Kensington unveils new luxury escapes from Egypt to the Philippines

Kensington has unveiled a collection of new and refreshed luxury itineraries spanning Egypt, Italy, Ireland, the Rhine and the Philippines, with an emphasis on slower travel, private experiences and greater flexibility.

The journeys range from a rail-focused trip through Italy and a castle stay along the Rhine to a winter escape in Palawan and an Egypt itinerary that combines the country's ancient landmarks with the Mediterranean atmosphere of Alexandria.

The Toronto-based luxury tour operator shared that all itineraries can be customized by Kensington’s Destination Experts, with private guides, drivers and local experts supporting travellers throughout their journeys.

“Travellers are looking for more than a list of places to see. They want the time and access to really experience a destination,” said Helen Giontsis, president of Kensington, in a press release.

“These new journeys reflect that, whether it means spending a few days in the Tuscan countryside, discovering a different side of Egypt along the Mediterranean or escaping winter for the islands of the Philippines. And because every Kensington journey is designed around the individual traveler, these itineraries are really a starting point for what we can create.”

Egypt, from Cairo to the coast

The new Cairo to Luxor & Coastal Alexandria journey combines some of Egypt's best-known archaeological sites with time on the Mediterranean coast.

In Cairo, travellers visit the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx with a private Egyptologist, along with the Grand Egyptian Museum and Khan el Khalili.

The journey continues to Luxor, where private touring includes Karnak and Luxor temples, the Valley of the Kings and Queens, King Tutankhamun’s tomb and the rarely visited Tomb of Seti I.

The itinerary then heads north to Alexandria, where experiences include a private sunset dinner cruise, a visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s Manuscript Museum and a walk along the Corniche followed by a stop at a local seafood market.

A slower journey through Italy

Kensington’s Ultimate Italy & La Dolce Vita Train Journey puts rail travel, food, wine and craftsmanship at the centre of the experience.

Beginning in Milan, the itinerary explores the city's food, architecture and fashion, with an option to work with a personal shopper and meet Italian artisans.

Travellers then slow things down in Tuscany, spending time in Cortona and San Gimignano, with a leisure day for the spa and stops at Avignonesi Winery and Montepulciano en route to Rome.

The journey culminates aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express, travelling from Rome toward the Ligurian coast before continuing with stays in Portofino and Venice.

Rhine cruise meets castle stay

The Rhine Discovery with Castle Stay combines four nights of river cruising with a land-based exploration of the Rhine Valley.

Beginning in Dusseldorf, the cruise calls at Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Dordrecht and Nijmegen before travellers continue to Oberwesel in Germany's Rhine Gorge.

There, guests stay at Castle Hotel Auf Schoenberg, a restored hilltop castle surrounded by vineyards and overlooking the Rhine.

The itinerary also includes a day travelling past the Lorelei rock and the Rhine's castles and villages before reaching Rudesheim, where travellers can explore the Old Town, half-timbered houses and traditional wine taverns.

Exploring Ireland beyond Dublin

The seven-day Ireland Highlights: Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher itinerary combines some of the country's signature attractions with local cultural and culinary experiences.

After exploring Dublin, including Trinity College and the Book of Kells, travellers head west through the Midlands, stopping at the sixth-century monastic site of Clonmacnoise before reaching Galway.

Private excursions from Galway include the Burren, Cliffs of Moher and Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. There, travellers explore by horse-drawn carriage with a local guide and visit one of Ireland's remaining Irish-speaking communities.

A food-focused walking tour of Galway rounds out the experience with local oysters, cheeses, markets and neighbourhood favourites.

Winter sun in the Philippines

For travellers seeking a warm-weather escape, Palawan’s Luxe Escape: El Nido to Coroncombines Manila with two of the Philippines' best-known island destinations.

After touring the historic districts of Intramuros and Binondo with a private guide, guests fly to El Nido for a stay in a private pool villa on Pangulasian Island.

Activities include private speedboat excursions through lagoons and islands, snorkeling and kayaking, along with time for the beach and spa.

The journey continues to Coron for private snorkeling among coral reefs and historic Second World War shipwrecks. Travellers can also see the islands and turquoise waters of Busuanga from above during a private seaplane flight.

Kensington coordinates flights, boat transfers, accommodations and private experiences between the islands.

The company says the latest journeys are intended as starting points rather than fixed itineraries, with Destination Experts able to adjust trips according to travellers' interests, preferred pace and travel dates.

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