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Sacred Places of Asia by Private Jet
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 | | Copyright: Jakob Leitner |
Discovering the Treasured Cultures & Legendary Architecture of Ancient Kingdoms
Thailand • Indonesia • Cambodia • Vietnam
China • South Korea • Japan
April 5-19, 2010
15 Days/Limited to 78 Travelers
with optional Thailand Pre-Tour and/or China Post-Tour
Journey to the enchanting lands of Shaman kings, Buddhist monks, geishas, and hill tribes. In Indonesia, fly to the island of Java and ascend the mysterious Borobudur temple. In Cambodia, explore the stunningly beautiful Angkor Wat or try your hand at Khmer-style ceramics at a local workshop. In Vietnam, cruise among the thousands of karst formations and islets in Ha Long Bay. In China's Yunnan Province, meet with a Naxi family in their traditional home in Lijiang or stroll the Stone Forest of Kunming-one of Earth's natural wonders. In South Korea, see the golden treasures of the great Shilla Kingdom and spend a night with the monks at Golgulsa Temple. And in Japan, explore Kyoto's Zen gardens, Shinto shrines, and Buddhist temples; and visit the first imperial city, Nara, or take an ikebana or calligraphy class at a traditional ryokan where dinner will be served in exquisite kaiseki style.
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 Sacred Places of Asia 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 Desert Crossroads & The Himalaya and The Ancient Silk Road.
Lecturers
Jack Daulton is an acclaimed lecturer on the art and architecture of non-Western civilizations. He has been a study leader on educational trips to more than 50 countries, including Mongolia, Vietnam, Bhutan, India, Ethiopia, and Mali. He is an expert on the art and architecture of Asia and Africa as well as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and other religions. Daulton is also a practicing attorney with an interest in international law relating to the preservation and conservation of the world's cultural heritage. In a widely reported 1995 federal case, he recovered a 1,000-year-old sculpture that had been stolen from a temple in Burma.
Jack will lecture on the following expeditions:
October 8-31, 2009 & September 29-October 20, 2010
Around the World by Private Jet Expedition
April 5-19, 2010 Sacred Places of Asia by Private Jet
April 20-May 4, 2010 The Ancient Silk Road by Private Jet
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
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
Leaders
Carsten Stehr is a veteran of educational, private jet, and yacht travel. He began leading travelers to every corner of the globe in 1996 with a trip to Turkey, Greece, and Israel. Recently, he led our Lands of the Great Buddha by Private Jet expedition to Southeast Asia, China, and Tibet.
When not traveling professionally, he can be found on the Greek Island of Mykonos, where he enjoys painting, swimming, and photography. He was born and raised in Berlin, Germany; holds a BFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design; and is fluent in English, German, and Greek. Carsten's extensive experience in leading expeditions and doing advance and scouting work make him a valuable asset to our expeditions.
Carsten will be an Assistant Expedition Leader on the following expeditions:
October 8-31, 2009 Around the World by Private Jet
February 26-March 20, 2010 Around Africa by Private Jet
Carsten will lead the April 5-19, 2010
Sacred Places of Asia by Private Jet Expedition
For more information or to book your private jet vacation,
please 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 8687195 | | TCS & Starquest Expeditions | | Offer valid through 4/5/2010 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | 1 | Bangkok | Bangkok, Thailand
Monday, April 5.
Meet fellow travelers and the expedition staff at a welcome dinner at our hotel in Bangkok. Please note that travelers from the U.S. will need to depart on April 3 in order to arrive in time for the expedition (This flight crosses the International Date Line and therefore travelers would lose a day en route).
The Peninsula Bangkok
| | 2-3 | Java | Yogyakarta & Borobudur, Island of Java, Indonesia
Tuesday & Wednesday, April 6 & 7.
Fly by private jet to Java and visit Borobudur—a 1,200 year-old temple. Made of lava rock, the temple is dramatically situated on a hill in the form of a stepped pyramid, six levels high, topped by three circular terraces ringed with Buddha statues, and a central stupa. Greet the next day with a sunrise visit to Prambanan, an enormous Hindu temple whose main shrine soars 154-feet high above the scattered ruins of 244 temples. Then in the evening, savor Indonesian cuisine at a festive “Night Market.”
Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta (Accommodation upgrade available at Amanjiwo)
Option - In addition to an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following:
Visit the Sultan’s Palace and enjoy a traditional Javanese music performance in the Sultan’s courtyard. Or explore the Water Castle, Yogyakarta’s old water system, and its surrounding village where you can meet a local Javanese family. Then spend time shopping in the local markets or enjoy a batik-making demonstration.
Our expedition will finance the purchase of books for the Krebet elementary school and medical supplies for the health center in Krebet village outside Yogyakarta.
| | 4-5 | Angkor Wat | Cambodia’s Angkor Wat
Thursday & Friday, April 8 & 9.
We arrive in Siem Reap, our base for explorations into the heart of the Khmer Empire. Angkor was built between the ninth and 13th centuries, and remains one of the world’s greatest architectural triumphs. Abandoned in 1434 and gradually hidden by the thick undergrowth of the surrounding jungle, the city was slowly forgotten—until four centuries later when it was uncovered by European explorers. Survey Angkor Wat’s massive towers, carved murals, colonnades, and courtyards. Visit the royal quarters of Angkor Thom, featuring the extraordinary Bayon Temple, considered to be the model of the Buddhist universe. Venture into the ancient site of Ta Prohm, left largely as it was found a century ago, engulfed by thick banyan trees.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following:
Or, instead of Angkor Wat, explore the ninth-century Rolous temple complex, which includes the Preah Ko Temple, the first brick temple to be built at this ancient site; the unique Bakong Temple, which represents an early use of stone construction with its five symmetrical towers; and the multi-towered Lolei, once an island temple in the center of a great lake. Take part in a tea ceremony with a resident monk at a local pagoda and learn about monastic life here. Meet with resident artisans at a non-profit crafts workshop and try your hand at traditional Khmer-style ceramics, then attend workshops demonstrating the production of traditional textiles.
Space on this alternate excursion is limited.
Our expedition will finance the purchase of an ox-cart taxi for one of Rohal Village’s citizens, offering a unique entrepreneurial opportunity that can provide for an entire Cambodian family.
| | 6-7 | Hanoi | Hanoi & Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Saturday & Sunday, April 10 & 11.
Fly by private jet to Hanoi and explore this beautiful 1,000-year-old city filled with lakes and parks. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s wooden house on stilts and the curiously shaped One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049. Enjoy a cyclo ride through the old town and visit Ngoc Son Temple at the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake.
Then travel to the spectacular seascape of Ha Long Bay, one of the natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ha Long means “descending dragon,” named for the mythical mother beast who defended her offspring from an enemy by spewing shards of jade at their oncoming ships. The jade immediately turned into wondrous islands and karst formations, thereby thwarting the enemy ships. Enjoy a cruise among the massive limestone islands that tower above the waters, a breathtaking sight of ethereal beauty. Observe up close their dramatic forms, their hidden caves, and the many grotto altars where local fishermen whisper their prayers for a good catch.
InterContinental Westlake Hanoi
Our expedition will donate maps and craft supplies to Duc Son Pagoda Orphanage, which provides food, shelter, education, and job training for abandoned children in Hué.
| | 8-9 | Kunming | Kunming & Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China
Monday & Tuesday, April 12 & 13.
Continue by private jet to Kunming and transfer by local air to Lijiang, an incredibly well preserved 1,000-year-old town that was an important stop on the Silk Road connecting Thailand, Myanmar, Yunnan, and Tibet. Take a walk in the Old Quarter, an enchanting network of ancient wooden homes and small spring-fed canals that wend their way along the narrow streets. Observe the local sorcerers presiding over Dongba religious ceremonies in ancestral halls. Meet with a Naxi family in their home. Stop by a teahouse for a sampling of the fine local varieties. And venture beyond town to enjoy a truly unforgettable Naxi dance performance in the open air, with the spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as its backdrop.
Banyan Tree Hotel, Lijiang
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following:
Or, instead of visiting Lijiang, remain in Kunming to see the Stone Forest. This extensive outcropping of limestone pillars inspired local legends because they bear remarkable resemblance to animals, humans, and plants. Then visit the Kunming Flower Market, a traditional teahouse, Green Lake Park, the Golden Horse & Phoenix Memorial Archway, and the bustling markets of Nanping Street.
