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Southward from the Peak: Hong Kong to Bora Bora by Private Jet
December 27, 2008 - January 19, 2009
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 | | Strangler figs surrounding Ta Prohm |
Victoria Peak stands sentry over Hong Kong Island, a thriving metropolis and shopper’s paradise in the midst of an ancient culture. Experience a series of inspiring and unforgettable encounters on a journey by private jet that takes you southward from the peak.
Glamorous celebrations.
Ring in 2009 in style, the city lights sparkling in the background, as you cruise Victoria Harbour by private junk and attend a festive dinner at an exclusive club.
Long-standing traditions.
Observe women in conical straw hats methodically tending the patchwork quilt of green rice paddies in Vietnam and glimpse the gentle rhythms of daily life in local villages, little changed over the centuries.
Cultural contrasts.
Notice the elaborate finery of Buddhist shrines and wats that contrasts with the bustling, floating markets of Bangkok — all part of the fabric of Thai life.
Diverse landscapes.
From sugar cane fields and floating barges along the River Kwai to the lush flora and pristine beaches in Australia and Tahiti, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific islands are nothing short of incredible.
Join Abercrombie & Kent® for “Southward from the Peak: Hong Kong to Bora Bora by Private Jet,” an experience only celebrated by a privileged few.
This is the travel experience you’ve been waiting for: a journey by private jet encompassing the cultural treasures and natural riches of Asia, choreographed by A&K.
Join us on a journey across a continent and several epochs, conducted in the comfort, convenience and style possible only with travel by private jet.
Your Boeing 757 jet has been exclusively reconfigured for Abercrombie & Kent to accommodate 52 privileged guests. Our hand-selected crew attends to your every need, from remembering your favorite premium brand to suggesting the right wine at dinner. And with a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:7, service is unobtrusive but ever-present.
“Southward from the Peak: Hong Kong to Bora Bora by Private Jet” unites Asia’s diverse cultural gifts into one unforgettable voyage — and embodies more than 45 years’ experience combining luxury and adventure in the greatest places on earth.
The Abercrombie & Kent Difference
Fine Dining and Entertainment
Throughout your trip, you'll have many opportunities to experience unique local cultures and cuisines at their authentic best. Ring in 2009 with a gala New Year's Eve dinner in Hong Kong. Savor renowned culinary creations on board the Eastern & Oriental Express. Witness the grace and beauty of classical Apsara dancers during a poolside feast in Cambodia, or sample your destinations' finest restaurants. All meals are included as part of this unique style of travel made possible by the expertise of A&K's local offices … and 45 years of good relationships with the most interesting people and places on the planet.
Design Your DaySM Options
Experience the world in your own individual style with A&K's exclusive Design Your Day feature. In selected destinations, choose from an array of sightseeing excursions, sport, shopping and spa options, with many tempting alternatives. We'll handle the transportation, guides and anything else required. Visit the elephant training camp in Chiang Mai. Fly by helicopter over picturesque Ha Long Bay near Hanoi, or learn timehonored secrets from a group of master chefs in Hong Kong. Design Your Day ... your own way.
Privileged Access
A&K offers private, "by invitation" access to must-see sights and to hidden delights, revealing the personality of the cultures and ambience of the places we visit. In Cambodia, meet with a preservation specialist from the World Monuments Fund who explains their struggle to protect Angkor during two decades of civil unrest. Visit a private botanical garden in tropical Australia's rainforest - the home of the Carle family - for an interpretive garden tour. A&K's exclusive invitation-only events turn an already remarkable journey into an unforgettable one.
The Finest Accommodations
We've chosen the finest accommodations that best exemplify the spirit and style of each stop on your "Southward from the Peak" itinerary. Revel in the colonial grandeur and classical details of Hanoi's Metropole. Enjoy an early morning swim in the luxurious pool of the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. Pamper yourself at the gracious Oriental in Bangkok and in your over-water villa at the St. Regis in Bora Bora. Although each is unique in style and décor, all provide you with luxury and welcoming service.
The A&K Touch
We provide a thoughtful and useful array of travel gear to make your A&K Private Jet trip a cut above the rest. Set out on your journey with a convenient rolling cabin bag, attractive tote, backpack, neck pillow and hat. To enhance your enjoyment and understanding, a state-of-the-art audio system enables you to clearly hear your guide's commentary as you explore museums and sites at your own pace.
Suite upgrades and pre- and post-tour hotel nights can be confirmed at additional cost, subject to availability. Ask for details.
