DAY 1

Depart your hometown independently on a commercial flight to Orlando, Florida. Meet your fellow travelers and the expedition staff during a welcome dinner at our fine hotel. 

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

DAYS 2-4

Fly to Lima aboard our private jet and spend the night here. The next morning, transfer to a local flight to Cusco, the legendary city at the center of the Andean world for centuries. Travel by train through the wildly scenic Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu. Abandoned by the Inca and rediscovered in 1911, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites and natural wonders.

Instead of exploring Cusco and Machu Picchu, you may go to Trujillo and explore ancient Moche and Chimu temples, including Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world.

Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima and Hotel Monasterio, Cusco or Costa Del Sol, Chiclayo and Libertador, Trujillo

DAYS 5 & 6

Fly 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile to Easter Island, the most remote inhabited island in the world and an open-air museum of ancient stone villages, sanctuaries, and giant statues called moai. Resident archaeologist Edmundo Edwards explores the island’s treasures with you. 

Hanga Roa Hotel

DAY 7

Samoa has one of the most traditional Polynesian cultures. Visit Vailima, once the home of Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote fascinating stories about the local people. Here we will enjoy a fiafia, a colorful performance of Samoan dance and song. 

Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Beach Resort & Spa, Samoa

DAY 8

From Polynesia we continue our voyage across the Pacific, crossing the International Date Line. We lose a day and arrive in Australia the following afternoon.

DAYS 9 & 10

The resplendent Great Barrier Reef is home to an exceptionally rich variety of marine life, unparalleled in the world. We will have the opportunity for relaxation, bird watching, snorkeling, and other activities in this incredible marine sanctuary. Instead of exploring the reef, you may cruise the Daintree River and go on a Dreamtime walk with a member of the Kuku Yalanji tribe. 

Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Port Douglas

DAYS 11-13

Fly to Siem Reap to explore the astoundingly beautiful monuments at nearby Angkor. Built between the ninth and 13th centuries, Angkor Wat is the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, and one of the world’s greatest architectural triumphs.

Or instead of Angkor, explore historic Hanoi, a beautiful 1,000-year-old city filled with lakes and parks. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s wooden house on stilts and the curiously shaped One Pillar Pagoda. Then travel to the spectacular seascape of Ha Long Bay, and cruise among the countless limestone pillars, islets, and floating villages. 

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor or InterContinental Westlake Hanoi

DAYS 14 & 15

Board our private jet bound for Agra, capital of India’s Mogul empire in the 16th and 17th centuries. Explore one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders, the Taj Mahal.

Reboard the jet and fly to the “Pink City,” named for the rose-pink wash of its prominent buildings. Visit the sumptuous City Palace and the unique Hawa Mahal—the Palace of the Winds.

You may also, if you wish, explore the whimsical Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory of enormous and curiously sculptural astronomical tools. Or take an excursion to the Amber Fort, with sweeping views of the historic old town below. In the evening, gather for a gala Rajasthani dinner.

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

DAYS 16 & 17

We break up into smaller groups—each exploring a different part of Tanzania. At the Serengeti National Park, go deep into the savannah to witness the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa; or at the Ngorongoro Crater, observe the permanent population of about 30,000 animals in the largest unbroken caldera in the world.

Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Migration Camp, or Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

DAYS 18 & 19

Visit Luxor Temple, the temples of Karnak, and sail the Nile River in traditional felucca boats. Then fly to Giza and see the Pyramids and the Sphinx. 

Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor

DAYS 20 & 21

Marvel at the medieval treasures of Saharan kings in Fez, which flourished under the Merinid Dynasty in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Discover why this beautiful city continues to be considered the spiritual, cultural, and intellectual capital of Morocco. 

Palais Jamai Fes

DAY 22

Following breakfast, our jet carries us back to Orlando, Florida, where you can connect with your commercial flight home.

The expedition price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. The expedition price includes all private jet flights, meals, accommodations, educational program, and philanthropic contributions. Commercial airfare to and from the first and last destination is not included. Please see the Terms & Conditions for details. For your protection and peace of mind, all payments are secured in a bank escrow account that is fully insured by the U.S. Federal Government.

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Grande Lakes, Florida, USA

This exceptional Orlando vacation resort’s amenities provide families with a stylish way to indulge in the playful offerings of this all-American city. Inspired architecturally by the grand palazzos of Italy, this Orlando family resort’s features include: 11 exceptional dining establishments; guest rooms that feature a five-foot private balcony with panoramic views of the lakes, pool and gardens; close proximity to Orlando International Airport (10 miles), and an 18-hole Greg Norman-signature golf course.

Miraflores Park Hotel
Lima, Peru

The Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima is located in the Malécon de la Reserva in an exclusive residential area. The hotel provides easy access for all that's best about Lima and is renowned for its beautiful setting with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Luxuriously appointed hotel suites combined with personalized service and state-of-the-art business facilities provide hotel guests with the perfect 'home from home' environment by which to explore and enjoy Lima. The Miraflores Park Hotel suites are spacious, luxurious, and infinitely elegant. From spectacular ocean views to fine cotton linen on the beds, and from the size of the showerheads in marbled bathrooms to the top of the range in-room amenities, every last detail of the room has been designed with the utmost care to pamper and please guests.

