|
|
Cultural Treasures: Around the World by Private Jet
October 10 - November 3, 2008
|
|
A World of Treasures, Revealed.
Experience a world of ancient and modern riches as no other traveler can. Immerse your senses in the world's great natural and manmade beauty. This unique and inspiring journey unites the world's cultural treasures into one unforgettable experience.
Timeless artistry.
Stand in the presence of Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Birth of Venus. Gaze up at the breathtaking dome of Florence Cathedral, and hear your footsteps echo down the resplendent corridors of Catherine Palace in St. Petersburg.
The traces of history.
Hear the story of the siege of Leningrad from a man who survived it; walk between the grooves left by chariots 2,000 years ago in the Roman remains at Jerash.
Natural splendors.
Sail the crystalline waters off Bora Bora island, cross Sydney Harbor by plane and follow the rivers of Myanmar aboard a luxurious river cruiser. Discover these and more cultural treasures in the company of the finest travel escorts in the world, on an itinerary that enshrines the unique character of your destinations in every visit and every meal.
Join Abercrombie & Kent® for "Cultural Treasures: Around the World by Private Jet."
The Abercrombie & Kent Difference
Fine Dining and Entertainment
Throughout your "Cultural Treasures" journey, you are treated to gracious local hospitality and outstanding regional cuisines at their authentic best. Savor Polynesian delicacies at a traditional feast in Bora Bora. In Amman, dine amidst the ruins of an ancient Roman temple, to the accompaniment of musicians and dancers. Sample vodka and caviar in grand Russian tradition at a time-honored St. Petersburg ceremony. Your culinary adventures extend to the finest restaurants in each destination.
Design Your DaySM Options
Sharing inspiring experiences with likeminded travellers is one of the finest pleasures of an A&K journey - but all travellers occasionally need to venture out on their own. A&K's exclusive Design Your Day options let you set your own itinerary with your own activities. Fly by light aircraft over Sydney's magnificent harbor, experience the Middle East's first indoor ski resort in Dubai and follow an Uffizi curator on a behind-thescenes tour of Florence's most famous gallery. Whatever your interest, A&K handles all the details, leaving you free to enjoy your day.
Privileged Access
A&K's exclusive invitation-only events turn an already remarkable journey into an unforgettable one. In Sydney, shop for Aboriginal art in the company of an expert. At the Dubai Polo Club, watch a polo match and afterward meet the players. Enjoy a private visit to Estates Theatre in Prague where Mozart's Don Giovanni debuted. An exclusive before-hours visit to the Hermitage adds a memorable touch to your stay in St. Petersburg. These events are specially arranged by A&K to impart the essence of every "Cultural Treasures" destination.
The Finest Accommodations
We've chosen accommodations that are not only the best, but the best examples of the spirit and style of each stop along your way. From your private over-water bungalow at the St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora, to Orient-Express' exquisitely appointed 15th-century Villa San Michele in Florence and its enchanting and historic Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg, accommodations are unique to the exotic lands you visit. For a leisurely pace, you'll check in for two or usually three nights at each stop.
The A&K Touch
Set out on your journey with a convenient rolling cabin bag, attractive tote, backpack, neck pillow and hat, all designed exclusively for A&K. To enhance your enjoyment, a stateof- the-art audio system enables you to clearly hear your guide's commentary as you explore museums and sites at your own pace.
Expert Guidance
The accomplished Tour Director and Tour Managers accompanying this program have been chosen from the highest ranks of A&K's international coterie of professional guides. They are ideal travelling companions: experienced, affable, intelligent, well informed and dedicated to the success of your trip.
Your travel staff for Cultural Treasures October 10 - November 3, 2008:
Tour Director Director, Jan Moester
Jan grew up in the Netherlands and by the age of 21 he had visited every country in Europe while guiding groups of American students. A "real" job followed... but the travel bug had bitten too deeply. Jan soon found himself back in the role of professional guide, much to the delight of the devoted clientele of over 25 private jet programs. He was a Tour Manager on the 2006 South America by Private Jet and 2007 Nine World Wonders.
