Or fly to Phnom Penh, for a day’s exploration of the National Museum, School of Fine Arts, Royal Palace, The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum.

Wednesday, January 16
Today, we board our private jet and arrive in Chengdu, China, where we enjoy dinner and overnight at our fine hotel, before continuing on to Tibet. Kempinski Hotel Chengdu

Thursday & Friday, January 17 & 18
Lhasa, Tibet
On Thursday morning, we take a local flight to Lhasa, Tibet. Visit the Jokhang Temple, the country’s oldest and most revered, whose roof is crowned with a pair of golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel. Step through its sacred halls, where countless 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 the area’s finely crafted ornaments, rugs, and religious paintings and carvings. In the northern outskirts of town, at the foot of Tatipu Hill, visit the 600-year-old Sera Monastery, named for the wild roses that once covered the surrounding area. While here, we may see monks practicing in the debating courtyard, upholding a long-held tradition that attests to the monastery’s deep scholastic roots. Then head to the Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and the center of Tibetan government for more than 300 years. Spend some time wandering the labyrinthine corridors to innumerable rooms lavishly decorated with centuries of Buddhist artwork and artifacts. We then fly back to Chengdu, China, where we reboard our private jet and continue on to India. Bramaputra Grand Hotel

Please note: To help travelers adjust to Lhasa’s altitude of approximately 12,000 feet, we have scheduled a short rest upon arrival and some additional leisure time.

You may visit the Tibet Museum for its wonderful collection of folk art, Buddha statues, imperial jade seals, and Sanskrit and Tibetan scriptures. Or visit the seventh-century Tsang Khung Nunnery, a peaceful oasis in the middle of town.

Or, instead of going to Tibet, you may 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 and relax at our luxurious hotel and go on a local excursion to see the area’s giant pandas.

Saturday & Sunday, January 19 & 20
The Taj Mahal, Agra, India
We board our private jet and fly to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. Wander this thoroughly enchanting site, 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 of inlaid precious stones. You can also enjoy your own private view of the Taj Mahal from your room at our marvelous hotel, a lavish oasis only 600 meters away from the site. Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

Instead of visiting the Taj Mahal, you may choose to see the exquisite garden-tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah. Located on the Yamuna River’s east bank, this “jewel box in marble” is one of the most stylistically innovative Mogul buildings. Or travel to the former Mogul capital city of Fatehpur Sikri, or head to Sikandra for the magnificent tomb of Emperor Akbar.

Monday & Tuesday, January 21 & 22
Tanzania Safari Adventure
Depart India in the morning and fly by private jet to Kilimanjaro Airport, where you will transfer to a smaller aircraft to venture into one of three different areas of your choice. You may choose to visit Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets. This wilder, less visited park is distinguished by lush, rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, and immense, ancient baobab trees. The Tarangire River running through the park is the area’s only permanent water source, so it attracts thousands of animals, offering unparalleled game viewing. See lions, leopards, giraffe, and great herds of elephants. Tarangire is also a birder’s paradise, with the highest number of recorded bird species in the country. If you wish, you may go to the Serengeti National Park. In the local Masai language, Serengeti means “extended place,” an appropriate name for this vast wildlife sanctuary, the most complex and least disturbed ecosystem on Earth. You’ll go deep into the savannah to witness Africa’s greatest concentration of wildebeest and zebra, and big cats, including lions, cheetahs and leopards. Or, at the Ngorongoro Crater, you may 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). Luxury tented camps or lodges

Wednesday & Thursday, January 23 & 24
Luxor & Giza, Egypt
Upon arrival in Luxor, we transfer to our hotel and visit Luxor Temple, whose grand entry is distinguished by enormous statues of Ramesses II and a procession of small sphinxes. The next day, explore the Great Hypostyle Hall and temples of Karnak, the largest ancient religious site in the world, described by the ancient Egyptians as “the most perfect of places.” Sail the Nile River in traditional felucca boats, and then head to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, where you can visit Tutankhamun’s tomb, discovered nearly completely intact by Howard Carter in 1923, and the tomb of Hatshepsut, the longest reigning female Pharaoh and one of the greatest ancient female leaders. Along the way, you can see the Colossi of Agamemnon, two enormous statues and all that remains of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III, one of Egypt’s more successful rulers and one who commissioned many of the places we see in Luxor. In the evening, enjoy a special gala dinner. Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor

As an alternative to exploring Luxor, you may opt to visit Petra, the Lost City of the Nabataeans. 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, overnight in the marvelous Movenpick Resort Petra.

Friday & Saturday, January 25 & 26
Fez, Morocco
After our stop in Giza to visit the Pyramids — including the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) — and the Sphinx, we continue to Morocco, arriving in Fez. Visit the colorful medina, the oldest part of town, known as Fez-el-Bali. Wander this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a maze of narrow streets and lovingly-restored medieval-period madrassas, fountains, and mosques, most notably the exquisite Kairouyine Mosque. Peruse the fine wares at the bustling souks and hidden fondouks, where Morocco’s traditional arts and crafts flourish. Observe tanners, silk dyers, brass workers and other skilled artisans who carry on with fascinating centuries-old traditions. Just west of the medina, at Fez Jdid, view the imposing gates of the Royal Palace, covered with rich zellige tile work. Then head to the nearby hills to visit the tombs of the Merinid sultans and for the unforgettable panorama of Fez below. Enjoy a fine meal featuring a lavish spread of traditional Moroccan delicacies — a fitting end to an extraordinary journey. Palais Jamai Fes

Instead of exploring Fez, you may go on a day trip to the fabled gateway to the Sahara, Marrakech. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque and the Palace of Dar Si Said, now the Museum of Moroccan Arts. Enjoy lunch at the enchanting La Mamounia hotel, and wend your way through the bustling medina and colorful souks.

Sunday, January 27
Morocco / Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Following breakfast, our jet carries us back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where you can connect with your regularly scheduled commercial flight home.

* If you have previously visited any of these destinations, an alternate program may be available. Contact us for more information about this extraordinary expedition. 
 

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