38 days

We Visit:

Morocco, Malta, Syria, Oman, Nepal, Brunei, Australia, Tahiti, Easter Island, Amazon, Galapagos Islands, Panam, Guatemala, Cuba, The Azores

Costs:

from £29,995 (details below)

Departure Dates

19 February 11

* denotes departed trips

Trip Summary:

Fez

The Imperial City of Meknes

Holy Moulay Idriss

Ancient ruins of Volubilis

Malta

Damascus

Krak des Chevaliers

Muscatt

Kathmandu

Brunei

Relaxing Tahiti

Moai of Easter Island

Remote Amazon River

Galapagos Island cruise 

Transit the Panama Canal

Antigua

Indian market 

Havana

The Azores

Discover Fez in Morocco - with its narrow alleyways, overlooked by the hills of the medieval city; Malta - a fascinating Mediterranean island; absorb the ancient civilisation of Damascus; be captivated by Muscat, the capital of Oman, where stunning coastal scenery, mountain villages and contrasting architectural styles converge; for a complete contrast we then visit Kathmandu, the fascinating Nepalease capital set against stunning Himalayan vistas. Vist the Sultanate of Brunei, where ornate palces and mosques are juxtaposed with water villages and the Borneo jungle. Enjoy a visit to Tahiti, with its spectacular landscapes and mountains interior; Easter Island with its unique Moai statues; cruise the narrow reaches of the Amazon in Peru and stay at an Amazon jungle lodge; join the 'Galapagos Legend' expedition cruise of the Galapagos, transit the Panama Canal by boat and vist Panama City; travel to the Guatemalan Highlands including the charming city of Antigua and market at Chichicastenango; soak up the atmosphere of Havana, with its amazing architechture and unique way of life; and visit The Azores, remote islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 1

London - Fez (Morocco)

Saturday 19 February

Join our Private Jet from Luton Airport’s VIP terminal for the flight to Fez. Enjoy fine dining onboard, accompanied by French Champagne and premium wines. The spacious cabin offers all Business Class seats and impeccable service is provided from a specially selected cabin crew. Mid afternoon we land at the fascinating Moroccan city of Fez, where we stay for three nights overlooking the ancient medieval Medina at the five star Le Merinides Hotel. Enjoy a Moroccan themed Welcome Reception and Dinner this evening.

 

Day 2

Fez

Sunday 20 February

Fez is one of the world’s most complete medieval cities – a place lost in time. Marvel at its wonders as you stroll narrow alleyways, giving way to donkeys and traders, water sellers and holy men. Our guide will show us the depths of the Medina, the Merenid Tombs and the Kairaouine Mosque. There are fantastic shopping opportunities in the alleys and streets of the Medina. You may wish to make use of the additional luggage allowance aboard our Private Jet. We lunch in the Medina and enjoy a free afternoon.

This evening is the first of our many dine-around evenings, offering you a choice of restaurant and menu styles.

 

Day 3

Fez

Monday 21 February 

Enjoy a free day to see more of Fez; relax at our hotel; or join a full day tour to the Imperial City of Meknes, an amazing complex surrounded by high walls and gates. We will also visit the Holy City of Moulay Idriss to see the ruins of the Roman City of Volubilis. Choose from a selection of our hotel’s restaurants or a nearby Moroccan restaurant on a dine-around evening.

 

Day 4

Fez - Valletta (Malta)

Tuesday 22 February

Enjoy a relaxing morning before our lunchtime flight to the Mediterranean island of Malta. The Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Castillians, the Knights of St John, the French and the British have all left their mark in Malta. Many relics and buildings bear testimony to the magnificence of the time of the Knights.
We have two days to enjoy the sights of Malta. This evening our dinner will feature Maltese specialities.

Day 5

Valletta

Wednesday 23 February

Our morning tour includes St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Knights’ own church. It is a baroque masterpiece containing a staggering collection of art within its striking interior.
We also visit the Grand Master’s Palace, now the seat of Malta’s parliament with a wealth of splendour including beautiful Gobelin tapestries and many treasures. (If parliament is sitting we visit the Fine Arts Museum instead.)
Our tour continues to Mdina, Malta’s original capital in pre Roman times. The silent narrow streets and stately mansions of Malta’s aristocratic old families impart a distinctive atmosphere. This afternoon is free to explore the streets and plazas of Valletta independently; shop for souvenirs; or take one of the colourful vintage buses for a trip into the countryside. Enjoy a dine-around dinner at our hotel or a local restaurant this evening.

