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Around the World by Private Jet
February 26-March 21, 2009
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An Exploration of the World's Greatest Treasures
and Legendary Places
Cusco & Machu Picchu, Peru · Easter Island, Chile
Apia, Samoa · Great Barrier Reef, Australia · Angkor Wat,
Cambodia
Lhasa, Tibet · Taj Mahal, India · Tanzania Safari
Adventure
Luxor, the Pyramids & the Sphinx, Egypt OR
Petra, Jordan
Fez, Morocco
Explore the world's most treasured and legendary places — places that have defined the human experience, where natural splendor merges with the majesty of human achievement.
Climb the terraced steps and touch the seamless walls of the ancient Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. Feel the protective gaze of the Easter Island moai statues. Bask in the radiant beauty of lush tropical Samoa. Immerse yourself in the underwater splendor of the Great Barrier Reef. Welcome the sun among Angkor Wat's astoundingly beautiful temples and watch it set amid Africa's greatest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania. Take in awe-inspiring views of the Himalaya from Lhasa's Potala Palace. Stand enthralled before the majesty of the Taj Mahal. Come face-to-face with the mysterious Sphinx in the company of the ancient Pyramids. Savor the exotic scents of spices and foods in the souks of Fez. And everywhere be amazed by the natural and cultural wonders that have for ages inspired and captured the imagination of the world.
Travel by private jet with a team of world-class scholars and professional staff for a level of service, comfort and convenience that makes Around the World by Private Jet a truly extraordinary journey. Join us.
Highlights
- Peru's Spanish-Colonial Cusco & The Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu
- Mysterious Moai Statues of Easter Island
- Polynesian Island Paradise of Samoa
- Unusual Marine Life of The Great Barrier Reef in Australia
- Cambodia's Angkor Wat Temple Complex
- Tibet's Most Sacred Buddhist Temple & The Potala Palace
- India's Enduring Mogul Masterpiece — The Taj Mahal
- Safari Adventure in Tanzania's Serengeti Plain
- Luxor, The Pyramids & The Sphinx in Egypt
or
- The Lost City of The Nabataeans at Petra, Jordan
- The Medieval Imperial City of Fez in Morocco
The Finest Accommodations & Cuisine
From Cambodia's historic Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor to the splendid Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, India, the world's finest and most interesting accommodations are reserved for travelers on this expedition. Each property is carefully selected for its amenities and prime location. In remote areas where choices are limited, we stay at the very best available accommodations to ensure your comfort. We have also arranged festive banquets accompanied by traditional entertainment at many of these properties.
Travel by Private Jet
Our specially-outfitted Boeing 757 is ideally suited for this around-the-world expedition. Its long-range capabilities and ability to land in smaller airports afford us unmatched flexibility. We set our own schedules, flying direct and avoiding layovers, allowing us the freedom to make the most of our adventures on land. The interior has been customized and refitted to our specifications to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience, accommodating just 88 travelers in 2x2 VIP-style seats, instead of the standard 228. To get to some of the more remote, hard-to-reach destinations on this expedition, we also fly on local aircraft..
Expedition Staff and Crew
Our talented expedition staff is a team of experienced travel experts who look forward to accompanying you throughout the journey. These highly skilled professionals attend to the expedition's every logistical detail, ensuring that your experience is worry-free and thoroughly positive. Also, a dedicated flight crew is specially selected for this expedition, chosen for their topnotch hospitality and keen attention to detail, safety, and security.
Expedition Physician
For your comfort and well-being, an expedition physician accompanies us throughout the journey. Well-traveled and especially knowledgeable in travel medicine, the physician will be ready to provide healthcare services whenever and wherever they may be needed.
Expedition Chef
We travel with our own expedition chef who creates delicious meals inspired by the various places we visit. Taking advantage of the best and freshest local ingredients, our chef prepares dishes in local hotels or airport kitchens just before takeoff, and serves them onboard in style with a selection of wines.
Learn While You Explore
Enrichment is the key to rewarding exploration. Travel with world-class experts, chosen for their ability to illuminate the history of empires, the varied cultures we encounter, and the outstanding examples of art and architecture we visit. While on the jet, we make use of an in-flight media system for lectures and discussions. In addition, you may enjoy destination-specific DVDs, books, and other publications from the jet's library.
