Hidden Wonders AROUND THE WORLD By Private jet
A Journey to Extraordinary Cultural & Natural Treasures in Remote Lands Kyoto & Nara, Japan • The Islands of Palau • Papua New Guinea • Java, Indonesia Danang & Hué, Vietnam • The Kingdom of Bhutan • The Ganges River & Varanasi, India Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda • Petra or Wadi Rum, Jordan • Madeira Island
a February 28–March 23, 2011 a
Dear Traveler,
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ircle the globe and venture beyond the beaten path to discover some of the world’s most extraordinary, hard-to-reach cultural and natural wonders—offered for the first time in a single unforgettable journey.
Temples, Shrines & Palaces of Old Japan ... The Floating Gardens of Palau ... Colorfully Adorned Tribes & Wild Beauty of Papua New Guinea ... Monumental Temples of Java, Indonesia ... Imperial Treasures, Buddhist Pagodas & Lush Landscapes of Vietnam ... The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan ... Sacred Traditions of The Ganges River & Varanasi, India ... Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda ... The Lost City of Petra, Jordan ... Madeira Island, Portugal
Immerse yourself in the graceful customs of Old Japan in Kyoto and Nara. Go snorkeling among the curious, mushroom-shaped Rock Islands of Palau. Go deep into the highlands of Papua New Guinea and meet the colorfully adorned Huli wigmen. Ascend the largest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur, on the island of Java. Marvel at the lush beauty of Hai Van Pass and then enter the splendid halls of Thai Hoa Palace in the Imperial Citadel of Hué in Vietnam. Witness the ancient traditions of the Kingdom of Bhutan at the Paro Dzong, home to hundreds of Buddhist monks. Cruise the Ganges River in Varanasi and see pilgrims gather on the shores to perform sacred rituals. Trek through the bamboo forests of Rwanda for a rare chance to see mountain gorillas in the wild. Step into one of the wonders of the world, the lost city of Petra in Jordan. And explore Portugal’s wildly scenic island of Madeira. As you are whisked from one destination to the next aboard our VIP-configured private jet, enjoy the ultimate in convenience, security, and service. Explore each destination with Smithsonian Institution zoologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Kris Helgen; National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson; and Columbia University’s cultural anthropologist and filmmaker, Pegi Vail. Travel worry-free with our professional expedition staff and flight crew, including a physician and a private chef. Tailor the itinerary to your interests, by choosing from many excursions along the way. And enjoy the best available accommodations, many of which are in some of the world’s most spectacular settings. To reserve your space, please call 800-454-4149 or 206-254-0228. I hope you will join us on this unique adventure. Sincerely,
T.C. Swartz Chief Executive Officer TCS & Starquest Expeditions
TCS & Starquest Expeditions is dedicated to creating extraordinary educational travel experiences by private jet while enhancing the environmental, social, economic, and educational conditions of the places and people we visit. This expedition will transport supplies to medical clinics and schools, and donate funds for essential services and innovative projects.
a Hidden
Wonders AROUND THE WORLD a
Hidden Wonder s
A Jo u r n e y t o E x t r aor di n a r y C ultu r al
Japan
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Indonesia
Vietnam
Marvel at the temples, shrines, and palaces of Japan’s historic capitals, and, if you wish, take a class in calligraphy or ikebana flower arrangement.
Head to the Rock Islands and immerse yourself in the underwater splendor of vibrant coral reefs or Jellyfish Lake.
Venture to the spectacularly beautiful Highlands or Sepik River basin and meet with colorfully adorned tribes who live very much like their ancient ancestors did.
Ascend the world’s largest Buddhist temple at Borobudur, see one of Southeast Asia’s largest Hindu temples, and meet with a Javanese family.
Enjoy the scenic drive through Hai Van Pass, visit Hué’s fabled Imperial Citadel, and admire the quiet beauty of China Beach by the Marble Mountains.
A RO U ND T H E W OR L D
• Seattle, Washington
Boston, • Massachusetts
Madeira Island, Portugal
•
The Lost City of Petra or Wadi Rum, Jordan
•
Varanasi, India
• •
•
•
Kingdom of Bhutan
Calcutta, India
Danang & Hué, Vietnam
•
• •
Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Kyoto & Nara, Japan
Palau
Yogyakarta, Borobudur • & Prambanan, Indonesia
• The Highlands or
Sepik River Basin, Papua New Guinea
& Natu r al T r e a s u r e s i n R e mo t e L a n ds
Bhutan
India
Rwanda
Jordan
Madeira
Discover the treasures of a well-protected Buddhist world, and, if you wish, hike up to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Cruise the holy Ganges River at sunset, and along the way, see ancient temples and the gathering of pilgrims performing sacred rituals.
