Desert Crossroads and The Himalaya

Boeing 757 Private Jet
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 flighing time with engaging lectures by distinguished experts, and for 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 moniors 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.

LONDON, ENGLAND March 21, 2010.
Meet fellow travelers and the expedition staff at a gala welcome dinner in London.
The Dorchester

MALI’S DOGON PEOPLE, TUAREG NOMADS & TIMBUKTU March 22 & 23.
Fly by private jet to Mopti. Cruise the Niger to see daily life in this busy port town with bustling riverside markets. Enjoy a rousing welcome with a festive Bobo performance before dinner. Then explore the remote cliffside villages of the Dogon people and observe their colorful masked dance. Or see the world’s largest mud-brick mosque at Djenné and take a local flight to fabled Timbuktu to meet the Tuaregs.
Kanaga Hotel, Mopti

EGYPTIAN ANTIQUITIES AT LUXOR & THE SIWA OASIS March 24, 25 & 26.
Explore the ancient city of Thebes and experience the majesty of Luxor Temple. Walk through the Great Hypostle Hall at Karnak and marvel at the treasures of the Luxor Museum. Sail on the Nile River in traditional felucca boats; see the Valley of the Kings; visit the tomb of Tutankhamun; and stop at the temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Or instead of the full program at Luxor, spend one night at the Siwa Oasis.
Sonesta St. George, Luxor and Adrére Amellal Oasis, Western Sahara Desert

THE LOST CITY OF PETRA OR WADI RUM, JORDAN March 27 & 28.
Step back in time 2,000 years as you stroll through the enchanting archaeological site of Petra—half-built, half-carved into the rose-red rock of a mountain by the ancient Nabataeans. Or, instead of Petra, visit the lunar-like landscapes of Wadi Rum and meet with Bedouins currently living in this storied desert valley.
Mövenpick Hotel & Resort, Petra

THE TAJ MAHAL March 29 & 30.
Fly to Agra, India to visit the Taj Mahal. Admire this beautiful work of art, which incorporates Persian, Hindu, and Islamic styles.
Oberoi Amarvilas

KATHMANDU, NEPAL March 30 (continued).
Depart Agra and fly by private jet over the Himalaya to Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Durbar Square and the Bodnath Stupa.
Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu

THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN March 31, April 1 & 2.
Take a local flight from Kathmandu to Paro and visit the great Paro Dzong and the Paro Museum. Then transfer to Thimphu to see the Memorial Chorten. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, the Textile Museum, and the National Library. Admire the 108 Chortens of Dochula Monastery, and savor a sumptuous spread of the local cuisine at a gala farewell dinner. Travelers who wish to hike to Tiger’s Nest will transfer back to Paro.
Uma Paro, or Amankora (upgrade)

RETURN HOME OR EXTEND YOUR JOURNEY April 3.
Take a local flight back (from Thimpu or Paro) to Kathmandu, where we reboard our private jet and fly to Bangkok. You may leave Bangkok and return home on either April 3 or 4. If you prefer to leave on April 4, enjoy a night at the Peninsula Bangkok or a hotel near the airport at no additional cost. Or extend your stay in Asia with the Thailand post-tour extension.

THAILAND INTERVAL April 4, 5 & 6.
If you are joining the next Hidden Corners Around the World journey, Sacred Places of Asia, enjoy 2 nights at the Peninsula Bangkok and an exclusive sightseeing program at no additional cost. Please call for details.

THAILAND POST-TOUR April 4, 5, 6 & 7
If you are not joining the next Hidden Corners Around the World journey, you may if you wish extend your stay in Asia with a post-tour in Northern Thailand. Transfer to Chiang Rai and cruise by riverboat through bamboo forests to our luxury camp. Go elephant trekking through teak jungles and visit some of the hilltribes of this beautiful, rarely visited region. Then return home via Bangkok.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, near Chiang Rai

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/21/2010 - 4/3/2010	$34,950
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.

Mali’s Dogon People, Tuareg Nomads & Timbuktu

Egyptian Antiquities at Luxor & The Siwa Oasis

The Lost City of Petra or Wadi Rum, Jordan

The Taj Mahal

Kathmandu & The Himalaya

The Kingdom of Bhutan

Limited to 72 Travelers

Cost Per Person

$34,950 (double occupancy)

$4,950 (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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