Dr. Ian Tattersall is Curator in the Division of Anthropology of the American Museum of Natural History and lectures on many educational expeditions throughout the world. He was raised in East Africa, trained in archaeology and anthropology at Cambridge, and in geology and vertebrate paleontology at Yale. Dr. Tattersall has conducted research in the diverse fields of evolutionary theory, the human fossil record, and the origins of human cognition and has participated in field studies of primate ecology and behavior in both the Old and the New Worlds. His fieldwork has taken him to the varied countries of Madagascar, Vietnam, Suriname, Yemen, and Mauritius. He has authored many books both for specialist and general audiences and curated several popular exhibits including the Hall of Human Origins at the American Museum of Natural History.
Wayne C. Thompson, Ph.D., avid world traveler, teaches international politics with a specialty in European politics at Washington and Lee University. He has served as a Fulbright professor in Estonia and at the College of Europe, and has held visiting professorships in Germany, Bulgaria, Poland, and Belgium. Professor Thompson completed advanced graduate studies at the universities of Gottingen, Paris/Sorbonne and Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany, where he was honored with an Alexander von Humbolt Fellowship. Professor Thompson has also authored several history books and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Stryker-Post Publications, which produces the annually updated The World Today Series.
A University of Illinois faculty member will also be joining this expedition.
Follow Your Passion with a Flexible Itinerary
The possibilities are endless, the experience—matchless.
Enjoy the advantages of traveling on your own, while reaping the benefits of traveling with a group. Fly together with like-minded travelers in the comfort of a VIP-configured jet. Then, after we land and break up into smaller groups, enjoy an intimate and in-depth exploration of the best that each destination has to offer. But this is only the beginning. Travelers on this expedition may go beyond the main itinerary, enjoying many excursions of their choice along the way. Whether you want to tour local art galleries, visit a school, or hike off the beaten path, we will ensure that your travels are thoroughly rewarding and tailored for you. These options are available at no extra charge; however, they are designed for small groups and so have limited spaces available. Spaces will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. The options described are a mere sampling of what's possible. If, for example, you prefer to visit a different stop entirely, we will look into an alternative destination. For more information and to discuss your ideal itinerary, please contact us.
Our innovative itinerary is only the beginning. Recognizing that our guests have a wide range of interests, we customize the excursions at each destination to fit your preferences. Whether you want to meet local artists, hike off the beaten path, see a different part of town, or explore a special museum on your own, we will ensure that your experience is tailored for you.
If you have previously visited any of these destinations, an alternate program may be available.
Price of the Expedition Includes:
- Deluxe or best available accommodations and all applicable taxes in the destinations and options.
- All meals beginning with dinner on February 26, 2009 and ending with breakfast on March 21, 2009 are included.
- All taxes; transportation; excursions; services of professional expedition staff, physician, and lecturers; amenities;
- $50,000 medical evacuation insurance for covered reasons;
- Bottled water at meals and all excursions; and
- Gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters, and waitstaff are included. Any tips or gratuities not specifically mentioned as included in the total charter tour price will be at your discretion.
Price of the Expedition Does Not Include:
- Airfare from your home city to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA to your home city;
- Individual airport transfers at beginning and end of trip;
- Optional accident/baggage/cancellation insurance;
- Passport and visa fees;
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, fax, and Internet charges;
- Liquor except aboard the private jet and during special events; and
- Medication costs of any kind.
Contact us at 800.710.1008 or 415.864.4581
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| Call (800) 710-1008 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7313356 | | Starquest Expeditions | | Offer valid through 2/26/2009 | | | | Difficulty Level - Moderate |
| | Day | Destination | Description | | 1 | Fort Lauderdale | Thursday, February 26, 2009
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Depart your hometown independently on a commercial flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Meet your fellow travelers and the expedition staff during a welcome dinner at our fine hotel. Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa, Hallandale
| | 2-4 | Lima | Friday, Saturday & Sunday, February 27, 28 & March 1
Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu, Peru
Fly to Lima and enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, and an exclusive tour of the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian arts. The following day, transfer to Cusco and see the historic district’s stately mansions, arcades, and beautiful cathedral surrounding the grand Plaza de Armas. The next day, travel by train through the spectacularly scenic Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu. Explore its terraced gardens and examine the artfully-cut stone Sun Temple. Swissôtel, Lima; and Hotel Monasterio, Cusco
Options: Travelers may shop Cusco’s colorful markets where local artisans and craftspeople showcase their fine wares, including colorful textiles, for which the Peruvians are renowned. Or, head to Sacsayhuaman, which overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco. This imposing site, built of massive stones, is where the greatest battle between the Spanish and Incas took place.