Go gorilla trekking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, and explore Kigali, the cultural center of this reawakening nation.
Discover the Lost City of Petra, one of the wonders of the world, or go on a jeep safari in the lunar-like landscape of Wadi Rum.
Explore the wildly scenic island of Madeira, stroll the cobblestone streets of Funchal, and savor some of the world’s finest wines.
Paro, Bhutan
Learn While You Explore. Enrichment is the key to rewarding exploration. A world-class team of experts will join us to illuminate the history of empires, the varied cultures we encounter, and the outstanding examples of art and architecture we visit. While traveling from one destination to the next, our experts use a special in-flight system for informative lectures and stimulating discussions to prepare you for exploring the sites on land. In addition, books, DVDs, and other materials about each destination are available in the jet’s library for your reference. Kristofer Helgen is a Research Zoologist and Curator of Mammals at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, and a National Geographic Emerging Explorer who has led research expeditions to remote areas on almost every continent, from the jungles of Papua New Guinea to the slopes of the Andes. He is renowned for having identified some 100 new mammal species and documented viable populations of animals previously thought to be in major decline or even extinct. He earned his Ph.D. in zoology at the University of Adelaide in Australia, and has appeared on the Discovery Channel and on television and radio programs around the world.
Offerings on the Ganges River, India
Detail of Sepik River area house, Papua New Guinea
Rock Islands of Palau
National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson has researched and photographed a combined 45 stories for National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Traveler. Jim’s assignments have taken him around the world—from the tops of active volcanoes, through the Celtic lands of his ancestors, and deep into America’s heartland. Jim and his work have been featured twice on CBS News Sunday Morning and on ABC News Nightline. His “Notes from a Wide Spot in the Road” won the international Crystal AMI award for short feature excellence. Pegi Vail, Ph.D., is a cultural anthropologist, filmmaker, and curator whose scholarly work explores the political economy of tourism and how travel literature and media shape our experiences and understanding of a place. She lectures on culture through film and media at Columbia University, and has taught courses on ethnographic documentary production and on tourism at New York University. She has curated exhibitions on film and indigenous media at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, the Library of Congress, the National Gallery of Art, and numerous Smithsonian museums. Her documentaries include the upcoming Gringo Trails and the award-winning short film The Dodger’s Sym-phony, which was broadcast on PBS.
Ninomaru Palace, Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan
Make a Difference in the World.
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y joining this expedition, you will automatically support the efforts of TCS & Starquest Expeditions to enhance the environmental, social, economic, and educational conditions of places and peoples we visit. We partner with organizations and businesses who share our goals and can work with us to accomplish them. We are also happy to enable individual travelers to join our efforts, if they ask us. In the following pages, we describe our philanthropic activities in each destination of the itinerary.
Relax in spacious, VIP-style seats.
Travel with a dedicated flight crew.
Enjoy Seminars in the Sky & the Ultimate in Convenience, Security & Service. Private Jet Travel The best way to reach many far-flung destinations in one itinerary is to fly by private jet. We set our own schedules, so you fly direct and avoid layovers. We land in remote airports that are closer to hard-to-reach destinations. We have the flexibility and freedom to adjust the routing at will, if necessary—even while an expedition is in progress. We avoid busy commercial airports whenever possible, and arrange for expedited boarding, luggage handling, and customs and immigration formalities. Our Boeing 757 generously accommodates only 78 travelers in 2-by-2 VIP-style leather seats with ecomfort™ foam support, instead of the standard 233 seats. Enjoy an unsurpassed educational experience onboard the jet with excellent access to our experts, who will share their expertise during flights as well as on land. Enjoy fine cuisine on land and aboard the jet.
Thatched-roof cottage, Madeira Island, Portugal
Flight Timings for the Boeing 757 private Jet Depart Arrive Hours/Minutes Seattle, U.S. Osaka, Japan 13’00” (plus tech stop) Osaka, Japan Koror Island, Palau 4’10” Koror Island, Palau Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 3’30” Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Yogyakarta, Indonesia 5’30” Yogyakarta, Indonesia Danang, Vietnam 4’15” Danang, Vietnam Calcutta, India 3’30” Calcutta, India Varanasi, India 2’05” Varanasi, India Kigali, Rwanda 8’00” Kigali, Rwanda Aqaba, Jordan 4’55” Aqaba, Jordan Madeira, Portugal 7’15” Madeira, Portugal Boston, U.S. 7’00”
Reid’s Palace, Madeira
Uma Paro, Bhutan
The Most Experienced Staff in the World
Follow Your Passion.
