Itinerary
Welcome to Quebec! Please make your way to 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 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!
Continue our flight over ice-covered Greenland for our second leg of the Trans-Atlantic water crossing to Iceland.
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 Austurvöllur, and is situated across from Althingi, the Icelandic parliament and the cathedral.
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing 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 and visit the Blue Lagoon.
It is certainly a great experience that's not to be missed.
Fly to Shannon where we will transfer to the picturesque village of Adare.
Situated in the lush heartlands of County Limerick, Adare Manor and Golf Resort is one of Ireland’s most evocative and spellbinding hotels. Steeped in exotic history and surrounded by medieval ruins, its 840-acre demesne is home to beautiful parklands, superb trout fishing on the river Maigue, and a renowned 18-hole championship golf course.
With our local guide we will explore the mighty Cliffs of Moher - one of Ireland’s most famous natural wonders. Hike along the 700’ high cliffs and admire spectacular views over the Atlantic Coast, Galway Bay and the Aran Islands.
There will be a stop in Doolin, a lovely village where we will enjoy a traditional Irish pub lunch.
In the afternoon we will visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The park is a living history museum depicting 17th – 19th century rural Irish life through a series of cottages and street scenes.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Visit Adare Village - considered Ireland's prettiest village. An architectural wealth of scenic beauty, Adare's main street is punctuated with beautiful stone buildings, medieval monasteries, ruins and a picturesque village park.
Our flight today takes us to the famous Le Bourget Airport – one of Paris’ main hubs. Upon arrival, transfer to our deluxe hotel, the Plaza Athenee, located in the 8th District near the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees.
This afternoon is free for you to settle into your Parisian oasis.
An introduction to Paris with a half-day city tour of the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero, St. Germain des pres, Notre Dame, Le Marais is on the schedule this morning. In addition, outside the hotel you have the prestigious Avenue Montaigne as well as the Champs Elysees for great shopping.
Tonight we’ll enjoy a picturesque dinner cruise on the Seine River to explore Paris by night in the best possible way.
Today is at leisure to enjoy the city. Options for exciting outings include a visit to the Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, a Cooking Class, Wine tasting, a visit to Versaille and more!
Fly to Salerno, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.
Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the Villa Cimbrone perched on the cliff side along the coast line. The first reliable mentions of Villa Cimbrone can be found around the 11th century, intermingling with those of Ravello’s golden era.
Today we will enjoy a scenic ride to the Bay of Naples’ most exquisite island of Capri, with its picturesque cobblestone alleys and piazzettas, churches and mysterious blue grotto’s (weather permitting).
With our local guide we’ll explore the highlights of the town. Enjoy stunning views over the entire island from the chairlift connecting Anacapri to the summit of Monte Solaro – the highest point on the island offering a panorama vista of the island and the Sorrentine Peninsula.
Visit the Piazzetta of Capri – the center of the island’s social scene, stroll through the Gardens of Augustus, and wander through the colorful local boutiques.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Athens where we will transfer to the Amanzoe in Porto Heli.
The scenic town of Porto Heli is 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 close to the town of Porto Heli and offers panoramic views of the Peloponnese countryside and coastline.
With several picturesque islands in the area, we will venture out by private motor boat to the beautiful islands of Hyrda and Spetses.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
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 full day guided tour begins with a visit the Giza Plateau, where we will visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Enjoy the great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus before continuing down to the Valley Temple to visit the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mighty Sphinx. We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant to experience a variety of Egyptian food.
Our tour continues to Sakkara, Egypt's oldest ancient cemetery. We’ll visit the world's first monumental stone building, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, built by the engineer Imhotep and one of the magnificent Mastabas (burial chamber) of either Ptah Hotep, Idut or Mereruca.
Fly to Dubai. There will be a technical stop in Riyadh to refuel for those needing one.
The Hotel:
Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the 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.
The majority of the day is free to explore on your own before we meet again this afternoon for a unique Dune Bashing Drive!
We will board our 4-wheel drive vehicles and drive the mysterious desert. We’ll roll dunes through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
After exploring the desert in our 4X4s we’ll make a stop to visit a desert safari camp to see the camels.
There’ll be time to experience a short camel ride before enjoying cocktails as we watch a spectacular desert sunset.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Today we will fly to Jaipur, India, with a technical stop in Ahmedabad. Once in Jaipur, we will transfer to the Oberoi Rajvilas, our home for the next 3 nights.
