When you travel you love to get beyond the surface of a destination and really understand the local culture. You are interested in tasting the traditional dishes, checking out the art galleries, taking part in parades and festivals and learning about the history and heritage of your chosen locale. Why not satisfy your cultural curiosity with a luxury travel experience?
Here are a few ideas for the best luxury cultural holidays in the world:
Basque Country, Spain
The Basque Country in Spain covers the Atlantic coast and the western Pyrenees and offers lush forests, mountain vistas, tiny coastal villages and a rich and unique art and culinary tradition. If you fancy a trip here, why not consider a 5-Star Basque Country Art and Gastronomy Break for Two? This includes a two night stay in central Bilbao, a private guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum, a luxury chauffeur service and a tasting menu dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant in San Sebastian.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a fascinating, colourful ancient city that is a perfect place for a cultural travel experience. Wander through the streets and you will discover a dazzling array of elaborate mosques, labyrinthine bazaars, local tea shops and market stalls. The city offers some pretty gorgeous luxury five star hotels, such as the Ritz-Carlton Istanbul and the Sumahan on the Water – which is built within a restored 19th century Ottoman distillery. Where East meets West and old meets new, there is plenty to discover in Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul // Image: rachaelvoorhees, Flickr
Rome, Italy
When it comes to culture and history, Rome is one of the best destinations in the world. The Eternal City was once the hub of the Roman Empire and it is filled with ruins of palaces, villas as well as towering basilicas, underground temples and buried houses. Gaze at sculptures by Michelangelo, fountains by Bernini, frescos by Raphael and many other priceless artistic treasures.
How about a 5-Star Rome Photography Break for two? This includes a two night stay at a 5 Star hotel in central Rome, a private photography tour of the historic city and a tasting menu at a Michelin starred restaurant
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Cambodia has a rich and varied history that dates back many centuries, as well as a unique tradition that blends indigenous Hinduism and Buddhism. Take a tour of the crumbling ancient temples of Angkor Wat, watch a colourful traditional Apsara dance performance or watch a display of Bokator – a Cambodian martial art form. The small city of Siem Reap is perfectly positioned for exploring the temples during the day and sampling the local cuisine and culture at night. There are many options for five star accommodation here, such as the Anantara Angkor Resort and Spa, Park Hyatt Siem Reap and Borei Angkor Resort and Spa.
These are just a few ideas to inspire you for planning your next luxury cultural holidays, so where in the world do you want to explore?