Itinerary
Welcome to Quebec! Air Journey staff will greet you at the Chateau Frontenac.
All participants will meet for introductions and attend an extensive briefing covering the general procedures of our journey as well as details for tomorrow's departure.
Afterwards, we'll meet for a welcome cocktail before dinner.
We will fly over the immense forests and numerous lakes of Canada on our way to Goose Bay for a technical stop. Then continue over southern Greenland’s beautiful scenery before doing our second water crossing and landing at Reykjavik.
Fly to Edinburgh where we will transfer to the Balmoral Hotel.
Depart the hotel with our local guide for a private tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, once home of Mary, Queen of Scots. After viewing the Queen's official residence and the magnificent creations from the Royal Collection, we’ll take a walking tour of the famous Royal Mile, strolling along the cobblestone streets, filled with unique shops, mysteries and tales of Scotland's great historic figures.
After lunch our tour continues to Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. Enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Milan - most modern of all Italian cities while enjoying over 26 centuries of history and heritage.
Enjoy the beauty, history and culture of Milan city streets with our local guide. Discover central Milan, the Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the Galleria shopping arcade as we explore the main piazzas and charming backstreets of this bold city.
Relax as we travel this morning to Lake Como. We’ll begin with an exploration of Como, the lake’s main town, as we discover its historic center. After lunch, enjoy a cruise around Lake Como admiring chic hillside villas and hotels against the backdrop of the Alps. Afterwards we’ll visit the colorful seaside town of Bellagio before returning to the hotel.
Fly to Athens where we’ll transfer to the Amanzoe in Porto Heli - a scenic town situated on the east coast of the Peloponnese and across from the cosmopolitan islands of Spetses and Hydra. Encircled by a dazzling blue sea, this area is the birthplace of legends and civilization, blessed by a history that embraces the Spartans and Romans, the Byzantines and Venetians, all drawn here over the millennia because of the region’s beauty, wealth and strategic location.
The Amanzoe is situated on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the Peloponnese countryside and coastline.
With a wealth of archaeological sites to explore, we’ll set out today to discover some of the area’s ancient history.
Today we’ll cruise along the Peloponnese peninsula surrounded by Greek islands and uninhabited islets as we sail and swim in secluded coves and visit the cosmopolitan island of Spetse - known for its seafaring traditions and Venetian and neoclassical architecture.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Aqaba, Jordan.
Gracefully situated on the sandy beaches and azure waters of the Red Sea, the Kempinski 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 this unique city embedded with a fusion of history, nature, and city lifesurrounded by picturesque mountains and blue sea.
Our full day tour today takes us to the rose red city in Petra (travel time approx. 1.5 hrs). 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, anthropological 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 or explore on your own.
Fly to Djibouti, “Land of the Gods”, situated where the Indian Ocean meets the Red Sea.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the Kempinski Palace hotel.
This afternoon we will visit the Djibouti Cheetah Animal Refuge, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the cheetah as well as other orphaned or illegally caged animals.
The Djibouti Cheetah Refuge was started by a French veterinarian by the name of Bertrand Lafrance in 2001. He found Tessai, his first Cheetah, on sale in a local restaurant and involved the police in rescuing her.
Experts believe there are less than 15,000 cheetahs left in the wild. Everyone gets to come away with petting both Tessai and Awaleh (both born and raised in captivity) with photos they can share with family and friends back home and an experience to last a lifetime.
Fly to Nairobi where we will take a local airline flight to Olare Orok airstrip where our guide will meet us and drive Mahali Mzuri (approximately 25 minutes).
Mahli Mzuri is located within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy to the north of Kenya's famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Your tented suite is your window onto some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.
Safaris in Kenya are filled to the brim with exciting wildlife sightings as well as dramatic views. Wild animals roaming the Kenyan plains include wildebeest, elephants, zebra, lions, leopards, cheetah, giraffe, impala and gazelles.
The abundant animal life in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy is quite simply jaw-dropping and the sights are exceptional. Twice daily game drives in the hands of experienced guides provide you with a front row seat.
We will participate in scheduled safari activities.
