As a travel writer, I’ve had the opportunity to explore a good portion of this world and fulfill many of my dream trips. Now I have a new dream international trip after discovering that National Geographic Expeditions offers a 24-day experience taking travelers to five continents via their own private jumbo jet.
The Around The World By Private Jet trip includes visits to 12 UNESCO Heritage sites around the world, some of the most important sites in human history. The trips are hosted by gameshow host Alex Trebek and feature about 10 scientists and experts who offer education, information, and insight into the spectacular destinations and travel along for the whole journey. Travelers visit these incredible sites with the experts, after learning about them in advance, then also get to discuss them after the visit.
Itinerary
The voyage starts at the National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., for a send-off party like explorers of the early part of the 20th Century. Then it’s off to an around-the-world excursion including stops in:
Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu in Peru
Easter Island, Chile
Samoa
Great Barrier Reef in Australia
Angkor Wat Temples in Cambodia
Tibet
Taj Mahal, India
Tanzania in Africa
Pyramids in Egypt
Marrakech, Morocco
Hotels
These are all the best in each destination. The list reads like a list of the world’s greatest hotels. Like La Mamounia in Marrakech, the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, and the Hotel Monasterio in Cusco.
The Plane
The plane is a special Boeing 757 with only 77 seats, all first-class, two-by-two leather seating. A normal 757 holds 233 passengers. The same crew travels with you, so you get to know them and they get to know you for a very personal level of service. The plane has long-range capabilities and can also land in smaller airports offering total flexibility. While flying, the plane is used for lectures and briefings by the on-board experts.
Price
Flying via a private jet and staying in the world’s best hotels is not cheap, but I think the price is a relative bargain compared to booking this same itinerary yourself via first-class travel on commercial airlines. It would be more expensive and less exclusive. For 2012 departures, the all-inclusive cost is $66,950 per person, and for 2013 it’s $68,950. Add $8,500 as a single supplement.
The October 2012, December 2012, and February 2013 trips are all full, with a waitlist available. The departure in October 2013 and late December 2013 are both available.
Freddy Sherman is a world traveler and editor of the travel blog travel4people.com. You can follow him on Twitter @thefredsherman
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