Our expedition staff and flight crew, including a chef and catering assistant, is the most experienced in the world when it comes to managing multi-destination, educational expeditions by private jet. In addition, a physician accompanies each expedition, ready to provide and coordinate healthcare services whenever and wherever they may be needed. Travel worry-free with a talented team of professionals who are renowned for their attention to detail, dedication to safety and security, and top-notch hospitality. And enjoy one of the highest crew-totraveler ratios in the business: 1 to 5.
ake advantage of our flexible itinerary to enjoy excursions of your choice along the way. Whether you’d like to tour local art galleries, visit a school, or hike off the beaten path, we will ensure that your travels are tailored for you.
Accommodations and Cuisine Get a taste of a bygone era of grandeur at the legendary Reid’s Palace in Madeira. Marvel at Papua New Guinea’s spectacular landscape from your comfortable thatchedroof lodge. Enjoy the tranquil setting of Vietnam’s 5-star Furama Resort on China Beach. And unwind in the forests of Bhutan in a tranquil guesthouse that blends modern and sophisticated amenities with traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship. Everywhere we go, we stay in the best available accommodations to ensure your comfort. In many of the destinations we visit, we have also arranged special dining experiences in unique settings accompanied by traditional entertainment.
Ambua Lodge, Papua New Guinea
Furama Resort, Vietnam
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In the following pages you’ll find some special sightseeing opportunities to customize the trip to your interests. These choices are available at no additional cost; however, they are designed for small groups and have limited space available. Space will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. These opportunities are a mere sampling of what’s possible. Also, if you would like to skip one of the stops on our itinerary, we will look into an alternative destination. For more information and to discuss your ideal itinerary, please contact us. The possibilities are endless, the experience—matchless.
Left: bronze lanterns at Kasuga Shrine, Nara; inset: geisha, Kyoto; above: Yakushi-ji Temple, Nara
Our Journey Begins… Seattle, Washington
Monday & Tuesday, February 28 & March 1. Meet fellow travelers, lecturers, and expedition leaders at a welcome dinner at our fine hotel. The next day, after breakfast, board our private jet and fly over the Pacific Ocean, crossing the International Date Line. We lose a day en route and arrive in Osaka, Japan, the following afternoon. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Temples, Shrines & Palaces of Old Japan
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, March 2, 3 & 4. Upon arrival in Japan, transfer to our hotel to retire for the night. The next morning, explore historic Kyoto—Japan’s imperial capital for nearly 1,000 years—which abounds with shops, theaters, teahouses, and UNESCO World Heritage sites that vividly recall the glory of Old Japan, including the Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion, the centuries-old wooden temple of Sanjusangendo, and the palaces and gardens of Nijo Castle. You may also, if you wish, take a class in Japanese calligraphy or ikebana flower arrangement with an experienced instructor in her home. In the evening, savor a gala dinner featuring fine Japanese cuisine and a traditional dance performance by a geisha and her apprentice known as a maiko. The 437-ton bronze Daibutsu Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, Nara
The next day, explore the well preserved treasures of ancient Nara, Japan’s first imperial capital. See the 800-year-old Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building; gaze at Yakushi-ji Temple’s ‘Medicine Buddha,’ a powerful deity believed to have the power to cure earthly suffering; and stroll along the enchanting path to Kasuga Shrine, passing by more than 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. Kyoto Hotel Okura Alternate Accommodation: Instead of spending all three nights at the Kyoto Hotel Okura, spend one at a historic inn. This alternative accommodation is limited to a small number of travelers and will incur a separate cost. Hiiragiya Ryokan, Kyoto
r Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion, Kyoto
Our expedition will support the Women’s Association of Kyoto, an award-winning organization devoted to teaching traditional Japanese arts.
Huli wigman, Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Masks, Sepik region, Papua New Guinea
The Floating Gardens of Palau
Saturday, March 5. Fly by private jet to the Palau archipelago, landing on the island of Koror. Then head to the Rock Islands—hundreds of curious, mushroom-shaped islets overgrown with native trees and plants. Go snorkeling in the blue lagoons among these ‘floating gardens’ and marvel at the rainbow-variety of undersea creatures, including sea wrasses, brittle stars, cuttlefish, Mandarin fish, anemones, sponges, and fan corals. Or, walk to Jellyfish Lake and swim with these fascinating and harmless creatures. Palau Pacific Resort, Koror Island
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Our expedition will support a local women’s cooperative that creates traditional handicrafts made from locally-sourced materials.
