EASTERN EUROPE AND BEYOND 2008 PRIVATE JET
ITINERARY:
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 1
Depart USA
Depart on individual overnight flights to London.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 2
London, UK
Meet fellow travelers, lecturers and expedition staff at our
deluxe hotel for a welcome reception and dinner.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 3
Budapest, Hungary
Begin your journey behind the former Iron Curtain in lovely
Budapest, home to vibrant Hungarian culture, spectacular
architecture, and glorious monuments to the country’s storied
history. Stroll the city’s scenic boulevards and enjoy a private
cocktail reception in the Houses of Parliament.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 4
Romania's Painted Monasteries
From Budapest, take a day trip to visit several of Romania’s
spectacular painted monasteries, world-famous treasures situated
in the heart of the countryside where life has remained
unchanged for centuries.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 5
Gjirokastra, Albania
Embark upon the road less traveled to Albania’s gorgeous
southern coast where charming towns are strung like pearls on a
necklace. The seaside city of Saranda offers a picturesque base
for our exploration of once-forbidden sites like the UNESCO
World Heritage hillside town of Gjirokastra.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 6
Butrint, Albania
Also walk among lovely forested paths to explore the
fabulous, untouched Roman ruins of Butrint. Throughout your stay
in Albania, relish the open hearts and warm hospitality of the
her people, who are curious about the West and eager to share
the history and traditions of their fascinating country.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 7
Riga, Latvia
A gem on the glittering Baltic Sea, Riga will enchant you
with its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town where church spires and
castle turrets rise above 17th-century architectural gems and
twisting cobblestone streets.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 8
Riga, Latvia
Spend your time here strolling through the city, accompanied
by expert guides who help you trace Riga’s fascinating history
through its splendid museums, outstanding Art Nouveau buildings,
lively street life, and striking historical monuments.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 9
Vilnius, Lithuania
Under the shadow of the Soviet empire, Lithuania’s ancient
traditions developed in secrecy for many years. But once again
the glorious baroque city of Vilnius proudly shares beautiful
architecture, delicious food and wine, and welcoming
inhabitants. Enjoy an afternoon exploring this lively city where
surprises await around every corner.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 10
Tbilisi, Georgia
The crossroads of the Caucasus, the world’s second oldest
Christian country, the home of Stalin – the tiny, mountain
nation of Georgia has always played a part in the history of
both Europe and Asia. Today, the newly independent nation opens
its doors to you as you explore its colorful past and vibrant
present.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 11
Tbilisi, Georgia
Visit the boyhood home of Josef Stalin, tour a local winery
to learn about the ancient art of viticulture as practiced in
Georgia, or embark on a walking tour of the old town, stopping
at cathedrals, monasteries, and museums.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 12
Tbilisi, Georgia
Throughout the country, you’ll be met with sumptuous food
and wine, gorgeous landscapes, and the warm hospitality of a
people whose roots are as deep as those of any nation in the
world.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 13
Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Travel back in time in Bukhara, fabled trading center of the
Silk Road and the holiest city in Central Asia, with more than
350 mosques and nearly 100 madrasas (religious universities).
These days, Bukhara guards its ancient secrets behind clay and
mud walls in the best-preserved historic old city in the region.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 14
Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Bukhara’s people live much as they did hundreds of years
ago, sipping green tea by the sacred pool at and playing chess
in the shade of mulberry trees. Explore the twisting streets of
this fascinating town, visiting the Ark, the imposing citadel
that was once the home of the tyrannical Emir Nasrullah; the
city’s famous domed bazaars, home to trade for more than 500
years; and the striking Kalyan minaret, symbol of the city.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 15
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Mongolia is one of the most remote and least visited
countries in the world. Explore the ceremonial rooms of the
country’s pre-eminent monastery, Gandan, and listen to the
chants of monks in prayer. At the Museum of Natural History,
view dinosaur skeletons and numerous dinosaur eggs unearthed in
the Gobi. Also visit the National Museum of Mongolian History to
see a remarkable collection of ethnic costumes.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 16
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Venture into the grasslands of the Mongolian steppe to visit
a traditional ger encampment and witness the legendary
horsemanship of nomadic peoples. In the evening enjoy a festive,
traditional dinner and colorful folk dancing and acrobatics
performed by a national troupe of dancers and contortionists.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 17
Irkutsk, Russia
A thriving center of Siberian culture, Irkutsk is a city of
beautifully preserved architecture. Explore the 18th-century
Church of the Holy Cross and the Irkutsk history museum. Once
home to artists and intellectuals exiled by the czar, the remote
city prides itself on its sophisticated heritage as the “Paris
of Siberia.”
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 18
Lake Baikal, Russia
Discover the wonders of legendary Lake Baikal, estimated to
contain one-fifth of the world’s supply of fresh water.
Traveling by hydrofoil ferry, visit the village of Listvyanka to
see traditional Siberian architecture and learn about Lake
Baikal’s unique and flourishing aquatic life. At the Wooden
Architecture Museum, examine original buildings from throughout
the region.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 19
Moscow, Russia
Red Square, the Kremlin, Lenin’s Tomb – the names alone
evoke the mystery and secrecy that surrounded Russia for so many
years. Moscow today is a thriving cosmopolitan city, home to
world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and restaurants.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 20
Moscow, Russia
Also travel just outside the city to the once-forbidden
cosmonaut training facility, Star City. While in Moscow, do as
the locals do, dine on sumptuous cuisine and attend a
performance at one of the city’s many lavish theaters.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 21
Krakow, Poland
Regal cultural capital of Poland, Krakow boasts a
fascinating and varied history, rich with grace and charm.
