DAY 1

Depart your hometown independently on a commercial flight to London. Meet fellow travelers, lecturers, and expedition leaders at a welcome dinner. Please note that most travelers from the U.S. will need to take a flight departing November 5 in order to arrive in time for the welcome dinner. 

The Dorchester, London

DAYS 2 & 3

Fly by private jet to Istanbul, a city of graceful domes and soaring minarets built on seven hills. The only city in the world that straddles two continents, Istanbul has beckoned countless travelers and conquerors over the centuries and remains a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Visit the colossal Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century Byzantine masterpiece whose dome has influenced architecture around the world for 1,500 years. Enjoy cocktails on a cruise on the Bosporus Strait, offering magnificent views of this storied city. Stroll the Grand Bazaar, brimming with jewelry, pottery, carpets, and spices. Explore the Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans that houses splendid jewels, furnishings, and other treasures. And at the imposing 17th-century mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, known as the Blue Mosque, examine the stunning azure-colored Iznik tiles that line the interior. 

Alternate Instead of exploring some of the sites of Istanbul, you may choose to take a cooking class at the Istanbul Culinary Institute; or try your hand at Islamic calligraphy, ebru paper marbling, or miniature painting at a local art school.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

DAY 4

Board our private jet and fly to Cairo. Transfer to Gîza and visit the Pyramids, including the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Enjoy a private luncheon in view of the Sphinx. Then explore the Egyptian Museum—repository of countless antiquities including the famed Gold Mask of King Tutankhamun and the recently identified mummy of Queen Hatshepsut—and enjoy an exclusive dinner in one of the galleries. 

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Cairo

DAYS 5 & 6

Arrive in Luxor, site of the ancient city of Thebes, where the temples and tombs of some of history’s greatest kings and queens are found. See Luxor Museum’s stunning collection of statues, figures, bas-reliefs, and mummies. Visit the Great Hypostyle Hall and temples at Karnak, the largest ancient religious site in the world, described by the ancient Egyptians as “the most perfect of places.” Then sail the Nile River in a felucca, a traditional sailboat, crossing over to the West Bank, where we will disembark and venture into the Valley of the Kings. Visit Tutankhamun’s tomb, discovered nearly completely intact in 1923. Stop at Queen Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple, one of the most beautiful in the area. See the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous statues and all that remains of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III. Visit Medinet Habu, the best-preserved temple in the area, and gaze up at its colorful reliefs detailing the triumphs of Ramses III, considered the last great pharaoh. In the evening, enjoy a gala dinner at the Luxor Temple. 

Sonesta St. George, Luxor

DAYS 7 & 8

We board our private jet and fly to Agra, India, site of the famous Taj Mahal. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this astoundingly beautiful monument in the 17th century as a tribute to the memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Wander this enchanting work of art, which incorporates and expands on Persian, Hindu, and Islamic styles. Admire the Taj Mahal’s lovely form among the reflecting pools and gardens that surround it, and observe up-close the intricate ornamentation and inlaid precious stones. You can also enjoy a view of this grand tribute to love without ‘visiting hours’ from our marvelous hotel, a lavish oasis only 660 yards from the site. 

Alternate Or, instead of the Taj Mahal, visit the ancient village of Kachhpura, located along the Yamuna River in Agra and inhabited by the Harijan people, otherwise known as “Untouchables.” Meet with families, visit a school, and learn about the Mughal Heritage Walk, which connects many rarely-visited monuments.

Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

DAYS 8 (CONTINUED) & 9

Fly by private jet to Jaipur, the “Pink City” named for the rose color of its prominent buildings that were painted for a citywide makeover to honor a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876. See the unique Palace of the Winds, an oasis for women of the court to secretly observe palace activities. Visit the sumptuous City Palace and its museum to see royal artworks and artifacts, including exquisite robes, toys from the royal playroom, and antique weaponry. Explore the whimsical Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory with enormous and sculptural astronomical tools. In the evening, gather for a gala Rajasthani dinner at Dera Amer, the beautiful home of the family of Mansinghji, the legendary Maharaja of Jaipur. 

