October 31

Arrive in Orlando, Florida, and meet your fellow travelers and the expedition staff during a welcome dinner at our fine hotel.

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

November 1 & 2

Fly to the jungles of El Petén and explore the 2,000-year-old ruins of Tikal, one of the largest urban centers of the powerful Mayan Kingdom. Also visit the ancient city of Yaxha, rediscovered in 1904 and still half hidden by the jungle. If you wish, cruise Lake Petén Itza and enjoy a thrilling harness ride over the forest canopy. 

Camino Real Hotel, San Jóse, Petén

November 3, 4 & 5

 Fly to Lima and visit the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum. The next day, fly to Cusco, center of the Andean world for centuries. Marvel at the treasures of the Pre-Colombian Art Museum, where we will meet with master Andean weaver Nilda Callañaupa. Travel by train to Machu Picchu. Abandoned by the Inca and rediscovered in 1911, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. Instead of exploring Cusco and Machu Picchu, go to the North Coast and see temples of the Moche and Chimu peoples.

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

November 6 & 7

On Easter Island, the most remote inhabited island in the world, explore ancient stone villages, sanctuaries, and giant statues called moai with resident archaeologists.

Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa

November 8 & 9

We board our private jet and depart for Samoa, crossing the International Date Line en route and arriving the next day in Apia, where we spend the night. 

Aggie Grey's Resort & Spa

November 10 & 11

Venture deep into the heart of Australia and into a landscape that has been sacred to Aborigines for tens of thousands of years. Experience the mystical power of Ayers Rock—an enormous monolith and the source of many Aboriginal myths. Nearby, see the Olgas, 28 dome-like hills scattered across the plain. Enjoy a spectacular dinner under the stars.

Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock Township

November 12 & 13

Explore the Great Barrier Reef, home to an exceptionally rich variety of marine life. We will also visit the Botanical Ark, a private garden and sanctuary for 3,000 species of rainforest plants. 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

November 14

Before departing for Indonesia, witness the total solar eclipse, and weather permitting, enjoy the rare chance to see daytime stars, the sun’s corona, Baily’s Beads, and more! After viewing the eclipse, we fly to the Island of Java. Visit Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Then visit Prambanan, a Hindu temple compound whose main tower soars more than 150 feet high.

Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort and Spa

November 15 & 16

Explore Jantar Mantar, a collection of gigantic stone astronomical instruments built in the 18th century to probe the universe and today viewed as an architectural curiosity. Visit the sumptuous City Palace, and see the unique Hawa Mahal—the Palace of the Winds. In the evening, gather for a gala Rajasthani dinner. The next morning we hope to see the Leonid Meteor Shower, weather permitting.

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

November 17 & 18

Stroll through the enchanting site of Petra—half-built, half-carved into the rose-red rock of a mountain by the ancient Nabataeans. Explore Wadi Rum on a 4x4 jeep safari and marvel at spectacular rock formations and ancient pictographs. Instead of Petra, you may visit The Dead Sea and Jerash.

Mövenpick Resort Petra or Ishtar Kempinksi Dead Sea Resort

November 19

Our private jet flies to London, where we enjoy a fine meal and bid farewell to fellow travelers.

The Dorchester

November 20

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport to connect with a 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.

Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka
Cusco, Peru

The Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco, splendidly located within the historical downtown, faces the Temple of the Sun and is surrounded by magnificent Inca and colonial buildings. It was originally an antechamber where important personalities of the Inca Empire gathered, bringing offerings. The Spaniards arrived, and modified the building into a residence for nobility. This rich legacy has been preserved in the refurbished facilities. The Inti Raymi Restaurant is renowned for its novo Andean cuisine, as well as national and international specialties. Enjoy the Kero Coffee Shop and the Rumi Bar, featuring its famous Pisco Sour. The property also includes a sauna, Jacuzzi, complete gym, gift shop, business center, and wireless Internet. 

Each spacious guestroom combines modern elegance with Andean touches. Amenities include air conditioning and heating, bathroom amenities kit, bathrobes and slippers, safe deposit box, mini-bar, laundry service, 24-hour room service, hair dryer, international direct dialing, bathroom telephone, bath tub with anti-slide floor and safety bar, cable TV, and radio system.

Monasterio Hotel
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 modern 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. 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.

Sails in the Desert Hotel
Ayers Rock, Australia

Named after the soaring white sails that crown its roof, Sails in the Desert Hotel is Ayers Rock Resort’s premier property. Slip into comfort and luxury right in the heart of the central Australian desert. Rooms are spacious, airy and furnished and designed with a focus on Aboriginal heritage and culture. Each room has either a king or two queen beds, private balcony or verandah, air-conditioning, mini-bar, television, in-house pay movies, hair dryer, iron/ironing board and tea and coffee making facilities. 

Throughout the hotel find displays of significant artworks with a shop providing Ayers Rock designs for purchase in the main lobby. Other hotel facilities include a business center, heated swimming pool, 2 full-size tennis courts, and rapid laundry and dry cleaning service. Dine at the Rockpool for authentic East-Asian cuisine, or select Winkuku for tantalizing breakfasts and dinners.

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.

Susan Ackerman

Susan Ackerman is the Preston H. Kelsey Professor of Religion and the current chair of Dartmouth’s Religion Department. Professor Ackerman is a specialist in ancient religions of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Canaan, and has received the Faculty Award for Service to Alumni Continuing Education in 2006 in recognition for her work on alumni expeditions and events. Her publications include several articles and three books about ancient ritual behaviors, the stories of Gilgamesh and David, and social roles in biblical tradition and in eastern Mediterranean literature.

David Aguilar

David Aguilar is Director of Public Affairs and Educational Programs at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, MA. A naturalist/astronomer/author/artist, his expertise is in communicating the wonderment of science. He is the past director of the Fiske Planetarium & Science Center, the originator of the Science Discovery Program at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and marketing director for PBS's Emmy-winning NOVA series, "Evolution." He is the author and illustrator of "Planets, Stars & Galaxies" and "11 Planets" published by National Geographic; a lecturer on Smithsonian Journeys; and the popular host of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for the astrophysics "Observatory Nights" program. He has escorted Smithsonian travelers to destinations around the globe to study astronomy and explore deep space, with telescopes and even binoculars. He will join the expedition from Orlando to Australia.

Matt Anderson

Matt Anderson, Ph.D., is Director of Behavioral Biology at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Originally from England, Dr. Anderson specializes in the study of behavior in conjunction with endocrinology, sensory ecology, and animal welfare and management. He received his Ph.D. from Oxford University where he studied bushbabies, a group of nocturnal African primates. He was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Cambridge, where he studied Old World monkeys such as rhesus macaques and New World monkeys such as marmosets. Current focal species include koalas, cheetahs, lions, tigers, elephants, and okapi. Dr Anderson is the recipient of numerous grants and awards in the fields of behavior and reproductive biology, and has authored over 50 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Michael Shara

Michael Shara is Curator of Astrophysics for the American Museum of Natural History. His research interests include the evolution and explosions of novae and supernovae, planets orbiting other stars, and the populations of stars inhabiting dense clusters and galaxies. He frequently observes the skies with the Hubble Space Telescope and other large ground-based telescopes. An avid stargazer since childhood, He regularly guides audiences across the night sky, combining the mythology of constellations with the evolution of galaxies and the universe. He will join the expedition from Australia to London.

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.