Dolomites is an experience of pure luxury for the nature enthusiast. The rugged mountain range, with its striking peaks and pristine valleys, offers a spectacular backdrop for a trekking adventure. The air is fresh and pure, and the landscape is vibrant with colors, from the lush green of the forests to the bright white of the snow-capped summits.
As you hike along the winding trails, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of deep gorges and dramatic ridges. You’ll traverse picturesque alpine meadows, dotted with wildflowers and grazing cows. The crystal-clear lakes and streams, fed by the melting glaciers, provide a refreshing respite from the summer heat.
The Dolomites offer a wide range of hiking options, from gentle strolls to challenging ascents. The well-marked trails are accessible to hikers of all levels, and there are plenty of mountain huts and lodges along the way where you can rest and refuel with delicious local cuisine.
Hiking in the Dolomites is an unforgettable luxury experience, immersing you in the natural beauty of this stunning mountain range, and leaving you with a sense of awe and wonder at the majesty of the natural world.
If you’re looking for a culinary experience unlike any other, it is well worth making the trip to Italy in search of one of the world’s most precious foods: white truffles. Prized among chefs and gourmands alike, Italian white truffles have become synonymous with gastronomic luxury – and seeking them out is an adventure like no other.
From earthy aromas to incredible flavours, you can enjoy all that this stone-like delicacy has to offer when visiting some of Italy’s finest restaurants or even just one day visit within breathtaking Tuscan hillsides.
Throughout this blog post, let us take you on a brief explanation of this delicacy to get you started on your next tour in Italy!
White truffles, a slightly rare and incredibly sought-after culinary treat, are found mainly in Piedmont, Italy. They have been popular due to their distinctive flavour and aroma, which has been described as intense, earthy and garlicky.
For those who are feeling adventurous and would like to try white truffles, there are white truffle tours available in parts of Italy where you can try your skills on finding this special food. The experience provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the forests near the town of Alba, the white truffle’s most popular home. Observe white truffles being hunted by special dogs or even take part in the hunt themselves.
Black and white truffles are two fascinating variations of the same species, with black truffles offering a more intense, earthy flavour while white truffles are prized for their fragrant aroma and nutty taste. Both black and white truffles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with black ones usually having darker skin. They both also usually call for heavy cooking or roasting as they can be quite tough when raw. The high price tag associated with black and white truffles is due to their scarcity; finding truffles takes specialised techniques, such as using specially trained pigs or dogs. Needless to say, black and white truffles are precious commodities in the culinary world!
Harvested during certain times of the year, white truffles can be quite a challenge to find. In order to discover the optimal time for harvesting this luxury food item, it’s important to understand when nature will provide them. Generally speaking, the white truffle season spans from October through January in Italy.
The black winter truffles season occurs between November and March in some parts of the world where they have ideal climate and soil conditions, such as Italy, France, Croatia, and parts of Spain. On the other hand, black summer truffles may come between May and August.
There is nothing quite like a private truffle hunt in Italy to give your palate an unforgettable experience. White truffles have become a delicacy and white truffle fairs are held each year to celebrate this rare and special treat.
A private truffle hunt gives you the opportunity to gain an intimate knowledge of the land and local culture that you don’t get from attending white truffle fairs. You will feel like a local as you traverse the hills and valleys searching for white truffles and get to know the people protecting these unique mushrooms.
Not only do you gain access to white truffles, but also the plants and animals of the area that help create such a beautiful ecosystem. Having an experience of finding white truffles on your own in Italy is well worth it if you’re looking for a truly immersive local experience.
The hunt for truffles is steeped in a unique culture that dates back centuries. This ancient tradition of finding truffles involves trained dogs and specially trained pigs used by seasoned hunters. The truffle hunters have trained their animals to detect the scent of truffles, though the animals cannot be trained to identify specific types of truffles. The hunter will use trained pigs or dogs – depending on the type of terrain they are in – as guides throughout the search for these wild delicacies. Utilising both trained animals and centuries-old methods, hunters can find success in this popular and recreational activity.
If luxury is what you’re looking for, indulging in the original luxury food – truffles – could be just the place to start. Complete your luxury tour of Italy with an itinerary catering to fancy dining experiences featuring truffles harvested from local regions. Gourmands can also enjoy exploring Italy’s markets and speciality stores, where truffle products such as cheese and oils are created with truffles grown in the areas surrounding Tuscany, Umbria, and Le Marche. There’s nothing more romantic than savouring these exquisite flavours in the very places they’ve been harvested. Imagine taking a scenic drive through rolling hills and gardens, popping into rustic cafés, or sampling truffle-based dishes at traditional bistros with that picturesque view.
With truffle season in full swing, it might be time to take a trip to Italy to experience the amazing truffle products created there! From truffle butter, truffle honey, truffle flour and truffle oil – it’s all here waiting for you. Whether you want to use truffles in your cooking or simply buy them as a souvenir, the marketplaces of Italy are ready and willing to provide you with the truffle products you desire.
Take home truffle butter, a spreadable, savoury cheese that pairs well with fresh bread; truffle honey for a hint of sweetness to just about anything; truffle flour made from real truffles and perfect for making pasta, pizza or some added flavour to your recipes; or truffle oil so you can add the unique taste of truffles to sauces and dressings at home.
All you have to do is come prepared with a plan to bring the truffles home safely. Try bringing back truffle oils sealed in elegant bottles or truffle butter that can be easily kept cold during your travels.
