Around the World

Featured Accommodations:

Hotel Monasterio, Peru

Hotel Monasterio, Peru

Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Australia

Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Australia

We offer educational expeditions that use custom-designed Boeing 757 private jets. With their long-range capabilities and 99 percent reliability rate for operating without mechanical delays, our jets are ideally suited for visiting an incredible variety of far-flung destinations around the world in one expedition. We make use of our flying time with engaging lectures by distinguished experts, and some fascinating flightseeing. And we fly only during the day, so that you may have a proper night’s rest in some of the world’s finest hotels. With our newly designed jet for a small group of only 72 travelers, you can enjoy more comfortable seating, more dedicated services and amenities, and unparalleled access to expedition lecturers and staff. Our specially-outfitted Boeing 757 private jet for 72 travelers offers many special comforts and amenities

Generously seats 72 passengers in 2x2 configuration instead of the standard 233 seats.

Elegant and plush VIP-class leather seating with 50-52 inches of pitch, 45-degree recline, and ergonomic ecomfort™ foam that reduces pressure and stress.

Onboard education system with 24 flat-screen monitors for onboard seminars and destination-specific movies and documentaries, and a library of destination-specific books and other publications.

Award-winning meal service inspired by the cuisines of the destinations featured in our itinerary.

Noise-canceling headsets, in-seat power outlets and plenty of storage space for laptops, digital cameras, and other personal devices.

A specially-trained flight crew of 2 pilots, an expedition chef, a catering officer, avionics and structural engineers, a dedicated luggage handler, and eight flight attendants, offering one of the highest flight attendant-to-traveler ratios in the business: 1 to 9.

Operated and maintained by the award-winning Thomson Airways, formerly First Choice Airways, based in England.

Washington, D.C. October 8
Depart your hometown independently on a commercial flight to Washington, D.C. Meet your fellow travelers and the expedition staff at a reception at the National Geographic Society headquarters followed by dinner at our fine hotel.
Mayflower Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu, Peru Sacred Inca Treasures in the Peruvian Andes October 9, 10 & 11
Fly to Lima, and enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, where you will be given a private tour of the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian arts. The following day, transfer to Cusco, center of the Andean world for centuries. See the historic district where Spanish Baroque palaces and churches were build directly on foundations laid by the Incas, such as stately mansions, arcades, and a beautiful cathedral surrounding the grand Plaza de Armas. In the colorful market, visit local artisans—including renowned textile artist Nilda Callañaupa—who are dedicated to preserving the region’s distinctive music and arts.

The next day, travel by train through the spectacularly scenic Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu. This sacred citadel was abandoned by the Incas, reclaimed by the jungle, and lost to history until it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It is truly one of the world’s most extraordinary architectural achievements. Explore its terraced gardens and examine the artfully-cut stone Sun Temple.
Swissôtel, Lima and Hotel Monasterio, Cusco

Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following: Travelers who wish to avoid the high altitude may instead choose an overnight excursion to the temples of Trujillo and Chiclayo, where the richest burial chambers ever found in the Americas were discovered.
Gran Hotel Chiclayo; Libertador, Trujillo; and Swissôtel,Lima
Or, instead of spending two nights at Cusco, spend one of these nights in Machu Picchu at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel. Spaces are very limited.

Easter Island Enduring Mysteries of the Moai October 12 & 13
Fly more than 2,300 miles westward across the Pacific Ocean to Easter Island, the most remote inhabited island in the world and an open-air museum of ancient stone villages, sanctuaries, and giant statues called moai. Explore many parts of this island—a UNESCO World Heritage site—with local ethnologist and archaeologist Edmundo Edwards, who will reveal the stories behind the moai, ceremonial centers, petroglyphs, and lava formations. In the evening, marvel at the award-winning Kari Kari Rapanui Ethnic Ballet dancers who will perform lively and sensual authentic dances and songs at a festive dinner.
Hanga Roa Hotel, Iorana Hotel, and Taha Tai Hotel (Accommodation upgrades are available at Explora Rapa Nui)
Option - In addition to an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following: In Easter Island, hike the grassy hills or explore additional archaeological sites with our guides.

Apia, Samoa Unspoiled Natural Beauty & Traditional Polynesian Culture October 14
Experience the relaxing atmosphere of Samoa—a land that has changed little from ancient times, making it one of the most traditional of Polynesian cultures. This beautiful chain of volcanic islands enchanted Robert Louis Stevenson who called it home and wrote of the “sense of seduction” inspired by this unique habitat where some of the world’s most vivid natural colors can be found. Visit Vailima, Stevenson’s lovely plantation-style estate and his last home, now a museum restored to show the lavish comfort he and his wife, Fanny, enjoyed. On Upolu Island, Samoa, we’ll be treated to an umu feast, similar to a luau-style underground oven, and a fia fia, a colorful performance of traditional Samoan dance and song.
Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Beach Resort & Spa

Cross the International Date Line October 15
From Polynesia we continue our voyage westward, crossing the International Date Line. We lose a day en route and arrive in Australia the following afternoon.

