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                  HISTORY'S HIGHLIGHTS
HISTORY'S HIGHLIGHTS 2009 PRIVATE JET ITINERARY:

April 17 & 18, 2009
Depart from Home and Edinburgh, UK
Depart on individual overnight commercial flights to Edinburgh. Meet fellow travelers, lecturers, and expedition leaders at a festive welcome dinner at our deluxe hotel. The Balmoral, Edinburgh

April 19 & 20
Prague, Czech Republic
Spared the ravages of war, Prague integrates Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architectural styles. Stroll through Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, and the Jewish Quarter with its historical cemetery. Enjoy Czech specialties in a 15thcentury beer hall, and attend a concert in one of the city’s intimate venues. Four Seasons Hotel, Prague

April 21
Tallinn, Estonia
Tiny Estonia, dominated for centuries by larger nations, gained independence in 1991. Its capital, the fortress city of Tallinn, is steeped in medieval history. Enter the 14th century in Old Town’s winding streets, slender church spires, cobbled squares, and turrets. Explore the beautiful icons of St. Nicholas Church and the remains of Toompea Castle, where Estonia’s Parliament began to meet in the 13th century. Radisson SAS Saga Hotel, Tallinn

April 22 & 23
St. Petersburg, Russia
In St. Petersburg, one of Europe’s grandest cities, discover the beautiful grounds and historic Baroque cathedral of Peter & Paul Fortress – the city’s oldest structure – and massive St. Isaac’s Cathedral, gilded and intricately detailed. Explore the Neva River and the city’s canals, and enjoy a private tour at one of the city’s grand summer palaces. At the Hermitage, housed in the magnificent palace complex from which czars ruled for more than 150 years, examine superb collections — including the Gold Room. Hotel Astoria, St. Petersburg

April 24 & 25
Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is a surrealistic landscape of eerie rock formations – “fairy chimneys” – carved by the wind, rain, and volcanic eruption. The remnants of dwellings, churches, and chapels remain hollowed into the soft rock, and grottoes are magnificently decorated with colorful frescoes of biblical scenes. Explore Kaymakli, an eight-story underground refuge adapted centuries ago to include chapels, bedrooms, kitchens, and wine cellars. Various cave hotels, Cappadocia

April 26 & 27
Jerusalem, Israel
Throughout its tumultuous history, Jerusalem and its myriad historic monuments have held rich spiritual meaning across several faiths – for instance the Western Wall for Jews, Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians, and Dome of the Rock for Muslims.
King David Hotel, Jerusalem

April 28 & 29
Fez, Morocco
The center of Moroccan cultural and religious life since the 9th century, Fez is one of the largest medieval cities on the world. Explore the vast medina’s magnificent gates, walls, and winding streets lined with palaces, mosques, Islamic seminaries, and fountains. Sofitel Palais Jamai, Fez

April 30
London, UK/Depart for Home
We arrive in the afternoon, then transfer to regularly scheduled commercial flights homeward.


World Heritage Sites

UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited on History's Highlights 2009

UNESCO World Heritage sites are places of extraordinary and universal cultural and/or natural value that have been chosen for special protection from damage and destruction. When a site is selected by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, it is inscribed onto the official World Heritage Site List and receives ongoing aid and technical support from the World Heritage Fund.

CZECH REPUBLIC
Historic Center of Prague
Inscribed: 1992
Built between the 11th and 18th centuries, the Old Town, the Lesser Town and the New Town speak of the great architectural and cultural influence enjoyed by this city since the Middle Ages. The many magnificent monuments, such as Hradcani Castle, St Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge and numerous churches and palaces, built mostly in the 14th century under the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV.

ESTONIA
Historic Center (Old Town) of Tallinn
Inscribed: 1997
The origins of Tallinn date back to the 13th century, when a castle was built there by the crusading knights of the Teutonic Order. It developed as a major center of the Hanseatic League, and its wealth is demonstrated by the opulence of the public buildings (the churches in particular) and the domestic architecture of the merchants' houses, which have survived to a remarkable degree despite the ravages of fire and war in the intervening centuries.

RUSSIA
Historic Center of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments
Inscribed: 1990
The "Venice of the North," with its numerous canals and more than 400 bridges, is the result of a vast urban project begun in 1703 under Peter the Great. Later known as Leningrad (in the former USSR), the city is closely associated with the October Revolution. Its architectural heritage reconciles the very different Baroque and pure neoclassical styles, as can be seen in the Admiralty, the Winter Palace, the Marble Palace and the Hermitage.

TURKEY
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
Inscribed: 1985
In a spectacular landscape, entirely sculpted by erosion, the Göreme valley and its surroundings contain rock-hewn sanctuaries that provide unique evidence of Byzantine art in the post-Iconoclastic period. Dwellings, troglodyte villages and underground towns – the remains of a traditional human habitat dating back to the 4th century – can also be seen there.

ISRAEL
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
Inscribed: 1981
As a holy city for Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Jerusalem has always been of great symbolic importance. Among its 220 historic monuments, the Dome of the Rock stands out: built in the 7th century, it is decorated with beautiful geometric and floral motifs. It is recognized by all three religions as the site of Abraham's sacrifice. The Wailing Wall delimits the quarters of the different religious communities, while the Resurrection rotunda in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre houses Christ's tomb.

MOROCCO
Medina of Fez
Inscribed: 1981
Founded in the 9th century and home to the oldest university in the world, Fez reached its height in the 13th–14th centuries under the Marinids, when it replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the medina – madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - date from this period. Although the political capital of Morocco was transferred to Rabat in 1912, Fez has retained its status as the country's cultural and spiritual centre.

