Down through history, legends were told of kings and czars, palatial rooms of gold and soaring monuments erected over decades by artisans. Now these legends come alive on an astonishing private jet expedition. Walk among surrealistic landscapes and within ancient city walls, following in the footsteps of people and stories that changed history. Surround yourself with stunning art and craftsmanship, from the walls of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage to the frescoed underground chapels of Cappadocia.

Private Jet Travel is Safe, Comfortable and Convenient

Our private Boeing 757 offers unmatched safety, long-range capabilities, access to smaller airports, and an interior customized for maximum comfort. Not limited by regular commercial routes or schedules, we fly direct, bypass busy airports and avoid layovers, crisscrossing continents and countries with ease. We enjoy special privileges, including expedited boarding, luggage handling, and Customs and Immigration formalities. Because we set our own schedules, we fly during the day, arriving refreshed and ready to explore.

NEW, Spacious Leather Seats Fit Like a Glove
We have reconfigured our Boeing 757 jetliner to accommodate just 74 guests in new VIP leather seats. Made with a patented, dense foam core, the seats automatically adjust to a wide range of body types and provide heightened comfort, flexibility and improved circulation. Each seat has an individual power source for laptops, digital cameras and other equipment. The cabin has 24 flat-screen monitors.

We Control the Quality and Safety of Our Transportation
The Boeing 757 is unsurpassed among today's jetliners for safety and has a 99 percent reliability rate for operating without mechanical delays. Our private jet is operated and maintained by First Choice Airways, founded in the United Kingdom in 1987. Carrying more than seven million passengers on more than 30,000 flights a year, First Choice Airways is one of the U.K.’s largest airlines and is consistently recognized for its high level of safety, performance and service.

First Choice Airways monitors access to the jet and baggage at all times. Every piece of luggage is screened and identified with a security tag and remains under the watchful eyes of our staff and security officers. Find out more about our safety and security program.

An Expedition Physician Travels With Us
An experienced expedition physician accompanies each journey and is on-call to passengers 24 hours a day.

An International Crew and Fine Create a First-Class Expedition Experience
Accompanying our journey is an experienced, international crew, including eight cabin attendants, three pilots, two engineers, an airport liaison officer, and two chefs. The flight crew remains with us throughout the trip. Experienced expedition leaders also accompany the group.

In-flight meals are graciously served on china and linen. Carefully chosen menus and wine lists accommodate a range of tastes. Dishes are prepared with the freshest ingredients and special emphasis is placed on food safety by our chef and catering assistant.

Seminars in the Sky Prepare Us for Adventures on Land
Our lecturers deliver in-flight presentations, using a public address system and conveniently placed overhead monitors. An on-board library of books and publications relating to each destination is available during flight.

Travel with superb lecturers and leaders.
Expert lecturers help create a rich context for your journey, increasing your awareness and knowledge of areas like art, history, geography and politics.

Professional expedition leaders take care of every detail, leaving you free to immerse yourself in every amazing destination.

Accommodations
Hotels featured on World Highlights 2 2009

United Kingdom
The Balmoral, Edinburgh
Beneath its landmark clock tower, liveried doormen welcome guests to this painstakingly restored luxury property. The hotel contains the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. Individually decorated guest rooms use fresh fabrics and polished custom furnishings, and Italian marble baths feature thick robes and deluxe toiletries. Relax at the spa with health and beauty treatments, or enjoy an indoor pool, gym, a new sauna and steam room.

Czech Republic
Four Seasons Hotel, Prague
This prestigious property encompasses three historic buildings. Elegant common areas feature glass art and other works by noted Czech artists. The fitness center includes top equipment, saunas, spa treatment rooms, and free refreshments. Guest rooms, furnished in sophisticated colors, have dressing areas, trademark beds and linens, and marble baths featuring deep soaking tubs, oversized towels, and verbena-scented Occitane toiletries.

OR

The Mandarin Oriental, Prague
A 14th-century Dominican abbey near Charles Bridge has been tastefully transformed into this award-winning luxury resort. Its numerous restaurants and lounges make elegant use of ancient architectural detail. Each guest room is unique and historical, with grand Baroque arches or Renaissance frescoes, and floors of original parquet or heated limestone. The outstanding spa, located in the abbey's former chapel, combines Asian bamboo and Renaissance brick illuminated by candlelight.

