DAY 1

Meet fellow travelers, lecturers, and expedition leaders at a gala welcome dinner. 

The Dorchester

DAYS 2 & 3

Fly by private jet to the exotic skyline of Cairo’s soaring mosques and minarets. At the Gîza Plateau, enjoy a private dinner in front of the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx—an exclusive event arranged for us after the site is closed to the public. Discover art and relics thousands of years old at the world-renowned Egyptian Museum—treasures of King Tutankhamun's tomb, including his solid gold mask—the mummy of great Queen Hatshepsut, identified in 2007—then enjoy an exclusive cocktail party at the museum. Wander through the Khan el-Khalili market for a fascinating glimpse of daily life in Cairo, much as it has been for centuries. 

Or instead of exploring Cairo, venture deep into the Sahara Desert to spend a night in a luxury eco-lodge at the edge of the Great Sand Sea. Adrère Amellal, Siwa Oasis and Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Cairo

Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Cairo

DAYS 4-6

Travel by private jet to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, a diverse country of rolling hills, lush green mountains, and active volcanoes. Go on a thrilling trek through bamboo forests for a chance to see endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Along the way, try to spot some of the 650 bird species here. Then visit the Kigali Memorial Center and browse the local markets for unique handicrafts, including fine Rwandan Agaseke basketry. 

Mountainview Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, and Kigali Serena Hotel (accommodation upgrades at Volcanoes National

DAYS 7 & 8

Our private jet takes us to South Africa. Sharing a fenceless border with the enormous Kruger National Park, the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve welcomes wildlife while limiting visitor traffic. Venture out on game drives to see creatures of safari lore, such as elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, zebra, hippo, wildebeest, lion, leopard, and cheetah. 

Various Luxury Lodges, Kruger National Park

DAYS 9-11

Fly by private jet over the Indian Ocean to the Maldives—a group of beautiful islands of pristine white sand beaches, brilliant turquoise lagoons, and swaying palm trees. The Maldives bears the unique distinction of being the lowest country in the world, averaging just under five feet above sea level. Ride a bicycle on the flat ten-mile road connecting five islands, and enjoy unending views of the dazzling blue-green horizon. Swim or snorkel at the heart-shaped Addu Atoll for a chance to see delicate corals and the colorful creatures inhabiting them, such as nudibranches, harlequin shrimp, sweetlips, lionfish, nurse shark, manta rays, and more. Or simply relax in your over-water bungalow at our luxurious resort. 

Shangri La Villingili Resort and Spa

DAYS 12-14

Travel to Chiang Rai by private jet and cruise by traditional riverboat through bamboo forests to our luxury camp near the confluence of the Mekong and Sop Ruak Rivers. Visit an elephant camp where local mahouts will teach travelers to ride, bathe, and feed these gentle giants. Go elephant trekking through teak jungles; visit local hill tribes; and tour the renowned Opium Museum. If you wish, enjoy guided nature walks, go bird watching, take a cooking lesson, and learn local crafts such as basket making, textile weaving, or ceramics. 

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort (accommodation upgrades available at Four Seasons Golden Triangle Tented Camp)

DAYS 15-17

Our private jet takes us to Calcutta, India where we transfer to local air to fly deep into the Himalaya Mountains to Paro, Bhutan. Visit the great Paro Dzong and the Paro Museum. Observe Bhuddist monks reciting prayers at the Choeding Temple, and join local Bhutaese for a festive picnic in the countryside complete with traditional archery and dancing. Then transfer to Thimphu to see the Memorial Chorten, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, the Textile Museum, and the National Library. Schedule permitting, meet with a revered spiritual leader. Travelers who wish may hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. 

Uma Paro & Zhiwa Ling (accommodation upgrades available at Amankora)

DAYS 18 & 19

rural Rajasthan. Spend the day in the Great Thar Desert, ride camels into the sand dunes, and savor an exotic night under the stars in our unique and well-appointed tented safari camp. Return to Jodhpur, where the aristocratic Rajputs erected sumptuous fortresses and palaces. Stroll through the enormous Mehrangarh Fortress, and dine on the ramparts, which afford spectacular views of the city below. Spend the night in a splendid maharaja’s palace. 

Royal Tented Camp at Manvar and Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

DAYS 20 & 21

Travel by private jet to Petra and step back in time 2,000 years as you stroll through this enchanting archaeological site—half-built, half-carved into the rose-red rock of a mountain by the ancient Nabataeans. Or, instead of Petra, visit the lunar-like landscapes of Wadi Rum and meet with Bedouins who live in this storied desert valley. 

Mövenpick Hotel & Resort, Petra

DAY 22

Following breakfast, our private jet flies us to London, to connect with a regularly scheduled 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 Dorchester
London, United Kingdom

The Dorchester offers rooms of exceptional grace and comfort, all providing views over Hyde Park or the hotel’s landscaped terraces. The suites range in size from the Junior and Stanhope Suites to the generous Dorchester Suites and the famous Oliver Messel Suite. Bathrooms are welcoming and spacious, offering an exceptional combination of style and function, and are said to have the deepest baths in London. They are predominantly made in Italian marble and designed in the classic art deco style - echoing the hotel’s 1930s origins.

Four Seasons Nile Plaza
Cairo, Egypt

Contemporary in design and ambience, situated near the Nile; set among the Belle Epoque and Art Deco facades of Garden City. The public areas eschew the popular style of many new hotels in favor of a classical decor with silk-lined walls and freshly cut flower arrangements. Staffers smile at every turn, offering their assistance whenever necessary.

