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Past ExpeditionsFebruary 18–March 12, 2011 Full--call for last-minute openings
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Meet fellow travelers, lecturers, and expedition leaders at a welcome dinner at our fine hotel. Please note that most travelers from the U.S. will need to take a flight departing February 17 in order to arrive in time for the welcome dinner.
The Dorchester, London
Fly by private jet to Cairo, known as “The City of a Thousand Minarets” for its distinctive skyline of Islamic architectural gems. Explore this storied 2,000-year-old city, where Persians, Greeks, Romans, Coptic Christians, Arab Muslims, Mamluks, Ottomans, the French, and the British established themselves and contributed to its rich culture.
Enjoy a special welcome reception in the garden of the world-renowned Egyptian Museum. Then take a private tour of the museum to discover its treasure-trove of ancient art and relics, including the famous Gold Mask of King Tutankhamun. The next morning, choose among a variety of activities: survey the city’s great Islamic architecture with a local expert; visit the Coptic Museum to marvel at the largest collection of Egyptian Christian art and artifacts in the world; take a cooking class to learn the secrets of Middle Eastern cuisine; or wander through the Khan el-Khalili market in the Islamic quarter for a fascinating glimpse into daily life in Cairo, much as it has been for centuries.
In the afternoon at Gîza, come face-to-face with the Sphinx and see the iconic Pyramids, most notably the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). At the unique Solar Boat Museum, see a reconstruction of a funerary barge believed to have carried the mummified pharaoh Khufu to his tomb in the Great Pyramid. After the sun sets and the Pyramids are closed to the public, savor an outdoor, lantern-lit dinner in clear view of these wonders of the ancient world.
The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Our expedition will donate funds to the Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 Foundation, the leader in children’s cancer care in Africa and the Middle East.
Travel to Rwanda, a land of lush green mountains, majestic volcanoes, and grassy lowlands. Hidden deep in the high slopes of the Virunga volcanoes are the endangered mountain gorillas, which the late Dian Fossey famously studied. At Volcanoes National Park, we set out in intimate groups of eight, hiking up through thick bamboo forests in search of these magnificent creatures in the wild. Along the way, you may also spot some of Rwanda’s 650 bird species. In the evening, visit a gallery of artwork depicting gorillas and day-to-day Rwandan life.
The next day, explore the capital city, Kigali. Stop at the Hôtel des Mille Collines, the infamous hotel depicted in the movie Hotel Rwanda, and visit the Kigali Memorial Center, a meaningful tribute to those who perished in the genocide of 1994. Hear survivors’ stories and learn about how people in Rwanda are creating an environment for unity and healing. If you wish, browse lively markets for handicrafts, including unique Rwandan Agaseke basketry.
Mountain View Lodge, Volcanoes National Park and Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali (A limited number of accommodation upgrades are available near Volcanoes National Park at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge and Virunga Lodge.)
Note: Because hiking at Volcanoes National Park occurs at high altitudes (7,000-10,000 feet) and is especially arduous and challenging, a doctor’s approval to participate is required. A porter will be available to each traveler for assistance.
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following:
Travelers whose health conditions do not permit gorilla trekking and those who would prefer a more relaxing stay in Rwanda can instead spend more time in Kigali. Visit the Akilah Institute for Women, the first vocational training and leadership organization for young women in Rwanda. Then take an exciting helicopter ride over the Virunga volcanoes.
Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali
Our expedition will contribute funds to the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, the ART for GORILLAS Art of Conservation program, and the Akilah Institute for Women.
Our private jet takes us to South Africa, where we land in Mpumalanga, transfer to small local aircraft, and fly to the country’s most sought-after deluxe camps at the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Bordering the fenceless western edge of Kruger National Park, which is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in all of Africa, the Reserve offers world-class viewing of the “Big Five” and other creatures of classic safari lore in a spectacular and intimate setting.
Enjoy early-morning game drives, evening game drives by spotlight, and guided bush walks with some of the most experienced and knowledgeable rangers and trackers whose passion for the bush is infectious. You may see feline hunters including lion, leopard, and cheetah, and big game such as elephants, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, waterbuck, hippos, and wildebeest. Many other fascinating creatures also abound in the Reserve, including bee-eaters, vultures, eagles, leopard tortoises, boomslangs, and crocodiles. After each day’s explorations, unwind in a sumptuously appointed lodge and awake refreshed to the sounds of creatures in the bushveld beginning to stir for a new day.
