Around the World by Private Jet

ITINERARY | 24 DAYS

JANUARY 25–FEBRUARY 17, 2024 | MARCH 19–APRIL 11, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.

DAY 1

Meet experts and fellow travelers for a reception at National Geographic headquarters, followed by a welcome dinner at our historic hotel just steps from the White House.

The Hay-Adams

CUSCO AND MACHU PICCHU OR TRUJILLO, PERU

DAYS 2, 3, AND 4

Fly by private jet to Lima and board a charter flight to charming Cusco (11,200 feet). Here, meet National Geographic Explorer and master Andean weaver Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, who has helped revive traditional Peruvian textiles. Then join National Geographic Explorer Peter Frost or one of his colleagues for a talk on his archaeological expeditions in Peru. Spend a day exploring the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (8,000 feet), rediscovered in 1911 and excavated with support from the National Geographic Society. Examine the site’s breathtakingly precise stone architecture and learn about the Inca’s innovative engineering feats. Alternatively, head to the northwestern coast to visit the archaeological site of Trujillo, once home to the Chimú and Moche civilizations.

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas or Wyndham Costa del Sol Trujillo and Belmond Miraflores Park

EASTER ISLAND, CHILE

DAYS 5 AND 6

Fly to Easter Island, located 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile. Explore the island’s ancient ruins and delve into the mystery surrounding its colossal moai statues with resident archaeologists Edmundo Edwards, Patricia Vargas Casanova, and Claudio Cristino. Visit the stone village of Orongo, the ceremonial center of the intriguing Birdman cult, and enjoy a traditional performance by the Kari Kari dance troupe.

Nayara Hangaroa

AHU TONGARIKI EASTER ISLAND, CHILE

CROSS THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE/ APIA, SAMOA

DAYS 7 AND 8

Cross the international date line, losing a day en route, and arrive in Samoa the following evening. On this idyllic island, known as the “heart of Polynesia,” experience Samoa’s deep reverence for hospitality, tradition, and community (known as fa’a Samoa, or “the Samoan way”). Experience a fiafia—a lively performance of dance and song.

Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort

GREAT BARRIER REEF OR DAINTREE RAINFOREST, AUSTRALIA

DAYS 9 AND 10

Encounter the legendary Great Barrier Reef, spanning more than 1,200 miles of islands and coral reefs. Meet National Geographic Explorer Dr. Jamie Seymour or one of his colleagues for an introduction to this fragile and biologically rich UNESCO World Heritage site. Then set out on a privately chartered vessel to explore the reef in a variety of ways. Explore the undersea in a semi-submersible, go snorkeling, and sit down to a lunch at sea. Or head into the Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide to discover natural wonders and ancient culture within the oldest rainforest on Earth.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Top: ANGKOR CAMBODIA Bottom: TIGER’S NEST TEMPLE PARO, BHUTAN

ANGKOR OR BENG MEALEA, CAMBODIA

DAYS 11 AND 12

Our next flight brings us to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor, the 10th-century capital of the Khmer Empire. Explore Angkor’s vast temple complex or the lost jungle temple of Beng Mealea. Then opt to participate in a Cambodian cooking class. In the evening, enjoy traditional Cambodian music and dance during a private dinner on the grounds of a magnificent temple.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

KATHMANDU, NEPAL AND PARO, BHUTAN

DAYS 13, 14, AND 15

Fly by private jet to Kathmandu. Visit Bodhnath, Nepal’s largest stupa, and the medieval city of Bhaktapur. On select departures, meet Ben Ayers, a climber, writer, and documentary filmmaker whose work with isolated Himalayan communities has been featured in National Geographic magazine. Then take a private charter flight to Paro (7,200 feet) and settle into our stunning hotel. Meet monks at the fortified monastery of Paro Dzong and join locals at a festival attended by masked dancers and a high-ranking lama. Opt for a vigorous hike up to the legendary Taktsang Lhakhang, or Tiger’s Nest Temple (10,240 feet), which clings to a cliff high above the valley floor. Or travel to the capital city of Thimphu (7,900 feet) to see one of the largest sitting Buddhas in the world, and view thangkas and other traditional arts at the Royal Textile Academy.

