Itinerary

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.

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