 

Day 6

Valletta - Damascus (Syria)

Thursday 24 February

Late this morning we will join our luncheon flight across the
Mediterranean to Damascus, the ancient Syrian capital, for a three night stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel. Choose from any of the fine restaurants at our hotel for a dine-around dinner.

 

Day 7

Damascus

Friday 25 February

Damascus is an intriguing yet rarely visited city with a huge walled old town, which is surrounded by modern Damascus.
Our tour will cover both parts of the city including the great Ummayyad Mosque – one of the first great mosques of the Muslim world, Saladin’s Tomb and the lovely Azem Palace, the House of Anais and other sights inside the walls. This afternoon enjoy exploring the fascinating souks of the Grand Bazaar; or visit the National Museum. Select from our hotel’s restaurants or a superb local restaurant in the old town for dinner this evening.

 

Day 8

Damascus

Saturday 26 FebruaryEnjoy a free day relaxing and strolling around Damascus or join either of our Select option tours at no additional cost.

1. A full day tour across the desert to Palmyra, one of the most spectacular sights of the ancient world. Vast colonnaded streets, lavishly decorated tombs, ornate stone carvings and imposing temples abound. It combines Hellenistic, Parthian and Roman traditions unmatched in the classical era. Palmyra is full of the unusual and unexpected. Return to Damascus for a late dinner.

2. Travel north of Damascus and stop at Maloula to visit one of the oldest churches in the world, positioned in a dramatic mountain location. We continue north to the impressive Krak des Chevaliers, the most important and formidable castle in the Middle Ages. The castle controlled a strategic passage in the Orontes Valley and covers an area of three hectares. It has 13 towers containing a number of halls, stores, passages, stables and bridges. It is truly spectacular.

 

Day 9

Damascus - Muscat (Oman)

Sunday 27 February

This morning we rejoin our friendly crew aboard our Private Jet for a luncheon flight across Arabia to the amazing city of Muscat in Oman. We have three nights at a superb five star hotel beside the sea.
The Sultanate of Oman has only recently opened to tourism and was long known as the ‘Hermit of the Middle East’. Travellers are only now discovering the immense beauty and attractions of Oman, and particularly Muscat. Dinner, featuring Arabian cuisine, is at our hotel this evening.

Day 10

Muscat

Monday 28 February

Muscat comprises three cities – Muscat, Muttrah and Ruwi. Our full day of discovery includes the long sweeping coastal corniche, one of the most beautiful drives in Arabia, sweeping around the city’s bays.
We visit the Muttrah Souk, with its narrow alleyways and hundreds of shops and markets. The fish market is particularly interesting but shoppers may prefer the stores specialising in antique silver jewellery and mock ups of Royal Omani jewellery.
Other attractions include the Natural History Museum, the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum and the Oman Museum, depicting the history of the country since the 3rd Millennium BC. Enjoy a dine-around evening tonight.

 

Day 11

Muscat

Tuesday 1 MarchRelax with a free day at our beautiful hotel; or join a full day tour through the dramatic mountain range that is a feature of Northern Oman to the fascinating town of Nizwa, with its souk and fort. The view from the main tower of Nizwa Fort is spectacular and a contrast to the coastal scenery. Nizwa’s palm oasis stretches for eight kilometres along the course of two wadis (valleys). We continue to Jabrin Fort, with its rustic ceiling decoration and tomb of its builder. The imposing fort was built in the mid 17th century by a former ruler of Oman. A simple local lunch is followed by a visit to one of the attractive villages at the base of the Jebel Akhdar Mountain chain. Another dine-around dinner offering you a choice of restaurants this evening.