Dwarika’s Hotel; Zhiwa Ling Heritage

THE TREASURY | PETRA, JORDAN

TAJ MAHAL, AGRA, INDIA

DAYS 16 AND 17

Return to Kathmandu by charter flight, and continue by private jet to Agra. Check in to our hotel, which offers a view of the Taj Mahal from every room. Encounter this iconic monument to love up close, strolling its serene gardens and examining its exquisite architecture and artistry. Later, visit Agra Fort or join local youth on a walk to the city’s lesser known monuments. Instead of the Taj Mahal, visit the red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri and the stunning tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, also referred to as the “Baby Taj.”

The Oberoi Amarvilas

SERENGETI PLAIN OR NGORONGORO CRATER, TANZANIA

DAYS 18 AND 19

Fly to Tanzania and continue by light aircraft to one of two wilderness areas. Head deep into the savanna on safari in Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations; or descend into Ngorongoro Crater, a massive caldera that harbors some25,000 animals, including endangered black rhinos. National Geographic Explorer at Large Louise Leakey, another Leakey family member, or one of their colleagues joins us to discuss the family’s historic fossil finds.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti or and Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

PETRA, JORDAN

DAYS 20 AND 21

Land in Aqaba, Jordan and continue overland to ancient Petra, the abandoned capital of the Nabataean civilization that is half-built, half-carved into red sandstone cliffs. Wander through the spectacular Siq to the Treasury; and discover the royal tombs, houses, and Monastery of this intriguing city. Gather for a festive dinner and Bedouin folklore performance. If you wish, rise early the next day to visit Siq al-Barid, known as “Little Petra,” a smaller Nabataean site that harbors rare frescos left by this enigmatic culture.

Mövenpick Resort Petra

MARRAKECH OR ATLAS MOUNTAINS, MOROCCO

DAYS 22 AND 23

Fly by private jet to marvelous Marrakech. Venture into the bustling medina and visit palaces and tombs to admire splendid Moroccan architecture, mosaics, and carvings. Stroll through the lush Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. See artisans at work in the medina and soak up the lively local atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna square, where snake charmers, magicians, and musicians entertain passersby. Alternatively, head into the Atlas Mountains to experience Amazigh (Berber) culture, stopping for tea in a local home and eating a traditional lunch. On our last evening, toast our extraordinary adventure at a celebratory farewell dinner.

La Mamounia

WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.

DAY 24

Following breakfast, return by private jet to Washington, D.C. and connect with your commercial flight home. If you wish, enjoy complimentary accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Dulles this evening.

INFORMATION

DATES | See our website for available dates.

COST | 2024: $99,995

Price is per person, double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Transportation by private Boeing 757 and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost. Airfare to and from Washington, D.C. is not included. For your protection and peace of mind, all payments are protected by a surety bond. This trip will be operated by National Geographic Expeditions on flights operated by Icelandair. For Terms and Conditions and Operator-Participant Contract, visit nationalgeographic/expeditions/ATW2023T&C for 2023 departures, and pages 30–31 for 2024 departures.

Around the World by Private Jet will be operated on a Boeing 757 customized for 75 guest travelers in two-by-two VIP-style seats. Visit our website or call for details.

Our Experts

A team of National Geographic Experts will accompany this trip, including a National Geographic Photography Expert. See our website for experts and full bios on all Around the World by Private Jet departures.

YOUR TRIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE

The National Geographic Society funds research, conservation, and exploration, including archaeological excavations at an Inca ritual site near Cusco; a study on the response of the Great Barrier Reef to environmental stress; and numerous programs of the Big Cats Initiative, including the protection of endangered lions and cheetahs in Tanzania.

COVER: Ahu Tongariki | Easter Island, Chile

NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/PRIVATEJET | 1-888-227-7265