Kunming Bank Hotel
Our expedition will support Lijiang Orphanage by purchasing their floral crafts—delightful reminders of the verdant Yunnan Province.
| | 10-11 | South Korea | Pagodas & Palaces of the Great Shilla Kingdom, South Korea
Wednesday & Thursday, April 14 & 15.
Depart Lijiang by local air to Kunming, where we board our private jet. Fly to South Korea, where we land in Pusan and transfer to Gyeongju. Explore the enormous tombs of the Shilla kings, which dominate Gyeongju’s townscape as a series of grass-covered hills. The tombs originally held countless treasures now housed in the Gyeongju National Museum, which we will also visit. View paintings, metalwork, earthenware, carved jade, weapons, and sculptures made from gold, granite, and bronze, including an exquisite golden crown with jade tiger claws. Also on display is one of the world’s largest and oldest bells, The Divine Bell for the Great King Song, whose sonorous tones are said to be heard 40 miles away.
We will also visit the Bulguk-sa Buddhist Temple, the most famous temple in the country, and a splendid example of classic Shilla architecture. We will also visit the Sokkuram Grotto, a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists where you will find a breathtakingly beautiful statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha. See one of South Korea’s oldest surviving structures, Cheomseongdae, the curious seventh-century astronomical observatory. Here, Shilla geomancers attempted to divine the futures of local noblemen. In Pusan, stop by the famous Jagalchi Fish Market, a lively gathering place where local fishermen bring in the morning’s catch.
Hyundai Hotel Gyeongju
Option - In addition to an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following:
Join monks of the Golgulsa Temple in a meditative session and traditional meal, and spend the night in the sacred halls of their temple. The ancient martial art, Seonmundo, a precursor to Taekwondo, originated at this temple.
Golgulsa Temple
Our expedition will support the work of a renowned Korean pictorial calligrapher who teaches children this colorful and rare folk art.
| | 11-14 | Kyoto | Cultural Treasures of Kyoto & Nara, Japan
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, April 16, 17 & 18.
Explore historic Kyoto and stroll the treelined streets by the Kamo River where traditional shops, theaters, and teahouses abound. See colorfully-kimonoed residents, including geisha, and observe their gorgeous robes upclose at a demonstration of the art of dressing in a kimono. See the resplendent Kinkakuji golden pavilion; pay homage to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, at Sanjusangendo, a centuries-old wooden temple that houses 1,001 statues in her honor; and admire the palaces and gardens of Nijo Castle, former residence of the famed shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Later, savor a gala banquet of traditional Japanese cuisine, and enjoy a rare opportunity to meet with a true Kyoto geisha.
The next day, explore the treasures of ancient Nara, Japan’s first imperial capital. See the glorious Todai-ji Temple—the world’s largest wooden building, guarded by two exquisite Nio figures and featuring the enormous bronze Daibutsu Buddha, weighing 437 tons. Pass by more than 1,000 stone lanterns along the enchanting path to Kasuga Shrine. Enter the headquarters of the Hosso School of Japanese Buddhism at the Yakushi-ji Temple and gaze up at the statue of ‘The Medicine Buddha,’ one of the first Buddhist deities to arrive from China in 680 A.D.
Kyoto Hotel Okura
Option - In addition to an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following:
You may, if you wish, take a class in a traditional Japanese art—such as calligraphy or ikebana flower arrangement—with an experienced instructor in her home.
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following:
Instead of spending all three nights at the Kyoto Hotel Okura, spend one night at a historic Japanese inn and immerse yourself in the graceful customs of old Japan. This excursion is limited to a small number of travelers and will incur a separate cost.
Hiiragiya Ryokan, Kyoto
Our expedition will support the Women’s Association of Kyoto, an award-winning organization devoted to sharing with the public, hands-on traditional Japanese arts.
| | 15 | Homeward | Homeward
Monday, April 19.
Connect with individual commercial flights to your home city from Osaka, Japan. Or, extend your journey to other lands.
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| | | | 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 Pre-Tour
Cost Per Person:
$5,900 (double occupancy)
$2,100 (single supplement)
China Post-Tour
Cost Per Person:
$5,900 (double occupancy)
$900 (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. |
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