Alternate: Travelers who wish to avoid the high altitude may transfer to Chiclayo on arrival in Lima. Marvel at the wealth of discoveries unearthed from the tomb of a Moche leader at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum in Lambayeque. Visit pre-Incan ruins in Trujillo, including the Moche people’s Huaca de la Luna; and Chan Chan, the ancient Chimú people’s grand citadel and the largest adobe city in the world. Gran Hotel Chiclayo; Libertador, Trujillo; and Swissôtel, Lima
| | 5-6 | Easter Island | Monday & Tuesday, March 2 & 3
Easter Island, Chile
Flying more than 2,300 miles westward across the Pacific Ocean, we land in Easter Island’s only town, Hanga Roa. Explore many parts of this island -- a UNESCO World Heritage site -- with local archaeologist, Edmundo Edwards, who will reveal the stories behind the moai, ceremonial centers, petroglyphs, and lava formations. In the evening, marvel at the awardwinning Kari Kari Rapanui Ethnic Ballet dancers who will perform lively and sensual authentic dances and songs at a festive dinner. Hanga Roa Hotel, Iorana Hotel, and Taha Tai Hotel, Easter Island
Options: In Easter Island, go horseback riding, hike the grassy hills, or explore additional archaeological sites with our guides.
| | 7 | Apia | Wednesday, March 4
Apia, Samoa, Polynesia
Experience the relaxing atmosphere of Samoa -- a land that enchanted Robert Louis Stevenson who called it home and wrote of the “sense of seduction” inspired by this unique habitat where some of the world’s most vivid natural colors can be found. Brilliant shades of turquoise, pink, orange, and purple color the creatures of Samoa such as the Freckled Anglerfish and Purple Swamphen. On Upolu Island, Samoa, we’ll be treated to an umu feast, similar to a luau-style underground oven, and a fia fia, a colorful performance of traditional Samoan dance and song. Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Beach Resort & Spa, Samoa
Option: If you wish, you may visit Vailima, Robert Louis Stevenson’s lovely plantation-style estate and his last home, now a museum restored to show the lavish comfort he and his wife Fanny enjoyed.
| | 8 | International Date Line | Thursday, March 5
Cross the International Date Line
From Polynesia we continue our voyage westward, crossing the International Date Line. We lose a day en route and arrive in Australia the following afternoon.
| | 9-10 | Great Barrier Reef | Friday & Saturday, March 6 & 7
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
We land in Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas, a charming resort town on the shores of the South Pacific Ocean. From here, venture out to the pristine northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, where the fish and coral are the most colorful and diverse. Immerse yourself in the underwater splendor of this area by snorkeling or riding a semi-submersible vessel with an observatory. Look for schools of triggerfish, unicornfish, potato cod, and sea turtles amongst the rainbow-colored corals. Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Port Douglas
Options: Instead of exploring the Great Barrier Reef, you may cruise the Daintree River to discover the flora and fauna of the world’s oldest rainforest -- approximately 90 million years older than the Amazon Rainforest. Take a Dreamtime walk with an Aboriginal guide of the Kuku Yalanji tribe to learn about his peoples’ legends and special relationship with this unique tropical environment. Visit the Botanical Ark -- a sanctuary of rare plants, some of which are already extinct in their native habitats. Here, savor a fine lunch made of produce from the Ark’s garden. Or enjoy golf or beach activities at our luxury resort.
| | 11-12 | Angkor | Sunday & Monday, March 8 & 9
Angkor, Cambodia
Fly by private jet to Siem Reap, our base for exploring Angkor, the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire. Visit the stunning Angkor Wat temple complex, and survey its massive towers, carved murals, colonnades, and courtyards that exemplify classic Khmer architecture. Then see Angkor Thom, which features the famous Bayon Temples and the Terrace of the Elephants; and Ta Prohm, which has been largely left as it was found, still engulfed by thick banyan trees. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous spread of the local cuisine. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap
Options: If you wish to photograph Angkor Wat’s beautiful buildings in changing light, optional sunset and sunrise excursions are available. In addition to Angkor Wat, you may choose to visit Preah Khan, whose grand monastery once housed nearly 15,000 monks, or shop the colorful markets of Siem Reap.
