Delve into a world where luxury meets the finest art and culture, guided by the insights of industry experts. Discover destinations that not only dazzle the eyes but also enrich the soul, from timeless Italian masterpieces to Japan’s contemporary art havens. Each location promises an exclusive journey through history, creativity, and opulence.
- Milan Offers Curated Art and Culture
- Explore London’s Courtauld Gallery and More
- New York City: Art World Center
- Florence: Renaissance Art and Luxury
- Italy: Ancient and Renaissance Art
- Amsterdam: Art, Culture, and Luxury
- Naoshima Island: Japan’s Art Haven
Milan Offers Curated Art and Culture
For a luxury travel destination that blends art, culture, and indulgence, Milan is an excellent choice. Unlike the overwhelming array of attractions in Rome or Florence, Milan offers a more curated experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in its artistic and cultural treasures while also enjoying the amenities of your luxury hotel and savoring its renowned culinary scene. Highlights include the Pinacoteca di Brera, home to masterpieces by Italian Renaissance artists; the historic Sforzesco Castle, which showcases centuries of Milanese history; and the contemporary Museum of Novecento, a must-visit for lovers of 20th-century art.
Combine these cultural gems with late morning walks to explore the city, followed by spa afternoons and evenings of food tasting, and you have the perfect balance of sophistication, sightseeing and relaxation in Italy’s fashion capital.
Alessia Spampinato
Content Strategist, Italy Expert, AS
Explore London’s Courtauld Gallery and More
If you’re in Central London, visit Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House on the Strand. Its renowned collection ranges from the Medieval period to the 21st century, including world-famous post-impressionist masterpieces by Manet, Monet, van Gogh, Cezanne, Renoir, Degas, and Rubens.
Next, take The Subway over to the original Fortnum & Mason in the Mayfair shopping district. This edifice at 181 Picadilly has been here for over 300 years. Today, it’s a five-story high emporium of all the foods that make America great, and then some, including jamon and tapas from Spain, a French champagne bar, pastiche de nada from Portugal, and red dragon fruit from Thailand. It’s literally a feast for the eyes.
If you’re hungry for more high-end art culture, journey over to South Kensington, home of the world-famed Victoria & Albert Museum (AKA the “V & A”). This place is huge—five stories of antiquities, art, architecture, stunning evening dresses, and more. In fact, it’s “a family of art, digital, and performance museums, where everyone is invited to enjoy the power of creativity” and admire more than 1.25 million objects. We spent about three hours at this campus, but there are four more spread across England and Scotland.
In The City of Light, schedule a time well in advance to visit The Palais Garnier (The Paris Opera House) for a tour of this 350-year-old building’s interiors and its fabulous costumes, including the grand chandelier above the main floor made famous by the Gaston Leroux book, “The Phantom of the Opera.”
This jewel of French architecture features the main staircase featuring wrought iron railings and mirrors, marble balconies, gilded ornaments, the auditorium, and its spectacular ceilings, painted by none other than Marc Chagall. The Palais Garnier hosts over 400 performances per year. Along with the Bastille Opera House, it welcomes 900,000 spectators for opera, ballet, and concerts.
Finally, whether or not you watched “The New Look” on Apple+, it’s inherent that you gawk at the splendor of Le Galerie Dior, which is a fabulous museum dedicated to Christian Dior’s vision of haute couture. It consists of 13 rooms that tell the history—through Dior fashions, jewelry, and perfumes—from the late 1940s to the current day.
Gil Zeimer
Travel Writer, Zeimer.com
New York City: Art World Center
The art world is a global industry with roughly $64 billion in global sales each year. New York City is the undisputed center of the art world, which makes it a Mecca for luxury travelers. With over 1400 art galleries to choose from, how does one know if the gallery that they are planning to visit meets their expectations?
- Plan ahead by visiting galleries closest to the hotel where you are staying. I strongly recommend a gallery guide app known as Seesaw Map which can be downloaded on the App Store.
- Work with an independent art appraiser before making any purchases from a gallery. The questions that an art appraiser will ask during the buying process will give the buyer a level of confidence and ensure that they are making the right decision before the sale is closed.
- Look for museums that have a good balance of traditional art, contemporary art, and art from different cultures.
Victoria Shaw
Certified Art Appraiser and Advisor, Victoria Shaw Art Appraisals and Advisory
Florence: Renaissance Art and Luxury
If you’re looking for a luxury getaway that’s dripping in art and culture, you have to check out Florence, Italy. This place is basically the Renaissance’s home turf, so everywhere you turn, you’re hit with incredible masterpieces and stunning architecture. First stop? The Uffizi Gallery. It’s like stepping into the greatest hits of the art world, with Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci casually hanging out on the walls. And let’s not forget the Accademia Gallery, where you can meet David. Yep, Michelangelo’s David—he’s way more impressive in person than any photo could ever capture.
