Itinerary
Welcome to Québec! Please make your way to the Fairmont Le Château 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 will gather 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 will 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; continue to the Thingvellir National Park, a unique place of beauty, full of interesting geology and history; then cross Mosfellsheidi Heath to Reykjavik; 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’s 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 will 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 Florence, where we will park our planes and take a one-hour scenic drive to Tuscany, the heart and soul of Italy.
Nestled deep in the hills, where the whole of Tuscany unfolds like a grand renaissance masterpiece, Castello di Casole welcomes you; a 4,200 acres historic estate infused with centuries of the world’s favorite art, culture, food and wine.
The hotel is deeply rooted in agricultural history dating back to the Bronze age, as early as 3000 B.C. Throughout the property you will find artifacts from the Etruscan farmers, which is also on display at the nearby Casole d’Elsa.
Surrounded by more than 100 acres of vineyards, Castello di Casole truly inspires wine lovers. Today, we will take a winery tour and experience the local winery from small family producers to globally recognized wineries.
We will also enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
There are various options available on property. Learn the secrets of Italian cuisine with private cooking classes taught in your own villa. The best local chefs will come show you how to make a traditional meal or a true Italian pizza in your own pizza oven. You can even satisfy your sweet tooth and learn the art of Italian pastries!
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 will have lunch at a local restaurant to experience a variety of Egyptian food.
Our tour continues to Sakkara, Egypt's oldest ancient cemetery. We will 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 Ptahhotep, Idut or Mereruka.
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 will roll dunes through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
After exploring the desert in our 4X4s we will make a stop to visit a desert safari camp to see the camels.
There will 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.
We will meet in the evening for a flight briefing before dinner.
Fly to Agra where we will transfer to our hotel, the Oberoi Amarvilas. Sixty-four fountains, filigreed stone bridges, and pillars greet guests as they cross the torch-lit courtyard of the grand entrance pavilion of the hotel. Once situated in your room, enjoy the opulence of your own private view of the greatest monument to love, the Taj Mahal.
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 mausoleum has become the de facto tourist emblem of India.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. The majestic Amarvilas pool is both under cover and in the open air with lounge chairs equally placed for guests to soak up the sun or take some shade under a parasol. Optional activities include a visit to the Oberoi Spa featuring therapy rooms with view of the Taj Mahal.
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).
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 Prohm, 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 will 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 will 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 regions 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 Tanjung Pinang in the Riau Islands of Indonesia. As the largest island in the Riau Islands, Bintan is the perfect heavenly getaway for leisure with its world-class golf courses and magnificent coastal beauty. The gorgeous destination is home to beautiful nature and fascinating local culture.
Set in lush, beachfront gardens, the luxurious Sanchaya resort is situated on the northern coast of the island.
With our local guide we will explore the beauty of this magnificent island.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Recreational activities at the hotel include croquet and archery on the manicured lawn overlooking the ocean, a real pétanque court, stand-up paddleboards, house bicycles and BloKarts.
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 is 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. Celebrate our landing with a Rolls Royce transfer to the Peninsula Hotel!
The hotel is perfectly situated overlooking Victoria Harbor, Kowloon and 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 will 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 will visit the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall for the changing of the guards, Lungshan 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 Kamo River offering expansive views of the famous Higashiyama (36 mountain range).
A full-day sightseeing tour is on the schedule offering the major highlights of the city.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
We will experience Geisha this evening with dinner. 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 famous Japanese Geisha - traditional performers.
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 Anchorage, Alaska. There will be a technical stop in Adak Island, Alaska.
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. 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 will gather to celebrate with a Farewell Dinner.
We will go our separate ways as we head home today.