Singita Boulders Lodge, Singita Ebony Lodge, and Londolozi Camps
Our expedition will donate funds to Uthando South Africa, a non-profit organization that supports a wide range of grass roots, community-based, and sustainable projects.
Fly by private jet over the Indian Ocean to The Maldives—a beautiful island paradise of white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and brilliant turquoise lagoons. The Maldives bears the unique distinction of being the lowest country in the world, averaging just under five feet above sea level. It is widely believed that these coral islands will be submerged within 100 years due the rate of rising sea levels caused by the melting of the polar ice caps.
We land in Gan, then take a short boat ride to the tiny island of Villingili, part of the Addu Atoll. The coral reef formation in this area is the largest in the country and the reef life teams with more than 700 fish species, including nudibranches, harlequin shrimp, anemonies, sweetlips, lionfish, and nurse sharks. While here, swim or snorkel among delicate corals and the colorful creatures that inhabit them. Come face-to-gills with the gentle and graceful manta ray—some of which have a wingspan of 16 feet. With luck, we will see a manta ray breach the water’s surface and launch into the air—an awe-inspiring sight that is not uncommon here.
Ride a bicycle on the flat ten-mile road connecting Villingili to four other islands, and enjoy unending views of the dazzling blue-green horizon. Along the way, stop at villages and cafes to meet with the locals, known as Mahls, and get a taste of their unique island culture, which is heavily influenced by the traditions of Sri Lanka and southern India. Or simply pass the time in your luxurious, private over-water villa.
Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
Our expedition will support the Creative Arts & Crafts Training Center—where Mahls embrace the artistic traditions of their forefathers using locally sourced materials.
Continue by private jet to Chiang Rai and then transfer to our fine hotel, our base for exploring Northern Thailand, a lush land of sacred elephants, colorful hill tribes, and rarely-seen cultural treasures. Mist-covered mountains, dense jungles, and terraced hills distinguish this breathtakingly beautiful region, which was once the domain of the ancient Lanna Kingdom that spanned parts of Thailand, Laos, China, and Burma from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries. Spend your days here enjoying your choice of a variety of excursions:
Train with professional mahouts in the ways of riding and caring for an elephant—the revered symbol of Thailand where these majestic creatures abound—and go elephant trekking through lush jungles. Cross the border into Burma and visit Tachilek village for a rare glimpse into daily life here. Ride a boat on the Mekong to Laos’ Don Sao Island, for a vivid view into yet a different way of life in this region. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a small remote Thai village. Visit the fascinating Hall of Opium museum to learn of the Golden Triangle’s role in the world opium trade, and how the Thai Royal Family initiated a highly successful crop substitution program. Take a class in one of the local arts, such as basket making, textile weaving, or ceramics. And relax in perfect serenity at our resort’s luxurious spa, where you will be treated to the wonders of a traditional Thai massage in a sublime natural setting.
Anantara Golden Triangle Resort, near Chiang Saen (Accommodation upgrades are available at Four Seasons Golden Triangle Tented Camp.)
Our expedition will donate funds to Elephant Nature Park, a unique sanctuary and rescue center for injured elephants.
Our private jet takes us to Calcutta, India where we transfer to local aircraft and fly deep into the Himalaya. Secluded in the heart of this mighty mountain range and opened to visitors only decades ago, the Kingdom of Bhutan stands as a buttress against the encroachment of the modern world, protecting a sacred enclave of Mahayana Buddhism. We land in Paro, in a valley dotted with mountaintop Buddhist monasteries and gaily decorated fortresses, or dzongs.