When you’re not soaking up art, Florence itself is pure magic. The Duomo is a showstopper, and wandering across the Ponte Vecchio feels like being in a movie. Treat yourself to a swanky stay at a luxe villa in the Tuscan hills or a bougie hotel in the heart of the city. End your day with a glass of Chianti, reflecting on all the jaw-dropping beauty you’ve soaked up. It’s not just a trip; it’s like walking through the pages of art history with a splash of luxury on top.
Samantha King
CEO & Founder of Travelling King, Travelling King
Italy: Ancient and Renaissance Art
In my humble opinion, the number one destination in the world, that offers luxury accommodations and white glove private services while experiencing the best art and culture, is Italy. You can see amazingly preserved art and architecture from Ancient Greek and Roman times. Go to Villa Romana Del Casale in Sicily to see the Roman mosaics depicting life from all over the world. Visit Pompeii, especially the new excavations, to view the bright frescos, statues, and decorations. Don’t miss Paestum, with its Ancient Greek Temples, and the archaeological museum housing art pieces from Magna Grecia times.
And of course, Italy has to offer more than just Ancient art. It was also the birthplace of the Renaissance, and home to some of the most amazing artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Giotto, Donatello, Brunelleschi, and many more. You must visit Florence, the fascinating Brunelleschi Dome, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Accademia Gallery. Of course, Rome, the whole city is an open-air museum with amazing areas to see. Piazza Navona is one of my favorites, but of course, also the Trevi Fountain, The Spanish Steps, Piazza Del Popolo and more…
Then, the Vatican Museums are full of absolutely amazing art, and the masterpiece that is Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. While in Rome, I highly recommend visiting the Borghese Gallery with its botanical gardens and museum, as well as the Galleria Doria Pamphilj, the best-known private gallery in Rome, featuring works by artists like Raphael and Velazquez. If you are interested in modern art, visit The Galleria Comunale d’Arte Moderna is the museum of modern and contemporary art in Rome.
If you want to go even further back in history, pay a visit to the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia which features works from pre-Roman Italian antiquity. It’s fascinating! With all of the above, we haven’t even scratched the surface! Italy has 60 UNESCO-protected sights. There is so much to see, cities like Turin, Venice, Naples, Verona, Padova, Milan, and so many other amazing areas full of art and history. Sicily, Puglia, Sardinia, Umbria, Lombardia…
Italian culture is also unmatched, at least if we speak of Europe. From the way of life to fashion and gastronomy… If you are looking for a luxury travel destination to experience art and culture while having fun in beautiful places, eating delicious food, and enjoying La Dolce Vita (the sweet life), Italy won’t disappoint!
Alida Paljevic
Founder & CEO, Vagabonda Travel
Amsterdam: Art, Culture, and Luxury
The first destination that comes to mind is Amsterdam in the Netherlands. There is a perfect mix of art, culture, and luxury experiences here.
For a must-visit museum, the Rijksmuseum is an iconic choice, home to masterpieces like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and works by Vermeer. It’s an extraordinary journey through Dutch art and history.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Van Gogh Museum, which has a big collection of the life and work of one of the most beloved painters in history. From his iconic Sunflowers to his heartfelt letters, this museum is a profound cultural experience.
For contemporary art, head to the Moco Museum, which features cutting-edge exhibitions, including works by Banksy and other modern artists.
To make your experience more exclusive, at the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, you can take a private guided tour.
After learning about the amazing art in the city, what better way to continue your exploration than by going on a private canal cruise, where you can sip champagne while seeing the city from a different spectrum through the waterways.
To end your day, Amsterdam has amazing fine dining options. We recommend reserving a table at Spectrum, a two-Michelin-star dining experience known for its innovative and artfully presented dishes.
Laura Bernazano
Expert Travel Blogger, Lost Between Oceans
Naoshima Island: Japan’s Art Haven
Naoshima Island in Japan is known as the “art island.” It’s home to several excellent museums and galleries, including the Benesse House Museum and the Chichu Art Museum, both designed by the architect Tadao Ando.
The Chichu Art Museum is particularly impressive. It’s built mostly underground and uses natural light to display the art, including works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria.
Naoshima Island is also peppered with sculptures, including Yayoi Kusama’s iconic “Pumpkin,” which sits at the end of an old pier.
Alex Tiffany
Founder, Just Go Exploring