Port Douglas & The Great Barrier Reef or Daintree Rain Forest, Australia Resplendent Sanctuary of Undersea Wildlife or The World’s Oldest Rain Forest October 16 & 17.
We land in Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas, a charming resort town on the shores of the South Pacific Ocean. From here, venture out to the pristine northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, where the fish and coral are the most colorful and diverse. Stretching over 1,250 miles from the Tropic of Capricorn to Papua New Guinea, this UNESCO World Heritage area is the largest known coral deposit in the world and is home to an exceptionally rich variety of marine life. Explore the underwater splendor of this area by snorkeling and swimming amongst rainbow-colored corals and schools of triggerfish, unicornfish, and sea turtles.
Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Port Douglas

Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following: Instead of exploring the Great Barrier Reef, you can discover the flora and fauna of the world’s oldest rain forest—the Daintree—approximately 90 million years older than the Amazon rain forest. Learn about the natural wonders you see during a Dreamtime walk in the Mossman Gorge with an elder from the Kuku Yalanji tribe. He will introduce his tribe’s legends, point out sacred sites, and describe the tribe’s special relationship with this unique environment.

Angkor, Cambodia Ancient Treasures of the Khmer Empire October 18 & 19
Fly by private jet to Siem Reap, our base for exploring Angkor, the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire and one of humankind’s greatest architectural triumphs. Visit the stunningly beautiful Angkor Wat temple complex, and survey its massive towers, carved murals, colonnades, and courtyards that exemplify classic Khmer architecture. Then see Angkor Thom, which features the famous Bayon Temples and the Terrace of the Elephants; and Ta Prohm, which has been largely left as it was found, still engulfed by thick banyan trees. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous spread of the local cuisine.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
Option - In addition to an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following: You may choose to also see the temple complex at Preah Khan, whose grand monastery once housed nearly 15,000 monks. Or shop the colorful markets of Siem Reap.
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following: Instead of exploring Angkor Wat, you may visit Banteay Srei, the Citadel of Women. This unusual pink sandstone temple is considered the “jewel” of Khmer art. Or travel to the lost jungle temple of Beng Mealea, overgrown with majestic trees and surrounded by a lush bamboo forest. Then travel to the Roluos temple complex to explore three seldom-seen sacred structures. At village workshops, observe the production of silk textiles, ceramics, miniature sculptures, and shadow puppets.

Chengdu, China October 20
Today, we board our private jet and arrive in Chengdu, China, where we enjoy dinner and a night’s rest, before continuing on to Tibet. If you wish, go on an excursion to see the area’s giant pandas.
Kempinski Hotel

Lhasa, Tibet Fabled Buddhist Gathering Place at the Rooftop of the World October 21 & 22
On Wednesday morning, we take a local flight to Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, located on one of the world’s highest plateaus in the Himalaya mountain range. Visit Jokhang, Tibet’s oldest and most revered temple. Step through the sacred halls, where pilgrims spin age-old prayer wheels and chant ancient sutras among the butter lamps. Nearby, explore the Barkhor Market, offering a glimpse of everyday life and a chance to admire finely crafted ornaments, carvings, and block prints of holy scriptures. Then venture into the fabled Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and the center of Tibetan government for more than 300 years. Wander the palace’s labyrinthine corridors to countless rooms lavishly decorated with centuries of Buddhist artwork and artifacts. At the foot of Tatipu Hill in the northern outskirts of town, we may see monks in the debating courtyard of the 600-year-old Sera Monastery, continuing a long-held tradition that attests to the monastery’s deep scholastic roots.
We then fly back to Chengdu, China, where we reboard our private jet and continue on to India. Brahmaputra Grand Hotel

Please note: Lectures and leisure time are scheduled to help us adjust to Lhasa’s altitude of approximately 12,000 feet.
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following: Instead of visiting Tibet, travelers may choose to go on a two-day tour of Xi’an, China. See the famous life-sized terra cotta warriors, the Ming Dynasty City Wall, the colorful Muslim Quarter, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Provincial Museum. Or simply stay in Chengdu where you can relax at our luxurious hotel or one of the city’s tea houses, and visit the beautifully restored ancient Jinli Street.

The Taj Mahal, Agra, India Designed by Giants, Finished by Jewelers October 23 & 24
We board our private jet and fly to Agra, India, site of the famous Taj Mahal. Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this astoundingly beautiful monument in the 17th century as a tribute to the memory of his 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 and inlaid precious stones. You can also enjoy your own private view of this grand tribute to love from your room at our marvelous hotel, a lavish oasis 660 yards away from the site.
Oberoi Amarvilas
Option - In addition to an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following: In addition to the Taj Mahal, you may explore the Red Fort of Agra and the fairy-tale-like palaces within this imposing fortress.
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following: Or instead of the Taj Mahal, travel to the former Mogul capital city of Fatehpur Sikri that Emperor Akbar built as a symbol of his power—an exquisite red sandstone complex. Or visit nearby Sikandra to see his magnificent tomb, followed by an afternoon excursion to Agra Fort.