We’ll depart the camp very early to the Balloon Safari site for a fabulous Hot Air Balloon safari. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the reserve as we pass over endless plains, sail over the dramatic Mara River, watch wildlife traverse verdant swaps and cruise past flourishing forests.
We will take a local airline flight back to Nairobi to get our planes and fly to Pemba. We will then transfer by state of the art helicopter to Azura Quilalea Private Island. Quilalea Private Island is a private, wholly uninhabited island paradise surrounded by the pristine waters of the Quirimbas Archipelago marine sanctuary. Situated 30 nautical miles north of Pemba, the island lies within a fully protected marine reserve, ensuring an abundance of marine life.
Today we will visit Ibo Island - from the 15th to the 18th century, Ibo was a prosperous trading post. It history includes slaves, pirates, silver, ivory and intrigue. We’ll learn about its secrets, history and culture. Our guided walk allows us to interact with the amazing local people and observe their unique island culture.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Use of snorkeling equipment and kayaks is included. Optional activities include guided/specialist activities, fishing, snorkeling, island hopping and dhow sailing.
Transfer back to Pemba by helicopter. Fly to Victoria Falls and transfer to the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa. Victoria Falls - Mosi-o-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) – is considered to be among the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
A famous feature is the naturally formed Devil's Pool, near the edge of the falls. When the river flow is at a safe level, usually during the months of September to December, people can swim as close as possible to the edge of the falls within the pool without continuing over the edge and falling into the gorge. This is possible due to a natural rock wall just below the water and at the very edge of the falls that stops their progress despite the current.
We’ll visit the Mosi O Tunya National Park situated along the upper Zambezi stretching from and including the Falls. Though small in size, the park provides a home for numerous antelope species, zebra, giraffe and the recently acquired white rhinos, one of whom gave birth in the park in 1994. These are the only rhinos to be seen in Zambia because its previously large population has been completely eliminated through poaching.
A sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River is a must for the visitor. Just upstream from the magnificent falls, crocodiles and hippos are the staple of these legendary exhilarating cruises.
Fly to Kruger where we will take a local flight to the Singita airstrip. A short transfer brings us to the Boulders Lodge which is situated along the banks of the Sand River in a privately owned, 45,000 acre game reserve in the Sabi Sand Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
Whether through walls of glass or the open-air areas, the surrounding landscape and animals may be glimpsed from every angle, making for a primal and wild adventure.
Daily game drives with professional guides and trackers provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to Africa’s incredible animals, while evening drives reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa.
During your stay at Singita Boulders Lodge, you are likely to spot a great variety of wildlife, including species such as leopard, lion, rhino, large herds of buffalo, elephant, reedbuck, hyena, hippopotamus, nyala, cheetah, wild dogs and many types of birds.
We will participate in scheduled safari activities.
Transfer back to the Singita airstrip for a local flight back to Kruger airport. Fly to Cape Town. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain and just a short stroll from downtown, the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel has long been regarded as one of the city’s top five star hotels. Whether soaking up the sun on any of the stunning beaches nearby or getting ready to stroll down fashionable Kloof Street, this is the ideal central base from which to discover this exhilarating city!
Delight in a half-day city tour of Cape Town. This vibrant cultural excursion will take you to some of the Mother City’s most renowned attractions! Our first stop at Table Mountain with a return revolving cable car ride – weather permitted. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coastline through Clifton and Sea Point towards the Company Gardens.
Next, the tour will take you past the Houses of Parliament, City Hall, the Castle and Slave Lodge and the Bo-Kaap — Cape Town’s traditional Malay Quarter. The tour will end at Signal Hill to witness the firing of the noon gun.
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. This scenic journey invites guests to take-in the breathtaking vistas of Cape Point. From Clifton beach, Camps Bay, Hout Bay and the renowned Chapman’s Peak to historic Simon’s Town, Cape Point Nature Reserve, The Cape of Good Hope and the Kirstenbosch Gardens – there’s a picture-perfect moment for all.
Fly to Walvis Bay where we will take a charter flight to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Cradled 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.
Enjoy scenic drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, quad biking through the desert, guided nature walks, stargazing and picnic excursions.