Your travel staff for Southward from the Peak: Hong Kong to Bora Bora by Private Jet December 27 - January 19, 2009:
Tour 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, 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, Helen Isaacs
Raised among the mountains of Wales, Helen is an experienced guidebook author and tour manager. Travel and languages are Helen's passions; she speaks fluent French, Italian and Welsh and leads several A&K trips each year.
Tour Manager, Michael Digby
An early passion for travel took English-born Michael to the U.S., Egypt and Central America. A twelve-year resident of Spain, he has been a popular leader of A&K Tailor Made trips for the last eight years. He also leads European educational tours and trekking groups throughout Spain.
An Abercrombie & Kent Luggage Manager accompanies you throughout the program, ensuring that 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
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| Call (800) 710-1008 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6587700 | | Abercrombie & Kent | | Offer valid through 12/12/2008 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | 1 | Seattle | Saturday, December 27, 2008
Arrive Seattle, Washington
Arrive in Seattle and transfer by private car to your hotel. Later, meet your fellow passengers and travel staff during a cocktail reception and gala dinner.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
| | 2 | Narita | Sunday - Monday, December 28-29
Seattle - Narita, Japan
Cross the International Dateline.
(Flight time: 3 hours, 35 minutes)
(Fuel stop en route)
(Flight time: 7 hours, 30 minutes)
Board your private jet and travel to Narita, Japan, arriving on Monday afternoon. Later, gather for cocktails and dinner.
Narita Hilton
| | 3 | Hong Kong | Tuesday, December 30
Narita - Hong Kong, China
(Flight time: 3 hours, 30 minutes)
Fly to Hong Kong this morning and transfer to your hotel. Your room overlooks Hong Kong Harbour. Stroll along the waterfront before evening cocktails.
Hotel InterContinental Hong Kong
| | 4 | Hong Kong | Wednesday, December 31
Hong Kong - New Year's Eve Celebration
Take a tram ride to Victoria Peak for spectacular views of Hong Kong and the New Territories. Then travel by motorized sampan to Aberdeen, where brightly decorated trawlers double as floating homes. Continue to Stanley Market for bargains on everything from traditional Chinese dress to antiques and arts and crafts. Break for lunch at the rooftop Top Deck restaurant. Later, celebrate New Year's Eve in style with cocktails on your private junk as you cruise around Victoria Harbour. A festive dinner at the exclusive China Club follows.
| | 5 | Hong Kong | Thursday, January 1, 2009
Hong Kong - Happy New Year
Ring in the New Year your way. Have a leisurely breakfast while enjoying the harbor view in your room, or explore the busy neighborhood on foot. This afternoon Design Your DaySM. Dine as you please this evening.
Hotel InterContinental Hong Kong
Design Your Day
Thursday, January 1
A Shopping Paradise
Browse top-of-the-line designer boutiques and Japanese-owned department stores. From allencompassing modern malls to open-air street markets, Hong Kong is nirvana for shoppers… and your shopping guide knows where to find it all, including a tasty lunch at the Boat House in Stanley.
Macau
Travel across the mouth of the Pearl River to the charming Portuguese-influenced city of Macau. Amble along the wide boulevards of the old city, hunting for antiques amid old temples and churches. After lunch at Club Militaire, stop briefly at the Wynn Macau casino. Return to Hong Kong by turbocat.
Architecture in the Central District
Stroll through Statue Square and the Central district, Hong Kong's main commercial and financial region. Observe the modern architecture and learn why the site of the Shanghai Bank building is known in feng shui as "a dragon's den."
Food for Thought
Experience the culinary pleasures of Hong Kong, a cuisine that is experimental, diverse and delicious. Put on your apron and get your hands into the fray as a group of master chefs divulge some of their time-honored secrets.
I-Spa
Take time off from sightseeing for a rejuvenating afternoon at the hotel's feng shui-inspired I-Spa. Choose from an array of pampering treatments such as massage, a facial or a body wrap. You may use the outdoor heated swimming pool, three temperature spa pools and fitness center before or after your appointment.
| | 6 | Hanoi | Friday, January 2
Hong Kong - Hanoi, Vietnam
(Flight time: 2 hours)
Along a coastline of more than 2,000 miles lies a patchwork of pristine beaches, stunning lagoons and brilliant green rice paddies tended from dawn to dusk by peasant women wearing the traditional nón lá (conical straw hat). Explore the Temple of Literature and go on a cyclo ride in the Old Quarter for lunch at a local restaurant. This evening watch a traditional water-puppet show and dine à la carte at the hotel.
