Itinerary
All participants will meet for introductions and to attend an extensive briefing covering the general procedures of our journey.
An optional dinner will be offered at the Le Champlain restaurant located in the hotel.
We will fly over the immense forests and numerous lakes of Labrador on our way to Kuujjuaq for a technical stop. Then continue over southern Greenland's beautiful scenery before landing at Kangerlussuaq. Because we will be approaching the Arctic Circle and the “land of the midnight sun”, we will have an astonishing 20 hours of daylight!
Fly over ice-covered Greenland and then do our second water crossing. Upon arrival, we'll transfer to the Hotel Borg where we will enjoy luxury accommodations in the very center of Reykjavik. The Hotel Borg overlooks the beautiful square of Austurvollur, and is situated across from Althingi, the Icelandic parliament and the cathedral.
After dinner at the hotel, you may want to venture on your own to experience the local nightlife.
Enjoy a full day private sightseeing tour with a visit to the famous Geysir hot spring area with numerous hot springs and geysers - one of them erupts every few minutes; take a look at the magnificent waterfall Gullfoss; visit the volcanic crater Kerid and the greenhouse village Hveragerdi; drive across Gjabakkavegur Pass to the Thingvellir National Park, a unique place of beauty, with its interesting geology and history; then cross Mosfellsheidi Heath to Reykjavik; visit the Blue Lagoon. It is certainly a great experience that is not to be missed.
We will see volcanic craters, geysers, waterfalls and the national park Thingvellir, which is Iceland’s national treasure and one of its most beautiful spots.
Dinner will be at the famous downtown restaurant, Einar Ben, located in one of the oldest trading buildings in Reykjavik.
Fly southeast toward the British Isles for our next stop, Wick, to refuel and have lunch.
Our flight continues to Pontoise, France.
Upon arrival, transfer to our deluxe hotel located in the 8th District near the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees.
Enjoy a dinner in a typical brasserie facing the Eiffel Tower.

An introduction to Paris for first time visitors with a ½ day city tour of the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero, St. Germain des pres, Notre Dame, Le Marais is on schedule in the morning.
In addition, outside the hotel you have the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, as well as the Champs Elysees, for great shopping.
We will take time for a cocktail in a private home facing the Eiffel Tower before enjoying a Dinner River Cruise down the Seine to discover Paris by Night.
Today is at leisure to enjoy the city. Optional tours of the Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Cooking Classes, or a Wine tasting can be some optional activities we can arrange for you in advance.

We will fly to Spain today and discover the charming island of Ibiza. This island has no secrets for us as we have enjoyed our family vacation here for the past 25 years.
With a mixture of Greek and Moroccan style, this beautiful island is ideal for exploring its beautiful, typical countryside.
Our hotel, Fenicia Prestige Thalasso Spa, is situated on the banks of the Santa Eulalia River.
Enjoy a beautiful day discovering the island. We will take a boat cruise to Formentera with lunch included (weather permitted).
Later we'll take a sunset walking tour in the old city of Ibiza offering impressive examples of local architecture and outstanding views.

Today we continue to Marrakech in North Africa. Known as the "Red City", Marrakech is one of the world's most mysterious and fascinating cities. As the second of the four Imperial Cities of Morocco, it is at the crossroads of Arab, Berber and Sudanese civilizations.
After clearing customs in Marrakech, we'll transfer to our beautiful hotel, La Mamounia, located on the outskirts of the city.
This morning is free to relax in your beautiful hotel. In the early afternoon we will depart with our private tour guide to discover the famous Djemma el Fna, the mythical meeting place of snake charmers, storytellers and a thousand other characters at the center of Marrakech. You will have the chance to meet some artists and discover this magical place.
Tonight, we will enjoy a dinner in a beautiful Rhyad (typical Moroccan home).

Today is at leisure to relax or explore the surrounding area on your own.
On our way to Malta, we have scheduled a stop in Gibraltar to refuel and have lunch. Gibraltar offers one of the world's most unique runways with a highway running through the middle of it. We will then depart to Malta- part of the European Union since May 2004, where we will clear customs before transferring to our hotel facing the water. This peaceful island is an ideal location to relax.

