Itinerary

We will fly over the immense forests and numerous lakes of Canada on our way to Kuujjuaq for a technical stop.
 
Then continue over southern Greenland’s beautiful scenery before landing at Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland. The airport's Kangerlussuaq Museum illustrates the town's past as a U.S. airbase during WWII.
 
Because we will be approaching the Arctic Circle and the "land of the midnight sun," we will have an astonishing 20 hours of daylight!

Destination of the day is Þórsmörk – the “Woods of Thor the Thundergod”. Guarding Þórsmörk nature reserve from unwanted traffic are several streams and glacial rivers cutting the rough track. Crossing requires caution but is a breeze in a Superjeep.

We will visit the powerfully beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a good 60-meters of constant rush! Conditions permitting, how about a walk around it - yes, you can go behind Seljalandsfoss. Soon after the road starts disintegrating and nature takes over your senses.

Bordering  Þórsmörk  nature  reserve  to the  south  is  the  famously ash-spewing volcano Eyjafjallajökull, topped by glacial ice and snow. Amongst numerous places of interest on our route is the Gígjökull glacier lagoon which is  actually off  the maps now. In 2010 it disappeared under volcanic rubble in a catastrophic flood of glacial melt and debris, caused by the Eyjafjallajökull eruption. Where we go in the  Þórsmörk Nature Reserve varies from day-to-day depending on weather and other conditions, but canyons, woodlands and caves are ideal settings for short walks.
 

Enjoy a city tour with our local guide to visit the wealthy Ostermalm District with the central city areas of Hotorget and Sergel Plaza and the Renaissance‐styled Royal Palace. Next we will explore the 18th to 20th century buildings in the Kungsholmen district including City Hall (this is where the Nobel Prize Award dinners are held every year). Our drive continues to the southern shore of Saltsjon island for an amazing view of the city from the top of picturesque Fjallgatan Street. Continue to Stockholm’s charming Old Town, “Gamla Stan,” with time to stroll along the charming cobblestoned streets.

Our flight continues to the Czech Republic to discover the beautiful city of Prague. One of the most beautiful and visited cities of Europe, this capital of 1.2 million has an incredible mix of
Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. The Vltava River winds through this "city of a hundred spires", its riverbanks and the surrounding hills contrasting with the compact, winding cobblestone streets of the old city center. Prague is lively and sophisticated, drawing on its centuries-old tradition of breakthrough thinking in literature, music, and architecture.

Today is at your leisure to relax at the property or explore this historical city on your own.

Today we will go for a half day city tour and explore the ancient sites from Greek and Roman history dotted across the Aegan coastline, a short drive or sail away.

For centuries the region has been a center of traditional artisan Turkish crafts. Built in the early 15th century, Bodrum castle remains a medieval relic, fortified with green volcanic stones and marble columns.

Fly to Cairo - "The City of a Thousand Minarets" for its prevalence of Islamic architecture. Even before Cairo was established in the 10th century, the land composing the present-day city was the site of national capitals whose remnants remain visible in parts of Old Cairo.

Our flight for today will take us to the beautiful Muscat, Oman. After clearing customs, we will transfer to the Jumeirah Bay Muscat, a serene retreat set between the dramatic Al Hajar mountains and the sparkling Arabian Sea.

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.

This morning we will discover the main attractions in Jaipur. Photo stop at Hawa Mahal - known as the "Palace of the Winds". This beautiful façade is probably the most-photographed in Jaipur, with ornately carved windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved. It is considered as the finest example of Rajput architecture whose lattice like exterior of sandstone and stained glass is one of the area’s most eye-catching icons.

We will continue to the 16th century Amber Fort. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace. Within the complex is Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with the images of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh. The merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is visible throughout including within the Charbagh garden with its perfectly proportioned landscaping.

Fly to Male. There will be a technical stop in Mumbai to refuel.

Upon arrival, we will transfer by boat to the resort. Surrounded by the wonders of the Indian Ocean, One & Only Reethi Rah makes its home on one of the largest islands in North Male Atoll. It is a jewel among a string of coral atolls, lagoons and white sands.

Today is at leisure to relax, unwind and enjoy this delightful environment of beaches and lagoons. Simply relax on the beach or enjoy some of the resort amenities.

Optional activities available at the Water Sports Center include water skiing, speed boating, parasailing and wake-boarding. Five distinct rock climbing routes provide fun and challenging experience for all ages.

Fly to Seychelles. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the Four Seasons Seychelles. This property, is a luxurious resort located on the island of Mahé, Seychelles. It offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and boasts elegant villas, a range of dining options, and various recreational activities, including water sports and spa treatments.