 

Day 12

Muscat - Kathmandu (Nepal)

Wednesday 2 March

This morning we fly across the Arabian Sea to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, surrounded by the high peaks of the Himalaya, a total contrast to our previous destinations! We have three nights at the sumptuous Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Day 13

Kathmandu

Thursday 3 March

After a leisurely breakfast we will start our exploration of Kathmandu and its emerald valley in the foothills of the Himalaya. The valley is a collection of ancient towns with a fascinating history and culture. The linked cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur were built around palace squares known as Durbar Square. Each city abounds in an incredible collection of temples, historic buildings and amazing sights around the squares. This morning we tour Kathmandu and Patan.
We also visit the Buddhist Monastery at Swayambhunath, on a hillside with spectacular views over the city. Enjoy a late lunch and have a free afternoon in the bustling Thamel district. Dine-around dinner at our hotel this evening.

 

Day 14

Kathmandu

Friday 4 March

This morning is free to relax or see more of this fascinating city. After lunch we will visit the third of the valley’s towns, Bhaktapur, with a stunning collection of unique architecture surrounding its Durbar Square and winding streets.
Later this afternoon we drive higher into the Himalaya to visit Nagarkot. We will have time to enjoy the superb panoramas over some of the world’s finest mountain scenery, with views to Mt Everest and Kanchenjunga.
We return to Bhaktapur for a very special evening of dining in the evocative setting of the city’s Durbar Square, surrounded by temples and historic buildings. Tonight will be a memorable evening.

Day 15

Kathmandu - Brunei

Saturday 5 March

This morning we rejoin our Private Jet and enjoy the high standard of the inflight catering and service. Late afternoon we arrive in the oil rich Sultanate of Brunei in Borneo. Our hotel, the Empire Hotel & Country Club, is a luxurious property reflecting the opulence of the country’s rulers and features a stunning lobby, ornamental pools, gardens, beaches and truly sumptuous rooms.

Enjoy a dine-around evening at one of the hotel’s many restaurants

Day 16

Brunei

Sunday 6 March

This morning we will discover the country’s contrasting capital. The wealth can be seen in the majestic 1,788 room Royal Palace, the magnificent gold domed mosques and elegant shopping centres. We will visit Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, an oasis of tranquillity built in 1958 of Italian marble, gold mosaic and English stained glass with craftsmanship that reflects classical Islamic architecture. We will also see the Royal Regalia, which includes the Royal chariot, gold and silver ceremonial armoury, the jewel encrusted Coronation Crown and a replica of the throne used by His Majesty on State occasions. For a complete contrast we will visit Kampung Ayer, the sprawling water village where 30,000 people live in houses built on stilts above the water. Return to our hotel for lunch. Relax amid the luxury of the Empire Hotel & Country Club – have a game of golf (additional cost); visit the cinema; or take a tour to the spacious Royal Polo Grounds and see the hundreds of polo horses owned by His Majesty, the Sultan of Brunei. This evening we get together for our Farewell Dinner at the hotel.

 

Day 17

Brunei - Sydney (Australia)

Monday 7 March

Our daytime flight to Sydney is sure to be lively. We arrive in Sydney early evening and transfer to our luxury hotel in Sydney

Day 18

Sydney

Tuesday 8 March

Enjoy the vibrant city at your own pace today.

Perhaps take an optional sightseeing tour to the Hunter Valley or visit the Blue Mountains

Day 19

Sydney - Papeete (Tahiti)

Wednesday 9 March

Late this morning we join our Private Jet for our flight to Papeete, the capital of Tahiti. Enjoy the fine dining onboard with complimentary Champagne and premium wines. Relax in the spacious cabin with only 92 Business Class seats and great service from a specially selected cabin crew. We cross the International Date Line and gain a day, arriving early evening on Tuesday 9 March. We have two nights at the luxurious Intercontinental Tahiti Beach Resort.

 

Day 20

Tahiti

Wednesday 9 March

Awake (for the second time!) on Wednesday 9 March.  Tahiti is the perfect start to your holiday and our beachside hotel is an inviting place to spend a free day.  Alternatively you can join a tour of the island’s capital, Papeete, together with a tour into the countryside to view some of the scenes of Gauguin’s paintings; or you may prefer a 4WD trip to experience the fantastic beauty of Tahiti’s interior (additional cost).

This evening join us for a Welcome Dinner and Polynesian show by the beach.