Our half day city tour includes a visit to Valletta, the capital city, built in 1565 by the Knights of St. John.
Our tour starts with a visit to the Upper Barakka Gardens where you can admire views overlooking the stunning fortified Grand Harbour. It also features the magnificent St. John's Co.Cathedral where you can view Caravaggio's 'Beheading of St. John'. The final stop in Valletta is the Grand Masters Palace, the old seat of the order of St. John and today used as home to the parliament. You will also enjoy the tour of a private palace: Casa Rocca Picolla.
The afternoon is free to enjoy on your own the city or just relax at the hotel. You may be interested to tour the Aviation Museum or the delightful fortified city Mdina located 20mn from the hotel.
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport to fly to Santorini, Greece. We have selected the volcanic island of Santorini due to its well known magnificence and its truly unique characteristics; it combines an array of spectacular features that cannot be found anywhere else. The traditional villages of the island, built on tall cliffs, offer a breathtaking view of golden sunsets over the submerged volcano. Santorini combines colorful sandy and rocky beaches, wonderful archaeological sites, traditional Cycladic architecture, and the impressive Caldera and volcanic area.
Our deluxe intimate resort will offer a pure natural and exclusive retreat for the next three nights.

Today we will cruise the Caldera and the Volcano Island on our private catamaran.
Day at leisure to explore the island or simply relax at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport to fly to Istanbul, Turkey. This fascinating city is home to empires and the crossroads of two continents. Turkey’s complex beauty is borne of history – layer upon layer of history. Hittites, Hellenists, Romans, Byzantines, Selcuk Turks and Ottomans all left their mark on this geographically strategic land – and the result is magical. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.
The Grand Bazaar tour is planned today.
A full day private tour is scheduled today. We will spend the day exploring this magnificent city and its most famous sights: the Basilica Cistern, the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Pera District. We will visit the Dolmabace Palace, the finest example of Ottoman Baroque in the city with a private afternoon cruise on the Bosphorus.
A sunset cruise with a dinner on the Asia Side is planned.

Today is at leisure to explore or simply relax at the hotel.
We will transfer to the airport and fly to our next destination in Turkey, Kapadokya.
The Gamirasu Cave Hotel is located in a restored one thousand year old Byzantine monastic retreat which offers modern conveniences without distracting from the spiritual feeling of the area which is known to have been inhabited for more than five thousand years. The hotel is a combination of seven old houses with 30 rooms, exquisitely restored and combined. Part of the hotel was used by Christian monks until recently. Some of the rooms were actually monk cells.
The quality of the cave rooms makes you feel cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Volcanic rock called "tufa" is perfect insulation material which keeps the temperature between 17-20 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Our tour starts with a visit to the Goreme open-air museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to view some of the fascinating frescoed and rock carved churches. We'll visit the historic village of Cavusin, followed by a stroll among the majestic fair chimneys of Pasabag. We then continue to Sarihan, a 13th century Seljuk caravanserai, which has been very authentically and beautifully restored. From here we continue to the town of Avanos, which is renowned mainly for its pottery work. After a stop for lunch, we visit the famous pottery artisans in their traditional rock carved workshops. We will enjoy the panoramic view of Goreme before returning to the hotel.
Fly to Bodrum situated on the southern Aegean coast of Turkey. This fabled coastline is where Homer's heroes were born, where the ancient Greeks consulted their oracles and the Romans built magnificent temples to honor their gods. Amanruya is set on a peaceful hillside, offering breathtaking views of the sea and a winding pathway leading to a sheltered pebble beach.

Today we will visit Bodrum's fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housed in a former castle and containing many artifacts salvaged from area shipwrecks.
Fly to Aqaba, Jordan. Situated on the edge of the Red Sea in Aqaba, the Movenpick Resort offers vibrant coral reefs, majestic mountains and incredible historic sites. With unforgettable scenery, abundant seaside activities and beautiful weather, you'll enjoy breathtaking beauty in a breathtaking setting. Enjoy a great view above the shimmering drama of the Red Sea.
Directly in front of the hotel you will find the excavation of the historical city of Ayla (in the Byzantine period, Aqaba was known as Ayla). According to an inscription found here, the Mamluk castle was built in the early 16th centry. It can be visited at any time of the day.

