The Grottoes of Matera are a stunning and luxurious example of ancient architecture that has been carefully preserved over centuries. These cave dwellings, carved out of the rock, are set amidst the dramatic landscape of the Basilicata region in southern Italy. As you explore the winding streets and alleys of the grottoes, you will be transported back in time to a world of opulence and grandeur.
The intricate carvings, elaborate frescoes and stunning mosaics that adorn the walls and ceilings of these cave dwellings are a testament to the skill and creativity of their ancient inhabitants. The warm and inviting atmosphere of the grottoes is enhanced by the soft glow of candlelight and the aroma of delicious local cuisine, which will tantalize your senses and leave you feeling completely pampered.
With their luxurious furnishings, stunning artwork and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, the Grottoes of Matera offer a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of modern life, these ancient caves are the perfect destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
In September 2019, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opened its doors to foreign visitors from all over the world. For the first time ever, discerning travellers can finally explore the rich heritage, culture, diverse and breath-taking landscapes before mass tourism arrives and our Travel Specialists are excited to share this Arabian jewel with you.
Riyadh, one of the wealthiest cities in the world, may not come across as charming, but the capital is home to the country’s best museum, bustling traditional souqs and the UNESCO listed mud brick walls of Ad Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state. The other city to visit got to be Jeddah, the gateway for pilgrims to Mecca and Medina. Located by the Red Sea, Jeddah is a diverse and rich melting pot of cultures and the city is thriving from the burgeoning arts and culture scene to the foodie culture and countless architecture influence.
Read the full article here: Saudi Arabia – Welcomes The World
Travel is a great social media talking point. For years now, travel on social media has been an inspiration to many – from pre-departure postings to hotel room tours to the various must-do destination activities like diving with sea turtles, elephant trekking and stargazing.
Today, more than ever, hotels are more than a place to rest, gather and relax; it has transformed into an inspirational pod, a dream venue and a social media shareable location.
“Hotels today are moving away from the traditional ‘brick and mortar’ to architectural glamor allowing them to blend seamlessly with their local and surrounding environment, with many focusing on sustainability and offering guests a unique stay experience.” – Jess Yap, Intriq Journey, shared with Lianhe Zaobao (è”åˆæ—©æŠ¥).
Read the article here: Lianhe Zaobao – Intriq Journey
Explore the charming Old Town of Munich on a walking tour that takes you through centuries of Bavarian history. Start at Marienplatz, the vibrant central square, home to the famous Glockenspiel clock tower. From there, stroll down the bustling pedestrian street of Kaufingerstrasse, lined with traditional shops and modern boutiques alike.
Next, visit the historic Frauenkirche, an iconic symbol of Munich with its distinctive twin towers. Learn about the church’s fascinating past and its importance to Bavarian culture.
Continue your tour to Viktualienmarkt, a bustling outdoor market offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and traditional souvenirs. Savour a refreshing beer or sample some Bavarian specialties as you take in the lively atmosphere.
Finally, visit the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall, the oldest brewery in Munich, where you can taste traditional Bavarian beer and soak up the lively atmosphere of this historic landmark.
Throughout your walking tour, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories and insights about Munich’s history, architecture, and culture, making this a truly unforgettable experience.
La Chaux-de-Fonds is a Swiss city famous for its long-standing tradition in watchmaking. Personalized watchmaking is one of the specialties of La Chaux-de-Fonds. The city is home to several independent watchmakers who offer bespoke timepieces designed to meet the specific needs of their clients.
Personalized watchmaking involves creating timepieces that reflect the personality and lifestyle of the owner. The process typically involves close collaboration between the client and the watchmaker to ensure that every detail of the watch, from the materials used to the design of the dial, is tailored to the client’s tastes.
The city’s watchmakers use traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology to produce unique and exceptional watches. La Chaux-de-Fonds is a center of horological excellence, and its personalized watchmaking services have attracted watch enthusiasts from all over the world.
In conclusion, personalized watchmaking in La Chaux-de-Fonds is a true testament to the city’s passion for horology and its commitment to craftsmanship. If you’re looking for a truly unique timepiece, La Chaux-de-Fonds is the place to be.