Tanzania Safari Adventure An Unmatched Spectacle of Scenery and Wildlife October 25 & 26
Depart India in the morning and fly by private jet to Kilimanjaro Airport, where you will transfer to private local aircraft to venture into one of two different areas of Tanzania. No other country on Earth has more land devoted to national parks and game reserves.
Take a short flight to the Serengeti National Park, site of the most complex and least disturbed ecosystem on Earth. Begin your safari from the moment you land in the bush with a game drive en route to your lodgings. Later, venture deep into the savannah and be surrounded by the beauty of the land and the staggering concentration of animals that live here. Africa’s densest “big cat” predator populations (lions, cheetahs, and leopards) thrive here. Wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, impala, and giraffe also abound, and although these animals are protected from human hunters, they may not be spared by the “big cats,” as we may witness while exploring this area.
Serengeti Migration Camp or Serengeti Sopa Lodge Or descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to observe the permanent population of about 30,000 animals in the largest unbroken caldera in the world. Aside from the great herds of wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra, you may also see the “big five” (rhinoceros, lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo).
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge Note: Travelers who stay at the Serengeti Sopa Lodge and the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge will have the opportunity to meet either Meave or Louise Leakey, National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, whose family of renowned anthropologists and paleontologists have discovered many important fossils in the area.

Luxor & Gîza, Egypt The Pyramids, The Sphinx & Other Treasures of the Divine Pharaohs October 27, 28 & 29
Arrive in Luxor, site of the ancient city of Thebes, where temples and tombs of some of history’s greatest kings and queens are found. Spend time in the Valley of the Kings and visit Tutankhamun’s tomb, discovered nearly completely intact in 1923. Stop at the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the longest reigning female pharaoh and one of history’s great leaders. Visit the Colossi of Memnon, and gaze up the colorful reliefs at Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III, considered Egypt’s last great pharaoh. See the Luxor Museum’s stunning collection of statues, figures, bas-reliefs, and mummies. Sail the Nile River in a felucca, a traditional sailboat.
Then visit the Great Hypostyle Hall and temples at Karnak, the largest ancient religious site in the world, described by the ancient Egyptians as the most perfect of places. In the evening, enjoy a gala dinner.
Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
On Thursday morning, we board our private jet and fly to Cairo, then transfer to Gîza to visit the Pyramids—including the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops)—and the Sphinx. We then continue on to Morocco.
Note: In Gîza, we have arranged a meeting with National Geographic Explorerin- Residence Zahi Hawass—world-renowned archaeologist, Egyptologist, and secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following: Instead of visiting Egypt, you may explore Petra, the Lost City of the Nabataeans, with a local archaeologist. Hidden in Jordan’s deep canyons south of the Dead Sea, this remarkable site was founded more than 2,000 years ago, and consists of elaborate buildings and tombs carved from sheer rock walls. While here, spend a night at the Mövenpick Resort Petra.

Marrakech, Morocco Fabled Gateway to the Sahara October 29 (continued) & 30.
On Thursday evening, after arriving in Marrakech, we will transfer to our fine hotel, which offers the chance to unwind in a hammam, a Moroccan steam bath. The following morning, we begin to explore this radiant city of One Thousand and One Nights. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the tombs of the Saadian kings, and the palace housing the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts. The palace’s wonderful courtyard garden is filled with flowers and cypress trees, and its salons invite admirers of fine craftsmanship with impressive displays of jewelry, daggers, ornate kaftans, and local carpets. Wander through the bustling medina quarter: a jumble of colorful souks, and the enchanted Djemaa el Fna, the busiest market square in all of Africa, with its snake charmers, storytellers, acrobats, and a myriad of fascinating diversions. In the evening, celebrate our adventure at a gala farewell dinner with traditional music, fortune tellers, and henna artists.
Sofitel Marrakech Imperial Hotel & Spa

Option - In addition to an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following: In Morocco, you may choose to spend the day exploring the Atlas Mountains, visiting Berber villages, and taking in the spectacular scenery.

Washington, D.C. October 31
Following breakfast, our private jet carries us back to Washington, D.C., to connect with a commercial flight home.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/29/2010 - 10/22/2010	$56,950
1/13/2011 - 2/5/2011	$62,950
10/28/2011 - 11/20/2011	$62,950
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Peru’s Spanish-Colonial Cusco & The Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu

Mysterious Moai Statues of Easter Island

Polynesian Island Paradise of Samoa

The Great Barrier Reef or The Daintree Rain Forest in Australia

Cambodia’s Angkor Wat Temple Complex

Tibet’s Most Sacred Buddhist Temple & The Potala Palace

India’s Enduring Mogul Masterpiece—The Taj Mahal

Tanzania Safari Adventure

Luxor, the Pyramids & The Sphinx in Egypt

The Lost City of the Nabataeans at Petra, Jordan

The Medieval Imperial City of Fez in Morocco

Limited to 72 Travelers

$56,950 2010 departures (double occupancy)

$8,545 2010 departures (single supplement)

$62,950 2011 departures (double occupancy)

$8,150 2011 departures (single supplement)

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.

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