Alternates: Instead of exploring Angkor Wat, you may visit Banteay Srei, the Citadel of Women. This unusual pink sandstone temple is considered the “jewel” of Khmer art. Or travelers can take a day excursion to Phnom Penh to see the National Museum, School of Fine Arts, Royal Palace, The Killing Fields, and Tuol Sleng Museum.
| | 13 | Chengdu | Tuesday, March 10
Chengdu, China
Today, we board our private jet and arrive in Chengdu, China, where we enjoy dinner and a night’s rest, before continuing on to Tibet. If you wish, go on an excursion to see the area’s giant pandas. Kempinski Hotel, Chengdu
| | 14-15 | Lhasa | Wednesday & Thursday, March 11 & 12
Lhasa, Tibet
On Wednesday morning, we take a local flight to Lhasa, Tibet. Visit Jokhang, Tibet’s oldest and most revered temple. Step through the sacred halls, where pilgrims spin age-old prayer wheels and chant ancient sutras among the butter lamps. Nearby, explore the Barkhor Market, offering a glimpse of everyday life and a chance to admire finely crafted ornaments, carvings, and block prints of holy scriptures. At the foot of Tatipu Hill in the northern outskirts of town, we may see monks in the debating courtyard of the 600-year-old Sera Monastery, continuing a long-held tradition that attests to the monastery’s deep scholastic roots. Then head to the Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and the center of Tibetan government for more than 300 years. Wander the palace’s labyrinthine corridors to countless rooms lavishly decorated with centuries of Buddhist artwork and artifacts. We then fly back to Chengdu, China, where we reboard our private jet and continue on to India. Bramaputra Grand Hotel, Lhasa
Please note: To help travelers adjust to Lhasa’s altitude of approximately 12,000 feet, we have scheduled a short rest upon arrival and some additional leisure time.
Options: You may also visit the Tibet Museum with its wonderful collection of folk art, Buddha statues, imperial jade seals, and Sanskrit and Tibetan scriptures. Or visit the seventh-century Tsang Khung Nunnery, a peaceful oasis in the middle of town.
Alternate: Instead of visiting Tibet, travelers may choose to go on a two-day tour of Xi’an, China. See the famous life-sized terra cotta warriors, the Ming Dynasty City Wall, the colorful Muslim Quarter, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Provincial Museum. Or simply stay in Chengdu where you can relax at our luxurious hotel or one of the city’s thousands of tea houses, visit the beautifully restored ancient Jinli Street, or spend more time with the giant pandas.
| | 16-17 | Agra | Friday & Saturday, March 13 & 14
The Taj Mahal, Agra, India
We board our private jet and fly to Agra, India, site of the famous Taj Mahal. Wander this enchanting work of art, which incorporates and expands on Persian, Hindu, and Islamic styles. Admire the Taj Mahal’s lovely form among the reflecting pools and gardens that surround it, and observe up-close the intricate ornamentation and inlaid precious stones. You can also enjoy your own private view of this grand tribute to love from your room at our marvelous hotel, a lavish oasis 660 yards away from the site. Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Alternates: Instead of visiting the Taj Mahal, travelers may choose to explore the Red Fort of Agra and the fairy-tale-like palaces within this imposing fortress. Or, travel to the former Mogul capital city of Fatehpur Sikri that Emperor Akbar built as a symbol of his power, or head to Sikandra to see his magnificent tomb.
| | 18-19 | Tanzania | Sunday & Monday, March 15 & 16
Tanzania Safari Adventure
Fly to Kilimanjaro and transfer to private local air for a short flight to the Serengeti National Park, site of the most complex and least disturbed ecosystem on Earth. Explore this naturalist’s and photographer’s paradise during a time of year known for the golden light in the late afternoon and striking sunsets.
