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Join us for the journey of a lifetime, as we explore the historic and fabled crossroads of great civilizations by private jet. Our expedition traces historic trading routes, from the fabled Silk Road of Asia and the Tea Road of Mongolia to the ancient camel caravan routes of the Sahara. We follow in the footsteps of renowned empire builders—Mongols, Chams, Ottomans, and the great tribes of Ethiopia and Mali—who created civilizations that flowered, flourished, foundered, and faded along these routes. What remains are places and cultures that resonate with their unique glorious pasts, many of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
October 17 and 18 U.S.A./Reykjavík, Iceland
Depart for Reykjavík, Iceland, and upon arrival the next morning transfer to the hotel then spend the rest of the day enjoying your choice of several activities. Visit the recently renovated National Museum of Iceland, with an extensive collection of artifacts that date back to the early Viking settlements. Or, at the famous Blue Lagoon open-air mineral baths, immerse yourself in an unforgettable setting of steam, lava beds, and black-sand beaches. Or explore the Reykjavík town center and waterfront, and view the unique, monolithic Reykjavík Cathedral. In the evening, join your traveling companions for a welcome reception and dinner at our fine hotel.
Nordica Hotel
(L,D)
October 19, 20, and 21 Yerevan/Echmiadzin, Armenia
Board our private jet bound for Armenia, a place with more than 3,000 years of history. By 60 B.C., the king of Armenia ruled a vast empire, which was later usurped by Romans, Seljuk Turks, Mongols, Persians, Ottomans, and Russians. Today, this fascinating Christian country remains uniquely positioned among its Muslim neighbors. We arrive in Yerevan to explore the Matenadaran Museum, a repository of 12,000 priceless manuscripts. We then drive to Echmiadzin—the country’s religious center and a UNESCO World Heritage site—to view its stunning, seventh-century domed cathedral, one of the world’s finest early churches.
Hotel Marriott Armenia
(B,L,D)
October 22 and 23 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Our private jet takes us to the legendary land of Ghenghis Khan, where the vast expanse of the steppes and the absolute magnitude and beauty of the Mongolian scenery are intertwined with the renowned nomadic lifestyle. During our stay, we visit a Mongolian family, living in traditional gers. We visit Gandan Monastery, where Buddhist monks chant their morning prayers surrounded by centuries-old paintings and religious art. Our excursion includes a visit to the Museum of Natural History, with its displays and enormous dinosaur skeleton recovered from the Gobi desert. Later, at the National Museum, we see exhibits relating to itinerant life and hear the unique Mongolian throat singers.
Ulaanbaatar Hotel
(B,L,D)
October 24, 25, and 26 Da Nang, Hue/Hoi An, Vietnam
Central Vietnam boasts some of the finest historical monuments in Southeast Asia along a stunning coastline of palm-fringed beaches. Land in Da Nang, where we visit the Cham Museum, devoted to the heritage of the Kingdom of Champa, which existed from the 2nd to 17th centuries. A scenic drive takes us to Hue, which is perched beside the meandering Perfume River. Here in the cultural, religious, and former political capital of the country, we explore the Imperial Citadel and the Thai Hoa Palace, where emperors and their concubines lived in splendor. Enjoy ample time to wander among lovely pagodas and royal tombs. On our last day in Vietnam, explore Hoi An, an exceptionally well-preserved trading port that reveals the fusion of cultures that prospered here.
Furama Resort
(B,L,D)
October 27 and 28 Angkor, Cambodia
Fly to Siem Reap to explore the astounding monuments at nearby Angkor. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire is one of the world’s great architectural triumphs. Survey Angkor Wat’s massive temple complex of towers, carved murals, colonnades, and courtyards that ushered in the classic age of Khmer art and architecture. Also visit the royal city of Angkor Thom and the extraordinary Bayon Temple.
Grand Hotel d’Angkor
(B,L,D)
October 29 and 30 Kingdom of Bhutan
Secluded in the eastern Himalaya and opened to visitors only decades ago, Bhutan—the last independent kingdom in the Himalaya—exudes a magical charm. We fly to Paro, where we experience a tapestry of mountaintop Buddhist monasteries; terraced rice fields; and massive white fortresses, or dzongs. Explore the National Museum, housed in the 17th-century former watchtower of the Paro Valley, with its superb collections of historic thangka paintings, textiles, ancient weapons, and other artifacts. Drive to Thimphu, the only national capital without traffic lights, visiting the Simtokha Dzong to see some of Bhutan’s most beautiful statues and paintings. Visit the National Library in Thimphu, which protects a rare collection of Buddhist manuscripts; the School of Arts and Crafts; and the Textile Museum, home to a remarkable collection of historic textiles and artifacts from the kingdom’s tribes and regions.
