Cancelled - A Taste of Opulence 3 Day Getaway

Relax and recharge at The Collector, St. Augustine’s premier luxury inn and gardens in the heart of the Historic District, rated 1 of the 10 Best Hotels in America by USA Today. In America’s oldest city, this storied setting spans nine historic buildings dating back to the late 18th century. Enjoy your beautifully appointed Suite with unique historic features at this AAA Four Diamond property.

Included Dining, Events and Tours

• Accommodations at The Collector, St. Augustine’s premier luxury inn and gardens.
• Private Gilded Age Wine Tasting at Carrera Wine Cellar.
• Personalized tour of Villa Zorayda with an elegant farm-to-table dinner in the Hall of Justice from Chefs Marshall and Tasha Peters.
• Special behind-the-scenes tour of The Lightner Museum, with a Gilded Age High Tea.
• Private Insider Tour of the St Augustine Lighthouse, followed by a remarkable multi-course dinner with top local chef Michael Lugo.
• Farm-to-table brunch prepared by Executive Chef Brian Whittington at Preserved Restaurant.
• Artist-led, curated Gallery Tour/Walk in the King St. and St. George St. Corridors.

”A Taste of Opulence” Highlights

Day 1

“A Taste of Opulence” begins with a private Gilded Age Wine Tasting at Carrera Wine Cellar. You’ll savor the wines of this extravagant period during an intimate tasting event. Relax as Carrera Wine shares their passion – providing you with a unique culinary experience with wine as it should be.

Then, on to Villa Zorayda, for a private tour and an extravagant sit-down farm -to-table dinner from Chefs Marshall and Tasha Peters at the winter residence of Franklin Webster Smith, built in 1883. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, you’ll see the exquisite pieces on display, including the prized “Sacred Cat Rug” over 2,400 years old.

Day 2

Begin your day with The Collector’s European Continental Breakfast with seasonal selections plus staples of cheeses, pastries, fresh fruits, cereals, custom coffee roast and juices.

Then, in the afternoon, marvel at The Lightner Museum with a special behind-the-scenes “Upstairs/ Downstairs” Tour followed by a High Tea. Formerly Henry Flagler’s Alcazar Hotel built in 1888, you’ll be immersed in the history of the building as the tour winds its way through spaces not typically seen by the public. Enjoy the behind-the-scenes view of Gilded Age life for the aristocrats who stayed at the Hotel Alcazar and the staff who served them.

Then, on to a delightful Gilded Age High Tea in the Café Alcazar. Savor tiers of finger sandwiches, scones, desserts, cookies, jam, locally-sourced honey, clotted cream, and tea.

That evening, take “A Gilded Age Excursion” to the St Augustine Lighthouse.  In the late 1880s, tourists from Henry Flagler’s grand resort hotels took excursions to visit Anastasia Island by horse-drawn cart or by rowboat. For your excursion, you’ll enjoy a fascinating private tour of the Lighthouse Museum and 1876 Keepers’ House.

Then, on the front lawn beneath century-old live oaks, you’ll savor an intimate, multi-course farm-to-fork dinner prepared by top local chef Michael Lugo to showcase the region’s fresh produce, including wine pairings and local spirits.

Day 3

Begin your day with an extravagant Brunch prepared by Executive Chef Brian Whittington at Preserved Restaurant. Enjoy his upscale, locally-sourced Southern cuisine in the historic Victorian neighborhood of Lincolnville. The restaurant resides on the site of the home of Thomas Jefferson’s great granddaughter, Maria Jefferson Shine built between 1865 and 1885. You’ll savor Chef Brian’s amazing specially prepared farm-to-table menu along with mimosas and a signature drink.

Then on to an artist-led, curated Gallery Walk in King St/St. George St Corridors. St. Augustine has a long history as a vibrant art community, since the days of Henry Flagler in the late 1800s. Hear how Flagler brought in artists-in-residence during the winter months for his guests, along with musicians and authors. Learn about the “Lost Colony”. In this privately curated walking tour, you’ll experience today’s bustling local art scene firsthand. Learn how Flagler’s guests engaged in Plein Air Painting around St Augustine. Meet our local artists, enjoy a glass of wine and peruse the variety of their creations.

Note: The INSIDER tour experience is recommended for adults only. Guests will be walking on these tours, some of which include several flights of stairs.