Tour Manager, Linda Long-Innes
Linda's past experience as a travel product manager and marketer serves her well "on the road" in her current vocation as a professional guide. Linda has been the popular leader of many Marco Polo Club Invitational tours, as well as A&K's Europe & the Mediterranean jet program in April 2006 and Nine World Wonders in March 2007.
Tour Manager, Jeremy Kerrison
A native of England, Jeremy has spent the last 15 years working as a travel guide, guidebook author and editor, and translator of travel literature. Jeremy was the Tour Director on A&K's 2006 private jet tour of Europe & the Mediterranean and 2007 Nine World Wonders.
Tour Manager, Ladislas Ciechanowski
Born to Franco-Polish parents in London, Ladislas ("Lado") began his working life as an agriculturalist and estate manager in France and England; he still manages the family farm on a part-time basis. Now a popular A&K Tour Director, Ladislas' linguistic gifts (he has English, Polish, Italian, French and German to his credit) and his informed pan-European outlook make him an ideal travelling companion on the Continent and beyond.
An Abercrombie & Kent luggage manager is with you throughout the trip to ensure your bags travel with you and are promptly delivered to your hotel room at each destination.
Contact us at 1.800.710.1008 or 415.864.4581
|
| Call (800) 710-1008 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6401472 | | Abercrombie & Kent | | Offer valid through 10/1/2008 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | 1 | Los Angeles | Friday, October 10
Arrive Los Angeles, California
Arrive in Los Angeles and meet your fellow travellers at a welcome cocktail party and dinner.
| | 2 | Papeete | Saturday, October 11
Los Angeles - Papeete, Tahiti
(Flight time : 6 hours , 5 minutes . Fuel stop in Honolulu)
(Flight time: 5 hours, 55 minutes)
After breakfast at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, transfer to Los Angeles Airport and then board your private jet for the flight to Papeete, Tahiti's capital. Transfer to your hotel for a relaxed dinner and restful evening after the day's long journey.
InterContinental Resort B L D | | 3 | Bora Bora | Sunday, October 12
Papeete - Bora Bora
(Local flight time: 50 minutes)
This morning, begin your Tahiti sightseeing on the west coast with a stop at the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands. This museum displays not only a number of archaeological finds, but also the history, geology and customs of ancient Tahiti. Continue to the restored Marae Arahurahu, a sacred religious site dedicated to the early gods and used for important ceremonies. After lunch, board a local flight to Bora Bora, where you cruise by yacht to your accommodations at the new St. Regis Bora Bora. Enjoy your hotel's many amenities before a cocktail party on the beach, followed by a black pearl fashion show. Dinner this evening is at any one of the hotel's restaurants or in your private over-water bungalow.
St. Regis Resort Bora Bora B L D | | 4 | Bora Bora | Monday, October 13
Design Your Day in Bora Bora
Spend Monday as you like, with a range of wonderful Design Your Day activities from which to choose. This evening's private beach festivities include a traditional Fire Dance and Polynesian feast under the stars. Later, watch the movie South Pacific on the beach over after-dinner drinks.