Visit the great Paro Dzong, home to a monastic community of 200, and Choeding Temple, for a chance to see a prayer ceremony. At the National Museum, admire a superb collection of textiles, ancient weapons, and classical thangka paintings depicting Buddhist cosmology. Stroll the town of Paro and visit with a family at their farmhouse, for a rare insider’s view into daily life here, where most people live in rural villages and work on farms. You may also meet with teachers and students at a school. In the countryside, join Bhutanese for a festive picnic complete with traditional archery and dancing. Then transfer to Thimphu, the country’s capital, where the gleaming white Memorial Chorten dominates the skyline. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, the Textile Museum, and the National Library—all housed in exemplars of traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Or instead of exploring Thimphu, hearty travelers may take a spectacular hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched 10,200 feet above sea level. It is one of the country’s most revered sites, named for the flying tigress that is said to have carried the Guru Rinpoche here in the eighth century.
Uma Paro and Zhiwa Ling (Accommodation upgrades are available at Amankora on a space-available basis.)
Our expedition will donate supplies to the Drukyel School for the Hearing-Impaired, where sign language is used for lessons and children receive guidance to help them integrate with the hearing world.
Return to Calcutta via local air, and continue by private jet to Jodhpur in rural Rajasthan. Venture deep into the starkly beautiful Thar Desert and immerse yourself in a way of life that few outsiders have experienced.
Observe the resourceful ways of the small but vibrant desert community that thrives here, including chili and mustard farmers, carpet weavers, metalsmiths, potters, and carpenters. Ride camels into the sunset along the sand dunes and enjoy a memorable performance of local dance and music. Then experience an exotic night under the desert stars in our unique and well-appointed tented camp.
The next day, return to Jodhpur, the glittering jewel of a city where centuries ago, aristocratic Rajputs channeled their wealth from overland trade into sumptuous fortresses and palaces adorned with exquisite carpets, jewels, silks, and other finery. Today, the area still abounds with elegant edifices reflecting this period when extravagance knew no bounds. Jodhpur is also known as the ‘Blue City’ due to the indigo tinge of the houses surrounding the majestic Mehrangarh Fortress. Explore the Fortress and the palace complex hidden inside, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and desert from its soaring ramparts.
In addition, take a guided tour of our historic palace hotel, shop for rugs and the various sartorial goods made from antique royal saris, or stroll the old quarter’s jumble of narrow streets and the lively Sardar Bazaar. In the evening, dine at the Umaid Bhawan Palace—our home for the night and still occupied in part by the royal family—where Maharajas of old once sat and contemplated their kingdoms.
Royal Tented Camp at Manvaar and Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Our expedition will donate funds to a rural employment program, which provides jobs in construction, farming, and schools to each village family.
Our private jet takes us to Aqaba, where we transfer to our hotel near the lost city of Petra. Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra was built by the mysterious Nabataean people in 312 B.C. and became an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia. The Nabataeans have long since vanished from the region, now home to the Bedouin, an Arab people who have been nomadic herders here for centuries. Half-built, half-carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, Petra is undoubtedly one of the world’s most impressive architectural achievements.
Step back in time 2,000 years as you stroll this ancient city. Enter the Siq, a dramatic opening in the bedrock, and arrive at the Treasury, Petra’s most exquisite edifice. Explore many other elaborately decorated buildings and tombs carved from sheer rock walls, and observe up-close the superb blending of Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture. In the evening, celebrate the end of our Experiences of a Lifetime expedition with a festive Bedouin dinner.
Mövenpick Resort, Petra
Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, choose the following:
Instead of exploring Petra, go on a jeep safari in Wadi Rum, a lunar-like landscape made famous by T. E. Lawrence and the film Lawrence of Arabia. See the spectacular rock formation known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and enjoy a traditional Bedouin meal.
Our expedition will support the work of the Jordan River Foundation, which works to raise awareness of child abuse and empowers women through job training.
On Friday, our private jet departs Jordan and returns us to London, where we will enjoy a fine meal at our hotel and retire for the night. The next morning, after breakfast, transfer to the airport where you can connect with your independent commercial flight home.
The Dorchester, London
Download the brochure PDF
Limited to 78 Travelers
Double Occupancy: $64,950
Single Supplement: $8,350
Commercial airfare to and from London is not included. For your protection and peace of mind, all payments are secured in a bank escrow account that is fully insured by the U.S. Government.
Featured Accommodations
A luxury lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Shangri La Villingili Resort and Spa
Anantara Golden Triangle Resort
Royal Tented Camp at Manvar, The Great Thar Desert
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
