Culture

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Cultural milestone trips

From cave paintings to pop art – from Buddhist temples to the Pyramids. These journeys celebrate the history – and ingenuity – of human beings from across the long millennia. We’re a creative lot.


Egypt Japan India & The Maldives

Egypt

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Pale, eggshell dawns – the ‘stairway of soft light’ so lovingly described by Lawrence Durrell. Egypt – a cradle of civilization – remains one of the most beguiling places in the world; whose ancient tombs and sedge-lined waterways give life to a still thriving culture.

If you want to mark your milestone or celebration in unforgettable style, then we could do no better than recommending Egypt. Experiencing this trip isn’t simply the turning of a page. No, it’s like opening a whole new book on life itself.

Where to stay

Egypt with WSJ+ & Black Tomato

Al Moudira, Luxor

The ‘gateway to the Egyptian desert’, Al Moudira – with its ochre domes and hidden courtyards – is a deep draught of old-world glamour, the air scented with jasmine and henna. An astoundingly different place in which to experience Egypt at its most refined.

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The Nile Ritz Carlton

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo

An iconic address indeed. With the Nile on one side and the renowned Egyptian Museum on the other, you’ll be right in the heart of it all – and in uncompromisingly flawless luxury. Not a bad way to begin your celebrations.

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The highlights

Luxury Egypt vacation

The Pearl of the Nile

You’ll join an expert Egyptologist for a first-hand perspective on Aswan – sailing down the Nile to make your stops. From the Philae Temple to the Aswan High Dam.

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Egyptian bread stall cairo

A taste of local life

We’ll introduce you to a local Egyptian family and the art of proper Egyptian family cooking. You’ll feast together, before returning to your own private felucca. The Nile will carry you on.

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Egyptian ruins

Enter the Valley of the Kings

A day to remember, where you’ll visit not only the legendary burial place of Tutankhamun but the intricate artistry of Nefertiti’s tomb, seldom visited. We’ll get you inside.

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Egyptian museum tour, Egypt

An after-hours tour of the Egyptian Museum

You’ll have exclusive run of Cairo’s most spectacular gem – and all in the care of a museum expert. There is something sublimely eerie about the Museum at night. A rare encounter.

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Pyramids og Giza, Luxury vacations Egypt

the pyramids of Giza

Our words can’t really do them justice. Instead, you’ll have a world-renowned archaeologist as your guide. We’ll even arrange for you to enter the base of the Sphinx (this doesn’t happen very often).

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Musical Instrument, Egypt

The sounds of Mazaher

These musical ensembles are an enduring part of North African culture. You’ll be feted with their song and music – Nubian, Zir and Sufi alike.

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Japan

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It’s not every day – nor every year – that you travel to Japan: this beguiling land of ancient kami spirits and whiplash modernity.

It’s why it remains, for us, one of the most perfect destinations for a milestone journey. You’ll see a whole other world – often sublime, often overflowing with its ‘ordinary’ beauty. Give us the view of Mt. Fuji and the ramen bars of Ginza. For starters. This journey takes in the best of the best.

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Aman, Tokyo

Aman Tokyo

The ‘gateway to the Egyptian desert’, Al Moudira – with its ochre domes and hidden courtyards – is a deep draught of old-world glamour, the air scented with jasmine and henna. An astoundingly different place in which to experience Egypt at its most refined.

Take me there

Byakudan

Byakudan, Hakone

Now, something a little more traditional. Byakudan is all about quintessential Japanese elegance and understated craftsmanship. A very serene place in which to take stock and unwind.

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Amanemu

Amanemu, Shima

Up in the rolling hills of Ise-Shima National Park, Amanemu combines the best of the
old and the new. Onsen baths, sea views, and uncompromisingly good seafood. We adore it.

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The highlights

Japan market sea urchins

The markets of Tokyo

The bustling fish markets of Tokyo – Tsukiji among them – are the beating, culinary heart of this gigantic city. You’ll tour this maritime labyrinth with an expert guide, before taking part in a sushi-making masterclass under the supervision of a leading chef.

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Hakone in Japan

A cycle tour of Lake Ashi

To reflect on the quieter side of life, you’ll set off on a mountain bike tour of the woods and trails that border breath- taking Lake Ashi, stopping for a long and languorous lunch.