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Today we will go for a half day island tour of Mauritius and learn about its history and culture. Visit the Aventure du Sucre, that narrates the inspiring history of the sugar industry of Mauritius, cornerstone celebrating three hundred years of economic success.

Our next stop is the Pamplemousses Garden that replaced the citrus fruit and vegetable gardens of the governor of La Bourdonnais founded in 1735 created to supply ships heading to the Indies.

Fly to Skukuza, South Africa. We will park our planes and take a short drive to Kruger National Park where our stay will be on a Train, that is permanently stationed on the historically rich Shalati Bridge above the Sabie River.

Enjoy a perfect combination of Africa’s most breathtaking natural splendors with luxuries aboard a train that’s reminiscent of African excellence and pay homage to guests who explored the park nearly around 100 years ago.

Today we will participate in scheduled safari activities.

Afterwards, Unwind yourself at the pool, located high above the riverbanks, aligned with the floor level of the train, is the pool, offering a swimming experience unlike any other. with crocodile, hippos, buffalos and elephants greeting guests meters below – a safe vista unlike any other!

Today we will enjoy a scenic full-day tour visiting some of the most renowned attractions of Cape Town as we head towards beautiful Clifton Beach and historic Simon’s Town, renowned
Chapman’s Peak Drive, Seal Island and Penguin Colony, Cape Point Nature Reserve and Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Today, we will leave Cape Town behind as we will will fly to Walvis Bay, Namibia where we will take a local charter flight to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Cradles against the ancient mountains, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is renowned for its sophisticated desert experience with its luxurious accommodations overlooking the stark yet beautiful Namib Desert.

Continue exploring the area, with its unique terrain and wildlife, in open 4x4 vehicles. Run to the top of the massive red sand dunes that are famous for this area.

Daily game drives (morning and afternoon) with professional guides and trackers provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to Africa’s incredible animals. Wildlife can be spotted all year round including giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dogs.

Fly to Kigali where we will enjoy an overnight stay at the Kigali Serena Hotel, to prepare ourselves for our helicopter transfer tomorrow.

An exhilarating trek in the footsteps of the rare and critically endangered Mountain Gorillas - the largest living primate on earth - starts in the dramatic scenery of the Virungas foothills.

Trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the primeval rainforest, alive with colorful bird calls, ferns and butterflies. Experienced local trackers are rangers who have spent their entire lives in this forest. Weaving through the overhanging vines, mosscovered hagenia and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate, the rangers soon bring us up close with a Gorilla family. Spend a magical hour with the group as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting; raising their young.

Spend the afternoon searching the lush vegetation at the foot of Mount Sabyinyo for one of two habituated groups of golden monkey, one of them a troop of more than 80 members.

With a local guide we will discover the highlights of Addis Ababa including visits to the Ethnographic Museum, Trinity Cathedral, National Museum and the Cathedral of St. George.

Today we will visit Hegra and experience Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we will explore over 110
remarkably well-preserved tombs set in a desert landscape, while learning about the ancient people and culture of Al-Ula.

Fly to Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete - a land of myths and music, poets and painters. Add one of the world’s top
archaeological sites, Knossos, and some of the Mediterranean’s best beaches to the mix for the experience of a lifetime.

The Heraklio region has Crete's most important and fascinating archeological sites. The island's rich & unique cultural heritage comes alive when traipsing through the Minoan palaces of Knossos, Phaestos, Malia & Gortyna.

Fly to Milan Linate Airport where we will transfer to Como.

Immerse yourself in Lake Como. Enjoy a breathtaking setting on the shores of Italy's most famous lake, Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como exudes romantic Italian style perfectly complemented by timeless Oriental charm. Atmospheric, elegant and incredibly private, the hotel effortlessly blends the romance of the past with the luxury of the present.

Today is at your leisure to explore or relax on your own.

Today, we will enjoy a walking tour with our local guide as we begin our exploration of Bruges. We will visit the famous Minnewater (Lake of Love), one of the most delightful corners of the city. Next, we will explore the Lady's Church — home to Michelangelo’s magnificent 16th-century marble statue, Madonna of Brugge — and the Market Square with its grand Belfry.

Our tour continues to the center of Bruges where we will admire Bruges’ beautiful Town Hall Square (Burg) and the ornate façade of the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The basilica was originally constructed in the 12th century as the residence of the Count of Flanders. After lunch we will visit the Groeninge Museum (‘The city museum of Fine Arts’). The collection in the museum spans several centuries (from the 14th to the 20th century) and focuses primarily on works by painters who lived and worked in Brugge.