Itinerary

Fly over ice-covered Greenland and then do our second water crossing. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the Hotel Borg where we will enjoy luxury accommodations in the very center of Reykjavik.

Fly to Ireland West Airport in Knock. The oldest castle in Ireland, dating to 1228, Ashford fits everyone’s fantasy of a medieval fortress, with soaring turrets, breathtaking views of Lough Corrib and a resident ghost. Set on 350 scenic acres, the luxurious, five-star property was once the estate of the famed Guinness family.

Today is at leisure to enjoy the Castle activities. Enjoy the hotel grounds and amenities including horseback riding, hunting, clay target shooting, golf, tennis and river fishing.
 
This afternoon discover the ancient form of falconry at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland. Flying hawks is an experience of a lifetime! Our private Falconry Experience shares with you the pleasure and excitement of falconry - a fascination that has enthralled people for 4,000 years.

Today we will cruise the local waters on a private catamaran (weather permitting) as we explore the island.
 
There will be time for swimming and along the way we will visit at a local restaurant for lunch.

Fly to Malta, part of the European Union since May 2004. This peaceful island is an ideal location to relax. 
 
The Domus Zamitello, a restored 17th century palazzo, is ideally located at the beginning of Republic Street - just as one enters the cultural capital city of Valletta. 

Fly to Athens where we’ll transfer by helicopter 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.

Today is at leisure to relax and enjoy the Amanzoe Resort.

Our full-day tour today takes us to the rose red city in Petra (travel time approx. 1.5 hrs). We begin at the Visitor’s Center for a walk through the Siq for a breathtaking experience when you first step foot in Petra. We will continue to the beautiful Treasury, along the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs and Qasr Al Bint. Considered one of the wonders of the world, Petra is an archaeological, anthropological and geological phenomenon. We will learn legends, myths and truths about this incredible city - exploring all the major sites and ruins along the route.

With our local guide we'll explore Lac Assal. As the lowest point on the African continent at 508’ below sea level, Lac Assal can only be described as magnificent. The big salt field makes you feel like you are walking in no man’s land. The water has bright colors that change from time to time due to the sun’s reflection. In the past, the Salt Lake has been used by many caravans and was a well known trading place for different empires. Today you will still see some of these salt caravans collecting salt.

We will take a local charter flight to Manyara for our transfer to Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp. Located in the remote Western Corridor of the Serengeti, Grumeti provides a private Serengeti experience with exclusive game viewing in some of the most secluded parts of Africa’s most famous game reserve. Its rustic yet sophisticated safari tents are tucked into the shade of an evergreen forest on the banks of a tributary of the famous Grumeti River. Black and white colobus monkeys chatter in the foliage and chase each other over the thatched roofs of the tented suites. A resident pod of hippo grunts and grumbles from beneath a layer of luscious green water weeds in the tranquil pool in front of the camp.
 
Game drives from the camp can expect to encounter large lion prides and clans of hyena up to a hundred strong, as well as the great herds of Tanzania’s annual Great Migration. Each year, the masses of wildebeest and zebra cross the waters of the Grumeti River, home to some of Africa’s largest crocodile, in search of fresh grazing grounds.

We will participate in scheduled safari activities.

Today we will visit Ibo Island - from the 15th to the 18th century, Ibo was a prosperous trading post. It's 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.

Transfer back to Pemba by helicopter. Fly to Maun where we will take a local charter flight to Sanctuary Chief’s Camp.
 
Located on famous Chief's Island in the Moremi Game Reserve, the camp was once the former royal hunting reserve of Chief Moremi, in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The  lodge’s  spacious  and  breezy bush   pavilions   feature   a   private dining area, a tranquil outside seating area and a terrace pool – all perfect for absorbing the surrounding plains and majestic African skies. Relax on your covered deck and look out for elephants, giraffes, buffalo and other wildlife as you enjoy the camp’s excellent cuisine and wines.
 
On the plains one may find the roaming lions that prey on the thousands of antelope, zebra and buffalo who live here all year round. There are also healthy populations of wild dog. These extremely rare predators have been hunted to the point of extinction in most areas of Africa and this is one of their last strongholds.

Today we will participate in scheduled safari activities.

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 Livingstone and transfer to the Royal Livingstone Lodge. Late afternoon we will board the Royal Livingstone Express - restored steam locomotive of polished leather, teak and brass – for a journey through the national park and Zambezi River Valley. Experience vintage luxury with a modern fine dining experience to recreate moments of bygone romance!

Fly to Kigali where we will stay at the Marriott Kigali hotel.

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.

Visit the unforgettable and remote region of the Mursi. The Mursi are also noted for their body scarification, body painting and most striking is the clay plate that is inserted into the lower lips of the women and colorful dresses. They can be reached after boating upstream and then a short hike to their village. After lunch, boat ride to Muguji / Kwegu.
 

The Kwegu people (or Muguji people) are hunter-gatherers and agro-fishery people of Surmic ethnic extraction inhabiting the shored of the Omo River in southwestern Ethiopia. The ethnic Kwegu are one of the smallest ethnic groups in Ethiopia with the population of about 700 and facing extinction. They are primarily fisherman, hunters and cultivators. They spend a large part of their time on the river and are noted for their canoe-making skills. The speed of the river's current and the dangers from the crocodiles render these skills vital.

Our charter flight takes us back to Addis Ababa where we will spend the night. 
 
Located in the heart of the Ethiopian capital and safely nestled between the National Palace and the Prime Minister's residence, the Sheraton Addis Ababa sits on a hilltop overlooking the city with plunging views and acres of space.

We will visit the granite quarries to view the enormous Unfinished Obelisk, a 1,200-ton block that showcases the outstanding skills of ancient Egypt’s stonemasons. Then a short boat ride brings us to the exquisite temple of Philae on the island of Agilika. Like Abu Simbel, this temple was dismantled and reconstructed to prevent its eventual destruction by the Nile floodwaters.
In the afternoon we will sail in a traditional Nile felucca and continue our discovery of Nubian culture and heritage with a visit to a traditional Nubian village.

Today is at leisure to relax or explore or your own. 
 
The resort's watersports center offers optional activities including paragliding, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Other options for an additional cost include speed boats, pedal boats, kayaks and jet skis.

Enjoy a visit of the Vatican Museums with a private guide which will unveil all the must-sees in the Vatican, from the Gallery of Maps, to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s. You will have exclusive access to the Cabinet of Masks, an elegant room which hosts roman marble statues and mosaics. This is an unforgettable experience of one of the world’s most fascinating and visited collections.

Afterwards a city tour will unveil the authentic look of the Eternal City. Explore the well-known attractions and iconic landmarks – Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, Spanish Steps, Trevi’s Fountain, and Pantheon – but also discover hidden gems along the way as our guide reveals some of the city’s fascinating secrets.

Fly to Deauville where we will spend two nights at the private and most unique chateau of Count Denis de Kergolay in Canisy.
 
Enjoy the lifestyle of French royalty in this privately-owned Normandie castle. Set on 740 acres of verdant Normandie countryside and in existence for 1,000 years, the Château de Canisy is an historic presence of monumental proportions.

After breakfast and an in-depth briefing, we will launch for our over-water crossing to Iceland.
 
Upon arrival in Reykjavik, we will transfer to the Hotel Borg where we will enjoy luxury accommodations in the very center of town. The Hotel Borg overlooks the beautiful square of Austurvöllur, and is situated across from Althingi, the Icelandic parliament and the cathedral.