Jaipur, the walled capital city of Rajasthan, has been fondly known as the “Pink City” since it was painted pink in 1876 as a sign of the people's hospitality towards the visiting Queen Victoria of England and the Prince of Wales.
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 its ornately carved windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved. It is considered 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.
This morning, our visit takes us to the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Built in the 1700s but still appears to be futuristic. It houses unique instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens! We will then continue to the City Palace to witness the Maharaja’s private collection of textiles and armory.
This afternoon will have us visiting the Gyan Museum to view Indian jewelry. Over 2500 artifacts include textiles, Mughal rugs, silver hookahs, gemstones, jewelry, etc.
Today we will fly to Dhaka, Bangladesh, before boarding a commercial flight (1h10min) to Paro, Bhutan, for our discovery of this unique destination.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to Amankora Paro Lodge, our home for the next 3 nights as we explore the Himalayan wonder of Bhutan. Positioned at a key location around the mountain kingdom, Amankora acts as a gateway to the beauty and culture of the Himalayas.
This morning we will hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, referred to by many as Tiger’s Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. For those interested, we will venture to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, with a local guide, combining cultural sights, spiritual experiences and breathtaking scenery. On the agenda are the Textile Museum, the Weaving Center, and the School of Arts and Crafts (with time permitting).
Today we will take a commercial flight back to Dhaka before transferring to the InterContinental Dhaka Hotel for one night.
Fly to Chiang Mai, Thailand, before we transfer to the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. Sitting on 20 breathtaking acres of tropical gardens and rice paddies in the Mae Rim Valley, the Four Seasons offers the perfect oasis for some R&R. Don’t miss the chance to experience their ultimate spa for indulging every one of your senses (additional charge).
The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy this beautiful setting.
Depart your hotel for a trek through Chiang Mai’s lush forest.
Encounter elephants taking their morning bath in the running stream as we discover the flourishing landscape surrounding us.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
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.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
You will be provided with a menu of activities to select from today. In addition, complimentary bicycles are available at the hotel to explore the local area.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Siem Reap – gateway 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.
Board Tuk Tuks as we begin our visit to the 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 center since its foundation — first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist towards the end of the 12th century.
Visit Angkor Thom and Ta 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 on a delightful sunset cruise outside of town and discover the life in the floating villages along Tonle Sap Lake.
Fly to Singapore, a tiny island nation, for our stay at the Ritz Carlton hotel.
A dynamic city rich in contrast, color and culture, Singapore sits at one of the crossroads of the world, embodying the finest of both the East and West. Be mesmerized by the unbridled energy, world-class cuisine, spectacular architecture and impressive arts scene.
There will be a half-day city tour and free time to discover Orchard Road Street - a shopping paradise!
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Borobudur where we’ll transfer to the perfect romantic setting of the Amanjiwo hotel - a volcano-surrounded wonder in the heart of Java.
The Amanjiwo faces the 9th century Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist sanctuary, as well as the mystical Tidar Hill which is believed to house the spiritual and geographical center of Java.
Behold the beautifully decorated grounds and views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The resort provides an insight of the Javanese culture of this rural heartland.
We’ll explore the spectacular Borobudur Temple Compounds. Both a shrine to Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage, it is the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex was built in the 8th and 9th centuries, abandoned around the 14th century, and was rediscovered in 1814.The monument occupies a modest plateau and from the top level, beautiful views of an emerald green landscape of Central Java can be seen.
There will be free time today to experience an optional Jamu Massage (an ancient healing art form) in the privacy of your room.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Bali where we will transfer to the tranquil Amankila.
Mount Agung provides a dramatic backdrop for Amankila (peaceful hill), a secluded seaside resort overlooking the Lombok Strait. Enjoy exceptional views from their hillside locations amongst frangipani and bougainvillea. Amankila offers easy access to untouched rural countryside, local crafts and the region's royal past.
The Amankila offers complimentary non-motorized water sports including wind surfing, boogie boarding, hobie cat and stand-up paddle boards.
Today is at leisure to enjoy this beautiful island.
Trek through the terraced rice paddies of Bali’s east coast or cycle to some of Bali’s most picturesque stops!
Today is at leisure to enjoy this beautiful island.