Sofitel Metropole
| | 7 | Hanoi | Saturday, January 3
Hanoi - Hue - Hanoi
Journey to the charming town of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which for centuries symbolized the imperial majesty of past dynasties. Visit the Imperial Citadel, Tu Duc Mausoleum and Kai Dinh Mausoleum, then take a boat ride on the Perfume River. Stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, where the goddess and protector of the Champa Kingdom is worshipped. Later, dine at one of Hanoi's fine restaurants or at your hotel.
Sofitel Metropole
| | 8 | Hanoi | Sunday, January 4
Hanoi - Design Your DaySM
Engage your interests on an array of Design Your Day excursions. Explore picturesque Ha Long Bay by helicopter, learn the secrets of North Vietnamese cuisine with a cooking lesson or spend the day relaxing and rejuvenating at the hotel's spa. This evening, join Americanborn Art Director Suzanne Lecht, a leading authority on contemporary art in Vietnam, for cocktails and conversation at her Vietnam Art Gallery.
Sofitel Metropole
Design Your Day
Sunday, January 4
Helicopter to Ha Long Bay
A helicopter transports you to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam's most picturesque areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have ample time to enjoy the visual splendors of the bay during your cruise aboard a traditional boat.
Cooking Lesson with Anh Tuyet
Join Chef Pham Thi Anh Tuyet on a trip to Hang Be market to choose ingredients for the North Vietnamese dishes that you watch her prepare in her home. Then sample the results: morning glory salad, Hanoi spring roll and fish in banana leaf.
Metropole Spa
Spend your morning relaxing and rejuvenating at the hotel's spa. Perhaps begin with a beauty treatment or a massage to soothe tight muscles. After - or before - your spa treatment, take a dip in the outdoor pool, relax in the sauna or work out in the fitness center.
| | 9 | Siem Reap | Monday, January 5
Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap, Cambodia
(Flight time: 2 hours)
(Flight time : 30 minutes)
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, known to the world as Saigon. It is a bustling hub of activity in contrast to austere Hanoi. Visit Reunification Hall, the Historical Museum, the Catholic Cathedral and the huge Chinese district of Cho Lon. After lunch, re-board your jet for the short flight to Siem Reap. Dine at your leisure in the hotel.
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
| | 10 | Siem Reap | Tuesday, January 6
Siem Reap
The great ruined cities of Angkor stand in testimony to the awesome power of the Khmer Empire. Built between the ninth and 15th centuries AD, this UNESCO protected complex of temples, palaces and terraces is an architectural masterpiece. Explore Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, the Bayon, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King in the company of an expert local guide. Glimpse everyday life when you stop at a nearby village. A translator is on hand for questions and answers. Later, travel to Ta Prohm, wildly overgrown with strangler figs and silk-cotton trees and untouched since its "discovery" in 1860. Continue to Preah Khan, where a preservation specialist from the World Monuments Fund provides fascinating commentary on the struggle to protect Angkor during two decades of civil unrest. Your final stop is at a rehabilitation center for the victims of land mines. Tonight, dine at your hotel or at a restaurant in another nearby hotel.
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
| | 11 | Siem Reap | Wednesday, January 7
Design Your DaySM in Siem Reap
Design Your Day today. Rejoin the group for cocktails this evening and meet Nhean Samban for his personal account of Cambodia's recent history. Later, pause for a lavish poolside dinner and a graceful, classical Apsara dance performance.
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
Design Your Day
Wednesday, January 7
Cambodian Countryside
Visit a local agricultural community to meet farmers in their fields and learn about their work. This region is also home to the Khmer temples of Banteay Srei and Sulous, renowned for their pink sandstone carvings.
Helicopter to Beng Mealea
Fly over the lush Cambodian countryside to Beng Mealea Temple, abandoned for more than 800 years. This is a priceless photographic opportunity as you wander amid the wildflowers and butterflies that are the only inhabitants of the complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Phnom Penh
Board a scheduled-air flight to Cambodia's capital. Explore Phnom Penh, a city with a rich but violent past. Tour the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and Tuol Sleng, a Khmer Rouge detention center outside the city. Shop with the locals at the colorful Russian Market and enjoy a pedicab ride before lunch at Raffles Le Royal Hotel.
