You may have done some island hopping in your time. Now get ready for an entirely new dimension. Let us introduce you to islands as cultural icons . . . as historic treasures . . . as natural laboratories where life reinvents itself on a new stage, paints itself with a new palette. Open your senses to sunrise over Easter Island’s mysterious moai . . . to snorkeling in the clear waters of the Galápagos. . . to sharing your terrace view with the friendly lemurs of Madagascar. Imagine yourself on the pristine beaches of the Seychelles … in the lush rainforests of Tasmania . . . wandering among ancient castles in Malta. Diving. Hiking. Relaxing. Exploring.

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.

World Heritage Sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited on Around the World Islands 2009

UNESCO World Heritage sites are places of extraordinary and universal cultural and/or natural value that have been chosen for special protection from damage and destruction. When a site is selected by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, it is inscribed onto the official World Heritage Site List and receives ongoing aid and technical support from the World Heritage Fund.

Accommodations
Hotels featured on Around the World 2009 - Islands

United States
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Florida
Each guest room in this lavish new resort features a spacious and elegant bathroom, hand painted Italian furniture, flat-screen Web TV and a five-foot private balcony with panoramic views of lakes, pool and gardens. Public areas are richly treated in marble, antiques, fresh flowers and plush fabrics. The grounds include a 40,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, and an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course.

Ecuador
M/V Galápagos Explorer II private ship, Galápagos Islands
The M/V Galápagos Explorer II is among the most luxurious and environmentally responsible ships licensed to explore the delicate ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands. This deluxe vessel, nearly 300 feet long, pampers passengers in 53 outside suites. Each suite has air conditioning, large windows or portholes, marble bath, TV/VCR, large closet, vanity dresser, mini-bar and satellite communication. The ship features a spacious dining room, piano bar, library, elevator and boutique. Onboard recreational facilities include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, solarium with gymnasium and game room. The ship follows strict guidelines to minimize environmental impact on the islands; only biodegradable cleaning products are used, all waste is processed safely and water is desalinated onboard by reverse osmosis. Six onboard naturalist guides lead daily shore excursions, offer nightly briefings and monitor physical and biological process of the islands from the Naturalist Room.

Chile
Hanga Roa Hotel, Easter Island
The Hanga Roa enjoys an enviable seaside location, and its tiled bungalow rooms are the best-appointed on Easter Island. The dining room serves mostly fish fresh from the ocean beyond its window-walls. The grounds include a pool on the hotel lawn.

OR

Taha Tai Hotel, Easter Island
This modern, comfortable hotel opened in 2000. The guest rooms offer basic amenities and terraces. The Taha Tai, which features a pool and seafood restaurant with sweeping ocean views, is conveniently located within walking distance of the museum and handicrafts market.

Tonga
International Dateline Hotel, Nuku’alofa
Facing the ocean and just a short stroll from town, the International Dateline Hotel offers basic accommodations. Guest rooms have air conditioning, tiled floors, private bathrooms, televisions, and refrigerators. The hotel features Western and Asian restaurants, as well as a large swimming pool.

New Zealand
Millennium Hotel, Christchurch
Situated in one of the most desirable locations in the city, the Millennium Hotel faces Cathedral Square. Common areas are clean-lined and contemporary, and guest rooms feature marble baths, light wood furnishings, and soothing linens. Guests have access to a gym and sauna.

Australia
Freycinet Lodge, Freycinet National Park (Tasmania)
Within the boundary of the National Park, Freycinet Lodge is sensitively sited amid woodlands on Oyster Bay. The large central lodge features a log fireplace, game room, and excellent restaurant. Sixty simple, warm guest cabins are designed with huge windows, private balconies, large baths – and without the intrusion of telephones or television.

OR

The Henry Jones, Hobart (Tasmania)
This beautiful hotel was converted from original cannery warehouses lining the harbor, and uses the original exposed beams and unfinished sandstone walls to artistic effect. All rooms feature high quality original art, most of which is for sale. Guest rooms include king beds and large, translucent glass bathrooms. Staff is very professional and friendly.

Brunei
The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Bandar Seri Begawan
This luxurious beachfront resort overlooks the South China Sea. Luxurious guest rooms have a private balcony with panoramic views, and spacious marble-clad bath and walk-in shower. Recreational facilities include eight pools, championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, spa, state-of-the-art gym, cinema, numerous water sports, billiards, bowling, and courts for tennis, squash, and badminton.

Madagascar
Antananarivo: Carlton Hotel
One of the finest hotel properties in the city, the Hilton overlooks Lake Anosy. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and feature warm colors with Malagasy accents. Each room has a view of Lake Anosy or the outdoor pool – Tana’s largest. Leisure facilities also include tennis and a fitness club with whirlpool, sauna, massage and Turkish bath.

AND

Anjajavy-l’Hôtel
Built on a peninsula over a wide bay and backed by more than 1,000 acres of nature reserve, this resort blends into its beautiful surroundings. Each of the solid rosewood, palm-roofed villas has a large patio overlooking the sea. The Oasis, a garden designed by a famous Parisian landscaper, features a wide variety of Malagasy plants and animals.

OR

Vakona Forest Lodge, Périnet
Accommodations at the Vakona Lodge consist of comfortable bungalows with mini bar and en suite bathroom with hot water. The lounge/game and open restaurant are built around a fireplace. Board games, snooker table, swimming pool, horse riding and table tennis are available.

Seychelles
Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, Sainte Anne Private Island
Just 10 minutes by boat from Mahé, this all-villa resort is set on a 500-acre private island, surrounded by one of the largest marine parks in the Indian Ocean. All villas face the beach and feature luxuriously furnished terraces and private manicured gardens, and palatial bathrooms with indoor and outdoor shower. On site are two restaurants and state-of-the-art spa and fitness center.

Malta
Westin Dragonara Hotel, Valletta
Malta's most elaborate hotel sits on a peninsula next to shopping, casino and entertainment areas. Guest rooms are well equipped with white oak furniture, large tiled baths and balconies with sea views. A vast fitness center with pool and spa as well as outdoor tennis courts, water sports and an outdoor heated pool provide recreation.

United Kingdom
The Dorchester, London
With views across Hyde Park, this grand 1931 hotel blends old-world style with 21st-century comforts. Guest rooms are richly furnished and accented with paneling, thick carpeting, and polished woods. Immense marbled baths include deep tubs and walk-in showers. The elaborate health club offers an excellent gym, health and beauty treatments, saunas, tanning beds, and whirlpools.

Price of the Expedition Includes

• All hotel accommodations, meals, group transportation, excursions and other group activities from arrival in Orlando on March 13, 2009, through departure from London following breakfast on April 5, 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

• Airfare and taxes from home cities to Orlando 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.