There are several benefits to owning a credit card, including benefits like airport lounge access, free travel insurance and concierge booking services. For those who love travel, MasterCard Priceless Cities program takes this one step further by offering MasterCard credit and debit cardholders access to exclusive deals and experiences in cities (or within reach of a major city) around the world. Many of these experiences are not available to the general public. Here are 15 cities where you can experience a touch of luxury through MasterCard’s Priceless Cities.
MasterCard Priceless Cities
1- Paris
Fabulous You – Paris
€250 for two persons for three hours; €400 for two persons for five hours
Enjoy a personalised mother-daughter shopping experience in the fashion capital of the world. The experience includes a personal shopping guide who will show you through the north Marais district for your chosen time frame, and the opportunity to discuss the latest fashion trends with a French designer. Available year round.
2- Melbourne
Yarra Valley Dining – VIC
$820 for two people
Looking for a special weekend in Australia? The Yarra Valley is a scenic backdrop for an evening of fine dining. Enjoy a 5-course seasonal degustation menu with matching wines, assembled by Teage Ezard – one of Australia’s most loved chefs – at Levantine Hill Estate. The experience includes a tour of the Kitchen Garden, an educational wine tasting session and limousine transfers. Valid until 13th August 2018.
3- Beijing
Forbidden Palace Museum – Beijing, China
3,200 CN per person
The Forbidden City in Beijing is one of the most significant historical sites in the world and is a treasure of Chinese culture and history. MasterCard holders can experience a five-hour visit to the Forbidden city with a private guide who is an expert in ancient Chinese culture, civilisation and architecture. As well as exploring the public areas of the site, you and your group will also be taken to sections of the city that are off limits to tourists.
4- Sydney
The Gantry – Sydney
AU $568 per couple
Treat yourself to a celebrity experience and arrive at The Gantry like a rockstar (limousine transfer included). The Gantry is one of Sydney’s most luxurious waterside restaurants. Chef Joel Bickford serves up a five-course degustation menu with matching wines. Additionally, and exclusively for MasterCard cardholders, you will be served a sixth and secret dish, compliments of the chef. Available until 31st July 2018. (Must book 48 hrs in advance).
5- Singapore
The Good Works Company – Singapore
S$150 pp
Have a luxurious night on water in Singapore, with this evening yacht cruise for you and your friends. With unlimited drinks from start to finish, you are bound to have an unforgettable experience as you cruise across Keppel Bay and have your meals and canapes prepared by guest chefs from Unlisted Collection, Les Amis Group and Il Lido Group. One opening per month (20 April, 18 May, 8 June, 13 July, 17 August, 14 September, 19 October, 9 November, 7 December).
6- Bangkok
Gaggan
S$350++ per person
This is a Bangkok experience you’ll talk about for years! Topping Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Gaggan is a unique culinary experience. Chef Gaggan Anand experiments and delights guests with molecular gastronomy., which is along the lines of his former mentor Ferran Adria. The menu is a creative and colourful succession of bites. Think magic mushrooms, Indian sushi and sea urchin ice cream. With waiting lists extending up to two months, a table at Gaggan is hard to come by, however, Mastercard holders will be given the VIP treatment and be allowed to skip the waiting list when booking through priceless.com. Offer available until 1st December 2018.
7- Hong Kong
Godiva Chocolatier
HK$650 pp
How about a private chocolate class with a professional Godiva chocolatier in Hong Kong? Learn how to pair chocolates with drinks as well as make three types of chocolates: truffles with handmade ganache, crispy chocolates and mendicants. Your handmade chocolates, a letter redeemable for a chocolatey gift in the Godiva store and a Godiva apron are yours to keep.
This experience is valid on every 3rd Saturday of the month from March 2018 to March 2019, except public holidays, November, December 2018 and January and February 2019.
8- Auckland
Destiny Bay Wines
NZ$500 pp
Usually unavailable to the public, MasterCard customers are offered the exclusive opportunity to tour and taste the best this vineyard has to offer. Spend the day on a private tour with the vineyard’s owner, tasting wines and discussing the subtle art of winemaking. Enhancing this experience is round-trip ferry transportation, prioritised access to the Patron Club, invitations to private events and two complimentary bottles of Destinae.
Two-hour tour for guests aged 18 years and over. Valid until 31 July 2018.