 

Day 21

Papeete - Easter Island (Chile)

Thursday 10 March

Sink into your comfortable Business Class seat and enjoy the fine onboard service as we fly across the Pacific to Easter Island (Rapa Nui), one of the most distant and remote inhabited islands on earth. We have two nights at a small, comfortable island hotel

Day 22

Easter Island

Friday 11 March

Tour this tiny 115 square kilometre island that is unlike anywhere else. Its landscape is filled with volcanoes and lakes. The island abounds with more than 600 giant statues or Moai – all silent witnesses to a never fully understood civilisation. We marvel at how primitive man achieved such startling perfection, taking 90 tonne monoliths from the sides of volcanoes and creating a spellbinding archeological puzzle. We visit the giant quarry where the Moai were once made, now containing 400 statues in various stages of completion. We will also attend a spectacular dance show and lunch at Anakena Beach. This afternoon we will visit the ancient village of Orongo and the crater lake of Ranu Kau. Dinner at our hotel this evening.

Day 23

Easter Island - Iquitos (Peru)

Saturday 12 March

There can be few more unusual international flights than one from Easter Island to Iquitos on the Amazon River in Peru. Enjoy Champagne, fine wines and great dining as we head for the Amazon jungle. On arrival in Iquitos we transfer to a riverboat to cruise downstream to Ceiba Tops Lodge. Enjoy the quiet of the Amazon jungle this evening.

Day 24

Amazon River

Sunday 13 March

Our day on the Amazon includes boat trips, visits to nearby Indian villages and time to soak up the flavour of this remote part of the world. All meals are served at our lodge.

Day 25

Iquitos - Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)

Monday 14 March

From Iquitos we join our Private Jet to the Galapagos Islands, a group of volcanic islands 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador with unique flora and fauna. We have chartered the ‘Galapagos Legend’ for our four day/three night cruise around the Galapagos Islands. Our ship offers the highest standards in this remote part of the world with comfortable cabins and suites, excellent food and complimentary drinks with dinner, combined with the best Naturalist Guides, landing craft and itinerary inclusions. On arrival at Baltra we join ‘Galapagos Legend’. This afternoon we visit Chinese Hat to encounter a small colony of sea lions and flamingoes. If desired, snorkel with the sea lions in the turquoise waters.

Day 26

Galapagos Islands

Tuesday 15 March

This morning we will land on Santa Cruz Island, renowned for its large population of pink flamingoes and land iguanas. You may prefer a boat ride in Venice Islet to observe the unique vegetation and marine animals. We return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon land at Floreana Island. This area is best known for its endemic plant life and flamingoes. You may even have the opportunity to swim with the sea lions. Each evening our Expedition Leaders and Naturalists will give a debrief on the day’s activities and details of the plans ahead. Afterwards enjoy fine dining and complimentary wines with dinner.

Day 27

Galapagos Islands

Wednesday 16 March

This morning we land on Espanola Island at Punta Suarez. Our Naturalists will describe the lava fields as we take a bird watching walk inland. Many species can be spotted and observed closely including Hooded Mockingbirds and large colonies of marine iguana, Lava Lizards and colourful Salty Lightfoot Crabs. Nearby are colonies of Masked and Blue-footed Boobies. We continue to the nesting grounds of the world’s largest colony of Waved Albatross. We also visit a blow hole where water shoots over 20 metres into the air. This afternoon we land on San Cristobal Island to visit the Giant Tortoise breeding centre and learn about the breeding efforts of the National Park. Enjoy a festive evening onboard tonight.

Day 28

Galapagos Islands - Panama City (Panama)

Thursday 17 March

Our final excursion visits North Seymour Island with a large nesting colony of Blue-footed Boobies, magnificent Frigate birds and marine and land iguanas. We rejoin our Private Jet for the flight to Panama City and on arrival transfer to the luxurious Panama Marriott Hotel. We have two nights in this unique destination.

Day 29

Panama Canal

Friday 18 March

Cruising the Panama Canal is an aspiration of many travellers. Today we will realise this goal as we transit the Canal in a small cruiser, from Balboa on the Pacific side to the Gatun Lake. Sail under the Bridge of the Americas and visit the Miraflores Locks, the tallest in the lock system. The boat will be raised 18 metres in two steps to enter Miraflores Lake. We continue through the Pedro Miguel Locks to the narrowest section of the Canal. Marvel at the huge ships passing by as we transit the Canal and enter Gatun Lake. We return to our hotel by coach after an amazing day of cruising.