Fly to Sandakan where we will experience the nature and wildlife of Borneo. The Four Points by Sheraton is strategically located at the heart of Sandakan town and overlooks the Sandakan Bay.
Today we will visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where we will encounter Orangutans in their natural habitat. The reserve is named after the two rivers that flow into the Sandakan Bay. The aim of the Centre is to return orphaned, injured, or displaced orangutans back to the wild.
Fly to Ho Chi Minh. Peel back the outer layers of the city to discover secret wartime tunnels and hidden landmarks of the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. Never lost and not forgotten, these underground dens and passages reveal the lives of the city’s residents in former times.
After a short tour of the city, we will transfer to our Hotel.
Today we will cruise along the Saigon River and watch the passing mangroves and palm trees. Visit a small community northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and its famous wartime landmark – the Cu Chi tunnels (Ben Duoc). The remarkable network of underground tunnels provided shelter and was an effective source of infiltration for the Viet Cong during the later years of the Vietnam War. Catch a glimpse of life during the war as you experience crawling in tight, narrow passageways and through a series of caverns which consist of storage rooms, make-shift hospitals and sleeping quarters.
Fly to Cam Ranh. Amanoi's luxury resort Pavilions, Spa Houses and Residences are perched along a coastal ridge with views of the sea or tucked into a valley overlooking the National Park. A short buggy ride down to the shoreline reveals Amanoi's swathe of golden sand – a private beach looking out to the quiet and sheltered waters of Vinh Hy Bay.
Today we will go for a short moderate hike to enjoy spectacular views from the top of Goga Peak over Vinh Hy Bay, the East Sea, coastal rock formations and the southern city of Phan Rang.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. One hotel activity per day is included.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. One hotel activity per day is included.
Fly to Macau where we will transfer to Hong Kong by ferry. We’ll celebrate our landing with a Rolls Royce transfer to the Peninsula Hotel!
The hotel is perfectly situated overlooking Victoria Harbor in Kowloon on Nathan Road, the shopping mecca in the heart of the business and entertainment district.
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 is planned to discover the heritage highlights of Hong Kong. Visit the busy Sheung Wan Market and then take a funicular tram ride to Victoria Peak for magnificent views of the city skyline.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Enjoy optional activities such as a cooking class at the Peninsula or go to Macau by ferry or helicopter.
We’ll transfer back to the Macau airport by private 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.
This morning we’ll visit the National Palace Museum, Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall for the changing of the guards, Long Shan Temple, and a ride in the world’s fastest elevator to the top of the world’s former tallest building for a spectacular view of Taipei.
The rest of the day will be at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Osaka, Japan, where we will transfer by bullet train to our hotel in Kyoto (90nm).
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto sits serenely on the banks of the Kamogawa River offering expansive views of the famous Higashiyama Sanju-Roppo (36 mountain range).
A full-day sightseeing tour is on the schedule offering the major highlights of the city.
We will select the most “must see” sights for our tour.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Kyoto has its own name for its famous Geisha, or traditional entertainers. There are two basic kinds, Geiko and Maiko. Geiko is the Kyoto term for the famous Japanese Geisha – traditional performers.
We’ll experience Geisha this evening with Dinner.
Today we will take the bullet train to Nagoya to attend a sumo wrestling tournament.
Sumo is Japan’s national sport and the game boasts of a legacy that extends up to 1,000 years.
Fly to Sapporo as we begin our return back to the US.
Fly to Petropavlovsk.
Situated on high hills and surrounded by volcanoes, the surrounding terrain of Petropavlovsk is mountainous enough that the horizon can’t be clearly seen from any point in town.
Upon arrival we’ll transfer to our hotel located on the slope of the hill in the center of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky with great views of the Kultuchnoe Lake.
Fly to Anchorage, Alaska. There will be a technical stop in Anadyr, Russia. You will cross the International Date Line today.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Seattle. There will be a technical stop in Ketchikan to refuel and have lunch. Upon our arrival in Seattle, we will transfer to the waterfront Four Seasons Seattle.
This morning we will set out for a tour of the Boeing Factory. Learn the ins and outs of how Boeing aircraft come into production and the innovative solutions they use to create these flying machines.
For those interested, an afternoon wine tour is available.
This evening we’ll celebrate our Farewell Dinner.
We will go our separate ways as we head home today.