Carpeted guest rooms are elaborately decorated and proportioned with king or queen beds and spacious sitting areas. Artwork reflects the history of the region, but the amenities are 21st century: high-speed Internet, cable TV, wireless phones with voice mail and data ports, electronic safes, and minibars. Soundproofing is impeccable thanks to triple-glazed windows. Marble baths are well equipped, boasting glass-enclosed showers, soaking tubs, an endless array of L'Occitane toiletries and Egyptian towels, slippers, robes, makeup mirrors and hair dryers.

Mountainview Lodge
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Recently opened in January 2009, this property features special details such as a wood-burning fireplace, hot water bottles for the beds on cold nights, and shoe/boot cleaning after gorilla trekking. Each chalet is on its own path in a peaceful setting with volcanoes in the background.

Kigali Serena Hotel
Kigali, Rwanda

This hotel is located in the ambassadorial and commercial heart of Rwanda and is the city’s pre-eminent meeting place for diplomats and business people. There are 104 air-conditioned rooms comprised of the Presidential suite, luxury suites, and deluxe rooms. The elegant Milima Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A business center provides administrative services and business facilities.

Shangri La Villingili Resort and Spa
The Maldives

Set amidst sensational sandy beaches and lush tropical foliage, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa Maldives is a unique all-villa Maldives resort property located in a spacious, boutique-style environment. Accommodations include private ocean retreats and tropical tree house villas making it a premiere Maldives luxury resort, while a selection of fine-dining choices and innovative spa treatments have been carefully designed to stimulate the senses.

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort
Chiang Rai, Thailand

Perched on a ridge overlooking the hills of Myanmar and Laos, Anantara's Golden Triangle resort is as enchanting as the region in which it is located. Explore the surrounding forest on an elephant. Spend the day rejuvenating at the Anantara Spa. To experience our Golden Triangle resort is to savor the unforgettable natural beauty of this evocative corner of Southeast Asia. And to experience it in the laid-back resort luxury that can only be described as Anantara. Share a romantic bath for two in a deep terrazzo tub with a view of the Mekong. Silk, regional cottons, wooden accents and Thai artwork form the backdrop of this intimate hillside retreat.

Royal Tented Camp at Manvar
Great Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India

Surrounded by the sand dunes is the splendid isolated splendor of Manvar Tented camp . The concept of MANVAR Desert Camp seems to trace its birth to the 17th century when while on his way to the battlefields, the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, known for his luxurious lifestyle, used to set up royal style camps. The Manvar Tented Camp consists of 30 colorfully decorated, safari-style tents arranged in a semi-circle around a central ‘durbar’ Hall. Each of the thirty tents is carefully placed for commanding views over the desert wilderness. They are extremely luxurious - more like mini-marquees with smart polished traditional camping style teak furniture, rich jute rugs and lovely custom designed block-printed tent linings. Large windows have pull up flaps to allow light and fresh desert air through and permanent insect netting to keep out any unwelcome visitors. The attached tiled bathrooms have running hot and cold water, flush toilets and proper washbasins. For cold desert nights each tent is provided a electric blower for heat. Delicious Indian meals are provided in the strategically located dining tent (the central durbar), which offers breathtaking views of the sunrise, sunset and the surrounding countryside.

Umaid Bhawan Palace
Jodhpur, India

Run by a family of Rathores from the erstwhile state of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan is one of the finest places to stay in Jaipur. Built in the traditional Rajput style, there are beautifully carved balconies, attractive courtyards, open terraces, a lovely garden and comfortable rooms with antique furnishings.

Mövenpick Hotel & Resort
Petra, Jordan

The Movenpick is located just steps away from the entrance to this ancient magnificent rose-red city. The subdued colors and harmonious furnishings of every room will make you instantly feel at home. The exotic décor of the Al Maqa’ad Bar inspires visions of the tales of the Arabian nights. Mediterranean cuisine is served at the Al Iwan Restaurant and the Al Saraya Restaurant offers a more casual atmosphere. Enjoy the lush roof garden, the wicker-chaired tea room, or relax in the swimming pool, sauna, gym, or billiard room. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning/heating, satellite TV, direct-dial telephones, coffee and tea-making facilities, hairdryer and mini bar.

Peter Awn

Peter Awn has been teaching at Columbia University for more than 30 years, where he is currently Dean of General Studies, Director of The Middle East Institute, and Professor of Islamic Religion and Comparative Religion. He has lectured widely to academics and business professionals on the role Islamic religion plays in the current political and social development of the Muslim world. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy and Classical Languages, a M.Div. in Christian Theology, and his Ph.D. in Islamic religion and comparative religion from Harvard University in 1978. He was the first recipient of the Phillip and Ruth Hettleman Award for distinguished teaching and research, and was honored the Great Teacher Award from the Society of Columbia Graduates. He has traveled in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Iran, and South Asia.

Jack Daulton

Jack Daulton is an acclaimed lecturer on the art and architecture of non-Western civilizations. He has been a study leader on educational trips to more than 50 countries, including Mongolia, Vietnam, Bhutan, India, Ethiopia, and Mali. He is an expert on the art and architecture of Asia and Africa as well as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and other religions. Daulton is also a practicing attorney with an interest in international law relating to the preservation and conservation of the world's cultural heritage. In a widely reported 1995 federal case, he recovered a 1,000-year-old sculpture that had been stolen from a temple in Burma.

Cynthia Werner

Cynthia Werner is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Texas A&M. She is a socio-cultural anthropologist with a specialty in economic anthropology, particularly in Central Asia, Mongolia, and societies along the Silk Road. She received her advanced degrees in anthropology from Indiana University and has taught at the University of Iowa and Pitzer College. Dr. Werner looks forward to sharing her insights on social networking, kinship and marriage, small-scale trade, the privatization of agriculture, and the anthropology of tourism.

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.