Hotel Monasterio
Cusco, Peru

Originally constructed over 300 years ago as the San Antonio Seminary, the Hotel Monasterio is a museum hotel providing all the comforts and quality of a deluxe property. The guestrooms reflect their origins as the home for the Jesuit seminarians, decorated in a combination of modern and traditional Spanish colonial styles. Set in the center of town, the hotel is surrounded by convenient shops where you can find local handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. Hotel Monasterio also offers a business center and two excellent restaurants. The Illary Restaurant is adjacent to the main courtyard and is an ideal place for a light lunch or superb dinner. Enjoy breakfast in El Tupay, the original refectory of the monastery, or a refreshing beverage in the Lobby Bar. There is also 24-hour room service.

All rooms are equipped with telephone, mini bar, in-room safe, cable TV, and hairdryer. Laundry service is available 24 hours a day. A limited number of oxygen-enriched rooms (to help minimize the effects of altitude) are available at an additional cost. Please see the enclosed Suite Upgrade document if you would like to reserve one of these rooms.

Hanga Roa Hotel
Easter Island

Located just a few minutes from the airport, each bungalow at the Hanga Roa Hotel has an ocean view. The largest hotel on the island, it has a cozy bar, restaurant, and small gift shop. Laundry service and room service are available. Each guestroom features a color TV, small refrigerator, direct dial telephone, small patio, and private bath with hairdryer. Rooms are open to ocean breezes and equipped with fans.

Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Beach Resort & Spa
Apia, Samoa

This resort was built in 2005 and is nestled amongst 224 acres of tropical gardens along a stretch of white sand beach with its own blue turquoise lagoon. In keeping with Aggie Grey’s legacy, it is a warm, relaxed, and friendly place. Enjoy the extensive spa, fitness area, tennis courts, outstanding food at the Fale (Beach) Restaurant, and a staff whose hospitality is characteristic of the island. Each air conditioned room is situated to take advantage of the view of the white sand beach and nearby islands, and features such amenities as international direct dialing, mini bar, in-room safe, satellite TV with complimentary in-house movie channels, hairdryer, and coffee/tea-making facilities.

Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Port Douglas, Australia

Opened in the summer of 2006 and set on almost 10 acres of tropical beachfront at the southern end of Four Mile Beach, Sea Temple Resort & Spa combines luxury and first class service to create a haven of privacy and relaxation. With the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Cape Tribulation all on your doorstep, Port Douglas is the gateway to a magnificent display of Australia’s natural beauty. Resort features include a restaurant and unique island pool bar, resort boutique, day spa, lagoon-style pool, lap pool with gentle waterfalls, fully equipped fitness center, extensive gardens, adjacent 18-hole golf course, and direct beach access. Each beautifully detailed guest apartment includes two bedrooms, one bath, individual air conditioning, private balconies or terraces, International Direct dialing, Internet access, in-room safe, hairdryer, personalized mini bar upon request, and coffee/tea-making facilities. Many rooms feature a spa bath. Self-service clothes washers and dryers are available in each unit.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Grand Hotel d’Angkor has all the modern comforts to complement the grandeur of the destination. The nearly 15 acres of gardens provide a spectacular setting with formal, lotus, temple, and river-styled gardens. The hotel features four bars and restaurants that include an international buffet at the Café d’Angkor, fine dining at Le Grand Restaurant, and delicious snacks at the Poolside Terrace. The state-of-the-art Amrita Spa houses treatment rooms, a gym, sauna, Jacuzzi, and steam-bath facilities. There is also an excellent 35-meter lap pool, business center, and three fine shops. Each room in the hotel has been tastefully restored and refurbished to the original architectural style. Guestroom amenities include 24-hour valet service, individual thermostat control, international direct dialing, in-room safe, hairdryer, satellite TV channels, mini bar, coffee/tea-making facilities, and full laundry and dry cleaning service.

Rambagh Palace Hotel
Jaipur, India

This former maharaja's palace spreads out over impeccably landscaped grounds. Receive a "royal welcome" on the formal front garden, greeted by painted elephants and festooned camels. Spacious guest rooms feature roomy closets, marble baths, high ceilings and plenty of period furnishings and architectural detail. The tennis and squash courts are well maintained, and the original pool with stained-glass windows evokes an ornate bathhouse.

Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti, Tanzania

This tranquil hillside lodge is the only tourism development in this section of Tanzania’s largest national park. Because the lodge is situated where acacia trees and water can be found year-round, a great variety of wildlife roam the environs. Also enjoy the lodge’s swimming pool, satellite direct-dial telephone facilities, shop, and indoor and outdoor dining. Each of the rooms has been recently refurbished, with wall-to-wall carpeting, mini bar, spacious bedroom, shaver sockets, hairdryer, and private veranda offering stunning views of the Serengeti Plain.