St. Regis Resort Bora Bora B L DDesign Your Day
Monday, October 13
Catamaran Lagoon Cruise
Cruise the island's lagoon with stops for ray feeding, shark watching and snorkeling, followed by a barbecue lunch. Learn to tie a pareo (sarong), the basics of Polynesian tamure dancing, and how to weave palm-leaf plates. Four-Wheel Drive Safari Adventure
Discover the island of Bora Bora, with its outstanding panoramas over the valleys, its barrier reef, and the lagoon with its incredible colors. End your excursion at Pahau Point, where American troops installed cannons during World War II. Lagoon or Deep Sea Fishing
You will find many species of large game fish in the deep waters outside the reef, such as swordfish, bonito, yellow fin tuna, barracuda, mahimahi, wahoo and sometimes marlin. Catch smaller fish with a rod and reel in the calmer waters inside the lagoon. Miri Miri Spa
Relax and indulge yourself in Miri Miri Spa's 13,000 square foot facility and fitness center, located on its own private island in the lagoon. Choose from a variety of exotic treatments such as Polynesian Taurumi Massage, Hibiscus Milk Facial, or Tamanu Green Balm Sunburn Relief Wrap. | | 5 | Sydney | Tuesday, October 14
Bora Bora - Papeete - Depart for Sydney
Cross the International Dateline
(Local flight time: 50 minutes)
(Flight time: 4 hours, 15 minutes. Fuel stop in Tongatapu)
(Flight time: 5 hours, 40 minutes)
After breakfast, return via boat and local aircraft to Papeete, where you rejoin your private jet and crew. Today's journey carries you across the broad expanse of the South Pacific. Tuesday is lost crossing the International Dateline. | | 6 | Sydney | Wednesday, October 15
Arrive Sydney, Australia
Arrive in Sydney late Wednesday afternoon and check into The Observatory Hotel, a member of the exclusive Orient-Express Hotels collection. Dinner tonight is à la carte at The Observatory.
The Observatory Hotel B L D | | 7 | Sydney | Thursday, October 16
Sydney
At Circular Quay, board a private skippered motor yacht and cruise through the harbor and along the coast into picturesque Rose Bay. After lunch, join a tour of the city including The Rocks, Paddington, and Bondi Beach, or explore Sydney on your own. This evening, dine outside the hotel at one of Sydney's spectacular restaurants. We will be happy to provide you with a list of favorites.
The Observatory Hotel B L D | | 8 | Sydney | Friday, October 17
Design Your Day
in and around Sydney
After participating in the Design Your Day option of your choice (see left), enjoy a late-afternoon, private behind-the-scenes tour of the magnificent Sydney Opera House, and attend a performance in one of its five halls. Have dinner at the hotel before or after the performance, as you prefer.
The Observatory Hotel B L DDesign Your Day
Friday, October 17
Aboriginal Art with Judy Friend
Explore one of the world's oldest continuous living cultures, beginning with a private-access tour of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, led by a museum expert. Then join art historian Judy Friend to view or purchase Aboriginal works at three private galleries. A Bird's Eye View of Sydney
Start the day weaving through catwalks, up ladders and along the upper Arch to the top of Sydney's Harbour Bridge - a climb that ends with an exhilarating full-circle view of one of the world's most beautiful harbors. Blue Mountains
Travel to Blue Mountains National Park, 90 minutes outside Sydney by road, to walk in a lush setting of sandstone outcroppings and hazy blue forests. Flightseeing to Palm Beach
The beaches north of Sydney are spectacular, and Palm Beach, a narrow finger of land ending at Barrenjoey Head, is one of the most beautiful. A breathtaking seaplane flight takes you over the city, landing for a seafood lunch at Palm Beach. Wine Tasting in the Hunter Valley
Australia's oldest wine-producing region, Hunter Valley is famous for its Chardonnay, Semilion and Shiraz varietals. A two-hour drive brings you to some of the valley's most renowned wineries for tasting. The Observatory Day Spa
Looking to unwind and recharge? We'll treat you to a rejuvenating massage or pampering treatment at the Day Spa, conveniently located in your hotel. | | 9 | Bagan | Saturday, October 18
Sydney - Mandalay, Myanmar* - Bagan
(Flight time: 4 hours, 40 minutes. Fuel stop in darwin, australia)
(Flight time: 7 hours)
(Local flight time: 1 hour)
Your Around the World voyage continues today as you depart Sydney on the journey to Mandalay, with a refueling stop en route. After a private local charter to Bagan, transfer to 'Road to Mandalay,' the deluxe Orient-Express river cruiser chartered for your exclusive use for the next four nights.