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

DAYS 10 & 11

Step back in history in the ancient city of Petra, half-built, half-carved into rose red cliffs by the mysterious Nabataean people more than 2,000 years ago. This breathtaking “lost city” was known only to local Bedouins until its rediscovery by a Swiss explorer in 1812. Venture into the Siq, a narrow chasm in the bedrock, and arrive at the iconic Treasury. Explore elaborate buildings and tombs carved from sheer rock walls, and observe up close the superb blending of Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture. 

Alternate Instead of visiting Petra, embark on a 4x4 jeep safari to Wadi Rum, an evocative lunar-like landscape made famous by T. E. Lawrence and the film about him, Lawrence of Arabia. Marvel at the spectacular rock formation known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom; examine ancient pictographs and Thamudic, Nabataean, and Arabic inscriptions carved in stone throughout this area; and enjoy a traditional Bedouin lunch.

Mövenpick Hotel, Petra

DAYS 12 & 13

Upon arrival in Marrakech, we transfer to our fine hotel. The following morning, we begin to explore this 1,000-year-old city steeped in Berber tradition. Explore the lavishly decorated rooms of the Bahia Palace, many of which open onto small pleasure gardens; enter the halls of the Ben Youssef Madrasa, an Islamic college founded during the Merinid Dynasty; and gaze up at the towering minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech. Catch a glimpse of the centuries-old techniques of tanners, silk dyers, brass workers, and other skilled artisans in Marrakech’s bustling souks. Wander through the Djemaa el Fna, the busiest market square in all of Africa, to see a myriad of delights including snake charmers, storytellers, and acrobats. Immerse yourself in the blue and green paradise of Jardin Majorelle, a garden estate created in 1924 by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. In the evening, celebrate our adventure at a gala farewell dinner. 

Alternate Instead of exploring Marrakech, spend the day in the spectacular Atlas Mountains, the highest mountain range in North Africa. Visit a Berber village, share tea with a village chief and his family, and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. In the evening, rejoin the group in Marrakech for the gala farewell dinner.

La Mamounia, Marrakech

DAY 14

Following breakfast, our private jet flies us to London, to connect with your regularly scheduled commercial flight home. If you prefer to leave the next day, we can arrange a complimentary night at a hotel near the airport.

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 Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Istanbul, Turkey

This hotel is created from a century-old neoclassic Turkish prison in the core of this fabled city – steps from the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Just 65 guest rooms and suites frame an open courtyard, for an atmosphere of personal attention and ease unprecedented in Istanbul.

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.

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.

Oberoi Amarvilas
Agra, India

Just minutes from the Taj Mahal, this world-class, luxurious hotel has been designed to offer views of the Taj Mahal from every guest room. Attention to detail throughout the hotel is reflected in room design, elaborate gardens, terraced lawns, fountains, and reflection pools. In each room, guests will appreciate a butler service, hairdryer, CD/DVD player, satellite television, computer data port, coffee/tea-making facilities, in-room safe, and mini bar. Dining options at the Amarvilas include The Bellevue, an all-day restaurant; Esphahan, serving specialty Indian cuisine; the pool snack bar; and 24-hour room service. Several bars and lounges offer a wide variety of beverages, fine teas, coffee and snacks. Other hotel facilities include a beauty salon, gymnasium, heated pool and Jacuzzi, dry cleaning and laundry service, and a spa with trained therapists using the Ayurveda, ancient Thai, and Western techniques. A choice of shops can be found in the arcade. The business center offers e-mail access.

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.

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.

La Mamounia
Marrakech, Morocco

Overlooking the famous Red Ochre Ramparts of the old city is the famous La Mamounia. This famous art deco palace is known for its interiors and architectural styling as well as its ideal location at Avenue Bab Jdid. The 228 rooms are all outfitted with luxury amenities including designer bathrooms, wireless Internet, garden or mountain views, satellite TV and much more. Visitors will enjoy the 2009 renovations including a luxury spa, swimming pool, gardens, gourmet restaurants, two lounges, and fitness room.

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.