Our full day tour today takes us to the rose red city in Petra (travel time approx. 1.5 hours). We'll begin at the Visitor's Center for a walk through the Siq for a breathtaking experience when you first step foot in Petra. We'll continue to the beautiful Treasury, along the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs and Qasr Al Bent.
Considered one of the wonders of the world, Petra is an archaeological and geological phenomenon. We'll learn legends, myths and truths about this incredible city. We will explore all the major sites and ruins along the route.
Today is at leisure to relax. For anyone interested, you'll have the opportunity to visit Israel today. We will cross the border by foot to Eilat - a beautiful resort city on the shores of the Red Sea and Israel's southernmost city.
Eilat's location made it strategically significant during the many historical periods in which it served as a port - starting in the days of King Solomon (who built a large fleet of ships which he sent to Ophir), through the Nabataeans, the Romans, the Arabs, and the Crusaders, all of whom ruled the Land of Israel.

We will leave early today to transfer to the airport and fly to Bahrain for a refuel stop; then continue to Dubai.
The Hotel: Burj al Arab:
Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the Burj al Arab, our hotel, soars to a height of 321 meters, dominating the Dubai coastline. At night, it offers an unforgettable sight, surrounded by choreographed color sculptures of water and fire. This all-suite hotel reflects the finest that the world has to offer.
Originally a small fishing village, Dubai created the busiest souks on the Persian Gulf coast. Explore its magnificent mosque and old wind-tower houses, then choose from an array of options: glimpse daily Arab life as a guest in a Dubai home; learn to cook classic Arabian delicacies; visit a wharf to see traditional dhow construction; or visit a race track for a hands-on experience with magnificent Arabian horses.
Relax at the hotel or enjoy the fabulous shopping.
3:00pm to 10pm: Arabian Night by 4x4 Drive
Tonight is a special night: we will board our 4-wheel drive vehicles and drive the mysterious desert. We will roll dunes through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, we will stop to see camels resting at their camp and then watch the sunset before arriving at our camp where a traditional Arabian welcome awaits us. The encampment conjures up images of an Arabian Night. Relax on comfortable low cushions in Bedu tents and quench your thirst, have your hands painted with intricate henna designs, experience a short camel ride, or just enjoy the aromatic shisha. A feast of grilled meats, fresh salads and delectable Arab sweets is served and under a galaxy of stars, you will be entertained by the bewitching belly dancers swaying to the haunting strains of Arabian music. You won’t want this enchanting evening to end.

This morning a half day city tour is scheduled.
After breakfast, we will fly to Muscat. After clearing customs, we will transfer to our luxury hotel situated on the stunning Boushar beachfront amid a contrasting backdrop of deserts, mountains, beaches and luxurious urban living.

This morning's tour of Muscat begins with a drive through the beautiful embassy quarter en route to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a massive complex that can hold up to 20,000 worshippers. Not many westerners visit the Mosque and Islamic dress standards must be observed. After a visit at the Omani Museum, it's on to Muttrah - a charming seaside quarter of Muscat, complete with traditional bazaar and fish market. In Muscat Old Town you proceed on foot, strolling around the palace of Sultan Qaboos and the 16th-century Portuguese Jalali and Mirani Forts.
We will fly to Agra, our first stop in India, where we will clear customs and transfer to our hotel Oberoi Amarvilas. Enjoy the opulence of your own private view of the greatest monument of love. Wake up to the magnificent sight of the Taj Mahal, bathed by the first rays of dawn.

Located just five minutes from the hotel, we will visit the Taj Mahal - probably the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this striking mauoleum has become the de facto tourist emblem of India.
Today we fly to Calcutta where we will stay at the Oberoi Grand - affectionately known as the "Grand Dame of Kolkata." Its neoclassical facade and grand pillared entrance mark a successful fusion of classical and traditional Indian-style and reflect the city's colonial heritage. Located in Chowringhee, the heart of Kolkata's commercial district and shopping center, the hotel is a nice choice to enjoy our last stop in India.