MV 'Road to Mandalay' B L D *If Myanmar and the "Road to Mandalay" cruise cannot be included in the program, the deluxe Eastern & Oriental Express train from Bangkok to Singapore will be substituted. | | 10-12 | Mandalay | Sunday - Tuesday, October 19 -21
Cruise on the Irrawady River from Bagan to Mandalay
Over 13,000 shrines and temples once stood on the vast plain of Bagan. Seven centuries later, a scant 2,000 remain. Explore this treasure trove of Buddhist art history on a guided tour. Later, arrive in the quaint village of Shwe Kyet Yet. From there, cruise north towards Mandalay while enjoying a delectable dinner of Eastern and Western cuisine prepared by awardwinning chefs. Travel by boat to Mingun, home of the massive Mingun Pagoda and its 90-ton bell, the largest in the world. Also visit Sagaing Hills, dotted with monasteries and nunneries and considered to be the living center of the Buddhist faith in Myanmar.
MV 'Road to Mandalay' B L D | | 13 | Dubai | Wednesday, October 22
Mandalay - Agra, India - Dubai, UAE
(Flight time: 3 hours, 20 minutes)
(Flight time: 4 hours)
After breakfast, leave your river cruiser and reunite with your private jet and crew. Enjoy brunch en route to Agra, where you stop to explore the timeless Taj Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is remarkable for its perfect proportions and minute, skillful details. Following your visit, return to your jet and enjoy a DVD or short nap en route to Dubai. In Dubai, ride a boat or buggy (your choice) past richly landscaped gardens to your own luxurious, one-bedroom house, whose design was inspired by the traditional courtyard summerhouses of old Arabia. Tonight's dinner is à la carte in any one of the resort's many restaurants.
Madinat Jumeirah, The Arabian Resort - Dubai B L D | | 14 | Dubai | Design Your Day
Thursday, October 23
Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab, with its unmistakable sail-like design, is Dubai's most recognizable landmark. Watch the 105-foot water column leap upwards towards the atrium's peak while you linger over a traditional afternoon tea.Shopper's Paradise
Home to over 450 retailers, the Mall of the Emirates boasts over 2.4 million square feet of shops inside the 6.5 million square foot "resort." Along with shopping, enjoy leisure and entertainment or partake of various cuisines from over 70 restaurants and coffeehouses. Ski Dubai
Experience the Middle East's first indoor ski resort, containing five runs that vary in difficulty, height and incline. Skiers and snowboarders alike will enjoy these varied slopes. Clothing and equipment are provided. Talise Spa
Take time off from sightseeing for a rejuvenating treatment at the resort's Talise Spa. Stroll in the tranquil gardens, relax in the sauna or steam room, energize in the hot and cold plunge pools, and then choose from an assortment of pampering services. | | 15 | Amman | Friday, October 24
Dubai - Amman, Jordan
(Flight time: 3 hours, 30 minutes)
Your journey continues west across the Arabian Peninsula to Jordan. After a relaxing on-board lunch, arrive in Amman, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Travel back in time on an afternoon visit to Jerash, site of the most complete ruins of any provincial Roman city in the world. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Amman's most noteworthy historic sites: stop at the ancient Citadel and the Great Temple of Amman, then continue to the Jordan Archeological Museum, whose collection includes the Dead Sea Scrolls. Tonight, enjoy an unforgettable dinner in the middle of the Roman temple ruins overlooking the old city.
Four Seasons Amman B L D | | 16 | Amman | Saturday, October 25
Design Your Day in Jordan
After breakfast, you have a choice of several Design Your Day excursions. This evening, you may dine à la carte at any restaurant at your hotel.