Enjoy another day with scenic drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, quad biking through the desert, guided nature walks, stargazing and picnic excursions.
We’ll take a charter flight back to Walvis Bay and fly to Ondangwa. Protea Hotel Ondangwa is situated in the cultural heartland of Namibia.
Fly to Sao Tome. Upon arrival, transfer to the Pestana Ocean Resort. Sao Tome lies directly on the equator. It has abreathtaking landscape with once-active volcanoes, rugged terrain, beautiful palm-fringed beaches and dense forests. You’ll see picturesque colonial Portuguese architecture with some of the best examples in the world of Portuguese forts, estates and buildings.
Enjoy a half day boat excursion with snorkeling and a picnic lunch. There will be time today to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Accra, the beautiful capital city of Ghana. Upon arrival, transfer to the Villa Monticello. Accra is a lively metropolis with restaurants, nightclubs, shops, markets and museums. All are within minutes reach from the hotel.
Today we will discover the highlights and quiet secrets of Ghana's exhilarating capital city with a local guide.
Fly to Marrakech. There will be a technical stop in Bamako. Upon arrival, transfer to our beautiful hotel, La Mamounia, located on the outskirts of the city. 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.
Enjoy a half-day private tour with our local guide to discover the highlights of Marrakech including Majorelle Garden, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), La Bahia Palace and the souks in the Medina.
This afternoon is at leisure to relax in your beautiful hotel.
Dinner tonight is at a beautiful Riad (typical home).
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Madeira – a breathtakingly beautiful subtropical island off the coast of Portugal.
Madeira Island is known for its rich natural beauty. Every part of this volcanic island has something different to offer and is abundant with picturesque landscapes of steep majestic mountains, dropping into lush green valleys and breathtaking views of its rugged coastlines.
Today’s tour follows the eastern coast of the island with a visit to Cabanas de São Jorge, a unique village overlooking the sea and surrounded by mountains and vineyards that feature some of Madeira’s most spectacular scenery.
We’ll stop in Ponta Delgada, a picturesque village with breathtaking natural surroundings, for a lunch of typical Madeira dishes before we continue to São Vicente, idyllically set in a beautiful valley where you will be able to visit the best underground volcanic features ever found on the Island, São Vicente Caves.
The return journey takes you through stunning valleys and ravines carved into the island over millions of years, passing through the beautiful zone of Ribeira Brava.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This would be a good time to enjoy one of the Levada walks - paths following the Levada irrigation channels right to the most hidden and magnificent spots on the island.
Optional activities include deep sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, whale and dolphin watching, golf and horseback riding.
Fly to Porto. Six Senses Douro Valley presents a superbly renovated 19th-century manor house set high on a hill overlooking the vine covered rolling hills of the Douro Valley and the river below. This former farmhouse is a luxurious spa retreat offering spectacular views. The serene setting is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site.
The Douro Valley is one of the most magnificent wine regions in the world. Characterized by the steep terraced vineyards that line the wide and winding Douro River, the hillsides are interspersed with white and yellow hacienda style wineries.
We’ll explore this beautiful valley as we visit some of the top wineries and enjoy VIP tours and tastings at these fascinating estates. Meet the expert winemakers and sample the rich ports and reds that are produced here. Later we’ll embark on a cruise along the winding Douro River.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to St. Peter, Jersey, in the Channel Islands.
A lovingly restored Jersey manor house, Longueville Manor sits at the foot of one of Jersey's most beautiful valleys. This 18-acre estate plays host to magical woodland walks, an attractive ornamental lake with surrounding gardens and a fully restored Victorian kitchen garden.
With local researchers we’ll visit the WWII German fortifications that are not normally accessible to the public. They will show you how Jersey was made into an impregnable fortress & share with you stories from the battles, raids, escapes and resistance. The tour is a perfect compliment to understanding the history of the D-Day invasion which took place less than 30 miles away.
After breakfast and an in-depth briefing, we will launch for our over-water crossing to Iceland.
Fly to Goose Bay with a stop in Narsarsuaq for lunch and to refuel before taking our final over-water crossing and touching down on the North American continent in Canada before flying our separate ways as we head home.