Jellyfish Lake, Palau
Colorfully Adorned Tribes & Wild Beauty of Papua New Guinea
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday, March 6, 7 & 8. Our private jet takes us to Port Moresby
where we spend the night. The next morning, board local aircraft to venture into your choice of one of three seldom-visited areas: Visit the Western Highlands to observe some of the world’s oldest agricultural communities. Spend two days with the Melpa people, and learn about the moka ceremony, a traditional gifting ritual. Or visit the Southern Highlands, where the Huli tribe has lived for ages. Observe how the Huli wigmen sport huge, decorated wigs of human hair, and if you wish, sit with the wigmen’s wives to learn about a woman’s life here. Or venture into the Sepik River Basin and travel by riverboat through tropical lowland forests. Along the way, see intricately designed spirit houses and meet with various riverine tribes and skilled artisans who make beautifully carved story boards, masks, dugout canoes, and other unique art. Airways Hotel, Port Moresby; Rondon Ridge Lodge, Western Highlands; Ambua Lodge, Southern Highlands; or Karawari Lodge, Sepik River Basin
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This expedition will donate supplies to Amboin Primary School in the Sepik River region, and will support craftspeople of the Sepik and Chimbu Provinces. Traditional house, Western Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Javanese woman in traditional dress
Borobudur
Monumental Temples of Java, Indonesia
Wednesday & Thursday, March 9 & 10. Fly by private jet to Yogyakarta on the island of Java, the cultural heart of the vast Indonesian archipelago. Visit the island’s wondrous temple of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It was built 1,200 years ago during the short reign of the Seilendra Dynasty and then mysteriously abandoned within 100 years of its completion. Then a neighboring volcano violently erupted, concealing the site in ash for centuries so that what we see today appears, amazingly, much as it did originally so long ago. Ascend this colossal temple, dramatically situated on a hill, in the form of a six-level stepped pyramid, topped by three circular terraces ringed with Buddha statues and a central stupa. Along the way, marvel at the exquisite stone carvings of the temple’s many decorative panels, depicting Buddhist doctrines and everyday life in ancient Java.
Prambanan relief
The next day, visit Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple in the country. Its main shrine soars 154 feet high above the Valley of the Kings, a lush green expanse dotted with the ruins of 244 smaller monuments, considered by the Javanese to be royal mausoleums. Explore the Water Castle, Yogyakarta’s old water system, and its surrounding village, where you can meet a local Javanese family. Then stroll the local markets and observe master artisans who create traditional batiks and fine wares featuring silver filigree. In the evening, savor Indonesian cuisine at a festive dinner. Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta (Accommodation upgrades are available at Amanjiwo, on a space-available basis.)
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Our expedition will donate funds to purchase books for the elementary school and medical supplies for the health center in Krebet village outside Yogyakarta.
Javanese puppets, Yogyakarta market
Terraced fields along Hai Van Pass
One of many gates to the Imperial City, Hué
Imperial Treasures, Buddhist Pagodas & Lush Landscapes of Vietnam
Friday & Saturday, March 11 & 12. Fly by private jet to central Vietnam, to explore
some of the finest monuments in Southeast Asia, and enjoy the quiet beauty of palmfringed China Beach by the Marble Mountains. In Danang, visit the Cham Museum, devoted to the heritage of the Kingdom of Champa, which prospered here from the second to seventeenth centuries. Then take a scenic drive through beautiful Hai Van Pass—also known as the ‘pass of the ocean clouds’—to Hué, the cultural, religious, and former political capital of the country, perched beside the meandering Perfume River. At Tu Hieu Pagoda—former home of the Zen master and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh—we are welcomed with a special ceremony and invited to participate in a walking meditation. Relax by the tranquil half-moon lake and note the stele houses engraved with stories of this pagoda’s long history. At the Dong Thuyen Pagoda, founded more than 400 years ago by the Princess Ngoc Co, enjoy a special vegetarian meal and discuss Buddhism with the nuns. Explore Hué’s Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty emperors lived in splendor. If you wish, meet with the children of the Duc Son Pagoda orphanage and school. Furama Resort Danang, China Beach
Cyclists in Hué
Alternate: Instead of exploring Hué, you may go to Hoi An, a historic port city, and the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its curious tower-temples.
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Our expedition will donate maps and craft supplies to Duc Son Pagoda Orphanage in Hué.