Four Seasons Amman B L D Design Your Day
Saturday, October 25
The Lost City of Petra
Travel through countryside rich in Biblical history to Petra, the city of the Nabateans. Once a rich merchant city, Petra was lost to Westerners for 1,000 years and rediscovered by European explorers in 1812. Enter on foot, walking through a narrow siq (stone passageway) that leads to the hidden city's entrance. Bethany and the Dead Sea
Explore the excavations at Bethany, where John the Baptist is said to have started his mission and baptized Jesus, and then continue your sightseeing with a visit to the Dead Sea. Spend time at leisure swimming and partaking of the spa facilities at the Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa. Excursion to Jerash or Amman City Tour
Friday's sightseeing choices - the Roman remains at Jerash and the historic highlights of Amman - are offered again today. Four Seasons Spa
Indulge yourself in the restorative spa treatment of your choice at Four Seasons' luxurious spa. Choose from a range of unique rejuvenating treatments, including a detoxifying body wrap in Dead Sea minerals followed by a relaxing aromatherapy massage. | | 17 | Fiesole | Sunday, October 26
Amman - Pisa, Italy - Fiesole
(Flight time: 4 hours, 25 minutes)
This morning, rejoin your private jet crew for your flight to Pisa. On arrival, enjoy a short city tour that includes the famous Leaning Tower. Continue eastwards to Fiesole and check into Villa San Michele, a charming Orient-Express hotel that was originally a 15th-century monastery designed by Michelangelo. Enjoy a cocktail reception followed by dinner at the hotel.
Villa San Michele B L D | | 18 | Fiesole | Monday, October 27
Fiesole - Florence - Fiesole
Transfer this morning to La Certosa de Galluzzo, originally home to Carthusian monks. Explore the monastery, and then continue to the center of Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit the mighty Florence Cathedral, renowned for Brunelleschi's dome, a masterpiece of innovative engineering, before strolling with your local guide to admire the lovely piazzas, palaces and churches. Lunch is at a restaurant in Florence and includes wine tasting. This evening, you may dine à la carte inside the hotel or at your choice of restaurants in Fiesole or Florence.
Villa San Michele B L D | | 19 | Fiesole | Tuesday, October 28
Design Your Day in Italy
Today, select from an array of Design Your Day options. This evening dine à la carte either inside the hotel or at your choice of restaurants in Fiesole or Florence.
Villa San Michele B L DDesign Your Day
Tuesday, October 28
Florentine Crafts and Boutiques
This memorable day includes visits to the vast and colorful Mercato Centrale, which specializes in all manners of edible treats; the church of Santa Croce, which contains the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli; and one of the best known gelateria in the city. Museums of Florence
Explore the city's finest museums, beginning with the Gallerie dell'Accademia, noted for its sculptures by Michelangelo, particularly his David. Next, visit the Bargello and its Museo Nazionale with its fine collection of Renaissance sculpture, and the famous Uffizi Gallery, housing Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Titian's Venus of Urbino and Michelangelo's Holy Family. Excursion to San Gimignano and Siena
Today, journey south from Florence to the delightful walled town of San Gimignano, famous for its 15 remaining medieval towers (the Torre Grossa is the tallest at 177 feet). In Siena you visit the Piazza del Campo, where the world-famous palio horse race is held twice a year. Wine Tasting at Il Poggione
Located in the small Tuscan town of Sant' Angelo in Colle, near Montalcino, Il Poggione is the landmark estate or tenuta owned by the Franceschi family for four generations. On this excursion, you will taste current vintages and enjoy a rustic lunch paired with Estate wines. | | 20 | Prague | Wednesday, October 29
Fiesole - Pisa - Prague, Czech Republic
(Flight time : 1 hour , 50 minutes)
This morning, return to Pisa (and your private jet) and fly north to the "Golden City" of Prague. Join a walking tour that includes the Old Town Square, with its famous astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall, and ascend the 200-foot tower for excellent views over the city. This evening, meet a fascinating guest speaker who discusses the dramatic events in recent Czech history. Dine tonight at a fashionable restaurant in the city.
Four Seasons Prague B L D | | 21 | Prague | Thursday, October 30 Prague
This morning take an in-depth walking tour beginning in Josefov, the city's Jewish Quarter, and concluding with lunch in the Municipal House, Prague's finest Art Deco building. Pay a private visit to the Estates Theatre (subject to rehearsal schedules), where Mozart conducted the debut of Don Giovanni in October 1787. There is time to explore Prague independently before returning to the hotel. Later, cross the river on a specially arranged after-hours outing to Prague Castle, visiting the mighty St. Vitus Cathedral and the cavernous Vladislav Hall (subject to availability) within the Royal Palace. Concluding your tour, enjoy cocktails and canapés in the castle's White Corridor, followed by a grand gala dinner in the Rudolf Gallery.