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro, Tanzania

Located on Lemala Hill on the uppermost eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is, and will remain, the only tourist development on the eastern rim of the crater. It boasts large, well-equipped rooms, all with views of the crater floor far below. Rooms have wall-to-wall carpeting, central heating, and a private lounge. Other amenities include shaver sockets, hairdryers, private game-viewing balcony, separate bathtub and shower stall, and in-room dining. All bedrooms come with two queen-size beds and a private solarium with comfortable rocking chairs and writing desk. Mini bars are available on request. The meals are served in the main restaurant and the lodge has direct-dial satellite telephone facilities, as well as satellite television and wildlife-video-film options. The bar and dining room feature large log fires in the evenings. The hotel’s luxurious swimming pool is set on the very edge of the crater itself.

Sonesta St. George Hotel
Luxor, Egypt

This modern, ten-story building overlooks the Nile River. Sip your favorite drink by the pool or enjoy a light meal at Jeb’s poolside restaurant. You will also find an authentic English lounge, Oriental cuisine at the Aladdin Restaurant, coffee and pastries in the Lotus coffee shop, Italian specialties à la carte at Beban, international and Japanese selections at Serapis, and Japanese cuisine at Luxor’s first Japanese restaurant with teppan yaki tables and sushi bar. The Sonesta St. George also offers a massage service, hairdresser, outdoor heated pool, aerobic classes, complete fitness center, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. Each room includes individual climate control, TV with in-house videos, hairdryer, mini bar, and in-room safe.

Palais Jamai Fes
Fez, Morocco

Sofitel Fes Palais Jamaï preserves the authenticity of Fez, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. This hotel was built in 1879, in the finest Moorish style, and became the residence of the Grand Vizir of Jamaï. At this Morocco luxury hotel, you will discover Moroccan, international and French cuisine in 3 restaurants, a spa, a piano bar, and 5 meeting rooms for up to 200 people. Sofitel's Morocco hotel accommodations are surrounded by superb gardens, located close to the El Karayouine University. An architectural gem, this luxury hotel in Morocco towers above the Fez Medina, which is on UNESCO World Heritage List.

Gail Cornell

Gail Cornell is an architectural historian and speaker who has lectured extensively on educational trips around the world over the last 15 years. From North Africa to India, from South America to Easter Island, Gail has traveled the world researching master architects, historic architecture, ancient and modern city planning, and issues in historic preservation. A graduate of Harvard University's Graduate School of Design, and a member of the Society of Architectural Historians, Gail is a popular Smithsonian Journeys Study Leader.

James R. Karr

James R. Karr specializes in tropical ecology, birds, conservation biology, and environmental policy, and has done extensive field work in Central and South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea. In the 1980s he developed a biologically-based way to evaluate the quality of water resources, called the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI), which is a tool now used all over the world. He is Professor Emeritus of Aquatic Sciences and Biology, and formerly the Adjunct Professor of Civil Engineering, Environmental Health, and Public Affairs, and the director of the Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Washington. Dr. Karr has a B.Sc. from Iowa State University and M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He has also taught at Purdue, University of Illinois, and Virginia Tech and is the author of more than 300 scientific papers and monographs.

Eszter Foldvary

Eszter Foldvary began guiding and leading expeditions after graduating in 1978 from tourism school in Hungary. “I could not picture myself as a teacher…I like to work with people and am interested in traveling….I never wanted to do anything else in my life,” says Eszter. She has led private jet journeys throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and many other places around the world. Eszter's vast experience, interest in the history of art, ability to speak multiple languages (Hungarian, English, French, and German), and excellent organizational skills serve our travelers very well.

Method of Travel: Boeing 757

We offer educational expeditions that use custom-designed Boeing 757 private jets. With their long-range capabilities and 99 percent reliability rate for operating without mechanical delays, our jets are ideally suited for visiting an incredible variety of far-flung destinations around the world in one expedition.    We make use of our flying time with engaging lectures by distinguished experts, and some fascinating flightseeing. And we fly only during the day, so that you may have a proper night’s rest in some of the world’s finest hotels.    Our VIP-configured jet seats only 78 travelers, so you can enjoy more comfortable seating, more dedicated services and amenities, and unparalleled access to expedition lecturers and staff.

 

Our specially-outfitted Boeing 757 private jet for 78 travelers offers many special comforts and amenities:

• Generously seats 78 passengers in 2x2 configuration instead of the standard 233 seats.
• Elegant and plush VIP-class leather seating with 45-degree recline, and ergonomic ecomfort™ foam that reduces pressure and stress.
• Onboard education system with 24 flat-screen monitors for onboard seminars and destination-specific movies and documentaries, and a library of destination-specific books and other publications.
• Award-winning meal service inspired by the cuisines of the destinations featured in our itinerary.
• Noise-canceling headsets, in-seat power outlets and plenty of storage space for laptops, digital cameras, and other personal devices.
• A specially-trained flight crew of 3 pilots, an expedition chef, a catering officer, two engineers, a dedicated luggage handler, and eight flight attendants, offering one of the highest crew-to-traveler ratios in the business: 1 to 5.
• Operated and maintained by the award-winning Thomson Airways, formerly First Choice Airways, based in England.