Dragon-headed longboat, Perfume River, Hué Cham relief, Danang
Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan
Town of Paro, Bhutan
The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
Sunday & Monday, March 13 & 14. Our private jet takes us to Calcutta, India, where
Paro Dzong, Bhutan
we transfer to local aircraft and fly deep into the Himalaya. Secluded in the heart of this mighty mountain range and opened to visitors only decades ago, the Kingdom of Bhutan stands as a buttress against the encroachment of the modern world, protecting a sacred enclave of Mahayana Buddhism. We land in Paro, in a valley dotted with Buddhist monasteries and dzongs, gaily decorated fortresses. Visit the great Paro Dzong, home to a monastic community of 200. At the National Museum, admire a superb collection of textiles, ancient weapons, and classical thangka paintings. At Choeding Temple, witness a Buddhist prayer ceremony recited by monks. Stroll the town of Paro and visit with a family at their farmhouse, where most people live in rural villages and work on farms. You may also meet with teachers and students at a local school. In the countryside, join local Bhutanese for a festive picnic complete with traditional archery and dancing. You may, if you wish, take a spectacular hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of the country’s most revered sites, named for the flying tigress that is said to have carried the Guru Rinpoche here in the eighth century. Uma Paro & Zhiwa Ling (Accommodation upgrades available at Amankora, on a space-available basis.)
Sacred Traditions of The Ganges River & Varanasi, India
Tuesday, March 15. In the morning, return to Calcutta by local aircraft and fly by
private jet to Varanasi. Since its founding in the sixth century B.C., Varanasi has been the most sacred site of Hindu pilgrimage, where it is believed that bathing in the Ganges River can wash away a person’s sins. Cruise the river while the setting sun sheds an ethereal light on the surrounding temples, pavilions, and terraces. See pilgrims gather along the river’s stone steps to perform ritual ablutions. Later, disembark the riverboat at a private mansion for a gala event featuring traditional cuisine, music, and dance. The Gateway Hotel Ganges, Varanasi (Accommodation upgrades are available at the Nadesar Palace, on a space-available basis.)
r The Ganges River, Varanasi, India
Our expedition will donate supplies or funds to Bhutan’s Drukyel School for the HearingImpaired; Calcutta’s Sabera Foundation for abused and abandoned girls; and to the Kiran Centre for physically handicapped children around Varanasi.
Mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park
The Virunga volcanoes
Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, March 16, 17 & 18. Travel to Rwanda, a land of lush green mountains, majestic volcanoes, and grassy lowlands. Hidden deep in the high slopes of the Virunga volcanoes are the endangered mountain gorillas, which the late Dian Fossey famously studied. At Volcanoes National Park, we set out in intimate groups of eight, hiking up through thick bamboo forests in search of these magnificent creatures in the wild. Along the way, you may also spot some of Rwanda’s 650 bird species. In the evening, visit a gallery of artwork depicting gorillas and day-to-day Rwandan life.
In addition to an exciting adventure in the forests of Rwanda, explore the capital city, Kigali. Stop at the Hôtel des Mille Collines, the infamous hotel depicted in the movie Hotel Rwanda, and visit the Kigali Memorial Center, a meaningful tribute to those who perished in the genocide of 1994. Hear survivors’ stories and learn about how people in Rwanda are creating an environment for unity and healing. If you wish, browse the local market for handicrafts, including unique Rwandan Agaseke basketry. Mountain View Lodge, Volcanoes National Park and Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali (Accommodation upgrades are available near Volcanoes National Park, at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge and Virunga Lodge.) Note: Because hiking at Volcanoes National Park occurs at high altitudes (7,00010,000 feet) and is especially arduous and challenging, a doctor’s approval to participate is required. A porter will be available to each traveler. Alternate: Travelers whose health conditions do not permit gorilla trekking and those who would prefer a more relaxing stay in Rwanda can instead spend more time in Kigali. Visit the Akilah Institute for Women, the first vocational training and leadership organization for young women in Rwanda. Then take an exciting helicopter ride over the Virunga volcanoes. Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali
Girl near Kigali
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Our expedition will contribute funds to Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, the ART for GORILLAS Art of Conservation program, and the Akilah Institute for Women.
Masked weaver
The Treasury, Petra
The Siq, Petra
The Lost City of Petra, Jordan
Saturday & Sunday, March 19 & 20. Our private jet takes us to Aqaba, then we transfer
to our hotel near the lost city of Petra. Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra was built by the mysterious Nabataean people in 312 B.C. and became an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia. The Nabataeans have long since vanished from the region, now home to the Bedouin, an Arab people who have been nomadic herders here for centuries. Half-built, half-carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, Petra is undoubtedly one of the world’s most impressive architectural achievements. Step back in time 2,000 years as you stroll this ancient city. Enter the Siq, a dramatic opening in the bedrock, and arrive at the Treasury, Petra’s most exquisite edifice. Explore many other elaborately decorated buildings and tombs carved from sheer rock walls, and observe up-close the superb blending of Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture. In the evening, enjoy a festive Bedouin dinner. Mövenpick Resort, Petra
Wadi Rum
Alternate: Instead of exploring Petra, discover Wadi Rum, a lunar-like landscape made famous by T. E. Lawrence and the film Lawrence of Arabia. See the spectacular rock formation known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and enjoy a traditional Bedouin meal.
