|
|
Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya by Private Jet
|
|
 | | Copyright: Dan Kite |
Exploring Majestic Oases, Remote Outposts
& Ancient Trade Centers
Mali • Egypt • Jordan • India • Bhutan
March 21-April 3, 2010
14 Days / Limited to 78 Travelers
with optional Thailand Post-Tour
Visit the fabled lands where camel caravans crisscrossed for millennia, making a brisk trade in silk, ivory, gems, and precious metals. In Mali, fly to legendary Timbuktu and drink tea with the nomadic Tuaregs, or visit the ancient city of Djenné and marvel at the architecture and culture of the Bozo people. In Egypt, explore the monumental achievements of great pharaohs at Luxor and you may also fly deep into the Western Sahara to experience an ancient way of life at Siwa Oasis. In Jordan, step through the sacred halls of the great city built by the mysterious Nabataeans or venture to Wadi Rum, where the Bedouin have lived in peaceful isolation in a lunar-like valley since time immemorial. In India, marvel at the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal. And in Bhutan, delight in the spectacular sweep of this tiny kingdom in the Himalaya and discover a fascinating Buddhist culture that has changed very little over the ages.
Travel by Private Jet
An ideal way to reach these remote cultures, we fly on a Boeing 757 private jet with 2x2 VIP-style seating for only 78 travelers. We set our own schedules, avoid the hassles of commercial travel, and land in smaller airports closer to our destinations, to provide the ultimate in luxury, convenience, and safety.
Make a Difference in the World
By joining the Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya by Private Jet expedition, you will automatically support efforts to enhance the conditions of the places and peoples we visit—there is no further commitment necessary on your part. Our expedition will provide supplies to medical clinics and schools, as well as contribute funds for essential projects that many people depend on.
Follow Your Passion with a Flexible Itinerary
And throughout the journey, as you are whisked from one destination to the next by private jet, enjoy the ultimate in convenience, security, expertise, and service. Travel with world-renowned experts. Enjoy the finest local cuisine and traditional entertainment. Unwind in the regions' finest accommodations. And follow your passion with your choice of personalized excursions along the way: Whether you want to take a cooking class, visit a school, or hike off the beaten path, we will ensure that your travels are tailored for you.
Extend Your Journey to Other Lands, If You Wish
This expedition is one of three interconnected journeys, collectively named Hidden Corners Around the World. The other two journeys are Sacred Places of Asia and The Ancient Silk Road.
Lecturers
National Geographic photographer Bob Krist has shot several articles for National Geographic magazine and over thirty for National Geographic Traveler, where he is a contributing editor. His many assignments have taken him to all seven continents and have won awards in the Pictures of the Year, Communication Arts, and World Press Photo competitions. His latest book on travel photography, Travel Photography: Documenting the World's People and Places, was recently published in the Digital Masters series. Bob will be on hand to help you photograph the stunning scenery, vibrant cultures, and extraordinary wildlife we will encounter throughout the expedition.
Krist will join the following expeditions:
March 21-April 3, 2010 Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya by Private Jet expedition
April 5-19, 2010 Sacred Places of Asia by Private Jet expedition
April 20-May 4, 2010 The Ancient Silk Road by Private Jet expedition
Timothy Munzing is a family physician, Program Director for the Family Medicine Residency Program at Kaiser Permanente Orange County, and Clinical Professor in Family Medicine at the University of California, Irvine. He shares his insights into global health, based on his experiences promoting medical education and primary care worldwide.
Dr. Munzing will lecture on the following expedition:
March 21-April 3, 2010 Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya by Private Jet
Alexander B. Murphy is Councilor and Vice President of the American Geographical Society and Professor of Geography at the University of Oregon. He has traveled extensively in Russia, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas, and has been a popular lecturer on educational expeditions since 1991. An expert on political, cultural, historical, and environmental geography, he will share his insights into the human and physical forces that shape the places we visit.
Professor Murphy will lecture on the following expeditions:
March 21-April 3, 2010 Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya by Private Jet
April 5-19, 2010 Sacred Places of Asia by Private Jet
John Swanson is Assistant Provost for Special Academic Programs at The American University in Cairo, where he has taught for nearly thirty years, lecturing on Egyptian history, culture, and society. He also served as director of the university's Arabic language programs. He holds a Ph.D. in African history from Indiana University and has led many educational expeditions for the Smithsonian Institution.