Nestled in the foothills of Morocco’s Rif Mountains, the stunning city of Chefchaouen beckons with its unmistakable charm and enchanting blue hues. Known as “The Blue City,” Chefchaouen is a sight to behold, with every corner and alleyway adorned in a brilliant shade of blue, offering an unparalleled visual feast for the senses.
As you wander through the winding streets of this picturesque city, you’ll discover an array of delightful shops, bustling markets, and artisan workshops, all bursting with vibrant colors and intricate designs. The aroma of spices and freshly baked bread fills the air, inviting you to indulge in the local cuisine, which is as delicious as it is diverse.
Take a moment to breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. Whether you’re admiring the stunning architecture, exploring the ancient kasbah, or simply enjoying a cup of mint tea in a cozy café, Chefchaouen promises an unforgettable experience that is both luxurious and authentic. With its undeniable charm and rich cultural heritage, this enchanting blue city is a true gem of Morocco that will leave you spellbound.
Ryokans and onsens are a luxurious Japanese experience that transport guests to a world of tranquility and relaxation. Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns that offer a unique and authentic cultural experience. The interiors are designed with traditional tatami mats, sliding doors, and low tables. Guests are treated to delicious Japanese cuisine and can relax in private hot-spring baths, called onsens.
Onsens are natural hot springs that have been utilized by the Japanese for centuries for their healing properties. The mineral-rich waters of the onsens are believed to have therapeutic benefits and can relieve aches and pains while promoting relaxation. The serene atmosphere, coupled with the soothing warmth of the onsens, is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Staying at a ryokan and enjoying an onsen is a quintessential Japanese experience that everyone should indulge in. It’s an ideal way to unwind and rejuvenate while experiencing the unique and authentic culture of Japan.
The twelve apostles are one of Australia’s most iconic natural attractions. Formed during the erosion of the limestone cliffs along the shoreline of the Great Ocean Road, these structures offer a stunning view from above as the Australian landscape stretches out before you. A helicopter tour of the twelve apostles is a thrilling way to take in this breathtaking natural wonder.
Located along the Great Ocean Road in New South Wales, vacation packages may not typically include this destination due to its remoteness. However, some of our luxury Australia tours do include this destination as we feel that the views are truly breathtaking!
Are you looking for the ultimate travel experience? Then a trip to Australia’s best remote luxury lodges is the ideal way to experience this iconic country. You’ll be able to relax and unwind in some of the most exclusive settings in the world, all while enjoying breathtaking natural beauty.
With impeccable service and luxurious amenities, these luxury lodges make it easy to instantly feel at home surrounded by stunning landscapes – from snow-capped mountains through desert vistas and untouched tropical islands. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply wanting an unforgettable getaway, these lodges offer something special that will stay with you forever.
A luxury tour to Australia can provide the perfect escape from your hectic life. Imagine being snuggled up in a cosy bed inside a pretty beach house, watching the waves lapping against the shore and listening to the gentle sounds of nature as you drift off to sleep. Luxury lodges provide that luxury seclusion, allowing you to experience complete privacy and peace in pristine natural settings.
Whether it’s exploring private wildlife conservancy or sunbathing on an untouched beach, going on a luxury tour can be an incredibly rewarding experience – luxury lodges offer a chance to spend quality time with your loved ones while taking in what mother nature has to offer. With its idyllic landscapes and stunning views, Australia is sure to mesmerise visitors on their luxury tours and make them appreciate the beauty of life just a little bit more.
Curling up with a good book in a cosy corner of your pretty beach house, overlooking breathtaking landscapes of untouched nature – everything about luxury lodging reflects seclusion and relaxation, from roaming free among the giant trees to sipping wine after sunset with views of nearby places no eyes have seen before. So, what are you waiting for?
Tours in Australia don’t need to lack luxurious experiences. Luxury lodge tours offer the perfect balance between a wild and remote experience, unparalleled comforts and delicious, high quality cuisine.
From special tours provided by veterans of the area who will show you their favourite haunts for native wildlife to chefs who craft gourmet meals from local ingredients, these tours will provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines luxury with adventure. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable trip that blends together natural beauty, comfort and fine dining, explore taking a luxury lodge tour in Australia.