Begin your safari from the moment you land in the bush with a game drive en route to your luxury camp or lodge. Later, venture deep into the savannah and be surrounded by the beauty of the land and the staggering concentration of animals that live here. The Serengeti Plain is home to Africa’s densest “big cat” predator populations (lions, cheetahs, and leopards). Wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, impala, and giraffe abound here, and although these animals are protected from human hunters, they may not be spared by the “big cats,” as we may witness while exploring this area. Enjoy the fine amenities and panoramic views from one of three of the Serengeti’s finest accommodations. Serengeti Migration Camp, Kirawara Camp, or Mbalageti Serengeti Lodge, Tanzania
| | 20-22 | Luxor or Petra | Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, March 17, 18 & 19
Luxor & Giza, Egypt or Petra, Jordan
Upon arrival, we visit Luxor Temple en route to our hotel. This temple’s grand entry is distinguished by enormous statues of Ramses II and a procession of small sphinxes. The next day, explore the great Hypostyle Hall and temples of Karnak, the largest ancient religious site in the world, described by ancient Egyptians as “the most perfect of places.” Sail the Nile River in traditional felucca boats, and then head to the Valley of the Kings and Queens. Here, visit Tutankhamun’s tomb, discovered nearly completely intact by Howard Carter in 1923; and the tomb of Hatshepsut, the longest reigning female Pharaoh and one of history’s greatest female leaders. Marvel at the Colossi of Agamemnon, two enormous statues and all that remains of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III -- one of Egypt’s most successful rulers and the man who commissioned many of the places we see in Luxor. In the evening, enjoy a special gala farewell dinner. Sonesta St. George Hotel (Luxor)
On Thursday morning, we board our private jet and fly to Cairo, then transfer to Gîza to visit the Pyramids -- including the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) -- and the Sphinx. We then continue on to Morocco.
Alternate: Instead of exploring Egypt, you may visit Petra, the Lost City of the Nabataeans. Hidden in Jordan’s deep canyons south of the Dead Sea, this remarkable site was founded more than 2,000 years ago, and consists of elaborate buildings and tombs carved from sheer rock walls. While here, spend a night at the Mövenpick Resort Petra.
| | 22-23 | Fez | Thursday (continued) & Friday, March 19 & 20
Fez, Morocco
After stopping in Gîza, Egypt, we reboard our private jet and continue to Fez, Morocco. Visit Fez-el-Bali, a colorful medina and the oldest part of town. Wander this UNESCO World Heritage site, a maze of narrow streets filled with fountains, restored medieval-period madrassas, and mosques, most notably the exquisite Kairouyine Mosque. Peruse the fine wares at the bustling souks and hidden fondouks, where Morocco’s traditional arts and crafts flourish. Observe tanners, silk dyers, brass workers and other skilled artisans who carry on with fascinating centuries-old traditions. Just west of the medina, at Fez el J’did, view the imposing gates of the Royal Palace covered with rich zellige tile work. Then head to the nearby hills to see the tombs of the Merinid sultans and the unforgettable panorama of Fez below. Enjoy a farewell cocktail party followed by a fine meal of traditional Moroccan delicacies. Palais Jamai Fes, Fez
| | 24 | Fort Lauderdale | Saturday, March 21
Morocco / Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Following breakfast, our jet carries us back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where you can connect with your regularly scheduled commercial flight home.
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| | | | | Archaeology | Anthropology | | History | |
| All prices are based on two persons sharing a room. All prices and fares
are quoted in U.S. dollars. Subject to availability and may change without notice.
Deposits may be paid via credit card, but final payment must be made by check or cash only. For your protection and peace of mind, all passenger payments are secured in a bank escrow account.
Single/Shared Accommodations: Some single rooms are available at extra cost on a firstcome, first-served basis. We will assist persons requesting a roommate. Participants will be notified if a suitable roommate is not available. In this case, the single rate will be charged.
Itinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff are subject to modification and change by Starquest Expeditions. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned; however, should unforeseen world events and conditions require our itinerary to be altered, we reserve the right to do so for the safety and best interest of the group. Starquest Expeditions reserves the right to cancel any trip because of inadequate
enrollment that makes the trip economically infeasible to operate. In such a case, a full refund of the expedition cost will be made. |
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