DOWNERS GROVE, IL — How does one define ‘luxury’? For Abercrombie & Kent, luxury means the privilege of discovery, adventure, relaxation and insight, all of which can be found with its 2019 Luxury Small Group Journeys.

According to President Keith Baron, this travel segment is seeing double-digit growth for 2018 and 2019, with more and more travellers in search of “by-invitation-only access” to destinations around the world.

“Seamless service, safety and security are a given,” he said. “But it is the cultural immersion Abercrombie & Kent offers and rewarding interactions with locals that define a luxury experience. Plus, the peace of mind that comes with knowing that every journey is guaranteed to operate with a minimum of two guests.”

Baron also noted that two destinations in particular are selling really well: Vietnam and Ireland. As such, the company has introduced a Luxury Small Group Journey across Vietnam, as well as an exclusive group experience in Ireland that features private access to see the Book of Kells, as well as accommodations at the country’s top hotels.

In addition to these new destinations, A&K has combined two guest favourites into one epic itinerary with ‘Wonders of the Galápagos & Machu Picchu’, as well as redesigned existing journeys like the ‘Images of Indochina & Angkor Wat’, which now includes Luang Prabang, Laos and more time in Ho Chi Minh City. The ‘Wonders of Chile, Argentina & Brazil’ itinerary has also been enhanced with the addition of Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro.

Other highlights of the 2019 Luxury Small Group Journeys collection includes:

• Vietnam: A National Revealed: This new 12-day itinerary, priced from US$6,495, highlights the contrast of Vietnam’s two largest cities – Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Other highlights include Ha Lon Bay, Mai Chau and Hue’s Imperial Citadel.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Luang Prabang, Laos

• Ireland: Splendors of the Emerald Isle: Priced from $6,995, this nine-day journey includes a before-hours tour of Dublin’s Trinity College, a visit to a local chocolatier, a Guinness and Galway Bay oyster pairing, private tours of Jameson’s Distillery and Bantry House, and a home-cooked lunch at a traditional dairy farm.
• Wonders of the Galápagos & Machu Picchu: Guests will cruise for four nights aboard La Pinta in the Galápagos, choosing from a variety of activities like kayaking, snorkelling or trekking. Once at Machu Picchu, they’ll join certified naturalist guides for nature walks, plus meet local farmers and their children in the Sacred Valley. This tour is priced from $11,695.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Galapagos

All journeys feature an intimate group size of no more than 18 people, five-star hotels, boutique lodges or camps in one-of-a-kind locations, and locally-inspired moments such as ‘Ride Like a Local’, whereby guests explore via rickshaw, ‘Chef’s Table’ culinary demonstrations, and ‘Scenic Sundowners’, which include cocktails during sunset.

For more information go to abercrombiekent.com.