Sal Salis, Western Australia
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef offers a unique safari-style luxury tent experience with the stunning backdrop of Cape Range National Park and the Indian Ocean. Guests can explore the reef by kayaking, paddle boarding, or snorkelling, where they may encounter 500 species of colourful fish and 250 coral types. Another option is to go swimming with whale sharks or humpback whales. Travellers are then invited to enjoy a five star dining experience after a big day of adventure.
Arkaba, South Australia
Arkaba Conservancy is a unique Wild Bush Luxury experience that immerses visitors into the ancient untouched landscape of the Flinders Ranges in Australia. Guests can explore the diverse and spectacular terrain with expert field guides who will share stories of bush life and provide detailed knowledge about the environment, wildlife, and culture; creating an unforgettable getaway.
Accommodation is provided by guest-rooms at Arkaba Homestead which provides a warm atmosphere like staying with friends or on a private safari lodge. Guests can enjoy activities such as 4WD tours, guided bushwalks, mountain biking, bird watching, stargazing and fishing. Hosted dinners are available at the Homestead to create shared stories with fellow guests completing your luxury stay.
Longitude 131Ëš, Northern Territory
Longitude 131Ëš is Australia’s most luxurious and celebrated desert camp, located in the heart of the Central Desert with awe-inspiring views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. With sixteen luxuriously appointed tented pavilions, guests can connect with the surrounding outback landscape and its ancient heritage while enjoying a range of modern facilities and activities.
The signature restaurant offers contemporary Australian fusion dining and the spa features natural healing ingredients like irmangka-irmangka.
Explore vibrant Aboriginal artworks alongside relics from past explorers or take advantage of guided walks through some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes. For an unforgettable experience, join a night sky tour where you can admire the starry sky from atop one of Uluru’s highest points. Longitude 131Ëš is an idyllic escape for those seeking to get close to nature without compromising on comfort or luxury accommodation.
Emirates One&Only, New South Wales
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a secluded and luxurious resort in the Greater Blue Mountains region of Australia. This tranquil escape is nestled within 2,800 hectares of conservancy, between the Gardens of Stone National Park and Wollemi National Park – allowing guests to experience untouched beauty as well as a series of bespoke experiences.
From private chauffeur car services that bring you directly to the resort, to an unforgettable aerial journey via helicopter over Sydney and the Greater Blue Mountains – Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley promises an enriching getaway for all who visit.
Sequoia Lodge Experiences
Sequoia, Adelaide Hills is a picturesque destination with an abundance of activities to offer all kinds of visitors. Located atop Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills, this area is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status due to its spectacular working agricultural landscapes, historic settlements and diverse wildlife.
The region boasts four world-class wine regions within 50 kilometers of each other – the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Eden Valley. This makes it the perfect place for wine lovers looking for a unique experience that combines great tasting local wines with stunning views over the hills. This luxury lodge is also part of our tours in Australia program.
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island
Capella Lodge is a premium luxury retreat located on Lord Howe Island, offering spectacular views of the ocean, subtropical reef and rolling green pastures. The contemporary architectural design channels the carefree spirit of an Australian beach house. Guests can explore rainforests, reefs and beaches as well as discover remote rocky coves alive with magnificent birdlife.
Niigata is Japan’s hidden gem, offering postcard-perfect views of sprawling rice fields, hidden shrines nestled amongst lush greenery, and rugged mountain ranges. There’s something for every wanderer in this hidden nook of the country; whether you wish to explore the historic temples or look for cherry blossoms, take your time immersing yourself in picturesque nature spots, or sample delicious regional delicacies – Niigata has something magical to offer its visitors.
Even though it might not be as popular as some other Japanese cities, Niigata’s hidden gems are worth discovering; offering a glimpse into a calming and dreamy slice of Japanese history and culture.
Niigata City is located on the west coast of Japan, stretching along a narrow strip of land at the Sea of Japan. Surrounded by the abundance of nature including the coastal mountains and crystal clear waters, the city provides stunning views to those who visit.
Home to one of Japan’s significant rice production areas due to its climate, Niigata City is also known for its rice cake and unique festivals. With a population of over 800,000 inhabitants as well as frequent Bullet Trains making daily trips between Tokyo and Niigata City, it has become an important part of modern-day Japanese culture.
