Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers at a gala welcome dinner in London. 

The Dorchester, London

Wednesday - Friday, November 28-30

Board our private jet and fly to Rajasthan, the “land of kings,” where, centuries ago, aristocratic Rajputs channeled their wealth from overland trade into sumptuous palaces and majestic gardens. Land in Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, and admire the fairy-tale marble palaces that appear to rise from the waters of Lake Pichola. Venture into a spectacular labyrinth of courtyards within the City Palace, a soaring creation of marble and granite perched on the lake’s edge. This palace complex, the largest in Rajasthan, blends Rajasthani, Mughal, European, and Chinese architecture, and is richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, mosaics, and frescoes. Wend your way through the Old Town and its bustling bazaars, and visit the Folk Art Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of traditional toys, musical instruments, puppets, and other regional curiosities. Enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, followed by a reception overlooking the city’s shimmering palaces. 

Options: Venture deep into the verdant Aravalli Range to visit the Ranakpur temples—among the five holiest Jain sites and one of the most famous temple complexes in the world. Or see the Hindu temples of Eklingji and Nagda, go horseback riding in the Aravalli Hills, and meet with students at a primary school in a local village.

Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Saturday, December 1

Fly to Aurangabad and take a short drive to see the monumental hand-carved caves and temples of Ellora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain shrines have co-existed on the same cliffside perch since their creation during periods of religious harmony between A.D. 600 and 1000. Admire the distinctive styles, from the ascetic ideal to more intricate designs, which required several generations of builders to complete. 

Options: To learn more about the region’s exquisite textile tradition, you may also visit the Himroo factory, a major producer of Pathani saris and hand-woven shawls. Or photograph the only example of Mughal architecture in the region, the Bibi Ka Maqbara, a 17th-century memorial affectionately known as the “Baby Taj” for its resemblance to the Taj Mahal.

Taj Residency, Aurangabad

Sunday & Monday, December 2 & 3

Our private jet takes us to the city of Jodhpur, which abounds with the legendary elegance and opulence of the Rajputs. From here, venture into the starkly beautiful Great Indian Desert, a vast expanse of arid plains and rolling sand dunes. Ride camels over the dunes and encounter the small but vibrant desert community that thrives here, including chili and mustard farmers, carpet weavers, metalsmiths, and potters. Later, experience a night under the stars in our unique and well-appointed tented camp. 

Return to Jodhpur and visit the 15th-century Meherangarh Fort, a magnificent structure that towers above the blue-painted buildings of Old Town and holds priceless collections of art and artifacts. Explore Sardar Bazaar, where merchants preside over products made from antique royal saris, or take a guided tour of the museum within our historic palace hotel. This evening, we will dine at our hotel, Umaid Bhawan Palace, which is also one of the world’s grandest royal residences—still inhabited by a maharaja.

Manvar Tented Desert Camp, Great Indian Desert and Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Tuesday, December 4

Fly to the city of Amritsar, the spiritual center of the Sikh religion, located in the northern state of Punjab. Visit the exquisite Golden Temple, a complex of sublime beauty and peacefulness, and the holiest Sikh shrine in the world. Explore the bustling Guru Bazaar, where vendors sell Punjabi crafts and spices, and observe the myriad of cultures that have found a home in this historic Asian crossroads and sacred city. This evening, return to the temple for a special dinner and a mesmerizing ceremony during which Sikhs carry their sacred text, accompanied by singing and drumming. 

Ista Amritsar

Wednesday & Thursday, December 5 & 6

Board our private jet bound for Agra, the 16th- and 17th-century capital of India’s powerful Mughal Empire. Discover one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders, the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Explore the monument, which soars above the banks of the Yamuna River, and marvel at its exquisite Persian, Indian, and Islamic detail. Admire its form among the reflecting pools and gardens that surround it, and examine its intricate mosaics made of precious stones.

Continue by jet to Varanasi, and observe Hindu pilgrims at their most sacred site along the banks of the Ganges River, where they gather on ceremonial stone steps, or ghats. Join Hindu pilgrims in an aarti, the ritual lighting of a ghee candle. Nearby, visit the monastic ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. After a sunset cruise on the holy river, gather for a special dinner in illuminated gardens where Brahman singers chant Vedic hymns. 

Alternative: Instead of the Taj Mahal, you may choose to venture into Kachhpura, a village within Agra inhabited by the Harijan people, formerly known as “Untouchables.” Meet with local families and visit a school. Then visit the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, an early 17th-century mausoleum renowned for its intricate marble-work and gardens.