Dr. Swanson will lecture on the following expedition:
March 21-April 3, 2010 Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya by Private Jet
Leaders
Eszter Foldvary began guiding and leading expeditions after graduating in 1978 from tourism school in Hungary. "I could not picture myself as a teacher…I like to work with people and am interested in travelling….I never wanted to do anything else in my life," says Eszter. She has led private jet journeys throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and many other places around the world. Eszter's vast experience, interest in the history of art, ability to speak multiple languages (Hungarian, English, French, and German), and excellent organizational skills serve our travelers very well.
Estzer will lead the following expeditions:
October 8-31, 2009 & February 5-26, 2010
Around the World by Private Jet
March 21-April 3, 2010
Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya by Private Jet
October 20-November 10, 2010
Legendary Cultures by Private Jet
For more information or to book your private jet vacation,
please contact us at 800.710.1008 or 415.864.4581.
|
| Call (800) 710-1008 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8668915 | | TCS & Starquest Expeditions | | Offer valid through 3/21/2010 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | 1 | London | London, U.K.
Sunday, March 21, 2010.
Meet fellow travelers and the expedition staff at a gala welcome dinner in London. Please note that most travelers from the U.S. will need to take an overnight flight departing March 20 in order to arrive in time for the expedition.
The Dorchester, London
| | 2-3 | Mali | Mopti & Djenné or Timbuktu, Mali
Monday & Tuesday, March 22 & 23.
Fly by private jet to Mopti, Mali. Located at the confluence of the Niger and Bani rivers, this busy port town was once the outpost of desert kings and continues to be a major gathering center of the region. Board a traditional flat-bottomed pinasse and cruise the Niger to see daily life on the river where Bambara, Fulani, and Bozo fishermen and merchants ply the waters in boats laden with fish, salt, and produce. Later, marvel at a “stilt dance” performed by colorfully-dressed Dogon dancers who move deftly on stilts up to 15 feet high.The next morning, visit Djenné, the oldest-known city in Sub-Saharan Africa and home to outstanding examples of old-world Muslim architecture. To this day, Djenné builders are revered as great artists and magicians. See the extraordinary Grand Mosque, the oldest and largest mud mosque in the world and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its beautiful symmetry, and stroll the city’s jumble of narrow streets shaded by traditional two-story, mud-brick homes. The Bozo people, or “masters of the river,” founded this remote African village along the Niger River in 250 B.C. To learn about the little-known culture of the Bozo people, visit a mud cloth studio for a demonstration and meet the artisans who dye and stitch traditional mud cloth.
Kanaga Hotel, Mopti
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following: Or, instead of visiting Djenné, take a private local flight to Timbuktu. Spend a day in this fabled city, which enjoyed its golden years under the Askia dynasty during the 15th century, and was a major stop along the prosperous trans-Saharan route and the Great Ink Road of Africa. Timbuktu’s medieval period mud-brick library is one of 120 that spanned West and East Africa, most of them now lost to the desert sands. Marvel at Timbuktu’s most famous edifice—the Dijinguereber Mosque—enjoy a Taureg dance performance at a desert camp, and if you wish, join them for a camel ride into the Sahara desert.
Kanaga Hotel, Mopti
Our expedition will provide supplies to the kindergarten at SOS Children’s Village Socoura near Mopti, where 150 impoverished and abandoned children receive an education. Our expedition will also support Le Ndomo, a workshop that is devoted to teaching young men and women centuries-old methods of creating Malian mud cloth.
| | 4-6 | Luxor | Luxor’s Egyptian Antiquities or The Siwa Oasis in the Sahara Desert, Egypt
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, March 24, 25 & 26.
Continue by private jet to Egypt and arrive in Luxor on the Nile River, where a treasure trove of monumental achievements has been admired the world over for thousands of years. Visit the Luxor Museum to view its stunning collection of statues, figures, bas-reliefs, and mummies. Sail on the Nile River in a felucca, a traditional sailboat, and spend time in the Valley of the Kings visiting the tombs of divine pharaohs, including King Tutankhamun. Stop at the majestic temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the longest-reigning female pharaoh and one of history’s great leaders. See the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous statues and all that remains of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III. Visit Medinet Habu, the best-preserved temple in the area, and gaze up at its colorful reliefs detailing the triumphs of Ramses III, considered the last great pharaoh. Marvel at the Great Hypostyle Hall and temples at Karnak, the largest ancient religious site in the world and once described by Egyptians as ‘the most perfect of places.’ And meet with a local Egyptologist who will share his insights into local treasures. In the evening, enjoy an unforgettable gala dinner at the Luxor Temple.
Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following:
Instead of spending a third night in Luxor and visiting Karnak, you may spend one at the Siwa Oasis, deep in the Egyptian Sahara at the edge of the Great Sand Sea. Home to the Berber Siwan people for thousands of years, the Siwa Oasis is a world apart, filled with numerous salt lakes, freshwater springs, ancient olive and palm groves, fantastic sandstone hills, Greek temple ruins, and ingenious dwellings made of mud, salt, and straw. Take a private local flight to the Oasis and unwind in a truly extraordinary ecolodge, which has hosted such luminaries as Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Built with traditional methods, this lodge has no electricity and is softly lit by candles and the starry desert sky. Then return to Luxor in time for our departure to Jordan. This excursion is limited to a small number of travelers.
Adrère Amellal, Siwa Oasis & Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
Our expedition will support Siwan women who create traditional dresses, scarves, tools, baskets, and silver jewelry, and who seek training in how to market their goods throughout Egypt and beyond. Also, supplies will be contributed to a local school.
| | 7-8 | Petra | The Lost City of Petra or Wadi Rum, Jordan
Saturday & Sunday, March 27 & 28.
Step back in time 2,000 years as you stroll through the enchanting Lost City of Petra. Half-built, half-carved into the rose-red rock of a mountain, Petra is undoubtedly one of the world’s most impressive archaeological achievements. Its builders, the Nabataeans, have long since vanished from this region, which is now home to the Bedouin, who have been nomadic herdsmen here for centuries. Step through the Siq, a dramatic opening in the bedrock that serves as the entry to Petra, and observe up-close the superb blending of Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture.
Mövenpick Hotel, Petra
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following:
Or, instead of Petra, visit the lunar-like landscapes of Wadi Rum and meet with Bedouins who live in this storied desert valley.
Our expedition will support the work of the Jordan River Foundation, established in 1995 by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan. The Foundation works to raise awareness of child abuse—a first for the Arab world—and empowers women through job training, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurialism.
| | 9-10 | Agra | The Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Monday & Tuesday, March 29 & 30.
Board our private jet and fly to Agra, India, site of the famous Taj Mahal. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this astoundingly beautiful monument in the 17th century as a tribute to the memory of his beloved second wife. 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 of inlaid precious stones.
Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following:
Instead of exploring the Taj Mahal, you may visit the first Mughal structure built entirely of marble—the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah; and visit Kachhpura, a village in Agra inhabited by the Harijan people, otherwise known as the “Untouchables.” Meet with families, visit a school, and learn about community projects such as the Mughal Heritage Trail, which connects many rarely visited monuments.
Our expedition will donate medical supplies to a health clinic in Kachhpura village in Agra.
| | 10-13 | Bhutan | The Kingdom of Bhutan
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, March 31, April 1 & 2.
Fly by private jet to Kathmandu, Nepal, to connect with our local flight to Bhutan. Along the way, see magnificent views of the mighty Mount Everest (weather permitting). Land in Paro, deep in a valley dotted with mountaintop Buddhist monasteries and gaily decorated fortresses, or dzongs. Visit the great Paro Dzong, home to a monastic community of 200, and visit the National Museum, housing a superb collection of textiles and classical thangka paintings depicting Buddhist cosmology. Witness a Buddhist prayer ceremony recited by monks at Choeding Temple, enjoy a picnic beside the Paro River, and visit with a Bhutanese family at their farmhouse. Then transfer to Thimphu for a day to see the Dechen Phodrang Monastery and the Memorial Chorten, and visit the Folk Heritage Museum, the Textile Museum, and the National Library. Schedule permitting, we will meet with the revered Mynak R. Tulku Rinpoche, a spiritual leader and professor emeritus of the National Library in Thimphu. Savor a sumptuous spread of local cuisine at a gala farewell dinner in Paro.
Zhiwa Ling and Uma Paro (Accommodation upgrades are available at the Amankora)
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following:
Instead of exploring Thimphu for a day, hearty travelers may hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched at more than 9,500 feet. It is one of the country’s most revered sites, named for the flying tigress that carried the Guru Rinpoche to this sacred site.