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Our expedition will support the work of the Jordan River Foundation, which works to raise awareness of child abuse, and empowers women through job training.
Bedouin girl, Petra
The second highest sea cliff in the world, Cabo Girão
16th-century Funchal Cathedral
Madeira Island, Portugal
Monday & Tuesday, March 21 & 22. Fly to Madeira, an island dominated by dramatic landscapes of sheer cliffs, lush greenery, and terraced villages. Ride a cable car across this wildly scenic landscape. Stroll the cobblestone streets and centuries-old European quarters of the capital, Funchal. And everywhere, observe the island’s colorful folk culture, lovely gardens, decorated churches, and thatched-roof cottages. Enjoy a farewell gala, featuring the finest local wines. Reid’s Palace, Funchal
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Our expedition will donate funds to Cáritas Portuguesa, a non-profit agency that helps the elderly, women, children, and other vulnerable communities in need.
Madeira Island / Boston / Homeward
Wednesday, March 23. Following breakfast, we depart Madeira by private jet and
Painted ceramic tiles, Funchal flower market
fly to Boston, Massachusetts to connect with your regularly scheduled commercial flight home.
Fishing village of Câmara de Lobos
Cost Per Person Double Occupancy: $62,950 Single Supplement: $8,150 Commercial airfare to Seattle and from Boston is not included. For your protection and peace of mind, all payments are secured in a bank escrow account that is fully insured by the U.S. federal government.
Hidden Wonders Around the World • Terms and Conditions and Operator-Participant Contract
TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc., 1000 Second Avenue, Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104 is the qualified professional expedition operator that will organize and administer the Hidden Wonders Around the World by Private Jet expedition. TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc., as the principal, is responsible to you for arranging and providing all of the services and accommodations offered in connection with the tour, provided, however, that in the absence of gross negligence on our part, we are not responsible for personal injury or property damage caused by the air carrier, hotel, or other suppliers of any of the services being offered in connection with this expedition. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time expedition participants are not aboard their conveyance. TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc., shall not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such other provider, and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. By registering for this expedition, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. reserves the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on this expedition and reserves the right, subject to the terms of this Contract, to withdraw any part or all of the trip and to make such changes as may be necessary. TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc., shall not be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the participant’s departure city of the Hidden Wonders Around the World by Private Jet expedition. TERMS & CONDITIONS: Reservations and Payment: To reserve your place on the Hidden Wonders Around the World by Private Jet expedition, complete the Reservation Form, and return it with your $2,500 deposit. Make checks payable to “HW-11 Escrow.” The deposit may be made by check; wire transfer; or by a major credit card such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Card. If you pay your initial deposit by credit card, it is fully refundable until you sign the Reservation Form. Mail to TCS & Starquest Expeditions, 1000 Second Avenue, Suite 1400, Seattle, WA, 98104. Or call 800-454-4149 or 206-254-0228 or fax to 206-447-7717. A second payment of $15,000 per person is due July 28, 2010. Final payment is due November 29, 2010. The second and final payments are payable by check or wire transfer only, made out to a secure escrow account. If the expedition is fully booked when your reservation is received, your payment will be returned within 7 days, or with your authorization, we can retain the deposit and place your name on a waiting list in the event other passengers cancel their reservations. Even if you authorize us to put your name on a waiting list and retain your deposit, we will notify you within 7 days that the expedition is fully booked. Security Agreement: Your payments are held in an escrow account at The Commerce Bank of Washington, 601 Union Street, Suite 3600, Seattle, WA, 98101-1342. Participants are protected by a Letter of Credit #592 issued by The Commerce Bank of Washington. Any claims against this letter of credit must be filed with TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. or The Commerce Bank of Washington within 60 days of the termination of the expedition. After that time, TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. and The Commerce Bank of Washington will be released from liability under the security agreement. Expedition Price: The expedition price of $62,950 per person (double occupancy) with a $8,150 single supplement includes a privately chartered Boeing 757 that departs from Seattle, Washington, U.S.A., and returns to Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. The Hidden Wonders Around the World expedition dates are February 28 to March 23, 2011. Included are deluxe or best available accommodations and all applicable taxes in the destinations and options as indicated in the brochure from arrival at the Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle, Washington, on February 28, 2011, through departure from Reid’s Palace, Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal, on March 23, 2011. All meals beginning with dinner on February 28, 2011, and ending with lunch on