The Gateway Hotel, Ganges, Varanasi 

Friday & Saturday, December 7 & 8

After an optional sunrise cruise on the Ganges, fly south to Hyderabad, a city once ruled by successive Nizams of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, now an international technology hub. Discover the city’s many remarkable sights, including Charminar, a 16th-century arched monument crowned with four minarets; the Salar Jung Museum, housing one of the world’s largest private art collections; and the lavish Chowmahalla Palace, where the Nizams entertained royal guests and visitors. In the city’s business center, known as Cyberabad, visit the acclaimed Indian Business School, and discover how the modern tech industry has transformed Indian culture. We will stay for two nights in a superbly restored former palace, where you may enjoy a private tour of its priceless interior decor and lavish gardens by an in-house historian.

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

Sunday - Tuesday, December 9-11

The next leg of our journey takes us to Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” Upon arrival, board the vintage Viceroy steam train and journey to Habarana, our base for exploring the area’s nature reserves and ancient capitals. Discover the incredible rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonder of engineering with water gardens and ancient frescoes believed to represent divine damsels. Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, known for its traditional Sri Lankan waterworks and rock carvings, and the ruins of the Ritigala monastery, hidden in a jungle reserve where elephants abound.  

Options: Choose from a variety of activities in the Habarana area: In Minneriya National Park, go on wildlife expedition in search of elephant herds; tour a working spice plantation steeped in 1,000 years of tradition; or explore the Sri Lankan countryside from the back of an elephant, or spend time at the rarely visited beautiful beaches of Trincomalee.

Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana

Wednesday - Friday, December 12-14

Fly over the Indian Ocean to the Maldives and take a short boat ride to the tiny island of Villingili. Relax in your own private paradise—an over-water villa set in a turquoise lagoon teeming with marine life. Explore the neighboring islands by bicycle via a 10-mile road that is the longest in the Maldives. Swim or snorkel among delicate corals and the colorful creatures that inhabit them, including nudibranchs, harlequin shrimp, sweetlips, lionfish, and nurse sharks. You may even come face-to-gills with the gentle and graceful manta ray, some of which have a wingspan up to 12 feet. With luck, you might see a manta ray breach the water’s surface and launch into the air—an awe-inspiring sight. 

Options: Experience the pristine nature of the Maldives on a cruise to look for schools of dolphins, or go on a night-fishing excursion.

Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa 

Saturday, December 15

Fly by private jet to London and bid farewell to fellow travelers. 

The Dorchester, London

Sunday, December 16

Following breakfast, connect with your 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

With views across Hyde Park, this grand 1931 hotel blends old-world style with 21st-century comforts. Guest rooms are richly furnished and accented with paneling, thick carpeting, and polished woods. Marble baths include deep tubs, walk-in showers, bathrobe, slippers, and hair dryer. The elaborate health club offers an excellent gym, health and beauty treatments, saunas, tanning beds, and whirlpools. Amenities include wireless Internet access, plasma television, CD and DVD player, in-room safe, hair dryer, and mini bar.

Oberoi Udaivilas
Udaipur

The Oberoi Udaivilâs, the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts latest luxury resort in Udaipur, was ranked amongst “the 50 coolest new hotels in the world” by Conde Nast Traveller, one of United Kingdom’s most prestigious travel publications. 

The Oberoi Udaivilas stands on the banks of Lake Pichola facing Udaipur, with views across the water to the 17th Century palaces of Jagmandir and Jagniwas. Udaivilas took ten years to build. A fabulous resort hotel set among thirty acres of former hunting grounds, Udaivilas itself is nothing short of palatial. A pristine version of an original Rajasthani Mewari moated palace, Udaivilas incorporates every conceivable modern comfort. Visual treats include open-air colonnades flanked by 450 hand-carved stone columns. Domes covered in gold leaf. Hand-painted murals, arches and fountains. Landscaped terraces and acres of white marble. A decorative pool of giant marble lotus flowers. And, a treat for all the senses, a superb banyan Tree Spa. Grand, majestic, in a setting of unrivalled splendour, there is absolutely nothing like it. And In terms of comfort and service, Udaivilas is in a class of its own. Once you have arrived, you will be reluctant to leave. 

The Oberoi Group's new luxury resort Hotel Udaivilas in Udaipur, located on the famous Pichola Lake, has been designed as a traditional Rajasthani Palace. The Hotel Udaivilas in Udaipur resort is set in thirty acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, decorative fountains and pavilions, giving it a genuine Rajasthani ambiance.Many of the guest rooms have uninterrupted views of the Pichola Lake and City Palace. Udaivilas offers the same standards of luxury, service and comfort, guests have come to expect at Rajvilas, Jaipur and Amarvilas, Agra. The Hotel Udaivilas in Udaipur is an ideal base from which to explore the fabled city of Udaipur, renowned for its palaces, lakes and colorful bazaars.

Taj Residency
Aurangabad

Set in five acres of lush green lawns, the Taj Residency is a tranquil retreat from bustling Aurangabad and a convenient base from which to visit Ellora and Ajanta. Each air-conditioned room is elegantly appointed with deluxe amenities, and recreation options include a swimming pool, fitness center, tennis and volleyball courts.