Stroll through Old Town, its beautifully preserved churches and
homes a testament to a bygone era. The 16th-century Wawel Castle
presides as lord of the town, but the heart of the city is the
medieval town square, bustling with restaurants, architectural
jewels, and, at night, a thousand glittering lights.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 22
Krakow, Poland
If you like, travel deep into the nearby Wieliczka salt mine
– a UNESCO World Heritage site – to see fabulous sculptures and
chapels carved by salt miners over many centuries, or join a
half-day trip to visit Auschwitz.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 23
Return to London
Depart from Lisbon for London, arriving in the afternoon.
Transfer to our deluxe hotel for dinner and overnight.
Eastern Europe 2008: Day 24
Depart London for Home
Following breakfast at the hotel, return home on regularly
scheduled commercial flights.
Back to Privet Jet Travel - Menu Page
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Discover Eastern European cities and Asian outposts - rich in
traditions, architecture, and scenery - unseen by Western
travelers for decades.
Overview: Eastern Europe 2008
Budapest, Hungary • Romania’s Painted Monasteries • Butrint &
Gjirokastra, Albania • Riga, Latvia • Vilnius, Lithuania •
Tbilisi, Georgia • Bukhara, Uzbekistan • Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia •
Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, & Moscow, Russia • Krakow, Poland
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DATES & RATES |
PRICES
From
$49,950 Double
From $53,350 Single TRIP DATES
October 6 to October 29, 2008
October 9 to November 1, 2008
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INCLUDED |
PRICE OF THE EXPEDITION INCLUDES:
- All hotel accommodations, meals, group transportation,
excursions and other group activities from arrival in London
on October 7, 2008, through departure from London following
breakfast on October 29, 2008
- Airport transfers at beginning and end of trip
- Transportation by private jet (or other conveyance)
according to the itinerary, including meals, beverages,
wine, beer and liquor on board our private jet
- Complete program of special events and activities
- Enrichment program of lectures and presentations by a
team of experts
- Professional expedition staff and physician to assist
you throughout the trip
- Bottled water throughout the expedition
- Baggage handling abroad
- All gratuities
- Amenities package
- Comprehensive medical evacuation insurance.
PRICE OF THE EXPEDITION DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Roundtrip airfare and taxes between home cities and
London (see airfare section below)
- Passport fees and visa charges
- Accident/baggage/cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses such as immunizations, laundry,
telephone, fax charges, taxis
- Liquor except as noted above.
AIRFARE
Because travelers originate from a variety of home cities,
airfares will vary. We are happy to reserve flights in the class
of service you prefer, and to arrange for your airport transfers
and pre- or post-trip hotel accommodations.
EXPECTATIONS OF TRAVELERS
We consider this a fast-paced, strenuous program. Walking and
climbing stairs are required to board and disembark the jet at
most airports, to get around in hotels and to participate in
many excursions. Riding in four-wheel-drive vehicles on rough
terrain or unpaved paths can aggravate back conditions.
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PRIVATE
JET INFORMATION |
Private Jet Travel is Safe, Comfortable and Convenient
Our private Boeing 757 offers unmatched safety, long-range
capabilities, access to smaller airports, and an interior
customized for maximum comfort. Not limited by regular
commercial routes or schedules, we fly direct, bypass busy
airports and avoid layovers, crisscrossing continents and
countries with ease. We enjoy special privileges, including
expedited boarding, luggage handling, and Customs and
Immigration formalities. Because we set our own schedules, we
fly during the day, arriving refreshed and ready to explore.
NEW, Spacious Leather Seats Fit Like a Glove
We have reconfigured our Boeing 757 jetliner to accommodate just
74 guests in new VIP leather seats. Made with a patented, dense
foam core, the seats automatically adjust to a wide range of
body types and provide heightened comfort, flexibility and
improved circulation. Each seat has an individual power source
for laptops, digital cameras and other equipment. The cabin has
24 flat-screen monitors.
We Control the Quality & Safety of Our Transportation
The Boeing 757 is unsurpassed among today's jetliners for safety
and has a 99 percent reliability rate for operating without
mechanical delays. Our private jet is operated and maintained by
First Choice Airways, founded in the United Kingdom in 1987.
Carrying more than seven million passengers on more than 30,000
flights a year, First Choice Airways is one of the U.K.’s
largest airlines and is consistently recognized for its high
level of safety, performance and service.
First Choice Airways monitors access to the jet and baggage at
all times. Every piece of luggage is screened and identified
with a security tag and remains under the watchful eyes of our
staff and security officers. Find out more about our safety and
security program.
An Expedition Physician Travels With Us
An experienced expedition physician accompanies each journey
and is on-call to passengers 24 hours a day.
An International Crew and Fine Create a First-Class
Expedition Experience
Accompanying our journey is an experienced, international crew,
including eight cabin attendants, three pilots, two engineers,
an airport liaison officer, and two chefs. The flight crew
remains with us throughout the trip. Experienced expedition
leaders also accompany the group.
In-flight meals are graciously served on china and linen.
Carefully chosen menus and wine lists accommodate a range of
tastes. Dishes are prepared with the freshest ingredients and
special emphasis is placed on food safety by our chef and
catering assistant.
Seminars in the Sky Prepare Us for Adventures on Land
Our lecturers deliver in-flight presentations, using a
public address system and conveniently placed overhead monitors.
An on-board library of books and publications relating to each
destination is available during flight.
All information is property of TCS
Expeditions. Certain restrictions apply. All rates in U.S.
dollars. Prices, savings offers, and other terms subject to
change without notice. Images, logos, photographs etc. on this
page is copyrighted by TCS Expeditions. All such copyright
material is acknowledged. These pages are not endorsed or
supported by TCS Expeditions in any way. All information
presente5d is based on promotional material provided by TCS
Expeditions. It is presumed to be accurate and
is subject to change without notice.
Call toll-free 1-877-306-5595
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