Bay of Many Coves Resort
NZ$2190 for two persons
MasterCard cardholders are offered a two-night package for two in one of the most exclusive and luxurious resorts in New Zealand. Stay in a one-bedroom apartment, with a three-course meal included for both nights at the Foredeck. Breakfast is also included as well as a three-hour fishing trip (fancy catching your meal for the night?), free transfers and a complimentary bottle of Taittinger. Valid until 31 August 2018
9- Cape Town
Uva Mira Mountain Vineyard– Stellenbosch South Africa
R3,480 pp
Enjoy a tour of the boutique winery, sampling the best they have to offer as you wander through the vineyard. Then, enjoy the view from Helderberg Mountain at Uva Mira as you picnic on its peak, after which you will venture on to Ernie Els winery where you will experience another wine tasting. A complimentary bottle of award-winning Ernie Els’ Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc caps off the day. Available Monday through Saturday, year-round.
10- Munich
Die Bonbon Manufaktur
EUR 20 per child
For kids 8 and up, what could be more exciting than making their own delicious candy in an Easter-themed class at the only candy shop of its kind in Munich. The class is designed to teach kids traditional techniques of candy making in a fun and exciting way. Available year round.
Herzog Restaurant & Bar
90 Euros pp
Herzog Restaurant & Bar is renowned for its warm hospitality, skillful bartenders and delicious food. Executive chef Lukas Adebahr adds a complimentary, custom 6th course to his legendary five-course tasting menu with matching wines, exclusively for MasterCard holders. Each guest will take home a complimentary bottle of the house’s exquisite Herzog Riesling as a gift. Available year-round. (18+ Only)
11- St Petersburg
Exclusive Russia
US $950 per couple
Explore one of the most historic cities in the world with exclusive VIP experiences, including box seats and a backstage tour at the Marjinsky Theatre. Be chauffeured through St Petersburg in an executive car with an English-speaking guide, skipping the lines as you go with VIP tickets to the Peterhof Gardens, Grand Palace and the Catherine Palace. This experience also includes a ride in a 19th-century carriage and insiders suggestions for lunch and dinner. Exclusive to World Elite™ MasterCard®, World MasterCard®, Platinum MasterCard®, World MasterCard Black Edition®, Gold MasterCard® and MasterCard® Standard. Available year round.
12- Madrid
Estado Puro
39 Euros pp + VAT
Experience Chef Paco Roncero’s skill, passion and ingenuity at his restaurant Estado Puro. Paco will service you his top 10 tapas dishes and a main of your choice, exclusively available to MasterCard holders. With 2 Michelin stars and 3 Repsol suns, this amazing culinary experience will leave you with memories you’ll never forget while in Madrid. Available year-round – must book 24hrs in advance.
13- Dubai
Burj Khalifa
AED 2,657 pp
Experience the high life in Dubai, as you tour the tallest building in the world with VIP access to observation decks and exclusive lounges. Continue your day on a private boat ride through the fountains on Burj Lake and marvel at the skyscrapers that surround you. At the end of your day, be treated to a delicious five-course dinner created by the restaurant’s chefs exclusively for MasterCard cardholders at Rooftop, the Burj Club. Pick up and drop off for up to four guests can be arranged for in an Audi A6 at an additional cost.
14- Las Vegas
Rx Boiler Room
Get treated to an exclusive VIP experience at the Mandalay Bay’s RX Boiler Room. Known as one of the top 10 steampunk restaurants, the RX Boiler Room is celebrated for its American-style food and hospitality. You will be served a secret five-course menu available exclusively to MasterCard holders. Your chef for the night will also pay you a visit to your table, and you will leave the evening with a signed cookbook. Available year round.
MGM Resorts International, Joël Robuchon
$445 US for two people
Michelin starred French restaurant Joël Robuchon offers Mastercard holders an eight-course tasting menu with matching wines and a view. Counter seating provides a front row seat to the action of the kitchen, housing world-class chefs performing their work. After your meal, you’ll be taken on an exclusive tour of the kitchen and provided with a photo opportunity with the chefs. Offer available throughout the year.
15- New York
James Beard House
from US$350 per person for dinner for up to six guests
World Elite Mastercard holders are invited to dine at what is considered to be New York’s best-kept gastronomic secret. Seated in an elevated alcove in the former home of James Beard, a leading chef will serve you a seasonal and multi-course meal. To end the night, you leave with a signed book, menus, and complimentary guest passes for a private tour of the house. Available on the third Thursday of the month at 7 pm (4/19, 5/17, 6/21, 7/19, 8/16, 9/20, 10/18, 11/15, 12/20).
For more see Mastercard Priceless Cities website.
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