Are you planning a trip to Japan, but overwhelmed by the sheer number of exciting destinations? If Tokyo has been your go-to destination for years, it might be time to consider a different cultural experience and explore Niigata instead. With rolling hills carpets in lush green tea plantations, some of the best seafood in Japan and plenty of hot springs, Niigata is one destination that should definitely not be overlooked!
Let’s take a look at why Niigata is worth considering as your next Japanese getaway.
Niigata City in Japan is one of the best places to visit year-round. During the winter months, snow blankets the Japanese Alps and creates a stunningly beautiful landscape for visitors to explore. In spring, locals and tourists alike gather to experience sakura blooming against a backdrop of majestic mountaintops.
Niigata also offers gorgeous sunsets over terraced rice paddies, and the season of fall offers its own distinct flavor with trees turning from lush green to scarlet leaves. Throughout the year there are various activities to enjoy like skiing, rafting, festivals, soothing hot springs, and sightseeing jaunts across the city. Niigata’s natural beauty in every season makes it a worthwhile destination no matter when you choose to visit!
Niigata is the perfect setting for a natural hot springs experience. Just about every corner of this area has natural hot springs to offer. From stunning rural areas with unique Japanese inns, to spa resorts in larger cities, there is no shortage of variety. There is something for everybody here, from elaborate ryokan to places that are more laid back and intimate.
The natural hot springs in Niigata are renowned for their healing properties – Sulphur, alkaline and carbonated springs can be found across the area, offering restorative benefits and natural cures that you won’t find elsewhere. Perfect for all ages and medical conditions, these natural hot springs present an amazing opportunity to get away from it all and relax in the warm waters amidst beautiful natural settings.
Sado Island in Niigata is a small and serene destination with a lot of character. This picturesque location is known for its tub boat rides which was famously featured in the animation “Spirited Away”.
The tub boats are just one way to explore the deep blue waters around Sado Island. You can also take a stroll around its beaches for a truly captivating experience. The landscape of Sado Island is almost magical, boasting numerous ancient shrines, mountain peaks and gold mines from centuries past still accessible to this day.
Niigata is a true foodie paradise, offering an abundance of cuisine from its culinary roots. Known for its rich Niigata cuisine, the region offers delectable specialty items such as Hegi soba noodles and super fresh seafood from the renowned Teradomari Fish Market. For rice enthusiasts, Niigata rice cakes are particularly delicious and sought-after around Japan.
To experience Niigata through its flavours, visitors can embark on a Japan luxury tour catering to the most passionate of food connoisseurs by exploring local eateries and taking part in local cuisine classes. Here, visitors will discover Niigata’s hidden yet flavorful offerings that offer an unforgettable taste adventure.
The local restaurants take advantage of the abundance of locally-harvested vegetables and seafood. Visiting Niigata not only provides a delicious and memorable experience but also an insight into the diverse Japanese culture and customs. With a wide selection of fresh catches and regional specialties, Niigata promises something that will satisfy every palate.
Top Producer of Rice in Japan
Niigata is well known as the rice-producing region of Japan, thanks to its plentiful rice fields that span much of its landscape. The rice fields also offer stunning sights — particularly the Hoshitoge rice terrace, which looks like a patchwork of irregularly shaped fields surrounded by lush green hillsides.
A visit here can easily turn into an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity. That said, Niigata’s rice isn’t just eye candy — it’s also of excellent quality, sure to make any rice dish something special.
Those who visit the scenic Kiyotsu Gorge in Niigata will find themselves quickly enchanted by its immense natural beauty. Nestled away among lush greenery and rolling hills, a stroll along its winding pathways is sure to evoke feelings of calm, ease, and tranquillity.
The rushing waters of the river can be heard as they make their way through this picture-perfect landscape, painting an even more dreamy image of this unique corner of Japan. Visitors won’t want to miss out on taking in the stunning beauty and serenity of Kiyotsu Gorge – a truly remarkable sight that inspires visitors like few other places can.
Niigata is one of the most accessible regions to explore in Japan, especially if you join a tour. The capital city to Tokyo is only a few hours away, making it possible to take a day trip from Tokyo station.
It is a popular destination to explore during a day trip to get out of the hustle and bustle of city life. There are also many places to discover near Niigata including Shiga Prefecture and Gifu Prefecture. Travelers can plan to make multiple day trips from Niigata to visit nearby cities like Aizu-Wakamatsu for even more adventure!