We will fly to Chiang Mai and transfer to the delightful Four Seasons hotel.
Chiang Mai is a great city to visit but it doesn’t mean you have to stay in the heart of it - especially when the Four Seasons sits on 20 breathtaking acres of tropical gardens and rice paddies in the Mae Rim Valley. It can be hard to drag yourself away from your polished teak floors, double vanity, oversized bathtub and spacious veranda for a visit to the fully equipped fitness club and tennis courts or the ultimate spa for indulging every one of your senses. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy this beautiful setting.
Today is at leisure. You may be interested by an optional cooking class, orchids plantation, shopping or experience your first Thai Massage.
We will fly to Langkawi in Malaysia and transfer to the Four Seasons Resort.
One of only four inhabited islands in an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi is a nature-lover's dream - relished for its equatorial climate, tropical flora and fauna, and clear emerald waters. Two-thirds of the island's dramatic mountainous landscape is covered with rainforest, while vibrant coral reefs lie just off shore.

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Once a haven for pirates, Langkawi's intriguing cultural and ethnic diversity can be traced back to its days as a centre for Chinese, Indian and Arab traders.
The Four Seasons offers easy access to optional activities on land and at sea, from bird watching, snorkeling and diving to jungle trekking, golf and island hopping tours.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Today we will fly to Singapore for our stay at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This modern structure (opened in 2010) offers round-the-clock entertainment all under one roof. Elevated 656' above the sea, the Sands SkyPark spans the tops of the three hotel towers and extends 195' beyond. The SkyPark features an observation deck, tropical gardens, restaurants, and a large one-of-a-kind infinity-edge pool with amazing views.
This morning you will enjoy a ½ day city tour.
The afternoon at leisure to discover the Orchard Road Street, a shopping paradise!

Today we will fly to our next destination, Borobudur, in Indonesia, and transfer to the perfect Romantic setting of the Amanjiwo hotel, a volcano-surrounded wonder in the heart of Java with beautifully decorated grounds and views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the famous and impressive Borobudur Temple. The resort provides an insight of the Javanese culture of this rural heartland. Enjoy your beautiful pavilion.
We will tour Borobudur, both a shrine to Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. It is the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world. The monument occupies a modest plateau and from the top level, beautiful views of Central Java can be seen.
You may want to experience the Jamu Massage (an ancient healing art form) in the privacy of your room.

A short flight will bring us to Bali and transfer to our hotel the Amankila, a magical Oasis.
A half-day tour is scheduled in the morning.

Today is at leisure to enjoy this beautiful island.
Fly to Siem Reap - geteway to Angkor (the UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the magnificent remains of the Khmer civilization). There will be a technical stop in Pontianak to refuel.

You will board your Tuk Tuk as our tour begins with a visit to the Hindu temple complex, Angkor Wat, to explore its spectacular monuments. It is the best-preserved temple at the site and it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation - first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist.
We will also visit Angkor Thom and Tha Phrom, a charming temple embedded in a forest and partly overgrown by huge jungle trees.
Return to the hotel for lunch with time to relax.
We will then proceed to a delightful sunset cruise outside of town and discover the life on the floating villages along Tonle Sap Lake.
An optional quad adventure is also offered today to discover the countryside.
Fly to Luang Prabang, the formal royal capital of Laos and an enchanting city that is small enough to explore on foot. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the town is surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty including spectacular waterfalls, sheer amber-colored cliffs and ancient cave complexes.
According to legend, the Buddha smiled when he rested here for a day during his travels, prophesying that it would one day be the site of a rich and powerful capital city.

We'll visit the Kuang Si Waterfall and Bear Sanctuary. After viewing a tiered waterfall that tumbles 330' into turquoise pools, the managers of the rescue center will personally escort us through the bear sanctuary. Experience an up close and personal look at the Asiatic Black Bear, a Class 1 endangered species. You will have a chance to meet the bears at close quarters and aid the keepers in feeding the bears.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore the surrounding area on your own.
We will fly today to Hanoi and enjoy the Sofitel Legend Metropole located in the city. Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries.
Tour the city's Old Quarter aboard bicycle rickshaws called cyclos. In this part of town we'll find each colorful street devoted to a particular craft or ware. We'll be pedaled amongst the quaint French buildings along Shoe Street, Silk Street and Banner Street (to name just a few), ending at historic Hoan Kiem Lake, the social center of Hanoi. Or, perhaps wander the shops and contemporary art galleries which surround historic Hoan Kiem Lake (near our hotel).
Our morning departure to Halong Bay will take you on a journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta. You will have the opportunity to observe everyday life of Vietnam's villages as you see villagers work the local rice fields.
We'll arrive in Halong Bay and board the new Junk Jasmine, a newly built wooden junk featuring 22 luxurious cabins furnished in rich Indochina-style. A truly memorable experience awaits you as you cruise this delightful Bay, reveling in its tranquility as you escape the bustling tourist sights.
Start your day with calming Tai Chi, dine on fresh seafood on the deck, then retire to your own plush cabin - just some of the highlights of Jasmine's exceptional Halong Bay cruise.
Overnight onboard.