Spa at the Grand
Spend the morning at your hotel's Amrita Spa. Available treatments include massage, body scrubs, aromatherapy and thalasso therapy. You may also swim in the lap pool, play a game of tennis or stroll through the hotel's gardens.
| | 12 | Eastern & Orient Express | Thursday, January 8
Siem Reap - Singapore
Eastern & Oriental Express
(Flight time: 1 hour, 55 minutes)
Fly to Singapore to board the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express train in time for afternoon tea. Gaze out the window as the train crosses to Malaysia via the causeway of the Straits of Johor. After dinner in one of the opulent dining cars, spend a relaxing evening in the Bar Car in the company of the resident pianist. The E&O Express stops at Kuala Lumpur's magnificent Moorish-style station where you may disembark for a stroll.
Eastern & Oriental Express
| | 13 | Eastern & Oriental Express | Friday, January 9
Eastern & Oriental Express
Explore Penang's colonial Georgetown, including Fort Cornwallis. See some of the city's oldest residences, the traditional Guide and guest at Wat Pho Temple, Bangkok View from the Eastern & Oriental Express over-water stilt houses along Weld Quay. Visit a Chinese clan house before riding a trishaw through the colorful narrow streets, then take a short ferry back to Butterworth. Lunch is on board the train as it crosses into Thailand. Watch the changing scenery from the Observation Car's open deck or relax in the Saloon Car. Dinner is served in the opulent Dining Car.
Eastern & Oriental Express
| | 14 | Bangkok | Saturday, January 10
Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Stop to visit the site of the infamous bridge described in Pierre Boulle's novel and subsequent film Bridge over the River Kwai, then cruise along the Kwai Yoi and Kwai Noi Rivers on a traditional floating barge. Disembark for a short visit to Chung Kai cemetery, honoring World War II soldiers. Go by coach past sugar cane fields and rejoin the train at Kanchanaburi main station. Later this afternoon the E&O Express arrives in Bangkok, a city whose temples are redolent with the serene images of Buddha and Bodhisattva and whose streets are alive with flower, fruit and vegetable stalls. Dinner is à la carte at your hotel.
The Oriental Bangkok
| | 15 | Bangkok | Sunday, January 11
Bangkok
Begin your day at the Grand Palace, a beautiful example of an ancient Siamese court. Then visit the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaeo), Thailand's most important and sacred wat. The country's most venerated image, the Emerald Buddha, is housed inside. Interior walls are painted with frescoes and murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. Continue to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok and home to the country's leading school of Thai massage. Sit down to a Thai feast on the terrace of Supatra River House restaurant, the former residence of Khunying Supatra, a business woman and advocate of women's rights.
Meet Supatra's daughter, who discusses her mother's humanitarian contributions and the history of the house. Continue by long-tailed boat along the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok's famous klongs (canals) for a glimpse of the still-active waterborne life of "the Venice of the East." Tonight, dine à la carte at your hotel or at a fine local restaurant.
The Oriental Bangkok
| | 16 | Bangkok | Monday, January 12
Bangkok - Design Your DaySM
Explore another facet of Thailand's culture when you choose your day's activity. Rejoin the group later this evening for dinner at one of the most interesting private homes in Bangkok.
The Oriental Bangkok
Design Your Day
Monday, January 12
Elephant Experience
Fly to Chiang Mai and the elephant training camp at Chiang Dao to watch a demonstration of their strength and clever teamwork. Afterward, you have a brief opportunity to ride an elephant before sitting down to a private lunch at the camp.
The Ruins of Ayuthaya
Visit Ayuthaya, the former capital of Thailand, and see the surviving ruins of palaces and temples topped by headless Buddhas - reminders of the glory of what was once the most magnificent city in the Orient.
Silk Museum and Shopping
Legendary American architect-entrepreneur Jim Thompson, who settled in Thailand after World War II, almost single-handedly revived its moribund silk industry. Explore a small private museum filled with his priceless collection of Asian antiques, pottery, and curiosities. Then visit the silk shop that stocks some of the best quality silk products available. Continue shopping with your private guide in Bangkok.
The Oriental Spa
Enjoy treatments that merge ancient and modern techniques from around the world, utilizing pure essential oils and herbs. The spa offers massage, body treatments, facials and finishing touches.
| | 17 | Cairns | Tuesday, January 13
Bangkok - Cairns, Australia - Port Douglas
(Flight time: 7 hours, 30 minutes)
Arrive in Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas, the closest town to the Great Barrier Reef. Your hotel is surrounded by natural lush, tropical flora and unspoiled beaches. Sea Temple Resort & Spa Elephant training center at Chiang Dao.
Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Port Douglas
| | 18 | Port Douglas | Wednesday, January 14
Port Douglas
The 1,250-mile-long Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest single living organism. Separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon, it forms a natural breakwater for Australia's Queensland coast. Cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef aboard a catamaran.
After lunch there's time to sunbathe, view the incredible coral canyon or snorkel. Later, return to your hotel for dinner at an A&K-recommended restaurant.
| | 19 | Port Douglas | Thursday, January 15
Design Your DaySM around Port Douglas
You have time to relax and enjoy the resort's amenities or choose a Design Your Day option. This evening, experience an unforgettable tropical dinner in the rainforest.
Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Design Your Day
Thursday, January 15
World Heritage Parks
Explore Cape Tribulation National Park, a rich mosaic of diverse ecosystems that includes coastal mangroves, swamps, lowland and upland rainforests and mountaintop heartlands. Also visit Daintree National Park, home to rarely seen marsupials, such as the tree climbing and musky rat kangaroos.
Botanical Ark
Visit a private botanical garden in Australia's tropical rainforest, the home of Alan and Susan Carle. Learn about the link that exists between rainforest plants and indigenous cultures.
Sea Temple Spa
Escape and stimulate all your senses in your hotel's day spa, which features Elemis spa products and traditional therapies from around the world.
| | 19 | Papeete | Thursday, January 15
Arrive Papeete
Arrive Thursday evening in Tahiti’s capital, Papeete (“water in a basket”). After completing arrival procedures, transfer to your hotel located on a 30-acre tropical garden site.
InterContinental Tahiti
| | 20 | Bora Bora | Friday, January 16
Papeete - Bora Bora
(Local flight time: 50 minutes)
Explore the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands. 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's airport on Motu Mute, a small islet on the coral reef that frames the principal island. From there cruise by yacht to your resort. While your private room butler helps you settle in to your over-water villa, look through viewing panels in the floor to observe brilliantly colored tropical fish swimming beneath. A cocktail party on the beach is followed by a black pearl fashion show. Dine tonight Over-water villas, St. Regis Resort at any of the hotel's restaurants or offproperty at Bloody Mary's Kaina Hut or Top Dive.
St. Regis Resort Bora Bora
| | 21 | Bora Bora | Saturday, January 17
Bora Bora - Design Your DaySM
Design Your Day as you like. Tonight attend a private, traditional Fire Dance and Polynesian feast on the beach and a showing of South Pacific during after-dinner drinks.
St. Regis Resort Bora Bora
Design Your Day
Saturday, January 17
Catamaran Lagoon Cruise
Cruise the island's lagoon with stops for ray feeding, shark watching and snorkeling, followed by a barbecue lunch. Meet the Imamas who teach you how to tie a pareo (sarong); learn the basics of Polynesian Tamure dancing and how to weave palm-leaf plates.
Four-Wheel Drive Safari Adventure
Explore Bora Bora by four-wheel-drive vehicle and gaze at the beautiful panorama of the valleys, the barrier reef and colorful lagoon. Conclude your excursion at Pahau Point, where American troops installed cannons during World War II.
Lagoon or Deep Sea Fishing
Many species of large game fish are at home in the deep waters outside the reef. Fish the deep sea for swordfish, bonito, yellow fin tuna, barracuda, mahi-mahi, wahoo or even marlin. Catch smaller fish with a rod and reel in the calmer waters inside the lagoon.
Miri Miri Spa
Relax 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 Tahitian or Pacific Rim treatments such as Polynesian Taurumi massage, a hibiscus milk facial or Tamanu green balm sunburn relief wrap.
| | 22 | Los Angeles | Sunday, January 18
(Local flight time: 50 minutes)
(Flight time: 5 hours, 15 minutes)
(Fuel stop and u.s. arival procedures in honolulu)
(Flight time: 6 hours, 05 minutes)
After breakfast, return via boat and local aircraft to Papeete, where you rejoin your private jet and crew. Arrive in Los Angeles in the late evening after an interim stop in Hawaii. Transfer to your airport hotel.
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
| | 23 | Los Angeles | Monday, January 19
Return to the airport for your commercial flight home or stay in Los Angeles for a few post-tour nights at additional cost. |
| | | | Archaeology | Architecture | | 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: $9,915
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. |
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