3. Heritage by Rail
Guests will travel in style through London, York, and Edinburgh on a 7-day journey, with Cox & Kings, as they’re transported through centuries of royalty with their treasured jewels and palatial homes in London, the country estates and stunning landscapes in Yorkshire, and the mystical landscapes of Edinburgh, Scotland. Guests can indulge in the bygone era of pomp and circumstance while taking in the residences of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, and Kensington Palace on an exclusive tour.
Downton Abbey fans will also relish at a behind-the-scenes look at Castle Howard, which has been in the same family for 300 years. For those up for an extended 8-day journey, a stop in Wales with visits to the 16th century Chester Cathedral and seaside villages will be a great addition to the trip.
Rates start at $5,399 from April to July 2018. For more information, visit coxandkingsusa.com/product/itinerary/royal-heritage-by-rail.
2. Cooking with The Duchess
This is not just a simple cooking class, but a journey through Sicilian culture and food, set in an 18th century palazzo by the sea, and guided by chef and Duchess of Palma, Nicoletta Lanza Tomasi. This Discover Your Italy itinerary will have guests joining chef and Duchess Tomasi in an early morning market session as they purchase the freshest ingredients and learn about Palermo. Later, the Duchess takes guests back to the palazzo where they’ll create a Sicilian menu under The Duchess’ guidance, and enjoy their finalized meal in the elegant dining room.
Rates available upon request. For more information, visit discoveryouritaly.com.
1. Royal Accommodations
CastaDiva Resort & Spa, a five-star retreat on the shores of Lake Como, is often a playground for Europe’s aristocrats. This property knows how to roll out the red carpet for its guests with accommodations such as the private Villa Norma. Built in the neoclassical style, the resort was once home to operatic royalty Giuditta Pasta, the reigning Italian soprano of her time, and the inspiration behind the famous opera, “Norma.”
The ground floor of the villa features large windows overlooking Lake Como, a full kitchen, separate dining room, living room, and a library with a fireplace. The villa also houses a game room, a pool table and wet bar, a private dock, and an outdoor lakefront jacuzzi, a terrace and a private garden.
Rates for the Villa Norma start at $7,959 and $550 for a standard room. For more information, visit castadivaresort.com/Resort/Luxury-Private-Villas-Lake-Como.