Four Seasons Prague B L D | | 22 | St. Petersburg | Friday, October 31
Prague - St. Petersburg, Russia
(Flight time: 2 hours, 30 minutes)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to St. Petersburg, where you check into the elegant Grand Hotel Europe, an Orient-Express hotel. In true Russian tradition, this evening you are invited to taste a fine selection of caviars accompanied by some of the best domestic and imported vodkas. Dinner afterwards is à la carte at your hotel.
Grand Hotel Europe B L D | | 23 | St. Petersburg | Saturday, November 1
St. Petersburg
Designed in the mid-18th century as the Winter Palace of Catherine the Great, the Hermitage Museum contains memorabilia from the lavish Imperial Court up to the Revolution. Enter before official opening hours and appreciate this magnificent collection privately. Cross the Neva River for lunch in one of the city's finest restaurants, and later visit the cathedral that contains the tombs of nearly all the rulers of Russia since Peter the Great (including the last Czar, Nicholas II, and his family). Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the Church of Spilled Blood, built on the site on which Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. This evening in the hotel, meet a survivor of the 900-day siege of Leningrad in WWII. Afterward, you may choose to dine à la carte either at the hotel or at your choice of restaurants in the city.
Grand Hotel Europe B L D | | 24 | St. Petersburg | Sunday, November 2
Design Your Day in St. Petersburg
Make your St. Petersburg visit uniquely yours with the Design Your Day activity of your choice. Tonight, depart for a gala evening at the opulent Yusupov Palace. Enjoy cocktails and a short ballet performance, followed by dinner.
Grand Hotel Europe B L DDesign Your Day
Sunday, November 2
Antiques, Workshops and Galleries
Visit a range of shops and galleries where local artists create objects of striking beauty. Begin at the Ananov jewelry shop where Andrei Ananov, Russia's most famous contemporary jeweler, produces exquisite pieces in Art Nouveau style. Later, visit the jewelry factory's new museum and the internationally renowned Lomonosov porcelain factory. Catherine Palace and Pavlovsk
Visit magnificent Catherine Palace, taking advantage of priority access to this rococo treasure. Later, enjoy a lunch and lively folklore performance before driving a few miles south to the Great Palace at Pavlovsk, a gift from Catherine the Great to her son, Paul. Peterhof and Lomonosov
Visit the spectacular imperial estate of Peterhof. Nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, the palace was built by Peter the Great to rival Versailles; you enjoy priority access to the magnificent Grand Palace on your visit today. After lunch, drive a few miles further along the coast to the park and palace at Lomonosov, whose former residents include Prince Menshikov, Czar Peter III, and Czarina Catherine II. City Tour of St. Petersburg
Explore more of the city's principal sights, beginning with the Smolny Cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in St. Petersburg. Finish your tour with a private visit to the glamorous palace of Grand Duke Vladimir Aleksandrovich, and enjoy a glass of champagne or tea from a samovar before a concert in the music room. | | 25 | Boston | Monday, November 3
St. Petersburg - Boston, Massachusetts
(Flight time : 4 hours . Fuel stop in Iceland)
(Flight time: 6 hours)
Board your private jet for the last time to cross the Atlantic en route to the U.S. Arrive in Boston in the afternoon. Then, connect to an evening commercial flight home or stay in Boston for a few post tour nights; reservations are available on request.
B L D |
| | | | | Archaeology | Culinary | | History | |
| The price shown is in USD. Price is per person, based on double occupancy, and does not include international or internal air.
Single supplement: $7,175
Suite upgrades, as well as pre- and post-tour hotel nights, can be confirmed at additional cost, subject to availability. Ask for details.
* Holiday surcharge will apply. Call for details.
Departure dates, prices and availability may change at any time.
Prices and departures may vary from what is displayed on this web site. Please call us at 1.800.710.1008 to confirm the latest pricing and departure information. |
|
|
|
|
Special Promotion