In the morning we'll visit Tortoise Island, Man's Head Island, floating villages and a fish farm. There will be a four course fresh seafood lunch onboard. In the afternoon we'll visit Drum Cave and enjoy a swim at Three Peaches Beach. There will be leisure time for fishing and relaxing.
Overnight onboard.
Early morning offers a Tai Chi class on the sundeck between 6:00am - 7:00am.
If Tai Chi doesn't interest you, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or tea as you view the awakening of Halong Bay's boat people. A wholesome breakfast is served before cruising back to Halong City.
Disembarkation will be at 10am where you guide waits to take you back to Hanoi.
We will have lunch at the press club before discovering the beauty of Hanoi.

Fly to Hong Kong, the Manhattan of Asia. We will stay at the prestigious Peninsula Hotel, the "Grande Dame of the Far East" and Hong Kong's oldest hotel. Our stay allows you to experience the glamour of travel of a by-gone era and explore the many antiques and historical artifacts on display around the hotel. The Peninsula is a beautiful way to discover this fascinating city.
A half-day tour this morning is planned to discover the heritage highlights of Hong Kong. Visit the busy Sheung Wan Market and then take a tram ride to Victoria Peak.
The afternoon is free for you to shop on your own.

Today is at leisure. You may enjoy optional activities such as a cooking class at the Peninsula or take advantage of the free-time to go to Macau by ferry or helicopter.
Fly to Taipei in the "Republic of China". Taiwan is one of the most culturally diverse countries and we'll experience a traveler's bird's eye view of modern Taiwanese life.

There will be a half-day city tour including a visit to the National Palace Museum.
There will be free time to relax and explore on your own.
Fly to Jeju Island - also known as the "Island of the Gods." Jeju is the largest island and smallest province in Korea. The island's mixture of volcanic rock, frequent rains, and temperate climate, make it very similar to the Hawaiian Islands in the U.S.

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. In the late afternoon we'll meet for a sunset cruise along the Jeju coast with impressive views of Hallasan from the water.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore the surrounding area on your own.
Fly to Nagoya, Japan. Upon arrival at the international airport, you will transfer by bullet train to our hotel in Kyoto (90mn). The Hyatt is located close to city landmarks including Kyoto's National Museum and Chishakuin, Sanjusangendo and Yogenin Temples. The nearby Gion district abounds in shopping and entertainment options, with Shijo street and Nishiki market within a short distance.
A half-day tour this morning will be on the schedule offering the major highlights of the city. We will select the most "must see" sights for our tour.
There will be time today to relax and explore on your own.

There will be a half-day tour today as we continue to explore this unique culture and beautiful scenery.
We will transfer back to Nagoya for our flight tomorrow. Our hotel, the Marriott Associa, is located above Nagoya Station and 11 floors of JR Takashimaya Department Store.
There will be an optional tour to see the Sumo Wrestling World Championship.

Today we will fly to Sakhalinsk, Russia for the start of our return back to the United States.
Fly to Petropavlovsk. This is a technical stop on our way back to the US and we would like you to be aware that the hotel is quite basic.
Our flight today brings us to Anchorage, Alaska. Welcome back to the USA!
Today is a free day to relax and explore the surrounding area on your own.

Today we will fly to the lower 49 for our stay in Seattle, Washington. There will be a technical stop in Juneau, Alaska to refuel.
Our visit to Seattle includes a tour of the Boeing factory.
Today we will go our separate ways as our Journey culminates and we head home.