Estonia
Hotel Telegraaf, Tallinn
Named for the historic building it occupies, this luxury hotel in Old Town’s Latin Quarter was formerly the Tallinn Central Telegraph. Guest rooms are decorated with polished wood floors and clean lines. Recreational opportunities in the hotel include a spa, 10-meter swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna and steam bath.

Russia
Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg
This meticulously maintained relic of Russia’s imperial past occupies an 1824 building rich in palatial baroque architecture and opulent decor. Guest rooms come with striking burl furniture and tiled baths with heated floors. The well-equipped health club and its pool offer respite from indulgences in one of the many fine restaurants.

Turkey
Anatolian Houses Hotel, Cappadocia
Constructed within five different cave formations, the guest suites of this luxurious hotel feature original artwork, historical furnishings, unique bedcovers, fireplaces, whirlpool baths, handmade ceramic sinks, and rain showerheads. The hotel offers a spa and wellness center, arched indoor/outdoor swimming pool, hammam (Turkish steam bath), and sauna. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine from the fountain in the courtyard.

OR

Museum Hotel, Cappadocia
Guests approach this luxuriously restored property through a stately doorway reminiscent of the grand entrances to a caravanserai. Most guest rooms are buried deep in the earth, and include traditional cave-home features like glassed-over tandir ovens set into the floor. Historical artifacts are displayed throughout the property, and an on-site gallery exhibits regional artwork. The hotel boasts an infinity pool with breathtaking views, and an award-winning restaurant traditional pairing Cappadocian and European cuisine with local wines.

OR

Uchisar Kaya Hotel, Cappadocia
The rock-walled and cave rooms of this hotel include many modern amenities. Recreational facilities on the property include outdoor and indoor pools, Turkish bath, sauna, and Jacuzzi. The rooftop terrace serves meals overlooking beautiful valleys and Cappadocia’s distinctive "fairy chimneys." The hotel is conveniently located close to shops selling carpets, jewelry, antiques, and pottery.

Israel
King David Hotel, Jerusalem
The most famous hotel in the Middle East, the King David has hosted Mountbatten, Kennedy, Brandt, Nixon, Kissinger, Carter, Sadat and Mitterand. Constructed of pink sandstone, the hotel looms above serene gardens with a pool, tennis court, and gym on the grounds. Soaring common rooms retain their elegant Egyptian, Semitic, Assyrian, Greek, and art-deco motifs. Guest rooms feature many deluxe modern amenities.

Morocco
Sofitel Palais Jamai, Fez
This opulent 1879 property, once the palace of the Grand Vizier, towers above the medina inside the walls of the old city. Public rooms are distinguished by carved wood, elaborate plasterwork, mosaics and ornate painted ceilings. Guest rooms have richly painted furniture and handsome mosaic-tiled baths with full amenities.

Price of the Expedition Includes

• All hotel accommodations, meals, group transportation, excursions and other group activities from arrival in Edinburgh on April 18, 2009, through departure from London on April 30, 2009
  
• Airport transfers at beginning and end of trip
• Transportation by private jet (or other conveyance) according to the itinerary, including meals, beverages, wine, beer and liquor on board our private jet
• Complete program of special events and activities
• Enrichment program of lectures and presentations by a team of experts
• Professional expedition staff and physician to assist you throughout the trip
• Bottled water throughout the expedition
• Baggage handling abroad
• All gratuities
• Amenities package
• Comprehensive medical evacuation insurance.

Price of the Expedition Does Not Include

• Roundtrip airfare and taxes from home cities to Edinburgh and return from London (see airfare section below)
• Passport fees and visa charges
• Accident/baggage/cancellation insurance
• Personal expenses such as immunizations, laundry, telephone, fax charges, taxis
• Liquor except as noted above.

AIRFARE
Because travelers originate from a variety of home cities, airfares will vary. We are happy to reserve flights in the class of service you prefer, and to arrange for your airport transfers and pre- or post-trip hotel accommodations.

Expectation of Travelers
We consider this a fast-paced, strenuous program. Walking and climbing stairs are required to board and disembark the jet at most airports, to get around in hotels and to participate in many excursions. Riding in four-wheel-drive vehicles on rough terrain or unpaved paths can aggravate back conditions.

All members of the trip are expected to be in good mental and physical health.