Manvar Desert Tented Camp
Jodhpur

Situated between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, among the golden dunes of the Thar Desert, the Royal Tented Camp is a pleasant oasis and base from which to enjoy a desert safari. By day, explore the surrounding country by camelback or Jeep, or go hiking or bicycling. There are plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife, including desert fox, Indian gazelle (chinkara), the blue bull (nilgai), and peacocks, among many others. You may also visit a nearby bishnoi village, observe the resourceful ways of chili and mustard farmers in the area, or watch local craftsmen at work (jutti makers, carpenters, metalsmiths, carpet weavers and potters). 

Once the sun sets over the dunes, the campfire and mashaals are lit, and the site transforms into a carnival of local musicians and dancers, and a sumptuous meal of traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Twenty deluxe tents ring the camp site, each one complete with a bathroom (with running hot and cold water), continuous electricity, and tasteful Rajasthani-style decor. Furnishings for each tent also include two single beds, a luggage table, chairs, a ground sheet, and sheer fabric windows for ample ventilation and lighting.

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.

Ista Hotel
Amritsar, India

Brought to you by the renowned destination spa Ananda in the Himalayas, The ISTA hotels are a group of trendy, young hotels where business and leisure lend seamlessly to create a unique style. Breaking the traditional concept of luxury, redefining the term to set new standards of comfort levels and the ultimate in style, the hotels have a boundless energy and buoyancy that sets them apart from the norm. Set in the heart of cities that buzz with the confidence and power of young India, the Ista Hotels are modern and contemporary in design. The concept of Ista Hotels had been developed with world-renowned architects and designers, keeping in mind the what the discerning world traveler, is searching for…maximum comfort, high efficiency, contemporary style and finesse in the heart of any high powered city.

Gateway Hotel
Ganges, Varanasi

Situated on 40 acres of lush green gardens, the Gateway Hotel, Ganges Varanasi is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded and ancient temple city. The hotel is constructed in the holy Swastik shape (The Swastika is an ancient symbol which represents good fortune and blessing). Taj Ganges offers recently renovated and refurbished world-class contemporary rooms and suites, with views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool. Room amenities include wireless Internet access, in-room safe, tea and coffee maker, and mini bar.

Cinnamon Lodge
Habarana

A charming resort set in the little town of Habarana, located at the heart of Sri Lanka's world famous cultural triangle of Kandy-Anuradhapura-Polonnaruwa. Over 27 acres of resplendent beauty, shielded by over 1700 tall trees, are surrounded by three nature reserves-Ritigala, Minneriya and Kaudulla.

Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa
The Maldives

Set amid sensational sandy beaches and lush tropical foliage, this unique all-villa Maldives property is a spacious, boutique-style resort. From private ocean retreats to tropical tree houses, the villas offer sensational views. All guests stay in over-water bungalows and can experience the ultimate in serenity with touches of Middle Eastern and Indian elements. Property amenities include a selection of fine-dining choices and innovative spa treatments. Standard villa amenities feature Internet access, Bose DVD players, iPods and docking stations.

Daniel Ehnbom

Daniel Ehnbom is the adjunct curator of South Asian Art at the University of Virginia Art Museum and the former director of the UVA Center for South Asian Studies. He teaches undergraduate courses on Indian and other Asian art, and specializes in early Indian sculpture and architecture, and painting of the Gupta Period. In 2008 and 2011, Daniel was co-director of the National Endowment for the Humanities summer seminars in India, bringing faculty from colleges and universities across the United States for intensive four-week sessions on the humanities. Daniel has lived in Delhi, Varanasi, and Calcutta, and has lectured on educational trips to India and Sri Lanka since the 1980s.

Jan Nijman

Jan Nijman is chair of National Geographic’s new Global Exploration Fund – Northern Europe. He is also professor emeritus at the University of Miami and a professor and director at the Centre for Urban Studies at the University of Amsterdam. In addition to researching socio-economic and cultural change in India, his interests include geopolitics and economic and cultural globalization. A former member of National Geographic’s Committee for Research and Exploration, Jan has more than a decade of fieldwork experience in India. He is the author of four books, and his publications have appeared in a wide range of international journals. A native of the Netherlands, he speaks five languages, and has received numerous awards, including the Nystrom Prize, a series of National Science Foundation grants, and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Chris Rainier

Chris Rainier a National Geographic Fellow, is a director of the National Geographic All Roads Photography Program and a co-director of the Society’s Enduring Voices Project, which is dedicated to documenting and revitalizing the world’s endangered languages. He also serves as a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler. Chris has traveled to the Indian subcontinent for more than 25 years to photograph its rich culture and archaeological sites—including extensive assignments in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. His life’s mission is to document endangered cultures, and help empower them to use modern technology to save their ancient traditions. He has won numerous awards for his photography, including the prestigious Lowell Thomas Award from the Explorers Club, and was recently nominated as a Royal Geographic Society Fellow.

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.