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Meeting with a geisha

You’ll dine with a geisha inside a traditional ‘okiya’, or geisha house, joined by one of our expert guides and interpreters. A fascinating insight into how they lead their lives.

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Kyoto lanterns, Japan

The art of lantern making

The making of lanterns has a long history in Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. We’ll take you to a traditional atelier to try your hand at this spectacular craft.

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sea urchins

Dine with an ama

For centuries, Amo Bay has been home to the ‘ama’ female free divers who collect shellfish, seaweed and sea urchin. You’ll dine on a fresh catch alongside an ama in her amagoya hut; discovering an ancient way of life and the traditions that underpin it.

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India & The Maldives

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From the pink-walled cities of Rajasthan to the tranquil coves of the Maldives, this pairing takes culture – historic and modern – as its leading light.

And this is no surface skim – no breakneck tour. You’ll have all the time in world to experience the palaces, lagoons, cities and reefs of two of the most beautiful places on earth.

Where to stay

India luxury holidays

Jawai, Rajasthan

Consisting of eight elegant tents (the word doesn’t quite do them justice), Jawai remains arguably the best place to spot leopards in India. You’ll be in the heart of wild, rural Rajasthan – an otherworldly and wildlife-rich landscape.

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India

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Celebrations, milestones – you can rightly expect the royal treatment. Fittingly, the Taj Lake Palace positively vibrates with regal opulence. An 18th century wonder of white marble located on the shimmering edge of Lake Pichola. Perfect.

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Where to go on holiday in February: Six Senses Laamu Maldives

Six Senses Laamu, Laamu Atoll

Beachfront water villas that seem like portals to paradise. Time moves slowly, here – and in the best possible way. It feels like you have the entire island (well, atoll) to yourself.

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The highlights

Holidays in Delhi, India

A Salaam Baalak walk

You’ll gain an insight into the lives of the children who grew up on Delhi’s streets with a local child as your guide. This is organized through the Salaam Baalak Trust, an NGO working to support and empower the street children of the city.

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Delhi markets, India

The markets of Delhi

We’ll introduce you to the oldest part of the city to meet the people who keep its markets running. A pot of tea with a local vendor, a Jal Sanjhvi masterclass, and an authentic family cooking class.

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The blue city of Jodhpur with Mehrangarh Fort in the background at sunset.

The colors of Jodhpur

The historic ‘blue city’ – spread beneath the brooding palace of 15th century Mehrangarh Fort – is one of India’s enthralling hubs. Our insider guide will lead you on a fascinating tour from the Old City to the Kishanji Temple. Bazaars, Havelis, food.

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A living ritual with ancient roots

The Hindu ceremony of light, Aarti, is said to have descended from the Vedic tradition of fire rituals. Experience this historic rite performed by sadhus (Hindu monks) and pujaris (attendants to the Deities).

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leopard safari, India

On leopard safari

Your guides will be local village people who have an insider’s knowledge on where to find these elusive cats – and all of it unfolds in an unswervingly beautiful corner of Rajasthan.

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Rays underwater in Maldives, Luxury vacations in the maldives

Life on the atoll

For a break from your paperback and cocktail, there are a raft of experiences on Laamu Atoll. Guided snorkeling tours with a marine biologist. Surfing. Dolphin safaris on the Indian Ocean. You can be as busy (or not) as you please.

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The trip of a lifetime

This truly was the trip of a lifetime. I wanted to do something special to celebrate two milestone birthdays and I could not have been more satisfied or impressed with the entire process and trip itself.

Jillian, Black Tomato Traveler
Santorini, Greece

RELAXING MILESTONE TRIPS

If you want to mark your milestone – or make merry – without exerting yourself too aggressively, then these trips are a charm. No sweat, no stress.

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Family holidays

OUR FAMILY HOLIDAYS

These tried-and-tested family-friendly holidays are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, regardless of how large – or small – your family happens to be, there’s something for everyone.

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Cappadocia in Turkey

THE TRAVEL CALENDAR

With these immersive family experiences, we’re celebrating the transformative power of the books we loved when we were young, and the stories our children have come to adore themselves.

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