the jet on March 23, 2011, are included. All taxes; group transportation; excursions; complete program of special events and activities, including an extensive program of customized options at most destinations; enrichment program including lectures by a team of experts; services of professional staff, including an expedition physician, to assist you throughout the trip; cost of philanthropic activities as described in the brochure; amenities package; $100,000 medical evacuation insurance for covered reasons; bottled water throughout the program (during sightseeing, at scheduled meals, and in your room); all beverages, including liquor, aboard the private jet; liquor during special events and cocktail parties on land; house wine and/or beer at lunch and dinner, and coffee, tea, milk, and soft drinks at all scheduled meals on land; baggage handling during the expedition; and tips or gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters, and waitstaff are included. Any tips or gratuities not specifically mentioned as included in the total expedition price will be at your discretion. Not included in the price are commercial airfare from your home city to Seattle, Washington, and from Boston, Massachusetts to your home city; airport transfers at the beginning and end of the expedition; the extra cost of shipping final documents, amenities, and small wheeled bag to international households; optional and additional accident/baggage/ cancellation insurance; passport and visa fees; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, fax, and Internet charges; all beverages not mentioned above as included; hotel mini-bar charges; meals not scheduled by TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc.; and inoculation and medication costs of any kind. Except for “major changes” as described below, no refund will be made for any accommodations or services included in the expedition price that you voluntarily do not use. Airfare: We are happy to assist you in reserving commercial flights from your home city to Seattle, Washington, and from Boston, Massachusetts to your home city, in the class of service that you prefer. Please ask for details. 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. Baggage: On the private jet, each passenger is limited to 90 pounds of baggage in 2 bags (one bag of your choice limited to 50 pounds, and one wheeled bag that TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. will send ahead of time to you specifically for use on the expedition, limited to 40 pounds); plus a few smaller carry-on items such as a backpack, purse, camera, and/or laptop. For international flights, the air carrier’s liability is limited to the actual value of the baggage but not more than 1,000 Special Drawing Rights, approximately $1,250 per passenger, unless a higher value is declared at the time of check-in and an appropriate excess valuation charge is paid. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant. Aircraft: This flight will be performed using a Boeing 757 jet with 80 VIP-class seats operated by Thomson Airways, formerly First Choice Airways, First Choice House, London Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9GX England. The operator and air carrier reserve the right to substitute equivalent aircraft if necessary.
Cancellations & Refunds: If you cancel your reservation, your right to receive a refund is limited, as set forth in the following schedule. All cancellations must be in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark or email receipt. All requests for refunds must be sent to us in writing via mail, fax, or e-mail. If your notice is received... You will receive a refund of all deposits less a… On or before July 28, 2010 $1,000 per-person cancellation fee. From July 29 to September 28, 2010 $5,000 per-person cancellation fee. From September 29 to November 29, 2010 $15,000 per-person cancellation fee. After November 29, 2010 No refund. Refunds will be made within 14 days of receipt of your notice of cancellation. 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. If you cancel and provide a substitute participant for this trip, you will receive a full refund of money paid toward the price less an administrative charge of $25 for effecting the substitution once the substitute participant has paid in full. Please note that the costs for visas, commercial air tickets, insurance, suite upgrades, and pre- or post-tour independent arrangements may not be refundable. If we make major changes prior to departure, you have the right to cancel and receive a full refund. The following are major changes: (1) a change in the departure or return date, unless the change results from a flight delay experienced by the air carrier (If, however, the delay is longer than 48 hours, it will be considered a major change.); (2) a change in the origin or destination city for any flight leg, unless the change affects only the order in which cities named in a tour package are visited; (3) a substitute of any hotel of lower standard; (4) a price increase of more than 10 percent occurring 10 or more days before departure. In no event can we increase your price less than 10 days before departure. If a major change must be made in the program, we will notify you within 7 days after first learning of the change, but in any event at least 10 days prior to the scheduled departure. If, less than 10 days before scheduled departure, we become aware that a major change must be made, we will notify you as soon as possible. Within 7 days after receiving notification of a major change, but in no event later than departure, you may cancel your reservation and you will receive a full refund within 14 days after canceling. If a major change occurs after the departure of the flight, which you are unwilling to accept, we will refund, within 14 days after your scheduled return date, that portion of your payment, which applies to the services not accepted. If we must