Our expedition will donate supplies to the Drukyel School for the Hearing-Impaired, where a newly developed sign language is used for lessons, and children receive guidance to help them integrate with the hearing world.
| | 14 | Homeward | Return Home or Extend Your Journey
Saturday, April 3.
Take a local flight back to Kathmandu to connect with our private jet and fly to Bangkok. Depart for home via an individual commercial flight on Saturday or, if you prefer, spend one complimentary night at the Peninsula Bangkok or a hotel near the airport and depart for home the next day. Or journey to other lands, if you wish.
|
| | | | Anthropology | Archaeology | | Architecture | Culinary | | History | |
| Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya (DC-10) March 21-April 3, 2010
Sacred Places of Asia (SP-10) April 5-19, 2010
The Ancient Silk Road (SR-10) April 20-May 4, 2010
Expedition Prices: DC-10: $34,950 per person, based on double occupancy ($4,950 single supplement). SP-10: $29,950 per person, based on double occupancy ($3,990 single supplement). SR-10: $29,950 per person, based on double occupancy ($3,990 single supplement). Travelers who go on more than one Hidden Corners Around the World by Private Jet expedition will save 5% off the total tour cost per person for the trips.
Thailand Post-Tour
Cost Per Person:
$5,900 (double occupancy)
$2,100 (single supplement)
Airfare: We are happy to assist you in reserving commercial flights from your home city to the first destination of the expedition and to your home city, from the last destination of the expedition, in the class of service that you prefer. We can also arrange pre- or post-trip hotel accommodations. Ask for details.
Reservations & Payments: To reserve your place on one of the Hidden Corners Around the World by Private Jet expeditions, complete the Reservation Form and return it with your deposit of $2,500 per person payable by check. Or charge your deposit to Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. If you pay your initial deposit by credit card, it is fully refundable until you sign the Reservation Form. The second payment of $15,000 per person and final payment are payable by check or wire transfer only, made out to a secure escrow account.
Leaving an expedition in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of an expedition. Starquest Expeditions reserves the right to cancel any expedition because of inadequate enrollment
that makes the expedition economically unfeasible to operate. If Starquest Expeditions cancels an expedition prior to departure, you will receive a full refund of monies paid. Any airline tickets issued are subject to the carrier's refund policy. We will not be responsible for any refund for nonrefundable airline tickets, or for any airline tickets purchased by the traveler directly from an airline or travel agent. We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you upon registration.
Insurance: Trip cancellation, health, and accident insurance are available for purchase; we will send you more information upon registration. These important protections can save you money if you are forced to cancel or alter your trip. Insurance premium payments are subject to the policies of the insurance carrier and are generally not refundable.
Single/Shared Accommodations & Suite Upgrades: A limited number of single rooms are available at an extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis. We will do everything possible to assist persons requesting a roommate. If one is not confirmed, the single rate will be charged. Suite rooms are available in some destinations; more information about them, including their extra costs, will be sent to you approximately four months before departure.
Itinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff presented in this brochure are subject to modification and change by Starquest Expeditions. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the expeditions 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.
Health Requirements: This is an active program, which requires you to make a realistic assessment of your health. Prior to traveling, we recommend that you visit your personal physician for a check-up, so that you may discuss your ability to participate in this type of journey as described in the trip brochure. All participants are expected to be in active good health, to enjoy traveling as part of a group, and to be ready to experience cultural differences with grace. Walking and climbing stairs are required in many hotels and airports, to board the aircraft, and are part of many excursions. Please note: To go to certain destinations or participate in certain activities, such as visiting a high-altitude area (7,500 feet above sea level and higher), you will need to obtain your physician's approval. A form will be sent to you for your physician to sign. An alternate destination or activity can be arranged, if your physician recommends it. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment should be reported in writing when the reservation is made. If you require a slower pace, extra assistance, or the use of a cane or walking stick, arrangements will be made for private touring at each destination, if necessary, at the discretion of our tour staff. Any extra cost for such arrangements will be the responsibility of the traveler. If you would like to forego some of the scheduled sightseeing to rejuvenate and relax, please feel free to do so at any time. Malaria and other diseases are present in some of the countries featured in this itinerary; proof of yellow fever inoculation is required for DC-10 travelers. For the latest recommendations on specific health precautions for the areas you will visit, consult your physician and the Centers for Disease Control.
|
|
|
|
|
Special Promotion