Hotel Olathang
(B,L,D)
October 31 Ganges River/Varanasi/Khajuraho, India
Varanasi, the ancient city of pilgrimage, is located on the Ganges River, which is holy to Hindus. We visit the ghats along the riverbank, where bathing devotees and smoking cremation platforms coexist harmoniously in a dramatic setting. See the local bazaar—one of the world’s most colorful—ablaze with orange curry powders and jewel-like silk saris. Travel by riverboat to a private mansion for a festive evening of sumptuous Indian cuisine, music, and local dance. The next morning, fly to Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to visit the splendid 11th-century temple complex.
Hotel Taj Ganges
(B,L,D)
November 1 and 2 Addis Ababa/Lalibela, Ethiopia
Ethiopia has a cultural, historical, and linguistic identity distinct from that of the rest of Africa, largely because it has spent long periods of its history in virtual isolation. From the capital of Addis Ababa, we travel by local aircraft to Lalibela, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site. Ethiopia has a long tradition of observing the Orthodox Christian faith, illustrated here in 11 medieval churches. These 12th-century rock-hewn sanctuaries house exquisite illuminated Bibles and manuscripts. Some of the churches are immense, freestanding edifices, while others are subterranean. The next day, explore the sights of Addis Ababa, including the National Museum.
Sheraton
(B,L,D)
November 3 and 4 Timbuktu, Mali
We visit Bamako’s National Museum, where we view its collection and enjoy a traditional dance performed by Mali’s Dogon people. We then board a special charter flight to the legendary “last stop on Earth.” Founded in the 11th century, this desert outpost in the Sahara was a crossroads of the trans-Saharan salt and gold caravans and evolved into a center of art and learning. Explore the town’s unique museum and mud-brick mosques before riding camels across the dunes with the Tuaregs, known as the blue men of the desert because of their indigo clothing. We then head to Malta.
Hotel l’Amitie
(B,L,D)
November 5 and 6 Valletta, Malta
This island nation of the Mediterranean is the site of incredible stone temples dating from the Neolithic Age (3000 B.C.), whose size and the architectural talents of their builders baffle archaeologists. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hal Safflieni Hypogeum, a huge subterranean temple constructed with flint tools more than 6,000 years ago. During the Middle Ages, the island state was a powerful fortress for the Crusaders, and the monuments, fortresses, and ancient city walls still enclose charming churches and palaces. See Valletta’s impressive Co-Cathedral of St. John, the first complete example of high baroque and home to a treasury of art, including Caravaggio’s “Beheading of St. John the Baptist.” Stroll through Mdina, Malta’s original capital, and one of the finest examples of a medieval walled city.
Using Malta as a base for exploration, you may choose to fly by private jet to Libya for a one-day excursion to the greatest Punic and Roman sites of North Africa at Leptis Magna and Sabratha. This option is subject to a U.S. travel warning not being in effect and other considerations. An alternative one-day excursion to Sicily by private air will be arranged in the event that the Libya option is not operated.
On our last evening in Malta, a special dinner in a palace offers a fitting farewell.
Westin Dragonara
(B,L,D)
November 7 Malta/Reykjavík/U.S.A.
Our private jet departs Malta for Reykjavík in the morning, arriving in time to make immediate independent connections homeward. Or, extend your stay, and have the opportunity to view the northern lights and landmarks of Iceland.
(B)
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This specially outfitted Boeing 757 is ideally suited for extraordinary expeditions. Its long-range capabilities and ability to land in smaller airports afford unmatched flexibility. We set our own schedules, flying direct and avoiding layovers, allowing us the freedom to make the most of our adventures on land. The interior has been customized and refitted to our specifications to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience, accommodating passengers in two-by-two VIP seats, instead of the standard 189 seats.
The jet is operated and maintained by Loftleidir Icelandic, a subsidiary of Icelandair, the national carrier of Iceland, internationally acclaimed for its maintenance, service, innovation, efficiency, and safety standards. Founded in 1937, Loftleidir Icelandic was one of the world’s first air carriers and currently operates a fleet of Boeing 757 aircraft to 16 international destinations. Our Loftleidir Icelandic crew oversees access to the aircraft and baggage, and every piece of luggage is screened, identified with a security tag, and strictly monitored at all times.
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