 


Hotels featured on History's Highlights by Private Jet 2009:

UNITED KINGDOM
The Balmoral, Edinburgh

Beneath its landmark clock tower, liveried doormen welcome guests to this painstakingly restored luxury property. The hotel contains the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. Individually decorated guest rooms use fresh fabrics and polished custom furnishings, and Italian marble baths feature thick robes and deluxe toiletries. Relax at the spa with health and beauty treatments, or enjoy an indoor pool, gym, a new sauna and steam room.

CZECH REPUBLIC
Four Seasons Hotel, Prague

This prestigious property encompasses three historic buildings. Elegant common areas feature glass art and other works by noted Czech artists. The fitness center includes top equipment, saunas, spa treatment rooms, and free refreshments. Guest rooms, furnished in sophisticated colors, have dressing areas, trademark beds and linens, and marble baths featuring deep soaking tubs, oversized towels, and verbena-scented Occitane toiletries.

OR

The Mandarin Oriental, Prague
A 14th-century Dominican abbey near Charles Bridge has been tastefully transformed into this award-winning luxury resort. Its numerous restaurants and lounges make elegant use of ancient architectural detail. Each guest room is unique and historical, with grand Baroque arches or Renaissance frescoes, and floors of original parquet or heated limestone. The outstanding spa, located in the abbey's former chapel, combines Asian bamboo and Renaissance brick illuminated by candlelight.

ESTONIA
Hotel Telegraaf, Tallinn

Named for the historic building it occupies, this luxury hotel in Old Town’s Latin Quarter was formerly the Tallinn Central Telegraph. Guest rooms are decorated with polished wood floors and clean lines. Recreational opportunities in the hotel include a spa, 10-meter swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna and steam bath.

RUSSIA
Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg

This meticulously maintained relic of Russia’s imperial past occupies an 1824 building rich in palatial baroque architecture and opulent decor. Guest rooms come with striking burl furniture and tiled baths with heated floors. The well-equipped health club and its pool offer respite from indulgences in one of the many fine restaurants.

TURKEY
Anatolian Houses Hotel, Cappadocia

Constructed within five different cave formations, the guest suites of this luxurious hotel feature original artwork, historical furnishings, unique bedcovers, fireplaces, whirlpool baths, handmade ceramic sinks, and rain showerheads. The hotel offers a spa and wellness center, arched indoor/outdoor swimming pool, hammam (Turkish steam bath), and sauna. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine from the fountain in the courtyard.

OR

Museum Hotel, Cappadocia
Guests approach this luxuriously restored property through a stately doorway reminiscent of the grand entrances to a caravanserai. Most guest rooms are buried deep in the earth, and include traditional cave-home features like glassed-over tandir ovens set into the floor. Historical artifacts are displayed throughout the property, and an on-site gallery exhibits regional artwork. The hotel boasts an infinity pool with breathtaking views, and an award-winning restaurant traditional pairing Cappadocian and European cuisine with local wines.

OR

Uchisar Kaya Hotel, Cappadocia
The rock-walled and cave rooms of this hotel include many modern amenities. Recreational facilities on the property include outdoor and indoor pools, Turkish bath, sauna, and Jacuzzi. The rooftop terrace serves meals overlooking beautiful valleys and Cappadocia’s distinctive "fairy chimneys." The hotel is conveniently located close to shops selling carpets, jewelry, antiques, and pottery.

ISRAEL
King David Hotel, Jerusalem

The most famous hotel in the Middle East, the King David has hosted Mountbatten, Kennedy, Brandt, Nixon, Kissinger, Carter, Sadat and Mitterand. Constructed of pink sandstone, the hotel looms above serene gardens with a pool, tennis court, and gym on the grounds. Soaring common rooms retain their elegant Egyptian, Semitic, Assyrian, Greek, and art-deco motifs. Guest rooms feature many deluxe modern amenities.

MOROCCO
Sofitel Palais Jamai, Fez

This opulent 1879 property, once the palace of the Grand Vizier, towers above the medina inside the walls of the old city. Public rooms are distinguished by carved wood, elaborate plasterwork, mosaics and ornate painted ceilings. Guest rooms have richly painted furniture and handsome mosaic-tiled baths with full amenities.
 

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Travel to six countries on world travelers’ "life list" of places to see, all in just two weeks aboard a deluxe private jet.

Overview: History's Highlights 2009
Prague • Tallinn • St. Petersburg • Cappadocia • Jerusalem • Fez
 
                       DATES & RATES
PRICES
from $38,950 Double
from $41,850 Single

TRIP DATES
April 17, 2009 - April 30, 2009

*Itinerary and prices are subject to change.
 

                             INCLUDED
PRICE OF THE EXPEDITION INCLUDES
  • All hotel accommodations, meals, group transportation, excursions and other group activities from arrival in London on January 14, 2009, through departure from Orlando following breakfast on February 4, 2009
  • 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

  • Airfare and taxes from home cities to London and return from Orlando (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.
 

                  PRIVATE JET INFORMATION
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 and 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.
 
                            TOUR MAP

History's Highlights Tour Map

1 Edinburgh, UK – Days 1 & 2

2 Prague, Czech Republic — Days 3 & 4
3 Tallinn, Estonia — Day 5

4 St. Petersburg, Russia — Days 6 & 7

5 Cappadocia, Turkey — Days 8 & 9

6 Jerusalem, Israel — Days 10 & 11

7 Fez, Morocco — Days 12 & 13

1 London, UK — Day 14

 


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.

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