cancel the expedition, we will notify you in writing within 7 days of the cancellation, but in no event later than 10 days before the scheduled departure date. We have no right to cancel the tour less than 10 days before departure, except for circumstances that make it physically impossible to perform the tour. If that occurs, we will notify you as soon as possible, but not later than the scheduled departure date. If the expedition is canceled, we will make a full refund to you within 14 days after cancellation. The rights and remedies made available under this contract are in addition to any other rights or remedies available under applicable law. However, we offer refunds under this contract with the express understanding that the receipt of that refund by a traveler waives the additional remedies. Itinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff presented in this brochure are subject to modification and change by TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. 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. International Flights: The operation of these flights is subject to the foreign governments involved granting landing rights for the flight. If the air carrier cannot obtain these rights for any particular flight leg of the expedition, that flight leg will be canceled and alternative arrangements may be made, at the discretion of TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. Health Requirements: This is an active program, which requires you to make a realistic assessment of your health. 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. Prior to traveling, we highly recommend visiting your personal physician for a check-up, so that you may discuss your ability to participate in this type of journey. 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), including the Highlands in Papua New Guinea, the Tigers Nest Monastery in Bhutan, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, 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. Malaria and other diseases are present in some of the countries featured in this itinerary; proof of yellow fever inoculation is required. For the latest recommendations on specific health precautions for the areas you will visit, consult your physician and the Centers for Disease Control. 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. Single/Shared Accommodations & Suite Upgrades: A limited number of single rooms are available at 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 in the months before departure. Basis of Rates: All prices are based on two persons sharing a room. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars. The rates are based on current tariffs and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, we reserve the right to do so and will notify you at the time of final invoicing. TCS & Starquest Expeditions, Inc. 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. TCS & Starquest Expeditions is a Registered Seller of Travel in Washington (#602-320-265), a California Seller of Travel (#2071584-30), an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau, and is endorsed by IATAN, the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (#50-755585). TCS & Starquest Expeditions’ Dunn & Bradstreet D-U-N-S number is 17-084-7961. TCS & Starquest Expeditions 1000 Second Avenue, Suite 1400 Seattle, Washington 98104 1-800-454-4149 or 206-254-0228 Fax: 206-447-7717 www.TCSandStarquestExpeditions.com
R e s e r v a t i o n F o rm
a Hidden Wonders Around the World a by Private Jet
February 28–March 23, 2011
Please reserve
place(s) on Hidden Wonders Around the World by Private Jet priced at $62,950 per person, double occupancy.
Name
Date and Year of Birth
Name
Date and Year of Birth
Address (Please do not list a P.O. box.) City, State, Zip (
)
Home phone
(
)
Work phone (
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Cell phone
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Fax
Accommodations: ❏ I prefer single accommodations where available for an additional $8,150.
❏ I plan to share accommodations with:
❏ Please arrange a share for me. I am a ❏ non-smoker ❏ smoker.
If a share cannot be arranged, I agree to pay the single supplement of $8,150.
Information about all suite upgrades and optional programs will be sent to you in the months before departure.
payment: ❏ Enclosed is my deposit check for $ OR ❏ Please charge my deposit of $
($2,500 per person). Please make checks payable to “HW-11 Escrow.” ($2,500 per person) to:
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Account number
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Expiration date
(Charges can be made to most major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.)
My credit card billing address, if different from above.
insurance: ❏ Please send me information about trip cancellation, health, and accident insurance. I understand that pre-existing health conditions require prompt enrollment in the trip insurance package. I/We have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions and Operator-Participant Contract for the trip (each traveler must sign).
Signature
Date
Signature
Date
Please fax or mail the completed Reservation Form to: TCS & Starquest Expeditions, 1000 Second Avenue, Suite 1400, Seattle, Washington 98104 1-800-454-4149 or 206-254-0228 • fax: 206-447-7717 info@tcsandstarquestexpeditions.com • www.tcsandstarquestexpeditions.com
1000 Second Avenue, Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID A.M.S. 98230
Hidden Wonders Around the World by Private Jet a February 28–March 23, 2011 a
A Journey to Extraordinary Cultural & Natural Treasures in Remote Lands
Kyoto & Nara, Japan ... The Islands of Palau ... Papua New Guinea ... Java, Indonesia ... Danang & Hué, Vietnam ... The Kingdom of Bhutan ... The Ganges River & Varanasi, India ... Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda ... The Lost City of Petra or Wadi Rum, Jordan ... Madeira Island