Choose from a range of dining options this evening

Day 30

Panama City - Antigua (Guatemala)

Saturday 19 March

Our morning tour shows us the three sides of Panama City – the modern skyscraper city, the colonial era Casco Viejo and the ruins of the original Panama City in Panama Viejo. View the many historic buildings, churches and convents that reflect Panama as the crossroads of the Americas. This afternoon we fly to Guatemala City. On arrival we will drive into the Guatemalan highlands for a three night stay in the old capital of Guatemala, Antigua. Our accommodation is at the Casa Santo Domingo, a luxurious hotel in a restored convent. You may like to stroll the pleasant streets to Parque Central after checking in. Dinner at our hotel this evening.

Day 31

Antigua - Chichicastenango - Antigua

Sunday 20 March Today you can choose from – a relaxing day in Antigua; a half day visit to a local coffee plantation; or a full day tour through the Guatemalan Highlands to the mountain town of Chichicastenango and one of the most spectacular and colourful markets in the Americas. Market stalls are spread over five city blocks, packed with colour and atmosphere. It is a photographer’s and shopper’s paradise.

Choose from dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant this evening

Day 32

Antigua

Monday 21 March

Established by Spanish conquistadors and surrounded by three volcanoes Antigua was Guatemala’s capital for over 200 years. The city enchants visitors with its narrow cobblestone streets, leafy parks and beautiful colonial architecture. Our morning city tour includes palaces, churches, convents, plazas, the Museum of Colonial Art and a display of Mayan musical instruments. This afternoon is free. You may like to take a tour of the convent that forms part of our hotel. Enjoy a fine Guatemalan dinner at one of the city’s leading restaurants or dine at our hotel this evening.

 

Day 33

Antigua - Havana (Cuba)

Tuesday 22 March

We descend from the Highlands to Guatemala City to join our late morning flight to Havana. We visit El Moro or La Cabana Fortress before checking into the Hotel Parque Central, at the edge of Havana’s old town. Havana is an amazing destination, unlike anything else you will have experienced. This evening choose from a variety of dining options. After dinner sample the Cuban nightlife.

 

Day 34

Havana

Wednesday 23 March

This morning we will tour Havana for a fascinating insight into the history and incredible buildings of Old Havana and the uniquely different life of a city unaffected by western neon signs and advertising. We will see the domed American style Capitol building and take a walking tour of Old Havana and its historic buildings, plazas and narrow streets. Visit the Captain’s General Palace and many sights made famous by Ernest Hemmingway. Lunch will be served in Old Havana. This afternoon is free to explore independently. Tonight we attend the spectacular Tropicana Floorshow.

Day 35

Havana

Thursday 24 March

After a leisurely breakfast we visit a cigar factory and marvel at the production of Cuba’s most famous export. We also visit the former President’s Palace, now the Museum of the Revolution and the Plaza of the Revolution. We will drive into the leafy suburbs for lunch beside the Caribbean at the Havana Club before returning to our hotel for a free afternoon. This evening choose from a variety of dining options

 

Day 36

Havana - The Azores (Portugal)

Friday 25 March

This morning we fly across the Atlantic to another remote and wonderful island group – The Azores. Late this afternoon we land at Ponta Delgada, capital of Sao Miguel Island.

Day 37

The Azores

Saturday 26 March

Continue across the island to picturesque Ribeira Grande and visit Europe’s only tea estate. We also visit the hot springs beside the lake at Furnas and enjoy a local style lunch. Today’s sightseeing combines delightful Portuguese architecture, mountain lakes and coastal vistas – a great conclusion to our tour. This evening we will get together for a Farewell Dinner at our hotel and taste the island food.

Day 38

The Azores - London (UK)

Sunday 27 March

This morning we will tour Ponta Delgada with its museums, churches and palaces of art and historical treasures. Ponta Delgada is perched above a wide harbour with numerous monuments, historic streets and beautiful old Portuguese houses. Later we join our jet for the flight back to Luton. Enjoy the fine food and convivial atmosphere as you farewell new found friends.

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